SEPTEMBER 1 Bible Reading: Matthew 9:27-38 Key Verse: 37- Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest

t truly is plenteous, but

the labourers are few;

SOFT & FLABBY

Key Words: but the laborers are few The reason there are so few laborers in Gods field is because it is hard work! But the rewards of laboring are well worth the effort. Robert Hastings tells the following story that so amply illustrates the reward of laboring in Gods field. A friend of mine, Milo B. Arbuckle, likes to hunt and fish in the Rockies. His jeep often takes him off the beaten paths to where the mountain streams are clearest and the game most plentiful. His specialty is trout, including the rainbow, native, German-brown, and cutthroat. One of his favorite haunts is about 10,000 feet up in the mountains, where the Rio Grande starts its long, winding descent through Colorado, New Mexico, then slices Texas from Mexico, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The best trout are up there, Milo boasts. It is the nature of trout constantly to move upstream. The weaker and diseased fish are swept downstream. Only the strongest eventually reach the top, where the water is clearest and coldest. Milo can judge a fish that has struggled upstream, for it is firmer and more muscular. He easily spots a hatchery-bred trout, because it is soft and flabby. I thought of the hymn Higher Ground. It is the nature of a growing Christian to swim upstream. He may not always reach his goal, but his direction is onward and upward, while Christians who drift with the current end up soft and flabby. So dont be a soft and flabby Christian labor in Gods field.

What to do: God never promised that the Christian life would be easy; but it is very rewarding, so never give up. Always remember that as a Christian the fight is always upstream.

SEPTEMBER 2 Bible Reading: Romans 14:12-23 Key Verse: 12- So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Key Words: shall give an account of himself to God
We are accountable for what we do and what we say. In Romans 14 people are bragging about their faith; and because they think their faith is greater than others, they are judging one another so Paul warns them that we are accountable to God. We must realize that even in our everyday life, we are accountable for our words and actions. Chuck Swindoll tells how several years ago some of the fellows in his church recognized his car when he ran a red light. As a result he was invited by them to meet them at a coffee shop for breakfast, or they said jokingly face the media. He arrived early with a big sign on his shirt that read Guilty as charged. When every one had laughed at his sign he turned it over which said, He who is without sin cast the first stone! Now he says that every time he is tempted to run a light, the incident comes to haunt him which is one of the many benefits of accountability! So let me again remind each of us that we are accountable for what we do, and what we say!

ACCOUNTABILITY

What to do: Live today in light of the fact that you are accountable!

SEPTEMBER 3 Bible Reading: Proverbs 10:1-11 Key Verse: 4-He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the
diligent maketh rich.

BECOMING POOR

Key Words: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand. You can see from our verse that slackness is the opposite of diligence. The word diligent means a painstaking effort. Then slackness would be less than a whole-hearted effort or even no effort at all. It would do us all well to remember about the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age. In 1986, a group of researchers published a study of Japanese mothers and mothers in Minneapolis. The mothers were asked to rank the most important things

that a child needs to succeed academically. The answers tell a lot about the difference in our two cultures today. The mothers in Minneapolis chose ability. The mothers in Japan said effort. If you have all the ability on the face of the earth but are slack in your effort, your abilities amount to zero zilch nothing. The female steamer duck can fly, but only about of the males are able, and only before they eat! The rest are too heavy to get airborne. They use their wings as paddles and beat furiously across the surface of the water, never quite able to break into flight. Now, the moral is clear: there are some in our society who need to spend more of their life for work than they do pleasure. Let me encourage you to not be slack in your effort.

What to do: Remember, he that will not work, neither shall he eat.

SEPTEMBER 4 Bible Reading: Luke 14:12-24 Key Verse: 18-And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said
unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

MAY I BE EXCUSED?

Key Words: And they all with one consent began to make excuse Ive been in the ministry a lot of years, and Ive heard just about every excuse available for quitting and not serving. But Ive never, to this day, understood why people would make excuses to not serve. The one people use the most is, I just dont feel like God can use me. The next time you feel like God cant use you, just rememberNoah was a drunk, Abraham was too old, Isaac was a daydreamer, Jacob was a liar, Leah was ugly, Joseph was abused, Moses had a stuttering problem, Gideon was afraid, Samson had long hair and was a womanizer, Rahab was a prostitute, Jeremiah and Timothy were too young, David had an affair and was a murderer, Elijah was suicidal, Isaiah preached naked, Jonah ran from God, Naomi was a widow, Job went bankrupt, John the Baptist ate bugs, Peter denied Christ, the Disciples fell asleep while praying, Martha worried about everything, the Samaritan woman was divorced more than once, Zaccheus was too small, Paul was too religious, Timothy had an

ulcer, or at least a stomach problem...AND Lazarus was dead! What do you have thats worse than that? So no more excuses! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you arent the message, you are just the messenger.

What to do: Remember, most excuses are inexcusable.

