Date: February 27, 2013 10:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Peace From The Prince Of Peace
Peace From The Prince Of Peace
"Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before God day and night, has been hurled down." (Revelation 12:10)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 9:1-7
When we turn to Jesus, He gives peace. "My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). But we often lose the sense of it. We overlook His rest from turmoil because we allow Satan, the accuser, to flaunt our sins before us even after we have confessed them. Satan will play negative scenes in our minds, robbing us of peace.
We have only to respond to Jesus' invitation to come to Him to experience relief from our burdens. Perhaps you've seen before that peace which passes all understanding in other believers who are in the fiery trials of this world.
We can look forward to all the fullness of His peace on that day when He will lift, once and for all, the burden and pain of trying and failing, of failed relationships of all misunderstanding and all loss. "He will wipe every tear from our eyes" (Revelation 2:4). Our Lord is indeed the King, the Prince of Peace, who was to come, has come, is coming day by day, and who will come again. Let your King "guide [your] feet into the way of peace"
(Luke 2:79).
Insight: Whatever is disturbing your peace at this moment, come to Jesus, giver of total rest and contented heart.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
+DEV+ To Serve the King
Date: February 26, 2013 11:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+ To Serve the King
To Serve the King
"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God..." (Psalm 123:2, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Luke 19:11-26
If we wish to serve a king, we must fix our eyes on him to make sure we know what he requires. In Jesus' parable of the talents, the good servants honored the master and served him in the way he wanted. They were productive because they looked to him and his wishes, ignoring their own feelings of inadequacy and any fears that things might go wrong. They trusted the king when he came again to be just in his reward. However, the wicked servant was so transfixed by unloving thoughts about his master and by his own fear that he was totally unproductive.
So must we look away from all the noise that goes on in our own minds and turn away from fears of all kinds. Fears, perhaps, that our sinfulness disqualifies us from serving; fears that we will experience disappointment and frustration; fears of inadequacy and of being unfit to do the King's work. Instead, let us look only to the master of our lives, our King who came to us lowly and unadorned in a cattle stall, and serve Him on bended knee.
Insight: "Perhaps you would have grown in grace far more if you had used what God has given you and forgotten about yourself." (Andrew Bonar, Scottish pastor)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ To Serve the King
To Serve the King
"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God..." (Psalm 123:2, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Luke 19:11-26
If we wish to serve a king, we must fix our eyes on him to make sure we know what he requires. In Jesus' parable of the talents, the good servants honored the master and served him in the way he wanted. They were productive because they looked to him and his wishes, ignoring their own feelings of inadequacy and any fears that things might go wrong. They trusted the king when he came again to be just in his reward. However, the wicked servant was so transfixed by unloving thoughts about his master and by his own fear that he was totally unproductive.
So must we look away from all the noise that goes on in our own minds and turn away from fears of all kinds. Fears, perhaps, that our sinfulness disqualifies us from serving; fears that we will experience disappointment and frustration; fears of inadequacy and of being unfit to do the King's work. Instead, let us look only to the master of our lives, our King who came to us lowly and unadorned in a cattle stall, and serve Him on bended knee.
Insight: "Perhaps you would have grown in grace far more if you had used what God has given you and forgotten about yourself." (Andrew Bonar, Scottish pastor)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Monday, February 25, 2013
+DEV+ Specific Tasks From The King
Date: February 25, 2013 9:02 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Specific Tasks From The King
Specific Tasks From The King
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:10)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:1-10
Our passage makes it clear that although we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is not alone. It issues in works that God has had in mind for us from before time began. Ask Him what specific work He has planned for you.
Evan Roberts, the leader of the Welsh revival of 1905, wrote, "All workers, in view of the Lord's coming, should eagerly ask God to enable them to finish their own work ...
