September 29 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      The Right Path   Daily Scripture Hebrews 3:7-10 “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, and saw My works forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, and said, 'They always go astray in their heart, and they have not known My ways.'”    Encouragement The writer of this verse hits on a point that we must all address in our own walk. Numbers 11 reminds us of just one of the times that the children of Israel made decisions that were not in keeping with the plan God had set for them. Their path began in Genesis 12 when God spoke to their patriarch and gave him the path they were to follow. As the years passed and the people prospered and multiplied, they became more inclined to allow other interests to persuade them away from the path God had given them. But, as God does, He continually worked to bring them back to the original plan He gave Moses. Leave where you are and Go to the promise land. Sounds like something we could all go after fairly easy. Promised land!   Take Action! Life is not a cake walk. It requires diligent intention. By diligent I mean we must work hard at staying on the task ahead of us. The word intentions means we have a purpose. God designed us and molded us in life and for life to reach His intended purpose. The path of life is not meant to cross periodically, its meant to walk on. Allow me to put it another way. I have and I’m certain you are in the same place where it seems we cross places that we feel we were made for. Maybe you’re in a job that you’re not happy with and you know there is something else you feel better suited for. That place you just know God has for you to walk in. You have a choice; you can stay or begin to work with diligent intention, toward the path you were meant to walk. Remember this takes prayer, relationship with God and time. Come into His Presence Father, help me to see the path You have for me. I feel I’m crossing the path You have for me, help me to get there and walk on the path You have for me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen. Ed Herald Senior Pastor Email Pastor Ed

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 25 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Living Dangerously   Daily Scripture John 16:2-3 “They will put you out of the synagogues: yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me [Jesus].” Encouragement  The train trestle stretched out for a football field’s length before us kids, cut down the middle by twin silver ribbons. Maybe 2 feet lay between a rail and either edge. Sixty feet beneath the sides, a scrub-brush-choked, rock-strewn dry gulch cut a swath through the parched hills. No side rails on a train trestle! Pedestrians like us kids weren’t supposed to be on it, but that didn’t faze my best friend Andy and me. We often sneaked off and rode our bikes along the tracks to near the train’s passage over the gulch and walked across the trestle. No room to avoid getting flattened by a train if one happened along. “Andy, you think a train will come?” “I don’t know, Markie (Andy often called me Markie)…” That railroad was a lightly traveled, regional line, and we pretty well knew the schedule. Yet the possibility that the passage times might change on a given day always made our little traverse a trifle more exciting. That train trestle trek and looking for treasures along the track made a typical pastime of a few hours of living dangerously for us country kids. Take Action! “Through many dangers, toils, and snares we have already come…” Did you know a committed believer is expected to live dangerously? Missionaries to countries like China and Nigeria are all too aware of the possibility of getting harassed or arrested by the authorities. Real, grown-up hazards, not the mostly imagined danger that occupied Andy’s and my young lives. You don’t have to go to a hostile country to get in trouble telling people about Jesus. That can and does happen right here. In today’s verses, Jesus warns His disciples that they may get thrown out of an unfriendly environment or killed. His words, adapted to modern society, still ring true. We may not die today for our testimony, but that possibility may well grow if organizations like the atheist movements and satanic cults gain a stronger foothold. So – what can we do? The answer is obvious: keep sharing our convictions about salvation with boldness and confidence, just as believers through the ages have done. Come into His Presence Lord God, we know You will protect us as we carry on Your work. We also know from Philippians 1:21 that if we die, our death will that much more quickly bring us face to face with You. Help us live dangerously for You. In Jesus’ name, amen. Mark Bacon Teacher & Mentor Email Mark

