June 16 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Benefits of Scripture - Part 2   Daily Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Encouragement  All scripture! Not just the parts we like best. I certainly can’t list Leviticus among my favorite books. Reading all those laws the Jews had to hold to is, to say the least, tedious for most of us. Beneficial? Really! If nothing else, those arcane, sometimes seemingly silly laws give us perspective on how Jesus, by fulfilling the law – Matthew 5:17 – made living a Godly life infinitely easier for believers from the first century onward than it was for the ancient Jews. So, like food that many of us don’t relish (turnip greens or rutabagas, anyone?), some scripture aimed at a near Eastern society thousands of years ago hardly rings true to us today. For that reason, maybe we should get out our commentaries now and then and bend our hand to the plow, plowing through those chapters full of names, territories assigned to the twelve tribes (for example Ezekiel 48), and genealogies of Bible characters. In this devotion, however, we’ll look at the 3 words “reproof,” “correction,” and “instruction” in today’s scripture. Apply God’s Word First, a comment on “all scripture is given…” A few translations like the old English Revised Version, translate it this way: “all scripture given by God is…” See the enormous difference in meaning? This version says in effect that not all scripture is God-breathed! Although technically the Greek might allow the RV interpretation, it flies in the face of other scriptures and goes against the grain of the whole word of God. “Reproof” in today’s scripture means chastisement or even punishment for misbehavior. “Restoration to an upright state in God’s eyes” represents the 5-syllable, 50-cent Greek word translated correction in today’s verse. And the word rendered as “instruction” carries a whiff of child or pupil being schooled in some area – in this instance, in righteousness or how to hold onto that upright state that correction brings. Altogether, Paul’s words to Timothy served as a reminder to his young disciple and a set of guidelines for Timothy to convey to individuals and churches he oversaw. And they are just as pertinent to our lives today. Come into His Presence Father God, we thank you for Your word to soak in, meditate on, incorporate into our character as Christians, and to pass on as instruction to those we may disciple. 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

June 15 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Benefits of Scripture   Daily Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Encouragement  The word “profitable” in today’s scripture can also be translated “beneficial” or “advantageous.” The meaning is that the profitable thing will lead to greater well-being or will put us ahead in some way. Surely we all want to feel better, make more money, perhaps achieve greater recognition, rear well-behaved, God-centered kids... the list could go on and on. Today’s scripture holds a wonderful promise. The Bible we hold in our hands (all scripture) is beneficial. But it’s only beneficial if we read and apply it. I’d suggest setting aside 15 minutes a day – longer if you can muster the time – to read and meditate on a particular passage. Let it soak in. Paul goes on to remind Timothy about four benefits of scripture. Today we’ll look at how the Bible provides “doctrine” and how doctrine makes sure our steps as we walk with God. Apply God’s Word A comment on the word “inspiration”: the Greek behind this word literally means “breathed out by God.” Some translations put it as “God-breathed”- a more emotional way to express it than “by inspiration.” Now what about doctrine? The dictionary meaning of doctrine is that it’s a “specific principle or an organized group of related principles describing or fleshing out a particular discipline.” So much for Webster! The word for “doctrine” is better translated “teaching” or “instruction.” The Bible is our teacher or instructor. Besides all the fascinating historical background between its covers, it’s a manual that gives us instruction that we can and must apply to our lives every day as we go upward in our walk with God. Come into His Presence Lord God, our great Instructor, I thank You for breathing out a detailed set of instructions by which to live our lives for You. Yes, Your word is a lamp for our feet and a light that shines on the path ahead! I thank You for appointing writers who breathed in Your instructions and put them on paper for us. 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

June 14 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Benefits of God's Discipline   Daily Scripture Hebrews 12:11-13 “Now no discipline seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” Encouragement  Arthritis has invaded my hands. They don’t work as well as they used to. Sometimes my knees feel pressure, like they’re going to let me down – literally! I occasionally rail against the infirmities of my body, which are destined only to get worse. But I also thank God every day that I’m still fully mobile and able to do nearly all the things I’ve always done. The word “benefit” has a number of uses. Economists and politicians wrangle over social security benefits. Meanwhile, my “benefit,” since I’m retired, is X dollars per month. It “benefits” or adds to our fixed income. Microsoft literature extols the “benefits” of the many features in the Windows operating system. (Not everyone agrees that all those features are benefits!) And at my age – I’ve been a card-carrying septuagenarian for nearly 3 years now – my good health and mobility are truly benefits I don’t take lightly. Apply God’s Word We’ve all experienced God’s chastening. (If you haven’t, either you’re perfect or God has given up on you, neither of which is likely!) My father didn’t participate in my discipline; he left it to my mother. She was more than equal to the task, and although it hurt, it was usually for my benefit, to help me become a better kid. The outcome of our bending to God’s will for us is He will make the crooks in our path straight and we receive the peaceable fruit of righteousness. We’re bound to become more righteous – motivated and productive – citizens of the kingdom as a benefit. In fact, Hebrews 12:9 that our very spriritual lives depend on our willingly becoming subject to the Father of Spirits. Come into His Presence Father God, I never look forward to a trip to the woodshed with You. I’ve been through many and no doubt face many more to come. May I always remember that You are not a mean Father. Your discipline is always for my benefit and never given to tear me down or make me afraid of You. I thank You for the many benefits that will fall out of subjecting my will to Yours. 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