They should pray against
1) all spurious work which God has not given them to do;
2) all work which they should have left alone long ago;
3) all work which is of the flesh and not of the Spirit;
4) all work which suppresses the Spirit or draws the worker out of the Spirit;
5) all waste work, which may be good yet keeps the worker from some higher service."
When we establish what work the Lord wants us to undertake, the Holy Spirit will give us the gifts necessary to fulfill it. Furthermore, we will go into it not on our own strength but in the "power of his glorious might" (vs. 11).
Insight: Remember that the need is not necessarily the call. Don't feel guilty about saying no to works which God has not called you to do.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Specific Tasks From The King
Specific Tasks From The King
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:10)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:1-10
Our passage makes it clear that although we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is not alone. It issues in works that God has had in mind for us from before time began. Ask Him what specific work He has planned for you.
Evan Roberts, the leader of the Welsh revival of 1905, wrote, "All workers, in view of the Lord's coming, should eagerly ask God to enable them to finish their own work ...
They should pray against
1) all spurious work which God has not given them to do;
2) all work which they should have left alone long ago;
3) all work which is of the flesh and not of the Spirit;
4) all work which suppresses the Spirit or draws the worker out of the Spirit;
5) all waste work, which may be good yet keeps the worker from some higher service."
When we establish what work the Lord wants us to undertake, the Holy Spirit will give us the gifts necessary to fulfill it. Furthermore, we will go into it not on our own strength but in the "power of his glorious might" (vs. 11).
Insight: Remember that the need is not necessarily the call. Don't feel guilty about saying no to works which God has not called you to do.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
+DEV+ The Great Commission From The King
Date: February 21, 2013 11:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Great Commission From The King
The Great Commission From The King
"In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:16-20
Sometimes we think of evangelism as a special gift that others may have. It is true that some are specially anointed to a specific work of evangelism as their key ministry. But Jesus gave His Great Commission to all His disciples. It brings a smile to my face when I read, "But some doubted." Nevertheless, they too were given the charge to go and teach everyone Christ's message of salvation.
Evangelism isn't so much an unusual activity, but is something more like breathing. It is like one starving person telling another where to find bread. It is a natural outflow of our lives each day.
The key is not so much in special training (although this helps). What is essential is a heart thrilled with Jesus at a personal level. If we had an intimate personal friendship with the Head of State, would we not be inclined to tell people how wonderful he was? How much more if the King of Kings indwells us by His Spirit! The Spirit will give us the words to say when give an account of the hope that we have.
Insight: "Fill me with your joy, O Lord, that I may give to the great, sad world around me..." (F.B. Meyer)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ The Great Commission From The King
The Great Commission From The King
"In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:16-20
Sometimes we think of evangelism as a special gift that others may have. It is true that some are specially anointed to a specific work of evangelism as their key ministry. But Jesus gave His Great Commission to all His disciples. It brings a smile to my face when I read, "But some doubted." Nevertheless, they too were given the charge to go and teach everyone Christ's message of salvation.
Evangelism isn't so much an unusual activity, but is something more like breathing. It is like one starving person telling another where to find bread. It is a natural outflow of our lives each day.
The key is not so much in special training (although this helps). What is essential is a heart thrilled with Jesus at a personal level. If we had an intimate personal friendship with the Head of State, would we not be inclined to tell people how wonderful he was? How much more if the King of Kings indwells us by His Spirit! The Spirit will give us the words to say when give an account of the hope that we have.
Insight: "Fill me with your joy, O Lord, that I may give to the great, sad world around me..." (F.B. Meyer)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
+DEV+ Our King Conquers All Fear
Date: February 20, 2013 10:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our King Conquers All Fear
Our King Conquers All Fear
"Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen." (Revelation 1:17-18, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 8:11-17; Revelation 1:12-18
We live in an age of fear. The media is filled with impending doom regarding the planet, the economy, terrorism, epidemics etc. God in Isaiah says, "Do not fear what they fear." We are only to "fear" the Lord. We are not to buy into conspiracy theories. The Amplified Bible says in verse 13, "The Lord of Hosts - regard him as holy and honor his Holy Name and let him be your fear and let him be your dread." In other words, He will be your hope of safety.