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 23 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      God's Ears are Open Daily Scripture Psalm 116:1-2 (HCSB)  "I love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call out to Him as long as I live." Encouragement What a short, but power-packed Scripture this is! Throughout this psalm, the psalmist has looked death in the face, encountered trouble and sorrow, felt helplessness and fear, and in each situation he was able to experience the Lord delivering him from all of that. Now note that we are not told how long he had to endure these things before he encountered God's deliverance...but it came. These experiences, no doubt, shook him, and his faith, to the core and his faith was strengthened through each trial he faced. Take Action! Everyone faces trials and tribulations. Everyone faces hard times. No one is exempt from that. Only the ones who turn to the Lord, cry out to Him, will eventually see His deliverance (see Psalm 34:19). Many argue this point, saying that this way of thinking is only one-sided, and that there are many self-help ways to get out of troubled times. Maybe so, but the psalmist mentioned hell, and there's only One who can pull you out of that. His name is Jesus. Like the psalmist, when one has a true encounter with the Lord, their life is changed forever. Come into His Presence Lord, only You can save from every trying situation. We trust in Your sovereignty. We know that Your ears are open to the cry of the righteous and You will never leave nor forsake us. Thank You for being there for us day and night. In Jesus' name, amen.   Greg Minassian Pastor Email Pastor Greg

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 20 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Faithful Helper! Daily Scripture Psalm 118:1, 5-9, 14 (HCSB)  "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever...I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place. The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is my helper, therefore, I will look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in nobles...The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation." Encouragement There are a few words and sentences that need to be mentioned here. The first is "His faithful love endures forever." Let's break this down. To be faithful is to be reliable. Only God can be reliable all the time, and that's why we're told that it is better to trust in the Lord than anyone else. God's love is a love that looks out for the best in us. To say that His love endures forever is to say that no matter how many mood swings we have, no matter how happy we are, or mad at Him, He is even-tempered with us and will always be there for us, loving us no matter what, or no matter the circumstance we find ourselves in, whether we're to blame or our demise is caused by outside situations. No human can ever be that faithful. That's why it would be foolish to look to anyone else instead of God. In fact, all through the Bible we're told to look to and trust the Lord. Now. the psalmist says, "Don't trust in people over God." Enough said. Some say that it's because God can't be seen, nor can His work, so we trust in what we can see. When we do that, we're telling God, "You're not moving fast enough, and I don't know how trustworthy You are because I can't see you." Not only are you admitting that you're a control freak, but you're also not allowing God to stretch your faith (see John 20:29). As lovingly as I can tell you, "STOP IT!" Let God be God, and you be His child. Take Action! God is crazy about you, and does appreciate that you believe even if you can't see. But, really, you can see if you take time to quiet your spirit down and meditate on Him and His word, the Bible. In fact, it is expected of you if you're going to call yourself a Christian, because if Jesus is not Lord of all, He isn't Lord at all. He wants you to experience all that He has for you, and show you that He is listening, but He cannot do it when you're too busy spending time on Facebook looking at all the stupid things like pictures of cats and food that someone has taken a picture of. Trust me, all that will be there later. Time spent with the Lord is much better than the latest Chuck Norris saying. Remember that one word from God can change your life forever, and if you're too busy for God, you're too busy. Remember that even Jesus had to go off by Himself and pray. Do it. You won't be sorry. Come into His Presence Lord, please forgive me for not trusting in You, and placing all of my time, energy and trust in someone else. Sometimes my faith is not so strong because I can't see or hear you. But it's in those times that I need to be focused on listening to hear Your voice all the more. Thank You for putting up with me all these years. In Jesus' name, amen.   Greg Minassian Pastor Email Pastor Greg

