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Morning Devotional...


Reigning with Christ

"The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him" (vv. 11–12a).

( 2 Timothy 2:11–12a)


In some ways, Christians share in the anointing that Jesus enjoys as the Christ, the "anointed one" (Acts 10:34–43; 1 John 2:20, 27). Therefore, every believer fulfills the prophetic, priestly, and kingly roles for which our Savior has been anointed. In a sense, we are all prophets called to proclaim God's Word, priests ordained to offer ourselves as sacrifices, and kings enthroned to war against the Lord's enemies and help expand His kingdom (Matt. 28:18–20; Rom. 12:1–2; Rev. 17:1–14). Yet we do not share in Christ's kingly office only in the sense that we fight against the Devil and his minions; rather, we also reign with Jesus over creation.

This is the teaching of today's passage, which is one of the proof texts for question and answer 32 of the Heidelberg Catechism. In one of several "trustworthy sayings" found throughout 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, the Apostle Paul outlines the incredible truth that those who persevere in faith are truly united to Christ and will live and reign with Him forever (2 Tim. 2:11–13). We may not often think of ourselves as kings and queens who will rule over creation, but this consequence of our redemption flows directly from who the Lord made us to be and what salvation accomplishes in repairing His broken images. God made us to have dominion over creation, to rule it for His glory (Gen. 1:26–31). We forfeited our ability to fulfill this vocation in Adam, but Christ has succeeded in reigning over creation as the last Adam. In Him, we are now able once more to achieve our original purpose as righteous rulers of the world (Rom. 5:12–21; Eph. 2:1–7).

Today's passage stresses the future aspects of our reign with the Lord, a reign that will involve us judging even the angels, as Paul tells us elsewhere (1 Cor. 6:3). We should all be looking forward eagerly to that final day, but let us not forget that we are even now reigning with our Savior in many ways. Sin no longer has dominion over those who believe in Jesus, for we live in the gracious era in which we have been adopted as God's children (Rom. 6:14; Gal. 4:1–7). By the Spirit, we can now conquer sin and grow in holiness. We are also free from the tyranny of the Law over guilty consciences. Forgiven in Christ, we may fulfill the royal law of liberty in serving our Creator (1 Peter 2:16; James 1:25).

Coram Deo

The truth that we are kings and queens in Christ is not some idea conjured up to boost our self-esteem but a present reality that we will enjoy in its fullness at the resurrection of the dead. At that point, we will sit on thrones alongside our Savior and enjoy by grace what is His by right. Until then, we are to reign over our sinful passions, bringing our minds, wills, and affections into submission to Jesus by the power of the Spirit through His Word.

Passages for Further Study

Deuteronomy 28:1–14
Micah 4:1–5
Romans 6:1–14
Revelation 20:1–6


From Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul.  http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/reigning-with-christ/

Thank you for today's devotion. We are all ministers of our faith.

Another crock pot of soup today and this is a lentil ham simmering and veggies to be added later.  The turkey broth will be used or frozen too.  Love to make soup especially on a dark and cool day.   

Hi everyone on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  It got into the mid 60s, sunny and no wind.  Before going to church this morning I did a lot of paperwork and gathering info I think we will need in preparation for our upcoming move.  Tomorrow I will submit an online request to our credit union for prequalification for a mortgage.  Once we have that we will be ready to go house hunting.  We told a number of our good friends that we will be moving away.  The most difficult was to tell our Nigerian grandson and our minister.  We went out to lunch with two good friends and had a nice visit as the restaurant was very busy and it took a large time to get our food.  I am still resting and watching the Atlanta Falcons football game while reading messages.

Don, thanks for preparing the weekly devotional.

Hi, friends,

I'm b-a-c-k.

It was a good visit, and now I'm appropriately tired out. Time to rest for the evening.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Good to have you back with us, Ruth Ann.  I'm glad you had an enjoyable visit.   

Don had a test at the VA this morning - huge amount of vets so we had to park on the roof top of 7th. floor.  He had great results.  Then, we were almost late from my test at the other end of town - again, very thankful today.  Tomorrow, I have two more tests and one I have to be put under so Don will take me to that one.  The roads are good so we are very fortunate at this time of the year. 