There is a difference between a healthy fear and an unhealthy fear. The fear or awe of God, “A wholesome dread of displeasing him," is the only healthy fear. We are not to be terrified of His coming as unbelievers are.
The angels in the nativity story say "Fear not" to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds. Their words come to us, too. Many in the world tell us not to worry, or to take care as though we could control the things we are afraid of. But only the One who controls the outcome can say, "Fear not;" He alone merits our awe.
Insight: If I do not "fear" God, I will inevitably fear everything else. We are enjoined to fear Him so that nothing else can disturb us.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Our King Conquers All Fear
Our King Conquers All Fear
"Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen." (Revelation 1:17-18, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 8:11-17; Revelation 1:12-18
We live in an age of fear. The media is filled with impending doom regarding the planet, the economy, terrorism, epidemics etc. God in Isaiah says, "Do not fear what they fear." We are only to "fear" the Lord. We are not to buy into conspiracy theories. The Amplified Bible says in verse 13, "The Lord of Hosts - regard him as holy and honor his Holy Name and let him be your fear and let him be your dread." In other words, He will be your hope of safety.
There is a difference between a healthy fear and an unhealthy fear. The fear or awe of God, “A wholesome dread of displeasing him," is the only healthy fear. We are not to be terrified of His coming as unbelievers are.
The angels in the nativity story say "Fear not" to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds. Their words come to us, too. Many in the world tell us not to worry, or to take care as though we could control the things we are afraid of. But only the One who controls the outcome can say, "Fear not;" He alone merits our awe.
Insight: If I do not "fear" God, I will inevitably fear everything else. We are enjoined to fear Him so that nothing else can disturb us.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
+DEV+ A Kiss Towards The King
Date: February 19, 2013 12:13 AM
Topic: +DEV+ A Kiss Towards The King
A Kiss Towards The King
"Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel." (Psalm 22:3)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 5:1-14
The Greek word for worship is "to kiss towards." It means an act of reverence. In full flow of describing God's dealings with His people, Paul at the end of Romans 11 is so moved by God's love that he breaks out in glorious worship. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God" (vs.33).
Here we find ourselves worshiping the King - not as a religious duty but from the outflow of a grateful heart. It's as natural as breathing.
As our hearts are thrilled with the Lord in our meditating on the Bible, we naturally want to tell our wonderful King what we feel about His greatness and goodness. The elders around the throne in heaven break out in that great surge of praise and worship, casting their crowns before the throne (Revelation 4:10). We want all the glory to go to the One seated on the throne.
A sermon, too, can be more than the imparting of information; in honoring the Lord Jesus Christ it can raise us to the "heavenlies" to cry out to God in worship.
Insight: "O worship the King, all glorious above,O gratefully sing his power and his love." (Sir R. Grant, 1833)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ A Kiss Towards The King
A Kiss Towards The King
"Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel." (Psalm 22:3)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 5:1-14
The Greek word for worship is "to kiss towards." It means an act of reverence. In full flow of describing God's dealings with His people, Paul at the end of Romans 11 is so moved by God's love that he breaks out in glorious worship. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God" (vs.33).
Here we find ourselves worshiping the King - not as a religious duty but from the outflow of a grateful heart. It's as natural as breathing.
As our hearts are thrilled with the Lord in our meditating on the Bible, we naturally want to tell our wonderful King what we feel about His greatness and goodness. The elders around the throne in heaven break out in that great surge of praise and worship, casting their crowns before the throne (Revelation 4:10). We want all the glory to go to the One seated on the throne.
A sermon, too, can be more than the imparting of information; in honoring the Lord Jesus Christ it can raise us to the "heavenlies" to cry out to God in worship.