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 16 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      God is God Daily Scripture Psalm 115:3-5, 8 (HCSB)  "Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouth but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see...Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them." Encouragement The psalmist is describing how God is the God of gods. In fact He is the only living God Who is all powerful, all knowing and ever-present. Other nations, ever since the dawn of time, have tried to fashion their version of a god in every way, shape and form imaginable. If it wasn't a physical form, it came in the way of an idea, government, empire etc. Many today make their jobs, businesses, cars, houses etc their gods thinking that they have reached the top. The trouble is that the sky keeps on going upward, and the ground downward. The psalmist tells Israel to trust in God (see verse 9). This is the God Who created everything through Jesus Christ (see Genesis 1:1; John 1:1) God told the children of Israel to not even fashion an image after Him (see Exodus 20). He is sovereign and the only God Who can create and destroy. No other God can do this. Businesses, ideas, images etc are here today and gone tomorrow, but God is here to stay. He needs no help, but His heart's desire is for all to enter into fellowship with Him through His Son, Jesus. Take Action! All other "gods" fail, but God is here to stay, and He is very involved in His creation. He created everything. In fact nothing was created without Him. Those who trust in graven images, ideas, businesses, themselves etc will eventually come to ruin. Watch and see if you don't believe me! But those who trust in the Lord will never be disappointed. Oh there will be hard times, but that's just how it is in life. God will work things out for the good of those who trust Him though (see Romans 8:28). Trust Him, just as the psalmist tells Israel to do. Life may be hard at times, but God will be there for you like no other created person, place, thing or idea. You won't be disappointed. Trust Him today! Come into His Presence God, sometimes life can really throw a curve ball and catch me unawares, but I'm glad I have You to lean on no matter what! Please forgive me for all the times I've let life get the better of me, and I'm tempted to trust in something else besides You, when all I really need to do is to press in and cultivate the fellowship I have in You. Teach me to trust You like never before. In Jesus' name, amen.   Greg Minassian Pastor Email Pastor Greg

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 15 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Hotter in the Summer   Daily Scripture Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night shall not cease.”   Encouragement  “Why is summer hotter than other times of the year?” Many people, both adults and kids, have been asked this question in various surveys. The most common answer by far, knowing that the earth’s orbit around the sun is elliptical or egg shaped, is that the earth is closest to the sun in summertime. In fact, the opposite is true: the distance from earth to sun is shortest in the winter! When confronted with this fact, looks of puzzlement cross many faces. A few people may venture in a weak voice, “Um, then the sun must get hotter during summer?” No, the temperature of our sun hardly varies over years and even decades. The above answers are perfectly logical ones, based on a limited amount of information. That’s how the ancient Greeks came up with their explanations. They were short on physical knowledge but masters of logical reasoning. That’s the best they could do – advance reasonable but frequently wrong explanations – given that they didn’t know that much about the world around them. How about the ancient Hebrews, did they do any better? Well, they knew a lot about the natural world, but “why” questions were mostly irrelevant to a Semitic farmer who knew from the calendar and the position of the sun in the sky at midday and the constellations at night when to plant and when to harvest. His well-being and that of his family depended on observing and heeding the normal cycles of the earth. Sorry, but I’m not going to take the space to explain the right reason for why summer is hotter. Here’s a hint, though: it’s wrapped up in the tilt of the earth’s orbit. Take Action! God knew that man needs regular variations in things like the different climates during the year to sustain him. And ancient societies, the Hebrews in particular, used their knowledge of the timing of seasons to grow grapes and grain, raise sheep, and come up with ways to sustain themselves and even prosper from nature. With our gains in scientific knowledge, we can correctly explain many of the “whys” that focused the Greeks’ attention. But perhaps even more importantly, our well-being cries for us to heed the normal cycles of our environment as the Hebrews did, using our natural resources responsibly and conserving them. Come into His Presence Lord God, I rejoice in the beauty and wonder of the natural world. I thank You for giving us the tools to uncover the amazing interplay of forces that shape our world and universe. At the same time, I understand that we’re expected to take care and use responsibly what You’ve provided for us to thrive as Godly people. Thank You for all Your gifts. In Jesus’ name, amen. Mark Bacon Teacher & Mentor Email Mark