June 13 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      From Revelation to Victory! Daily Scripture Psalm 98:1-3 (HCSB)  "Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has performed wonders; His right hand and holy arm have won Him victory. The Lord has made His victory known; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen our God's victory." Encouragement It is important to note that God has already revealed Himself, and I have seen His revelation. Every time I hear the sounds of living things; a bird chirping, a baby's laughter, my wife talking, God has revealed Himself. Every time I see a majestic mountain, a vast sea, a grassy prairie and various architecture, it reminds me of the Great Architect of the universe. In the Old Testament, God used various things to show His people, and their enemies, that He was in their midst. In the New Testament, He used Jesus who brought in the Holy Spirit so signs and wonders could be performed for all peoples to see that God, indeed, was in their midst. Today is no different. The same God who revealed Himself, still reveals Himself today, and He always wins. Apply God’s Word Once God reveals Himself there is no going back. We cannot say we've had no revelation once a revelation has been made to us. Therefore, when God reveals Himself, rejoice and be glad! Once you've become aware of what God is doing in the midst of your particular situation, rejoice and be glad! For He has chosen to reveal to you not only His presence, but also His ultimate victory over a trying situation. But, we have to be open to Him doing it His way, so that requires patience on our part. Whether we pray for more patience or not, God sees that we need it, so He will work on that as well in our lives. But even then, rejoice and be glad because you have the Mighty Creator working in you to bring about ultimate victory! Come into His Presence God, help me to see You in every one of my situations in life, and then teach me to praise You for a victorious outcome. I know that once You reveal, You always win whatever it is that faces You! Help me to see that as well. 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

June 11 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Sell Out!   Daily Scripture John 18:22 “So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.”    Encouragement Luke was writing about an exchange between Jesus and a rich young man. The rich young man asked Jesus how he could find eternal life. Well, Jesus’ response shocked everyone. He told the young man, “sell out”, and follow Me. Sell everything? That was just too much for the rich young man to except, so he just turned and walked away.   Apply God’s Word Today many are turning and walking away as this young man did. The cost is just too much when we see the things we must surrender to be His follower. Listen, you can’t pick and choose this journey of following. Our lives are so cluttered and controlled by our stuff that the thought of selling out for Him is a gut-wrenching proposition. But it's all or nothing. Jesus didn’t compromise with this young rich man so he would give a lot of money to the ministry. Selling all was the entry fee. This doesn’t mean we must sell everything we own to be saved. But it does mean He must be first and nothing in-between me and Him. If there is, sell! Come into His Presence Father, I have given up all to follow, but look deep at my attitude and my actions to be certain I have nothing that I am holding onto. If I am, show me so I can sell it to follow You more closely. 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

June 10 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Live In The Moment   Daily Scripture Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”    Encouragement In our text for today we have a very familiar scripture. In it, we see a couple of things at play. First, we see the encouragement to live by the principle of the first. What that means is we must have things in a correct priority for life to be fulfilling. Every believer has one thing that should be first. That is to find and fulfill the call of God on your life. His Kingdom and His righteousness. We are to seek the things of God over the things of this world.   Apply God’s Word The second aspect of this text is found in verse 34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” It’s the principle of one day at a time. Tomorrow will lack importance if we neglect today. Tomorrow will fall short of joy if we miss the joy He has for us today. Today is my opportunity for a better day tomorrow. Wayne Cordeiro said in his book, Leading on Empty, “Your future will oftentimes be held 'in trust' within the simplicity of a daily walk with God. The discovery of hidden potential will be gently pressed within the pages of His Word. Even though the way before you may be foggy or dim, the path beneath you will be illuminated by a warm and steady light. But without the walk, without the light, tomorrow can seem darker than we’d ever imagined it could be.” Come into His Presence Father, let me learn from these two principles today. Put You first, and live in the moment. 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

June 9 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Do You Want Something?   Daily Scripture Psalms 23:1-6 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”    Encouragement David offer one of the greatest and maybe the most quoted verses in the Bible. In our text David begins with two phrases. “The Lord is my Shepherd”, and “I shall not want”. The first was essential for David and one he was very familiar with. David was himself a shepherd. He knew how important the shepherd was to the sheep. In fact, he knew this so well he listed them. Verse 2 through 6 gives us some of the responsibilities of the shepherd. Then the next four words are revealing. “I shall not want”. Four words that by themselves don’t really explain much, but placed in-between God as his Shepherd, and the list of what He does for the sheep... Enough said!   Apply God’s Word If we are not careful we will follow after the wrong wants. The world is bursting stuff. Literally. Look at our landfills, they are overflowing with stuff we throw away every day. And much of this stuff is what we wanted not necessarily what we needed. Someone told you that you needed it but if you really take the time to think about it you would come to the realization that your life might even be better without it. I have a Gazelle, no not the living kind. It’s the exercise machine that according to the add that hooked me was just what I needed to get into shape. My grandkids have used it way more than I have. I just wanted it, but I didn’t need it. There’s a sidewalk just outside my front door that does just as good! Come into His Presence Father, what I want has gotten me in a great deal of trouble. Help me to want what You want and nothing less. 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