Insight: "O worship the King, all glorious above,O gratefully sing his power and his love." (Sir R. Grant, 1833)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Monday, February 18, 2013
+DEV+ A King We Can Trust
Date: February 18, 2013 12:16 AM
Topic: +DEV+ A King We Can Trust
A King We Can Trust
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." (Isaiah 26:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 31:1-24
We will be let down if we put absolute trust in anyone or anything but the King, Jesus Christ. Of course, there are many people we must rely on and trust. Once when I was climbing a rock face and missed my footing, my immediate trust was in the person holding the rope. I thank God he was there! But another person may not always be there for us in every situation to "hold onto" us. We, ourselves, have sometimes proven untrustworthy for others. Our King will never let that rope go!
A meaning of the Hebrew word "trust," according to Young's Concordance, is "refuge." We recently visited the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. It is a magnificent citadel whose Moorish king put his trust in it as a refuge. Eventually, it fell without even a fight. David puts his trust in the Lord as his refuge (Psalm 31:1). He knows God will deliver him from his enemies (vs.15) and from accusing tongues (vs.20). Therefore, he will hope only in the Lord and can "be strong and take heart" (vs. 24). Shall we do the same?
Insight: Amos warns that leaning on anything but our strong King is like leaning your hand on a wall only to be bit by a serpent (5:19).
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ A King We Can Trust
A King We Can Trust
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." (Isaiah 26:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 31:1-24
We will be let down if we put absolute trust in anyone or anything but the King, Jesus Christ. Of course, there are many people we must rely on and trust. Once when I was climbing a rock face and missed my footing, my immediate trust was in the person holding the rope. I thank God he was there! But another person may not always be there for us in every situation to "hold onto" us. We, ourselves, have sometimes proven untrustworthy for others. Our King will never let that rope go!
A meaning of the Hebrew word "trust," according to Young's Concordance, is "refuge." We recently visited the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. It is a magnificent citadel whose Moorish king put his trust in it as a refuge. Eventually, it fell without even a fight. David puts his trust in the Lord as his refuge (Psalm 31:1). He knows God will deliver him from his enemies (vs.15) and from accusing tongues (vs.20). Therefore, he will hope only in the Lord and can "be strong and take heart" (vs. 24). Shall we do the same?
Insight: Amos warns that leaning on anything but our strong King is like leaning your hand on a wall only to be bit by a serpent (5:19).
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
+DEV+ Discipline The King Gives
Date: February 12, 2013 10:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Discipline The King Gives
Discipline The King Gives
"But the fruit of the Spirit is... self-control... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:22-24)
Scripture Focus: Romans 6:1-14
This verse used to puzzle me. How could I have crucified my sinful nature when it still seemed to be alive and kicking? Had I missed out on some crucial experience? Why was self-control so elusive for me?
Then I noticed Romans 6:8. "We died with Christ." Jesus took my sinful nature up to the cross and crucified it for me. We cannot exercise self-control over our "sinful nature." What I was unable to do, He did. The Galatians verse is not highlighting something we haven't done; it is reminding us of what Jesus has already done for us. Because of Him, we count that nature as dead.
In a recent TV program, some older people who had lost some of their previous abilities were challenged to think that they were 45 years old again. They did seem to act younger for a while and to recapture some youth. But our "counting ourselves dead to sin" is different than just determined thinking. This is no self-help philosophy. It is based on an objective reality: that Christ, our Maker and Friend, died for us.
Insight: Are you unable to exercise self-control? It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Ask, and He will make it a reality in your life.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Discipline The King Gives
Discipline The King Gives
"But the fruit of the Spirit is... self-control... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:22-24)
Scripture Focus: Romans 6:1-14
This verse used to puzzle me. How could I have crucified my sinful nature when it still seemed to be alive and kicking? Had I missed out on some crucial experience? Why was self-control so elusive for me?
Then I noticed Romans 6:8. "We died with Christ." