Thank you!!!

Thank you

by Heather Collver

I regret to inform you that after this week, Angela and I will no longer be writing the Women of Worship Devotionals. Angela and I started Women of Worship many years ago and it is not the same if it is just me. It is very sudden, and my heart is broken, but I pray that someday I will find the strength to write every week again. I just know I am not capable of writing this devotional on my own each and every week. Thank you for your encouragement and support and for the amazing relationships we have all formed through this devotional. I pray for each of you. That you will find encouragement each week and that you will know that you are loved and are in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever need to contact me, you may do so by email at hcollver@msn.com. Many of you are signed up through a feedburner and I don't have your email addresses, so if you would like to receive future emails from me concerning prayer, or the Word of God, then please also send me an email.

Blessings to you

Heather N. Collver

Tax Collector

^{Reputation, such a hurdle that we all must jump over. All of the assumptions and all of the ideas that come from one title.}

^{Luke 19:1}Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ²A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.

It seems here that Luke wanted us to understand the type of man Zacchaeus was. Calling him a tax collector tells us he was a traitor to the Jewish people and working for Rome. He also adds, wealthy....making sure we understand that Zacchaeus probably wasn't an honest or noble man. Maybe, just maybe, he had a reputation for gouging his fellow Jews.

It can be so difficult to overcome who we are. The flaws of our character so evident. Or, if not evident, so hidden that we ourselves can't admit of our wrongs. I can't say that I carry a title as hefty as Tax Collector for everyone to know immediately what I am. But, I have a few. You could call me a lier, a gossip, a cheat, self-absorbed, snobby. This would be just the beginning of a long list of my sinful nature.

I must echo the words that Paul utters to Timothy:

^{1 Timothy 1:14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Thank you Father, that in spite of who I am, You sent your son to die for me. I am humbled to know your gracious love.

Yokefellow, Everyone needs one!!!

Yokefellow, Everyone needs one!!!
by Heather N. Collver

Are you someone who works independently from others? Do you prefer to be in charge? I can relate. God's Word tells us to be in fellowship with other believers and doers of the Word. So if you find yourself enjoying alone time more often, take some time to connect with others.

In ministry, one can tire really fast if they are doing it alone. I know when I first started writing this devotional, I was the sole writer. I wrote every week for a year. Before long, I was empty. I had nothing left to give. It was with great joy that I desired my sister, Angela to write with me and she agreed. She was my writing companion. On the weeks that I was not writing, I was filling back up with her teaching so that I was ready to write again the next week. It has been such a blessing to write with her. Unfortunately, life gets really busy at times and I found myself continuing to write with my sister with little to no communication otherwise. We were companions still, no doubt, but without fellowship. I felt really guilty. Last weekend, our Pastor, Lon, preached and told a story about a Missionary who had a disabled sibling that prayed each and every day for him. They didn't have any communication while he was on the mission field, but together, they were both companions in prayer and service. Just in other areas of the world. My burden was immediately lifted as I realized that both of us are in two areas of the "world" reaching out and ministering to others, finding fellowship among those we minister to and with. And together, we continue to be companions in writing. It isn't exactly how I desire our relationship, but knowing that we are both ministering to others, doesn't make me feel so bad. To fellowship with those who can encourage us and keep us on track is important.

Paul had quite a few people in his life he called Yokefellow. Silas was his companion. they even did jail time together. Timothy was his companion. He was mentioned as his son in the Lord. Even his wife was mentioned as his Yokefellow. Oh, I really like that one. How I desire to be a Companion to my husband. To be desired by him to be in communication and fellowship, that is such a blessing. The Bible dictionary I am using tells me that Paul desired Timothy to minister with him.

Who do you desire to be in fellowship with. Who are those companions in your life, either near or far, that give you a source of encouragement and fill you up when you are empty? Who do you desire to be with?

Dear Lord, thank you for this study on Yokefellow. I have to admit, at first it was not a word I wanted to write about. But, I thank you for your Word in which we learn so many new things. I praise you for those in my life that are my yokefellow and that I can lean on and fellowship with.

Praise and Prayer

Praise God for my Yokefellow: Dale, Angela, Lisa, JoAnne, Sam, Ghada, Jenn.

Please pray for Kathy Leavitt. Healing, justice, responsibility. That she is safe in Jail.

Please pray for McKayla Leavitt. Dealing with the emotions and pain from her past. Healing so she can move on. Please pray for her this month. She will turn 16, is in a Foster Home and has so many issues with her past. Please pray that she will not be lonely for her 16th birthday or Christmas as most family will be out of town.

Please pray for Allison and the Yates family.

Please pray for JoAnne . She is experiencing high blood pressure, a cold and hand and foot syndrome.

Please pray for safe travel for Hayley Collver to Myrtle Creek for a quiz meet.

Please pray for Dale's health, and his upcoming surgery at the end of this month.

Please pray for friends that are going to loose their house at the end of this month if they are not able to work out a plan to take care of the finances.

Praise God for all of those who encourage us and keep us on track, may we find peace and joy in these busy days and enjoy each day that we are given.

Yokefellow: Barnabas

Yokefellow: Barnabas
by Heather Collver

Do you know someone who is always there to encourage you? Is that someone one of the first that you will go to when you need to share? Yesterday, we learned that Luke was there for Paul, being sure to document history every step of the way, he had a desire to serve the people. He was Paul's Companion.

Barnabas was also Paul's companion. He fulfilled a need in Paul's life that Luke did not. Barnabas was an encourager and a mentor to Paul. The Bible shows us that Barnabas sold his belongings and gave his money to the Jerusalem apostles.

Acts 13:1 - 15:41 click here for the entire passage. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2013:1%20-%2015:41&version=NIV

Barnabas was the leader of the church at Antioch. His name was repeatedly written first before Paul's (Saul). It wasn't until Paul changed his name from Saul to Paul that his name came before Barnabas, indicating that he was now leading the church. Later, the two separated and went their own ways when Barnabas disagreed with Paul to leave John Mark behind on a missionary journey.

I have a few Barnabas in my life. Those who encourage me to be a better person. I try to be a Barnabas at times as well, but it isn't my strongest gift. Many times I don't feel that I am qualified to encourage some of the people in my life. I had a Barnabas in my life that was there for a season. She was a breath of fresh air during my first experiences as a Christian. She encouraged me in so many ways that my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. She helped me dig my roots deep so that I was founded on God's word and then she moved on. It was one of the most difficult seasons in my life, to separate from the one that taught me so much. But when the wounds healed, I realized that I was stronger than I thought and that I was not giving my all to God, I was stopping short.

Dear Lord, I pray that we will all strive to be encouragers. I know that if we have children, we are already part of the big picture of encouragement. Please guide us in our relationships so that we will encourage, but not block the view so that others can fully be in relationship with you. I pray also that we find encouraging people in our lives so that we are effective in serving you.

Please pray today for those who you tend to encourage and for those that encourage you.

Yokefellow: Luke

Yokefellow: Luke
by Heather Collver

How often do you labor without wanting credit or compensation? Do you work for YOU or for the glory of GOD? For everything that we have here on Earth is from God, even the skills we need to Labor. The Bible tells us that everyone who works for the Glory of God will be given the gifts of food and wealth.

Luke is definitely an example of humility. There are only 3 references to Luke in the entire New Testament.
1.Colossians 4:14
Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
2.2 Timothy 4:11
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
3.Philemon 1:24
as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.

Yet, we know very little about him personally. He had no desire to write about himself. Instead he pointed the interest in the direction of our Lord and the teachings of Paul. He had no desire to be the one in the spotlight. Luke's writing reveals his concern for the poor, sick and outcast. He was a physician at heart. Taking on the reflection of the very God he served. He was more interested in people, not in ideas. Many times as Christians, we get stuck on the ideas and we forget about the people in whom we were called to serve, unconditionally. He was a faithful companion to Paul. He desired the works of the Lord to be recorded accurately so that all of history would know about our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

I find it also very interesting that the Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary starts with the definition of Luke as a "fellow" laborer of the apostle Paul. This is his life story. His headstone if you will.

Who is your fellow laborer, your companion? How would your name go down in History, in a Dictionary. Would it be fitting for your heart? Does your life work, your labor, glorify you, or God? Would anyone looking in know your heart, or are you laboring towards a cause that does not fit your hearts desire? Please share with me by email (hcollver@msn.com) so that I can pray for you and new direction so that your labor will honor and glorify our Lord.

Dear Lord, thank you for all that you have created, for the skills you have given me to further your kingdom. Lord, I pray that my hearts desire to serve you will always take greater priority in my life then wealth. Lord, I know that I am wealthy in a life serving you and I pray that everything I do and say will honor you. Help us to strive for that, Lord, even if it is not something that we see as being obtainable, help us to desire for you to be honored and glorified in every aspect of our lives.

Take some time today to pray for your hearts desire. Pray for your workplace and for peace in knowing if you are there to labor for our Lord or if you are there for YOU.

Yokefellow

Yokefellow
by Heather Collver

Have you ever considered your future? Not the future that includes you living here on Earth. I am speaking of the legacy you leave for others. What will people remember you as.

Looking for a topic to write on that starts with the letter Y was quite interesting. I found the word Yokefellow. Quite the odd word for my vocabulary. At first sight, it definitely didn't look appealing to me. I skipped over it.

I have several tools to help me write my devotional. I usually have 2-3 versions of the Bible, my Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the computer with tabs open for www.biblegateway.com/ and of course our blogsite which is now a wealth of information with over 400 topics written. I love to study God's word.

Yokefellow was not appealing, nor did it have a really good definition at first. Then, at the right moment, my soul began to listen and again the Spirit spoke to me with new insight and direction. Yes, I will use this word and I be blessed by it.

In the Bible Dictionary mentioned above, I read:

Yokefellow: fellow laboror of apostle Paul, companion, co-worker. One who is yoked in harness with another- the two working together as a team.

Various person's have been suggested as Paul's yokefellow.

a list of people's names appear and then the words, "actual identity of his yokefellow is unknown"

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil%204:3&version=NIV;KJV;NKJV;ESV

What a mystery. I like mysteries. This tells us so much. Paul was a team player, if they don't know just one person that fits the definition in Paul's life, he must have had many people in his life that were close to him. This week we'll learn who they are suggesting and learn a bit about Paul as we unfold this word: Yokefellow.

Dear Lord, I praise you for new truths and for your Word. I pray that I am able to teach it as you want it to be taught and that you will clear my mind of distractions. Give me peace and help me to communicate your Word so that it challenges us to be more like Christ.

Please pray for those in your life that you would consider your Yokefellow.

To The Least

<sup>Remember the least!!

It is Black Friday. Today Americans will consume more than all other countries in the world put together. I don't want to pull a guilt trip but I do want to tell you......there are people that need you to feed them, clothe them and house them. You have enough to help, consider what you could possibly give to another this holiday season.</sup>

^{Matthew 25: 42}For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

⁴⁴"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

⁴⁵"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

⁴⁶"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Thanksgiving

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. ~ Psalm 69:30

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. ~Psalm 95:2

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. ~ Psalm 100:4

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. ~ Psalm 147:7

Counsel

When we read through the book of Esther we find Xerxes often times looked to counsel for advice, direction and understanding.

What do you do when you need advice? Who do you call?

I have a few in my life that I know will side with whatever I say, so they are the one's I call when I want only to be right. I have a few others that quite enjoy throwing a good pity party with me. I have others who are wonderful listeners, you know the one's that sit there and just let you talk it out until you come up with your own solution. And then, I have the people that I trust with my heart, the people I call when I need accountability, sound judgment and clear advice.

No one in the list above is more or less important to me, because I love them all dearly. Truth be told, it is my accountability partners that are the most respected in my life. They are the people living their own lives in response to God's grace. They aren't afraid to be honest, they know I want sound biblical councel and they won't tell a soul what my struggles may be. They are also the relationships that require the most vulnerability by me, the relationships require me to sacrifice a part of my sheltered self in order to be real.

Good counsel is important. It in fact is one of the most important decisions you can make. Discernment is always a necessary part of finding real counsel in this life. While, we know people may disappoint us, we still need to step out and be able to be held accountable to the lives we desire to live for God. Because, above all else your counsel needs to be led by the One with the best guidance.

^{John 14:15} "If you love me, you will obey what I command. ¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— ¹⁷the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Self-control

Many of us will enjoy the next six weeks of the year in one form of celebration or another. We will be with friends, family, co-workers. We will be at intimate dinners and large parties. How will you behave?

^Esther1:8 By the king's command each guest was allowed to drink in his own way, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.

Self-control. I am not saying you should be scrooge or not go and enjoy an egg nog. But, we are called, as Christians to be set apart. We are to set the example. There is plenty of fun to be had when you incorporate self-control. Maybe even more. When you know when to say "no", when you know when not to say the joke you want to say, when you keep your wits so you can still be the man or woman God has called you to be....all things turn out better.

Proverbs 25:²⁸ Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control

I encourage you to enjoy all of the joy and laughter that comes with the holiday celebrations but don't forget to go in with a bit of self-control. Pray for wisdom, pray for self-control. He will be with you in all your holiday jubilation ready to be glorified in all you do.

Given

What has God given you to care for, be a steward of?

....the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush (Esther 1:1)

I hope you don't mind as my letter is X this week and I will loosely use Xerxes as my example.

It has been on my heart lately to really see what it is that I have been given in this life. To stop praying for all the things I want and give thanks for all I have been given. You see, all of us have been given more than we deserve.

^{Romans 5:8} But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us

We have so much: family, marriage, children, homes, cars.......... and with each we are given the responsibility, yes responsibility, to care and love and sacrifice for each. We are given so much because He first loved us.

Heavenly Father~ Your precious sacrificial love that continues to pour into my simple being....thank you, for all you are and all you continue to be to me. Lord, focus me on your glory and beauty this week and as each of us search for the things we say we are thankful for during this holiday season, may we remember You and all you have given and continue to forgive as we are all so truly undeserving. ~In Your Precious Holy Name.

Witness- The Word, our lives...

Witness- The Word, our lives...

by Heather Collver

Our lives and the word are a witness to the world. Sometimes this witness to the world is represented in the witness of the apostles, who are Christ's special witnesses- those who witnessed His resurrection.

Acts 1:22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection

Acts 2:32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact

Acts 10:41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

Acts 13:31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.

The Command to witness in Acts 1:8 is for all believers.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Isaiah 43:10
You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.

Isaiah 43:12
I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God

We are to model Christ in our lives.

1 Timothy 6:13
In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you

Revelations 1:5 Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

Praise and Prayer

There were no prayer or praise reports from the group this week.

Praise God for He is mighty in all things.

May you find rest in Him this weekend.

Witness- We Are

Witness- We Are

by Heather Collver

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you wish you had another witness? Maybe it was a time that your baby said their first word, or when someone ran a red light and almost caused a collision. What about when you were a child, wouldn't it have been nice to have a witness when your sibling hit you, pushed you, or some other terrible thing? These are just a few of the things that come to mind for me.

It is smart to be around other people. Being in a crowd of people will help you to have testimony in things that happen. My husband is a youth pastor. He tends to draw in teens from all walks of life. Because of this, he has a rule that all youth workers must never be alone with a teen. This protects both the youth worker and the youth. It's hard at times, as even opposite sex youth workers are urged not to be alone together. What a great idea when it comes to bearing witness of things that happen. Because of this, I believe the youth group has many parents support and trust in the program, because there is accountability.

I think God designed His plan in a similar way. He knows all of history. He knows each of us by name. He selected those he knew would be obedient and that would be accountable to being a witness for God. I know I have had some amazing healings and experiences that make me a witness for God as well. What we do with our testimony should end in the result of God being Glorified.

The Bible tells us that God has not left himself without witness. He used others to bear witness for him: Prophets, John the Baptist, The Father, The works of Christ, and Christ himself.

Notice he also used the works of Christ. Do you believe He will use the works of (insert your name here)?

Acts 14:17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

Acts 10:43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name

John 1:7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe

John 5:37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form

John 8:18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me

John 5:36 I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.

John 10:37-38 Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."


Dear Lord, thank you for sending others to teach us about you and to reveal you to the world. I am in awe. I am so thankful for all you have given to us and all that we have to stand firm on your promises. Thank you.

Please pray for those who have heard the truth, yet do not believe. Pray for those that have turned from the promises of God.

Please send praises and prayers for Friday, it gets us all through the weekend. Gives us something to pray about other than ourselves.

Witnes: The Spirit

Witness: The Spirit

by Heather Collver

Oh, how I love weddings! They are so romantic. I am a true romantic at heart. Nothing pulls on my heart strings better than seeing the groom react as he sees his bride for the first time. All dressed to the T. What thoughts are going through his head. Ahhh, how beautiful the union to come. What gets me even more is when he tenderly embraces her and treats her as a queen. As a newly married couple, most brides and grooms offer each other a ring, or a symbol of their love for each other, to keep with them and to carry as a reminder of their commitment to one another.

Just imagine my romantic thoughts as I realized how this connects with our Lord. His love for us is so tender. He pours out gifts and blessings for us and tenderly embraces us with comfort and joy. His expression in his heart must be that of overwhelming joy when he hears our commitment to love and serve him the rest of our days. Just as a newly married couple, he is quick to offer to us a symbol of his love and a reminder of our commitment. It is the Holy Spirit. It's a true love story at it's finest. One who will keep us through sickness and health. Provide for us and comfort us. No wonder he wants to be the third witness in a wedding ceremony, to become one with his creation, as he intended. I believe my Lord is a hopeless romantic like me, for I am wonderfully and fearfully made in his image!

I know, I know, come back to reality, Heather. Truly though, it is reality, he is our Lord, he wants to treat us as his bride. What would our world be like if every Man could reflect that perfect image as a groom? In order for that, I am assuming every Woman would have to reflect the perfect image as a bride. That probably won't happen in our lifetime, but the truth I can hold onto is that there is a perfect relationship, it is that of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In that perfect relationship, we have been invited to partake.

God witnesses to those who believe in Him. He assures us salvation. In that assurance, he provides for us a gift, or symbol of which we are able to carry with us as a reminder of our new union with our Lord and savior, he give us the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:16 "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God".

I will never forget the moment that I knew that my spirit had received it's perfect union in my life. When the Father had welcomed me into his relationship with the Son and spirit. I could feel it in my soul. I wasn't perfect, I had so much that needed to be done in my life. I still do for God's sake, really, He needs much more from me than I think I am able to give. Oh, but I have a gift that is just mine, a piece of the big picture, and it dwells in me. Praise God.

Dear Lord, thank you for making me a romantic. I like to think you are very much the same. Thank you for painting this picture so clearly for me. How perfect your timing too. I pray for those who are separated from their spouse this week, I know I will be one of them. Care for our spouses and God help us to really care for them as you created us to do. Lord, I thank you for your Spirit that dwells in me. I pray that we are a people who are willing to listen to your Spirit and to be sensitive enough to hear it's guidance in our lives.

Please pray for those who are newly married, soon to be married, or are married and struggling. Don't forget to praise for those pillar marriages that give us something to strive for, that encourage us. Don't forget your own marriage, new truths that God has in store for you and your mate.

Witness, I guarantee it!!!

Witness, I guarantee it!!!

by Heather Collver

Such a small statement. But those three words are binding. They are life changing. "I guarantee it!". How many times have you used, heard or written those words? Do you take them lightly? It is your word, a part of you, written or spoken, it is a part of history.

Yesterday we talked about a witness giving testimony. Today, the definition of witness is to be a guarantee of the accuracy of a transaction. I know that this is particularly important in many jobs today. When I worked as a teller, I had to count my cash can at the end of the day and my supervisor had to guarantee that I was telling the truth in my calculations. I think she probably paid good attention before giving her word. It was her job too, if I had not been honest. I know when I got married, the two people we trusted signed our certificate stating they had witnessed our marriage. This was particularly important when the social security office decided that I had never been given the legal right to use the maiden name I was using. We almost had to get married again! The Bible shows us many examples of guarantees or covenants between two parties.

Jeremiah 32:10 and I gave the purchase deed to Baruch the son of Neriah, son of Mahseiah, in the presence of Hanamel my uncle’s son, and in the presence of the witnesses who signed the purchase deed, before all the Jews who sat in the court of the prison.

Many times the guarantee had to do with marriage or land. There are papyrus writings from 360 BC that show such guarantees in writing.

Jeremiah 32:12 And You have said to me, O Lord GOD, “Buy the field for money, and take witnesses”!—yet the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.’”

Jeremiah 32:25 And You have said to me, O Lord GOD, “Buy the field for money, and take witnesses”!—yet the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.

Micah 6:3 “ O My people, what have I done to you?
And how have I wearied you?
Testify against Me.

Genesis 31:50 If you afflict my daughters, or if you take other wives besides my daughters, although no man is with us—see, God is witness between you and me!”

Many times God himself wanted his people to be witnesses for Him.

Deuteronomy 31:19-26 Now therefore, write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel. 20 When I have brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey, of which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and filled themselves and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods and serve them; and they will provoke Me and break My covenant. 21 Then it shall be, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify against them as a witness; for it will not be forgotten in the mouths of their descendants, for I know the inclination of their behavior today, even before I have brought them to the land of which I swore to give them.”
22 Therefore Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the children of Israel. 23 Then He inaugurated Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
24 So it was, when Moses had completed writing the words of this law in a book, when they were finished, 25 that Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying: 26 “Take this Book of the Law, and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there as a witness against you;

How important are those words? God as our witness..... I hear that a lot. Have you ever pondered how many people have lied for others, placed their hand upon a Bible with their oath of truthfulness, have willingly given false witness to protect someone else, to guarantee without truth? That is bad news. I know God deals with each and every one of us and will bring to light those things that we have guaranteed and not been able to back up. Today I pray that we will all think clearly before we give our word, before we guarantee something.

Witness, Thou Shalt Not...

Witness, Thou Shalt Not...


by Heather Collver


What do you think of when you hear the word testimony? Do you cringe? Do you get excited? What about witness? I am going to attempt to define this word in the many ways it is used and help us to apply the truth to our lives this week. Are you with me? Are you excited to learn something new and apply it to your life?


Witness- a person who gives testimony; testimony given for or against someone, often in a law-court setting, where there is considerable concern for the truth of the testimony.


The Word clearly states:

Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.


Have you ever made someone else look better or worse by your "witness"? Today's definition states that a law-court setting has considerable concern for the truth of a testimony. Where are other areas that it is important that there be truth in a testimony or statement about someone else?


Deuteronomy 17:6 Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.


Two or three people can decide the fate of some one's life? I remember a time in High School when two friends came up against me. Surely I wasn't deserving of death, but their false witness was enough to kill my reputation for a short time. It was my witness, my character, that proved them wrong. Is our court system similar these days.

Proverbs 25:18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Back-stabbing is a good term for this. Something that brings one to feel as though they have experienced the pain of death. False witness can bring death to those who are still living, it can destroy their lives.

Dear Lord, I pray today that we would see where we fit into this devotional. Are we Christians who understand the pain and destruction in words, gossip, false witness? Help us Lord to ask ourselves these tough questions. Who have we destroyed with our words? Have we been destroyed by others' words? I ask for your wisdom in these questions, Lord. Help us to make right any wrongs no matter how hard it is. I ask that you will comfort those of us who are still wounded by what other's have said. Help us with integrity today.

Please pray for those who are awaiting trial today. Pray that God will reveal the truth in all situations, that he prepare the testimony of the witnesses so that the guilty will be known and the innocent be set free.

Good Doer

Why do we do the things we do?

Scripture reminds us numerous times of the importance of caring for the poor, clothing the naked and providing shelter for the homeless. But above even that, it talks to us about our purpose. Why do we do the things we do? Are we glorifying God or ourselves?

It is very easy to get in the trap of being a good doer. Being the one who is always helping, always volunteering, available for every function and every need is rewarding. It makes us feel needed, important and accomplished. To some of us it even gives us a sense that we are making up for the wrongs we have committed. Who is getting the Glory? If all of your good deeds are doing nothing but filling you up with purpose then they are being done out of selfish ambition.

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Yes, we are called to serve but your good deeds aren't the point. Be the light of Christ to the world not the light of the good doer.

Veteran

Someone's son or daughter chose to fight for you. They stepped out in faith and duty and chose to fight for your freedoms. A selfless act that comes not out of personal or political gain but out of a desire to serve and sacrifice. Give thanks today for the people with strength and courage to serve in battles we are not strong enough to fight.

^{Hebrews 11:32}-40 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Not alone. It is a surprise when reading Hebrews 11 to come to the last two verses. With all the faith they had to fight the battles they had not known Christ but together with us they will be made perfect.

Despite all of the service, sacrifice and faith it is still about us as a whole. It isn't about the individual, it is a battle won together as a Body of believers.

^{1 John 5:3-5}This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Be A Slave

Often times it can be hard to see the purpose in all of it. You do all that is expected, you do it with care and no one recognizes or acknowledges you. If they never did, would you continue to do it?

A heart to serve is difficult to have all the time and while not a requirement for grace, it is a response to the One who sacrificed all for us.

^{Matthew 20:26-28} Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Today when you do that thing that someone needs from you, remember it is sacrifice. It is a choice you make to love and be the light Christ has called you to be. It is time for all of us to stop wondering what we get out of it and just be willing to volunteer our services for one another.

What is it that you can do to serve someone today? Will you do the laundry? Will you take the garbage out? Will you teach or coach or clean for someone else? Can you do it with no expectation?

Volunteer

–verb (used with object)

11.	to offer (oneself or one's services) for some undertaking or purpose.

12.	to give, bestow, or perform voluntarily

13.	to say, tell, or communicate voluntarily: to volunteer an explanation.

Isaiah 58:6,7

⁶ "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Father~ You sent your son to serve. May each of us this week decide that Christ's example of service is the one you have set for us to follow. Lord, may each of us learn to step beyond ourselves into a place of true honor to You. May be learn to empty ourselves and come humbly before you with a desire to love the least. ~In Your Precious Holy Name