SEPTEMBER 5 Bible Reading: Matthew 27:1-10 Key Verse: 3-Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was
condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

POOR IN CHARACTER

Key Words: the thirty pieces of silver There are two things that one gives up when they fall in love with riches. First, they give up integrity; and secondly, they give up character. Whats the most outrageous thing you would do for $10,000 cash? Thats the question posed recently by Chicago radio station WKOX, which attracted responses from more than 6,000 full-tilt crazies. The eventual winner: Jay Gwaltney of Zionsville, Indiana, who consumed an 11foot birch sapling leaves, roots, bark and all. For the event, he donned a tux and dined at a table set elegantly with china, sterling, candles and a rose vase. Armed with pruning shears, the Indiana State University sophomore began chomping from the top of the tree and worked his way, branch by branch, to the roots. His only condiment: French dressing for the massive birch-leaf salad. The culinary feat took eighteen hours over a period of three days. When it was all over, Gwaltney complained of an upset stomach. Evidently, the bark was worse than its bite. Some people will do anything for money. Now, if you think what Jay Gwaltney did is outrageous, think about what Judas did. He betrayed the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver. (The silver was probably a shekel or a dram which is equal to a penny so for thirty cents Judas betrayed Jesus.) Now, Judas is not the only one who was outrageous. Think of those who refuse to give to Gods work in order to enjoy the pleasures of this world; or think of those who put money before worshipping God on the Lords Day. Lets face it, there are

those who do some pretty outrageous things because of their desire for money. Surely youre not one of those, are you?

What to do: Remember, when you desire more, you will always lose character.

JUDGMENT DAY
SEPTEMBER 6 Bible Reading: Jude 1-15 Key Verse: 15-To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly
among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Key Words: To execute judgment upon all Judgment Day is coming! Now, I know that for some thats not a pleasant thought, but its still true. For the believer, there is the judgment seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10); and for the lost, they will appear before the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-12). It is told that Philip of Macedonia fell asleep one day while hearing a case. Waking suddenly and not having all the facts of the case straight, Philip passed an unjust sentence on the man who was at Philips mercy. Stung by the sentence, the poor man cried out, I appeal! Startled, the king asked, And to whom do you appeal? The man replied, From the king who was sleeping to the king who is waking. The king was so moved by the mans logical appeal that he reversed the judgment he had passed. The problem is that we will not be standing before Philip of Macedonia but before the omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, Eternal God. No excuses on that day as the great pastor of years gone by, R. G. Lee, said, There is a payday someday! The question is, are you ready for your payday?

What to do: Accept Jesus as your Savior. (You can contact us and we will be happy to show you from Gods Word how to be saved.) If you are saved, read Matthew 6:33a.

SEPTEMBER 7 Bible Reading: James 1:1-12 Key Verse: 4-But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.

PATIENT, PERSISTENT LABOR

Key Words: But let patience have her perfect work There are times we must be patient, that is the context of verse 4; but there is also the time we must work with patience, both of which require persistence. I recently read about a unique experiment involving a long steel bar and a tiny bottle cork. In the experiment, the heavy bar was suspended on a slender steel chain from a high ceiling. Near it hung a cork weighing only four grams, suspended by a thin silk thread. The cork was pulled back, then released to hit the heavy bar. Nothing happened. This was repeated over and over, in a rhythmic pattern. After several minutes the steel bar still hung motionless. But then it happened, the cork hit the steel bar and a small tremble occurred. The cork continued to strike and finally the steel bar began the same slow rhythmic swing as the cork. The swaying of the cork was stopped but the steel bar continued to swing. The principle is the same as the relentless drip, drip, drip of water which eventually wears away a rock. If one has patience they can eventually begin to accomplish things that others thought were impossible. But you must have both patience and persistence in your labor. Now, go out and do what others thought you could never do!!!

What to do: Always remember, a winner never quits and a quitter never wins.

SEPTEMBER 8 Bible Reading: Mark 4:1-12 Key Verse: 12-That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may
hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

SEEING IS NOT BELIEVING

Key Words: That seeing they may see, and not perceive Isnt it amazing that many saw Jesus but never understood who He was? They could see what He did, and yet still, not full understand it. Today we still have people who see Jesus through the Scriptures, they hear the Word of God, they see the changed lives, yet they believe not. For centuries people believed that Aristotle was right when he said that the heavier an object, the faster it would fall to earth. Aristotle was regarded as the greatest thinker of all time, and surely he would not be wrong. Anyone, of course, could have taken two objects, one heavy and one light, and dropped them from a great height to see whether or not the heavier object landed first. But no one did until nearly 2,000 years after Aristotle's death. In 1589 Galileo summoned learned professors to the base of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then he went to the top and pushed off a ten-pound and a one-pound weight. Both landed at the same instant. The power of belief was so strong, however, that the professors denied their eyesight. They continued to say Aristotle was rightproving that we believe what we want to believe!! Today, do you believe Jesus came to earth, lived, died, was buried, and rose again so you could have everlasting life, or do you refuse to see? The choice is yours but remember, while you are free to do what you want to do, you are not free to choose the consequences of that choice.

What to do: Choose Jesus!

SEPTEMBER 9 Bible Reading: Proverbs 22:1-16 Key Verse: 2-The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. Key Words: The rich and the poor meet together
The word meet in verse 2 carries the idea of coming into contact with. Every county, city, and yes, even every church has both their rich and their poor. But there

THE RICH AND THE POOR

is a second point we must not forget, and that is that the Lord is the Maker of them all. The word make in the broadest sense means to accomplish His will. As hard as it may be to understand, God made the rich, rich not so they can have but so they can do His will. God made the poor, poor for the same reason. There is no one group better the other one; we are all here to do Gods will, and all are accountable for what we have and how we use it. The problem with the rich is many of them believe they are rich because of their greatness rather than Gods greatness; and the problem with the poor is they believe they are poor because they are oppressed by the rich rather than the poor letting God use them for His glory. The standard by which we measure who is rich and who is poor is flawed. We measure by possessions, money, and various other standards; but the true standard for who is rich and who is poor should be as follows. We should measure richness, not by the material things we possess, but by the things we possess that money cannot buy thats true riches. So many who believe they are rich are really poor and many who think they are poor are really rich. Which are you based upon the things you possess which money cannot buy?

What to do: Make sure your standard of judging riches versus being poor is correct.

SEPTEMBER 10 Bible Reading: John 8:1-11 Key Verse: 7-So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said
unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

CAST THE FIRST STONE

Key Words: He that is without sin Its easy to be accused of things. In my years in the ministry, I have had people accused of immorality, thievery, abuse, neglect, immodesty, and blasphemyplus other things as well. Its easy to accuse, but so very hard to prove the accusation. But even if the accusation were proven to be true (which most are not) what about our lives? Are we perfect? We are told in Galatians 6:1, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

One of the stories told by that beloved Texas pastor, the late Dr. George W. Truett, was that of a young lady brought before the church for discipline because of a violation of the church covenant. It was suggested that she be dropped from the roll of the church. As the debate developed the pastor said, Let us also call the church treasurer and have him read the record of the giving of every member, and let us vote to drop everyone who has violated Gods law against covetousness. That bombshell cleared the air of accusers, as did the reminder of Jesus: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. So which of us today can with a clear conscience before God cast the first stone?

What to do: Pray for a right spirit. It beats a fault-finding spirit every time.

SEPTEMBER 11 Bible Reading: Psalm 46 Key Verse: 10- Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the
heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

SHHH!

Key Words: Be still and know that I am God We do live in a busy world which causes us to run hither, thither, and yon. We seem to be pulled in various directions. The truth is that we must learn to say no to some of the demands made upon us. The right order of priority should always be God first, family second, and extra-curricular activities third. The psalmist encourages us to be still and know that God is still in control, and He alone can bring order out of disorder. (Psalm 46:10) Before refrigerators were invented, icehouses were used to preserve food. The icehouses had thick walls, no windows, and tightly fitted doors. Large blocks of ice were obtained during the winter and covered with sawdust to prevent melting. This allowed the ice to last into the summer months. One day a man lost his valuable watch while working in the icehouse. He and his fellow workers diligently searched for the valuable timepiece without success. A small boy heard of the problem and slipped into the icehouse to find the watch. He soon emerged from the cold with the mans watch. When asked how he found it, he

said, I closed the door, laid down on the sawdust, and kept very still. Soon I heard the ticking. From this story comes our reminder to Be still and know that I am God.

What to do: Make sure your priorities are in order. Put God first in your life. Re-evaluate what your life is really about you or the Lord? Do not desire to please people as much as you desire to please the Lord.

READY FOR HARVEST

SEPTEMBER 12 Bible Reading: John 4:31-38 Key Verse: 35- Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest?
behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Key Words: for they are white already to harvest Every farmer knows that crops cant wait to be harvested when they are ready to do so. You must harvest your crops in a timely manner, but I see in these last days churches with pews filled while the people (the crop) outside the church rot on the vine because of a lack of harvesting. Many churches today remind me of a laboring crew trying to gather in a harvest while they sit in the tool shed. They go to the tool shed every Sunday and they study bigger and better methods of agriculture, sharpen their hoes, grease their tractors, and then get up and go home. Then they come back that night, study bigger and better methods of agriculture, sharpen their hoes, grease their tractors, and go home again. They come back Wednesday night, and again study bigger and better methods of agriculture, sharpen their hoes, grease their tractors, and get up and go home. They do this week in and week out, year in and year out, and nobody ever goes out into the fields to gather in the harvest. What a shame! I challenge you to look on the fields for they are white and ready to harvest.

What to do: Harvest the field where you are.

SEPTEMBER 13 Bible Reading: Psalm 45 Key Verse: 8-All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the
ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

THE CASSIA TREE

Key Words: And cassia... The cassia tree grows to ten to fifteen meters tall. It has grayish bark and elongated leaves that are ten to fifteen centimeters long and reddish in color. Cassia is a close relative to the cinnamon. Did you know that most of the spice sold as cinnamon in the United States and Canada is actually cassia? Cassia is mentioned in the Bible on three occasions. While it is a tree or plant that grows in the Mediterranean region of the country, it is primarily grown and harvested today in China and Viet Nam. The cassia tree is associated with a sweet smell and is symbolic of righteousness (Psalm 45:7). The other day I jumped in my car and was heading off to make a visit at the hospital. As I sat down in the car seat, I thought I smelled well, a not-so-pleasant odor. I looked around but I could not see anything that would be causing such an air of stench. Eventually I became used to the odor and it did not bother me anymore until I got out of the car and walked in the fresh air and went into the hospital. When I came back and got back in the car, then it was again a distinct odor. This went on for a couple of days until eventually I could no longer take it. I began an all-out search for the culprit causing such a horrendous smell. Finally, I saw it! There it was a baby bottle filled with milk (sour, corroded milk). It looked and smelled as if, oh well, you get the idea. Not only did I get rid of the bottle, I put one of those sweetsmelling car fresheners in my car. You see, it wasnt enough to simply put a car freshener in the car; I had to first get rid of the cause of the odor. When we get rid of sin and replace it with that sweet smell of righteousness, our heart can then be good again. So the next time you think of cassia, think of the sweet fragrance of righteousness.

What to do: Get rid of the sin in your life and replace it with some cassia, the smell of righteousness.

SEPTEMBER 14 Bible Reading: Malachi 3:8-18 Key Verse: 10- Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

PROVE ME

Key Words: and prove me now The word prove means to put to the test. Proving God doesnt make God anymore God than He already is. Proving God makes you stronger spiritually, more desirous to accomplish more; it strengthens your faith. Proving doesnt make God, it makes us. As the Union Pacific Railroad was being constructed, an elaborate trestle bridge was built across a large canyon in the West. Wanting to test the bridge, the builder loaded a train with enough extra cars and equipment to double its normal payload. The train was then driven to the middle of the bridge, where it stayed an entire day. One worker asked, Are you trying to break this bridge? No, the builder replied, Im trying to make you so you will get aboard with us and cross this bridge; then youll cross the next and the next. Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts.

What to do: Proving God doesnt make Him better; it makes us a better Christian. So prove Him!

THE ROSE
Bible Reading: Song of Solomon 2 Key Verse: 1-I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Key Words: ...Rose of Sharon...

SEPTEMBER 15

Did you know that there are seven types of roses which grow in the region of the Holy Land? But none are more popular than the Rose of Sharon. Sharon is a region of the country that goes from Joppa to Mount Carmel. Its known as The Beautiful Region for many reasons but one of the reasons is the Rose of Sharon.

It is symbolic of peace and tranquility. The world is looking for and longing for peace, but the peace this world has to offer is evasive. It reminds me of the following. A retired couple was alarmed by the threat of war and nuclear weapons so they undertook a serious study of all the inhabited places on the globe. Their goal was to determine the place in the world least likely to suffer the ravages of war or nuclear destruction. Their goal was to find a place of ultimate security. So this couple, they studied and traveled, traveled and studied. Finally, they found the place. They made their plans. They sold their home. They packed their possessions. And they moved. Christmas of 1981 they sent their pastor a card from their new home. Three months later the pastor was praying for their safety. You see, their new home, the Falkland Islands, was invaded by Argentine troops on April 2, 1982. Now you can try as you want and try as you will, but the only way youll have peace is the inner peace that comes through knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. So the next time you see a rose, remember peace the peace only God can give.

What to do: When you see or hear of a rose, remember inner peace. The inner peace that comes only from God.

SEPTEMBER 16 Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-10 Key Verse: 9-Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all
thine increase:

THE LAW OF THE HARVEST

Key Words: the firstfruits of all thine increase If you have ever had a garden then you know the first crop of vegetables is the best crop. They are larger, and taste better, and there is certainly more produce from the first crop than from the others. The Lord wants the firstfruits or the best of our harvest, and there is a spiritual principle that can be gleaned from this. Many years ago, Chinese farmers theorized that they could eat their big potatoes and use the small ones for seed. Consequently, they ate the big potatoes and planted the small potatoes. As a result of this practice over the years, nature eventually reduced the size of all the potatoes they harvested to marbles. A new understanding of the law of life came to them. They learned through this bitter

experience that they could not have the best things of life for themselves and use their leftovers for seed. The law of life decreed that the harvest would reflect the planting! Which raises the question: Are you giving God the best of your harvest? Are you giving God the firstfruits of your income?

What to do: Remember, we reap what we sow.

SEPTEMBER 17 Bible Reading: Psalm 1 Key Verse: 3-And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth
forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

THE PRODUCTIVE TREE

Key Words: he shall be...planted... From our text we see the psalmist comparing the believer to a productive, fruitful tree. The psalmist gives us at least two reasons for the trees productivity. First of all, it is planted! Verse three, And he shall be like a tree planted.... The idea is well-grounded a good root system. If you buy a tree and never plant it, it will never be fruitful and will eventually die. Secondly, where you plant the tree is important: verse three, ...by the rivers of water. Trees planted by the river bank have good soil (which is symbolic of the heart [see Mark 4:20]), and plenty of water (which is symbolic of the Word of God [see Ephesians 5:26]). Just as the tree must be planted and have the right location, good soil, and plenty of water; so must the fruitful believer. The psalmist gives us three things that will destroy our productivity. First of all, whom you listen to: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. Be careful who you listen to. Secondly, whom you linger with: nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Be careful who you run with. Thirdly, what you take heed to: But his delight is in the law of the Lord. Its easy to tell whom one listens to, worldly or wise. Its easy to tell whom one runs with, and its easy to tell who spends time in Gods Word. It shows all over them. I heard of a man who was digging for oil. It seemed that his well was going to be a dry hole, but he believed that there was oil at that place. So he kept digging, and

the people thought he was crazy to keep on spending money on that worthless well. But he said that there was oil in there. He kept digging and spent all the money he had and borrowed about all he could get. Finally he went down until he struck a gusher. He took his old hat and stuck it under the oil gushing out of the ground, filled it up, and put it on his head. He ran down the main street of town. He did not have to say anything. He had oil all over him, on his face and clothes. Everyone could see that he had struck oil, for he had it all over him. Can others easily tell that we have Christ all over us? So the next time you see a tree growing by the water, ask yourself, Where am I planted, and what am I producing?

What to do: Apply the above and ask yourself, Where am I planted, and what am I producing?

SEPTEMBER 18 Bible Reading: Judges 17 Key Verse: 13-Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good,
seeing I have a Levite to my priest.

BASED ON FEELINGS

Key Words: now know I that the Lord will do me good Micah was a thief and a false worshipper. He stole his mothers silver, and when his mother found out her silver had been stolen, she was upset so Micah confessed to being a thief; and as a reward for his confession, his mother gave him part of the silver. Micah proceeded to make an idol with his new-found silver. One day a Levite came to town. Micah took him in and made him a priest. He then proclaimed, Now know I that the Lord will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest. Micah was basing everything on his feelings; and our feelings will lead us astray. (Read chapter 18.) Cable television mogul Ted Turner criticized fundamentalist Christianity and said Jesus probably would be sick at his stomach over the way his ideas have been twisted, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Turner made his remarks at a banquet in Orlando, Florida, where he was given an award by the American Humanist Association for his work on behalf of the environment and world peace. Turner said he had a strict Christian upbringing and at one time considered becoming a missionary. I was saved seven or eight times, the newspaper quoted

him as saying. But he said he became disenchanted with Christianity after his sister died, despite his prayers. Turner said the more he strayed from his faith, the better I felt. I repeat: Your feelings will lead you astray!

What to do: Live your life by the book (the Bible), not by your feelings.

SEPTEMBER 19 Bible Reading: Matthew 5:33-42 Key Verse: 37-But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is
more than these cometh of evil.

CREDIBILITY

Key Words: But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: March 11, 1942, was a dark desperate day in the Pacific Theater. The atmosphere was dark and bleak and the threat of war loomed overhead, the enemy now marching toward the Philippines as confident as the star band in the Rose Bowl Parade. Surrender for our soldiers was inevitable. The brilliant and bold soldier, Douglas MacArthur, had only three words for his comrades as he stepped into the escape boat destined for Australia, I shall return. Yes, arriving nine days later in Adelaide, MacArthur remarked, I came through and I shall return. A little over two and one-half years later, October 20, 1944, to be exact, he stood again on Philippine soil after landing safely at Leyte Island. This is what he said, This is the voice of freedom, General MacArthur speaking. People of the Philippines, I have returned! MacArthur kept his word. His word was indeed his bond. This was a rare breed of man, almost extinct today. Let me ask you, do you believe what the used car salesman is telling you? Why not? Do you believe what the mechanic is saying? Why not? Why do we get second opinions from doctors? Do you believe what pastors say? It is called a lack of credibility. Jurors often have reason to doubt the testimony of the witness. Parents doubt the word of children. Teachers doubt the word of their class. The class doubts the word of the teacher. The child doubts the word of their parents. Credibility!!! Note what the Scriptures say. Ephesians 4:25, Wherefore put away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor; for we are members one of another. John 8:32, And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

When you reply, Yes, I will pray for you, do you? When you say, Ill be there at a particular time, are you? When you promise a commitment, do you fulfill it? It is called credibility! Lets be credible people. Amen!

What to do: Practice daily doing what you say you will do. If you are prone to forget your commitments, always remember -- a note pad and a short pencil are better than a long memory.

SEPTEMBER 20 Bible Reading: Psalm 19 Key Verse: 14-Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be
acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

RISE UP

Key Words: Let the words of my mouthbe acceptable in thy sight The attack came out of the sky on Sunday morning, December 7, 1941. The surprise attack, which caught the U.S. completely off guard, had been launched from 200 miles north of Pearl Harbor from the decks of six aircraft carriers belonging to the Japanese Imperial Navy under the command of Admiral Yamamoto. In less than two hours, Japanese airmen destroyed the U.S. battleships and badly damaged six others. Only 6 U.S. planes managed to get into the air to defend against their Japanese attackers. The assault took 2,330 American lives and left 1,145 wounded. It was the most humiliating defeat ever suffered by American forces. The attack had tremendous consequences. Responsibility for Americas unpreparedness has never been completely defined. Most military historians submit that Americas leaders were convinced that Japan would never dare attack, primarily because its navy and economy were too weak to wage a major war. There are times you, as well, may be caught off guard by a surprise verbal attack from others or maybe a surprise slander attack. It is then that we need to apply Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

What to do: Dont let the surprise attack from others hinder your service nor your good spirit.

SEPTEMBER 21 Bible Reading: Job 2 Key Verse: 11-Now when Jobs three friends heard of all this evil that was come
upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

THEY MEAN WELL

Key Words: Jobs three friends Have you ever had someone who meant to encourage you but in reality their words had the opposite effect? Well, Jobs three friends would certainly fit into that category. We know that they came to mourn with Job and to comfort him, but their efforts failed miserably. See if you think these words from Eliphaz are encouraging. Job 5:26a, Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age. Job, you are going to die, but youve lived a good life. How encouraging is that? Then how about the words of Bildad found in Job 8:4, If thy children have sinned against him (God), and he have cast them away for their transgression;. Job, have you considered that your children died because they were living in sin? Now, dont you know those words just brightened Jobs day? Then Zophar came and shared these words with Job, If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. Job 11:14. In essence he is saying, Job, you are living in sin. I guess this is where the old saying, With friends like these, who needs enemies? came from. People often do have the best of intentions but their words seem to discourage rather than encourage. This reminds me of the story of the visiting pastor who greeted people after the Sunday morning service. The people seemed very generous and appreciative of the sermon. But one lady abruptly stated, Too long! as she filed past the pastor. She then circled back through the line and shouted, Too loud! The two negative comments unnerved the pastor a bit, but he tried to maintain his composure. When she came through a third time her comments were no more flattering. She declared, And it was also boring! At that point the chairman of the deacons intervened and assured the pastor that this womans remarks should not be taken seriously. He whispered, Dont pay any attention to her. Shes a little senile and doesnt know what shes talking about. She just repeats what other people say. Not very

encouraging!! So let me caution you when you attempt to encourage others, use the right words.

What to do: Make sure your brain is not in neutral when your mouth is in gear. Pray for wisdom. Always be encouraging, and youll always be a blessing.

FALSELY ACCUSED
Bible Reading: Luke 3:1-14 Key Verse: 14-And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall
we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

SEPTEMBER 22

Key Words: accuse any falsely Have you ever had someone falsely accuse you; not before you but to others? We are bad about throwing around accusations that could never be proven. (Remember, A fool uttereth all his mind.) Be careful with words of accusation; you may have to eat them. John was driving home late one night when he picked up a hitchhiker. As they rode along, he began to be suspicious of his passenger. John checked to see if his wallet was safe in the pocket of his coat that was on the seat between them, but it wasn't there! So he slammed on the brakes, ordered the hitchhiker out, and said, "Hand over the wallet immediately!" The frightened hitchhiker handed over a billfold, and John drove off. When he arrived home, he started to tell his wife about the experience, but she interrupted him, saying, "Before I forget, John, do you know that you left your wallet at home this morning?" Uh-oh!!

What to do: Be careful with what you say. Be careful about what you hear.

SPIRITUAL FOOD

SEPTEMBER 23

Bible Reading: I Peter 2:1-8 Key Verse: 2-As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may
grow thereby:

Key Word: desire In our text Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us to desire the sincere milk of the word Now this raises an interesting question, why wouldnt one desire the Word of God? Well, the answer to that question is found in the first verse. One fails to desire the Word of God because they are full of malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings. Now when one is full of carnal things, they have no appetite for spiritual things. Thats the reason Peter said to lay aside the carnal, so one will have an appetite for the spiritual. When one goes to the Yellowstone National Park, he will read a sign that says, Do Not Feed the Bears. Most tourists probably assume that it is there to protect humans because many think that if you are close enough to feed the bears, you are in a position of danger. This may be true but thats not the reason for the sign. The sign is posted for the protection of the bears. Each fall, when the tourists who feed the bears leave, the park service will have to carry away the remains of many dead bears because they have become dependent on the tourists to feed them; and they are no longer willing to gather food for themselves. I have discovered that many believers are like the bears. They grow dependent on others such as the pastor, Sunday School teacher, and other people to feed them spiritually and are no longer willing to feed themselves. Each day we must take the initiative to gather the spiritual food we need from Gods Word; so I challenge you to desire the milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

What to do:

Have daily devotions. Put a CD in your car of Bible reading. (We have some available.) Stay in Gods Word!! Be faithful to Gods house.

SEPTEMBER 24 Bible Reading: Acts 3:1-10 Key Verse: 8-And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the
temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

SPIRIT OF REVIVAL

Key Words: walking, leaping, and praising God We often find ourselves being discouraged by those who should be encouraging us. Just as some have the gift of encouragement, I am convinced some in the church have the gift of discouragement. A young girl became a Christian in an exciting revival at her church and was baptized the closing Sunday morning. That afternoon she ran through the house singing and dancing. Her sour grandfather rebuked her with these words, You ought to be ashamed of yourself. You just joined the church and youre singing and dancing on the Lords Day! Crushed by her grandfathers attitude, the little girl went out to the barn, climbed up on the corral fence, and observed an old mule standing there with a sad, droopy face and bleary eyes. As she reached over and patted the mule sympathetically, she said, Dont cry, ole mule. I guess youve got the same kind of religion that Grandpa has! Let me encourage you to keep walking and leaping and praising God!! It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

What to do: Dont let the discouragers take away your encouragement. Focus on Jesus, not man.

LOOKING FOR RICHES

SEPTEMBER 25

Bible Reading: II Timothy 4:1-10 Key Verse: 10- For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and
is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Key Words: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world You find Demas mentioned only three times in the Scripture.

1. In Philemon, verse 24, Paul calls him a fellow-laborer. 2. In Colossians 4:14, Paul just simply says of Demas that he greets you.

3. In II Timothy 4:10, Demas has left Paul and Gods service because of his love for the things of the world.
The story of Demas reminds me of a newspaper article I read recently about a man who kept his eyes on the earthly. A young man once found a five-dollar bill in the street. From that time on, he never lifted his eyes when walking. In the course of years, he accumulated 29,516 buttons, 54,172 pins, 12 cents, a bent back, and a miserly disposition. He lost the glory of the sunlight, the sheen of the stars, the smiles of friends, tree blossoms in the spring, the blue skies, and the entire joy of living. Many people today look to this earth for satisfaction, pleasure, wealth, and happiness rather than looking to Jesus Christ for happiness. A man walked down a street in Atlanta and came to a furrier shop. He stopped to look at a leopard skin that had been made into a coat. He gazed at the fur and thought about the price. O cat, he said, you were better off before you were worth so much. So it is with so many today!!

What to do: You were worth a whole lot more when you served God faithfully. I encourage you today who are living for the riches of this world, come home.

WASH ME

SEPTEMBER 26

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 6:1-11 Key Verse: 11-And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are Key Words: but ye are washed

sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

In 1818, Ignaz Phillip Semmelweis was born into a world of dying women. The finest hospitals lost one out of six young mothers to the scourge of childbed fever. A doctors daily routine began in the dissecting room where he performed autopsies. From there he made his way to the hospital to examine expectant mothers without ever pausing to wash his hands. Dr. Semmelweis was the first man in history to associate such examinations with the resultant infection and death. His own practice

was to wash with a chlorine solution, and after eleven years and the delivery of 8,537 babies, he lost only 184 mothersabout one in fifty. He spent the vigor of his life lecturing and debating with his colleagues. Once he argued, Puerperal fever is caused by decomposed material, conveyed to a wound. . .I have shown how it can be prevented. I have proved all that I have said. But while we talk, talk, talk, gentlemen, women are dying. I am not asking anything world shaking. I am asking you only to wash....For heavens sake, wash your hands. But virtually no one believed him. Doctors and midwives had been delivering babies for thousands of years without washing, and no outspoken Hungarian was going to change them now! Semmelweis died insane at the age of 47, his wash basins discarded, his colleagues laughing in his face, and the death rattle of a thousand women ringing in his ears. Wash me! was the anguished prayer of King David. Wash! was the message of John the Baptist. Unless I wash you, you have no part with me, said the toweldraped Jesus to Peter. Without our being washed clean, we all die from the contamination of sin. Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? For heavens sake, be washed.

What to do: Make sure youve been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

SEPTEMBER 27 Bible Reading: Daniel 12 Key Verse: 4-But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the
time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

ACCOMPLISHING WHAT?

Key Words: many shall run to and fro Our text is a reference to the second coming of Jesus. In verse 4 we are given a picture in part of what the last days will be like before Jesus returns: knowledge shall increase, that is certainly a reality today; but also the fact that man will be able to run to and fro one place to another, one town to another, one state to another, even one country to another. But with all this running, I must ask: what are we

accomplishing for the Kingdom of God? We spend most of life accomplishing things that mean very little in regard to eternity. Reminds me of a cat I recently read about... Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, Where have you been? Ive been to London town to see the queen. Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, What did you there? I chased a little mouse under her chair. The point is that there were many things to do and see in the big city of London, but this cat did what she could have done in any barn chased a mouse under a chair. The illustrative power rests in this comparison. Some of us go through life dealing with mere trivialities when we could be moving mountains. We are content to idle the days by, never measuring up to the full measure of our potential. And is there any greater loss than to live three score and ten and never accomplish that for which one has every potential and opportunity? So let me ask: what are you accomplishing in life? Now really think about it. What are you really accomplishing in life that has meaning in regard to eternity? If nothing, why not start today accomplishing some things that really matter!!

What to do: Re-evaluate what you are accomplishing in life and ask yourself, When I stand before the Lord, will He say well done, thou good and faithful servant?