I actually found a little box of religious Christmas cards for my bible study group.  At the dollar store shhhh
We don't give gifts but I decided to sew everyone a fabric purse sized tissue holder just because they do come in handy and are easy to spot in a purse.  Wed is the potluck and sure do hope to feel alright to go.

Larry:  You did choose a busy time of the year to move - are you having a house built?  Sounds super to be able to plan for your needs and wants. 

Pat:  Are you there?  Where will you spend Christmas? 

Dogs are incredible creatures.  John took the 2 young ones for a walk on Saturday and slipped on ice falling on his side.  (He is ok) Zeke ran up to him and stayed till he stood up then stayed close for the rest of the walk.  I read something today that caused tears, (very easy for me) and Rambo sat on his haunches with his paws on my knee till I settled, then stood and gave me a gentle lick.  So intuitive!  Cimi is getting old.  If it is possible for dogs to have dementia, she has it. easily confused and doesn't follow direction too well.. 14+ years old I guess she has that right.

We had a wonderful message at church this week.  Pastor John was speaking on Mary's song. Luke !:45 and following.  What a sone of rejoicing for a young person in her circumstance.  If you have the opportunity to read it over you will see what I mean.

Hi everyone.  I didn't have an opportunity to get here yesterday to read or to post as I had and have many details on my mind and things to attend to.  I have contacted a Realtor and we will go tomorrow afternoon, after Pat's doctors appointment, to N. Augusta.  The timing has worked out well as our son has a colonosopy scheduled for Thursday morning early and he won't be able to drive home and his wife has no business driving.  So he was greatly relieved that we would be there to take him and wait for him and take him home.  We will then meet the Realtor probably after lunch.  We have picked out 4 homes from the real estate listings on the web that are in our price range and the square feet we want.  There is one in particular that is in a community where the lawn care is taken care of and that would be a big help to us.  Our son looked at this house yesterday afternoon and thought it was very nice.  It is only about 5 miles from where they live and this is a small town.  We will stay over there for two or three days. 

Today is going to be another full day as want to take care of the health insurance matter for next year.  It happens to be open season for us to change plans so the timing is good.  We will be going with Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO Nationwide plan after many, many years with Kaiser (which is not available to us over there).  I also want to get the pre-qualification done but just waiting for the Realtor to call me as to whether I have to unfreeze from all three credit bureaus.  There are numerous other tasks that need to be attended to.  We want to fill the car each time we make this trip.  Our son has lots of room where we can store things and every pound will help on the cost of moving.  Enough rattling on for today. 

Ruth Ann, glad to see you are home and that you had a good visit.

Carol, we do not want to have a house built for two reasons.  One we need to get over there and the second is once we have made the decision I want to get it done as we are not getting any younger. 

Judy, glad that John wasn't hurt in his fall.  You are certainly right about the dogs being very intuitive and caring animals. 

It is a beautiful red sunrise to view this morning.  Up and did the treadmill - have two procedures today but will be home by late afternoon.  Thankful for medical care and insurance.  No food until I get home.

Sorry that John had a fall.  It can happen so fast and is shocking to the system.  Great that he is alright. Yes, dogs are so sensitive to feelings.  Some can be therapy dogs and it sounds like yours is very caring. 

Moving is such a chore.  Larry, nice that you have 4 places to view - wishing you the friendly neighborhood , one close to your new church and a perfect place for you. 

Hi, friends,

I think today was "recovery day." I must have been more tired than I realized after the trip. So, today's activities can be summed up in one word - rest.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, that's my favorite activity!   

I totally understand the "recovery day" .... My daughter Dot, granddaughter Becky, and great granddaughter Karmen were here from Wednesday night until Sunday morning .... we had a good visit.  Becky went on to Oregon City. to visit her Dad's side of the family, on Friday and returned late Saturday night ... in the meantime Dot and I went to Old Town Bandon and messed around for a while.  All in all ... I am all in!     It's always good to have the family visit but just as good to have them go on about their way ... I'm too set in my ways as a loner to be able to cope with too much of that. 

Hi everyone.  It is another full day and we will make our first car trip in a rather long time this afternoon.  Fortunately, it is just 117 miles, which isn't much more than the trip to where Stacey lived and back home was so shouldn't be too bad.  I have no idea of what time we will be able to leave this afternoon as Pat has a doctor's appointment to see about the severe pain in her shoulder and will probably have to get x-rays.  It is an almost straight shot over to the motel where we will be staying the next two nights as it is right off I-20 in North Augusta.  I was able to take care of the health insurance for next year this morning and where we are going there wasn't much choice so we went with the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plan.  I was able to do the registration on the phone.  I will have my iPad and smart phone with me so won't be shut off from the Internet (perish the thought). 

Safe travel Larry and Pat! 

Bible study was not what I thought it would be.  The first Wed of every Dec. used to be the brunch where everyone brought food.  Not today, my contribution of a basket of bagels with hazelnut cream cheese to spread on it was devoured but it was not the brunch day.  That is next week so must think of something to bake or a salad next time.  Still a bit hoarse and raspy from the throat procedure yesterday and it will be about a two week wait for results.  Not concerned.

Our regular speaker - Dr. of Theology - had a fall and a concussion so we had a great from the heart talk from one of the other regulars.  How gifted these people are and such inspiration to women.

Don suddenly has an afternoon appointment with a speech specialist - regarding his hoarseness in his throat so we will mosey over across town.  Not fun to drive around anymore.  These are not humble drivers.  Off we go in a few minutes. 

Don's birthday is coming up and the children want to take him to a Sunday afternoon meal at a downtown French cafe we both like - he really likes.  They have special prices so everyone likes that best on Sun afternoons. 

Sunny, roads are OK right now, it looks like a front in the hills.  Take care all. 

Hi, friends,

I spent most of the day with my sister in law who needed to see the doctor and then to go to the drug store.

I'm sad, yet happy, today. The wonderful cousin of mine who served as my maid of honor at our wedding went to heaven today.  She had been trapped in a paralyzed body for a number of years. So, while I'm sad for those of us left behind, I'm so happy she's now walking, leaping, and singing with her beautiful alto voice.

Y'all have a good rest of the day, and a wonderful day with our Lord tomorrow.

Ruth Ann

Hello everyone. Judy yes indeed dogs are very insightful. What a great experience for youand John to know thatyour dogs "have your back" so to speak

I didn't go to work yesterday as my Chiropractor told me to rest my arm n Tuesday but I ws already on my way to work when I stopped in at his office for an adjustment trying to get rid of the pain. Well today I am feeling better, the pain is starting to subside and i hope will be gone when I go to see him again tomorrow.

The new Dog Freckles is such a cutie and  so much fun. What a lap dog. the other night as I sat in my rocking chair she got in my lap and lay over on her back with her head on my arm just like a baby. I rubbed her tummy and continues to rock while I watched TV/ I looked down and she was sound asleep. She is so attentive to my voice and obeys commands. I am so happy to have her. I feel blessed that she is in my life.

Marilyn, I'm glad to know your pain is subsiding.  You and Freckles seem to have adapted well to each other.   

Hi, friends

I played piano at Salvation Army today. It was a good time of remembering our Lord's birth. After the fun and sharing was over, we closed with a reading from Luke, and then, with lights out, we sang a capella "Silent Night."

What a nice way to formally begin my Christmas season!

I'd enjoy petting Freckles, Marilyn.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Just a quick note.  We are in North Augusta, SC looking for a new home.  We will go back home late tomorrow.  We are ok just very tired from an exhausting day.

We are off to Mimi's this morning for a free breakfast for Don - his birthday is soon.     My Christmas present arrived - it is a new version of Family Tree for genealogy research which is of some interest to me.  No surprise but and the other package came with a new iron.  After buying thrift shop irons, this is such a treat.  Yesterday was a good day for making Hot Fudge sauce for daughter-in-law as she stopped by with goodies for us (special non-sugar baking for Don) and a hot cocoa mix for me - mostly.  They are going to drive to Texas for Christmas. 

Larry:  House hunting and moving can be exhausting so do take care.   

Hi everyone.  We are going to look at one more house and then will make an offer.  The first one we looked at will likely be the one.  We prequalified this morning, which I knew wouldn't be a problem as have always had excellent credit.  It was a very quick process as I had gathered all the information needed.  We are back at the motel resting and will meet the realtor about noon and hope this will be the end of hunting as we both are really worn out.  We will go back to our home this afternoon.

Larry, I pray the Lord will lead you to HIS choice for you.   

Larry:   That was a fast choice on a house - I am sure that you had definite "must haves" on your choice.  Great news that there is something available just perfect for the two of you.

I am laughing and so relieved.  There was a message on the phone to call a cousin in Minnesota who winters in Arizona - she has gone back to  be with her 100 year old mother for a short visit.  Fearing the worst, I called her back.  This is the funny part - they were in a department store her mother loves and they were shopping.  Her mom loves to shop - wanders around and looks at everything.  We had such a good laugh.  Her mother can't wait until the Twins baseball games begin.   

Hi everyone on a very rainy, gloomy Saturday morning here in Georgia.  We got home last night about 7:30 after a sort of whirlwind two days.  The bottom line is we have a contract for the house we will be buying in North Augusta, SC.  It is about 6 miles from where our son lives.  There seems to be very little traffic in the North Augusta area. 

We are buying a very nice home on a very small lot where the homeowner's association provides all of the lawn maintenance. We finished the offer about 4 pm and headed back home and our agent called us before we got to Madison, GA and said the seller had countered our offer.  We didn't get as much as we had asked for in terms of the closing costs but did get all of the items we had asked for such as the blinds for all the windows, which was going to be a hassle for us to get installed before we move.  We plan on closing on January 15th but will not actually move until sometime a few days later.  The house has 2044 square feet, which is a bit bigger than what we have now.  It is a three bedroom down and a finished bonus room with a large walk-in closet and its full bath.  We will get a chair lift installed and Pat plans on using this room for her sewing studio and perhaps her office.  There is a large open area with for the great room, dining room, and dinette area.  The hall way, great room area and the master bedroom all have hardwood floors. The kitchen has a lot of cabinet space and a large island and these are covered in granite.  The counter space under the cabinets have recessed lighting.  There is a small sun room and a covered back patio.  The builder had the house built for his wife's parents and put in several upgrades that are not standard in this model such as the hardwood floors and the granite counter tops.  There is a two car garage and the small grassy area has the underground sprinkler system.  The house is on sewer and thus we will have a garbage disposal for the first time in many years.  Our closing is set for January 15 and we will move sometime after that date.

Carol, your friends mother sounds like she would be a joy to know.

Larry:  You two have chosen a good liveable house for yourselves especially when there are three bedrooms on the main floor and the yardwork is handled by the HOA.  We have the same system here with HOA and there are some irritating things about it but all in all, it is best for our living style.  Congrats to you.

Don has started watching another football game and I need to go to the grocery store.  We need more unsweetened chocolate for my Hot Fudge Recipe.  A few other things as well.  I am feeling so much better since it has now been four days from my throat procedure.  It was becoming a concern because they told me it wouldn't have any effects - oh, sure.  They had not had the same procedure so how could they tell? 

Well all my decorating is about done.I have the gifts to put under the tree, and baking to do next week.  I am so looking forward to family being here for Christmas this year. 

Tonight is the Christmas dinner at church.  Elizabeth and Ivy are coming as well as a girl friend of Elizabeth.  She is not a Christian and this is a good opportunity to show her how real Christians gather.

We are having mild weather again our snow is about gone.  I took Zeke for his walk this morning however the ice has formed on the creek and he couldn't break it.  Melaura came over and we were able to get some really good corrections in.  He is big and heavy and could hurt a little one so easily.  Later in the house he lay down at my feet and the baby of the family sat on him like a horse, he proved his breeding by being so gentle with her.  Big lummox!

Have a great evening everyone, as we approach Christmas we remember all that our Lord has done for us!

A new week HERE