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 11 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Above All Daily Scripture Psalm 113:4 (HCSB)  "Yahweh is exalted above all the nations, His glory above the heavens." Encouragement One day, when I was sitting in a meeting, I looked out the window and noticed both the top of the building next to us and the sky. I then thought about larger buildings like the Twin Towers in New York City, before their demise in 2001, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington and many others. I also thought of the world's tallest mountains like Everest, Pike's Peak, Rainier and others. What do all these have in common? None of them touch the sky. The sky, also called the heavens, goes on and on, no matter how tall something is, man-made or natural. The psalmist here draws attention to the truth that God is above everything and can do anything, even what we would consider "the impossible." Take Action! While we, or any other person, is imperfect, not being perfect or strong enough to do everything, especially what we would consider impossible, God is not limited. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. This same God, who is the only true God, not only created all of mankind, but also reaches out in love to each and every one, desiring deeply to have fellowship with them and be their God (see Revelation 3:20). Today, humble yourself, realizing that He alone is God and His desire is for your own good because He loves you. As you go through today, think on Him and His great strength, mercy and love (see Romans chapter 8). Come into His Presence Lord, thank You for loving me and showing Yourself strong. I humble myself and ask You to be my Lord and Savior today. Help me today to trust You more than I trust myself, or anyone else. In Jesus' name, amen.   Greg Minassian Pastor Email Pastor Greg

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 8 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Growing or Groaning?   Daily Scripture Luke 22:61-62 “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.” Encouragement  A single mother we know just learned that her 18 year old daughter is moving in with her boyfriend. The mother is a committed, faithful follower of the Lord, so this news is a giant shock. Her distress comes not only from the daughter’s immoral decision (she was reared in a loving, Christian home), but also from the reality that the plans this mom has made for her daughter are probably gone in a puff of dust. Now mom is faced with either embracing a new reality or trying to fight it and not let go. In other words, either growing or “groaning.” Sound familiar? Most of us have either dealt with a similar series of events or have close knowledge of someone who has. It’s especially hard on the mother – single or married. Years ago, my wife practically died inside when our son walked out, and for months we got no news about him. (He’s happily married now and both he and his wife are pursuing promising careers.) We may groan for awhile, but through intercessory prayer we gain the strength to deal with it, even to embrace the possibility that the child we reared may never re-establish contact. Take Action! Today’s scripture is, for me, one of the most poignant in the Bible. In Luke 22:61, Jesus’s eyes and Peter’s meet and hold for a second. Is Jesus’s look an “I told you so” look or a look of deep disappointment that one of His favorite disciples and best friends let Him down just as He predicted? I believe some of both. And Peter’s “what have I done?” cry of anguish reflects not only his remorse but even more an overwhelming sense that by betraying his Lord he’d done something that pushed Jesus out of his life forever. However, in contrast to the mother whose child has gone against her wishes, Jesus knew Peter would come back. That mother must now let in the prayers of her family, friends, and church – And the realization that her Lord will give her the fortitude to surmount this setback and get on with her life. That’s what my wife and I did. Come into His Presence My gracious and loving Father, I know we all let you down sometimes. Remind us at those times that we can obtain Your forgiveness and renew our relationship with You. In Jesus’s name, amen. Mark Bacon Teacher & Mentor Email Mark

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 7 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Kingdom, Power, and Glory Daily Scripture Psalm 114:7-8 (HCSB)  “Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, Who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water." Encouragement The psalmist speaks of the joy that Israel experienced when being set free from their four-hundred years' Egyptian slavery. Think about it: Many generations who knew only slavery, now to be let out and go free! Imagine the joy and the wonder all at the same time. God Himself led them out of Egypt. To them the hills skipped like calves and the seas fled. They knew that God was all-powerful, and their situation changed from night to day! Can you imagine a wonderful release from a painful situation in which you have been involved? How free did you feel? What praises did you sing because of your freedom? Take Action! Just as the children of Israel who gave thanks to God and remembered how their freedom from the Egyptian captors must have felt, remember how Jesus saved you from sin and eternity apart from Him (see John 3:16; Romans 5:8). God's love set free the captives from Egypt, and His love has made a way to set us free from having to face eternity in hell. This should be cause enough for us to give praise to Him, but the truth that we serve God, Who has made Himself available for us to call upon Him everyday, even more so! Come into His Presence Heavenly Father, thank You for being the One Who rescues us from bondage and slavery. You are our help in times of trouble and need. Praise Your name. In Jesus' name, amen.   Greg Minassian Pastor Email Pastor Greg

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 6 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      The Cycle of Life   Daily Scripture Matthew 13:31-32 “He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Encouragement The life cycle of the carnal flesh is similar to the the birth of a new believer in Christ. Conception, when a seed was planted, is when the gospel of Jesus was spoken to someone and they heard and believed. It was nurtured next. This person began attending church, surrounded themselves with other believers. It was born. They are baptized and born again into a spiritual life. It was fed. They read the word to learn and grow in a spiritual connection with the Father. It lives life. They come to know and love their brothers and sisters, and begin sharing the gospel and what Christ has done for them. They grow and mature. They become disciples for Christ. They plant a seed... And the cycle repeats itself. The harvest comes next. This is where the blessings of being more than carnal begin. Instead of the ending of life being death as it will be for the carnal flesh, a Christian has life everlasting with God in heaven. A place where ‭‭”He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Take Action! You won't remember your carnal conception, your development within the womb, or your birth into this world, but you CAN REMEMBER your spiritual experience of these things. Use those memories (testimonies) to help someone else come to know who Christ is. Speak to someone about Him, and what He has done for you (planting a seed). Invite them to experience God and His word by inviting them to church. Be there for the day they decide to commit themselves to be born again. Support them and encourage them as they develop and grow within the Christian community, and watch as they too begin planting seeds for Christ.   Come into His Presence Thank You, God, that our lives do not end in death. That we have the ability to reflect on our spiritual walk with You to help us to speak to someone else about your goodness, and how to come closer to You. Help us to live righteously before everyone, and to have patience, and give encouragement as we see You grow and mature them into what You have called them to be. You are our Good Father and we love You. In Jesus' name. Amen. Kalyn Petersen Greeter Ministry Director Email Kalyn

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org

September 5 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      How Green Is Your Grass?   Daily Scripture 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.” Encouragement  If you’re like me, sometimes the grass in your neighbor’s field looks greener than yours. I’ve occasionally fallen prey to envying those in the church who have more money than I do, who drive nicer cars than I do, who in short have the financial flexibility to do things in the kingdom that are off limits to me. That’s my natural man or flesh talking. It doesn’t please God. The Lord wants us to tend our fields according to the principles set forth in His word. And if we ask as Jabez did in 1 Chronicles 4:10, He will enlarge our boundaries and by extension the boundaries of our church community. Take Action! In today’s scripture, Paul mentions another work of the flesh besides casting eyes of envy toward those who appear to be better off than we are. I’m thinking of people who pat themselves on the back because they see themselves as smarter or better looking or holding down more responsible jobs than those around them. We’re urged to “boast” only in what God is doing for us, not in how much further along in our walk with God we perceive ourselves to be. Back to our field analogy. If we have weeds in our field, we need to pull our weeds. When we notice a new believer’s field of ministry is small and more brown than green, our calling should be to gently instruct that new believer in how to tend and cultivate his or her field and expand his or her boundaries – not pushing or trying to railroad the person just embarking on their walk with God, but offering advice with discernment. At the same time we are expected to cultivate our own field, looking to our neighbor’s not to envy how luxuriously it’s flourishing, but to get understanding of how to make ours healthier. Come into His Presence My God and Father, help me to put down my flesh, especially my tendencies toward jealousy and envy. I know these things displease You, but sometimes I act on what feels good instead of on spiritual things. Let me regard my neighbor’s field only to see how to grow my own better, not to wish my field looked just like my neighbor’s. In Jesus’ name amen. Mark Bacon Teacher & Mentor Email Mark

Victory Christian Center 18180 US Highway 150 Bloomington, Illinois 61705 309.663.7233 www.VictoryPeople.org www.Facebook.com/VictoryPeople.org