SEPTEMBER 28 Bible Reading: II Corinthians 12:1-15 Key Verse: 14-Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be
burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

PARENTING OR LACK OF IT

Key Words: but the parents for the children Ive often thought about making a most wanted poster and asking for permission to post it in the post office. The sign would read: Americas most wanted: parents missing from homes, neglecting their children. If you see them, call 1-800-LORD, and ask for Him to intervene.

Americans are so shaped and stamped by their legacy of individualism that the concepts of community virtue and moral obligation have been discredited. In our popular culture, adulthood is too often defined as doing what you want to do, not what you are supposed to do. Making a baby is a sign of status, while caring for one is not. Right and wrong are old-fashioned, politically incorrect concepts. And sin? Forget it. The problem doesnt end with ghetto kids getting pregnant and going on welfare. Half of all Americans who marry and have children eventually divorce. For many, marriage is more like a hobby than a commitment, a phase instead of a trust. We are becoming a country of deadbeat dads who dont pay their bills and deadtired moms who work two jobs to pick up the slack. Even many parents who pay for their children dont pay attention to their children. In so doing, they miss out on some of lifes greatest joys: hearing a small giggle or holding a small hand. As Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders notes, it is easier for many children to find drugs than it is for them to find hugs. Probably the best thing that society can do for its toddlers is to make parent an honorable title again. No job is more important, yet no job is more often taken for granted. We teach work skills but not life skills, how to change a carburetor but not a diaper, how to treat a customer but not a kid. Becoming a parent should be the result of love, not just sex; a sign of a lasting relationship, not just a passing infatuation; a source of pride, and not remorse. Only then will our children be safe. ~ U.S. News and World Report Lord, give us good Godly parents.

What to do:

Ask God to help you be a good Godly parent.

SEPTEMBER 29 Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:26-32 Key Verse: 28-Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

HONEST WORK

Key Words: let him labour Is it just my perception, or have people forgotten the basic rules of honesty? I read recently about a fruit market in California where a little boy was cramming grapes into his mouth as fast as he could. His parents were nowhere in sight. A clerk

at the fruit stand watched helplessly, not knowing what to do as the little fellow pigged out on the grapes. After awhile the mother appeared and saw what the little fellow was doing, but it was her rebuke that shocked me. Johnny, she said, dont eat so fast. Can this really be the kind of society we live in, have we really forgotten the basic rules of honesty so clearly expressed in the eighth commandment, Thou shalt not steal (Exodus 20:15)? Now you dont have to have a doctorate in Bible Interpretation to understand that! The Word of God clearly states that if we take anything that belongs to someone else, we have broken the Word of God. Honest work, earning what we have, is the teaching of Gods Word. While we scoff at government handouts, and rightly so, we border on being hypocritical if we constantly give to our children who hold their hand out, not willing to work for what they want. The command of Gods Word is work, honest work. II Thessalonians 3:10b, ...that if any would not work, neither should he eat. I Timothy 5:8, But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. Honest work pays!

What to do: Work hard; do an honest days work, and thank God everyday that you can work.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHOS WATCHING

SEPTEMBER 30

Bible Reading: Exodus 2:11-25 Key Verse: 14-And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? Key Words: Surely this thing is known

intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

We read in Exodus 2:11-14 the story of Moses who went out to spy on the Israelites and their burden of being slaves to the Egyptians. While spying he sees an Egyptian smiting one of his Hebrew brethren. As a result, Moses looked around and saw no man so he went and slew the Egyptian and buried him. The next day when he went to spy, one of his Hebrew brethren said, Intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? Point being: you never know whos watching. Former US President William McKinley was once planning to appoint an ambassador to a foreign country. There were two candidates whose qualifications were almost equal, and McKinley searched his mind for some yardstick by which he might measure the true greatness of the men in question. He later confided that the

self-centeredness of the one and the magnanimous kindness of the other were the deciding factors in the scale of his judgment. Many years before, when he was still a representative in Congress, McKinley said he had boarded a street car at the rush hour and managed to get the last vacant seat. An old washer woman entered shortly afterward carrying a heavy basket. She walked the length of the car and stood in the aisle, hardly able to keep her balance as the vehicle swayed from side to side in its race down the tracks. No one offered her a seat. One of the men the president was later to consider was sitting opposite where she was standing. McKinley noticed that he shifted his newspaper in order to avoid seeing her. Mr. McKinley walked down the aisle, took her basket of washing and offered her his seat in the back of the car. The candidate never knew that this little act of selfishness had deprived him of perhaps the crowning honor of his lifetime. For the president later recalled this unkindness and decided to appoint the other man as his ambassador. The moral of the story: Be Christ-like in all your actions because someone is watching.

What to do: Remember, someone is watching.

I deeply appreciate the help of

Cathy Fortenberry Sandy Lancaster Glenda Myrick Mary Parsons John and Tascha Piatt Reba Pontbriand And my lovely wife, Linda

Without God using these people to help this devotional would not have been possible.

Dr. Mike Rouse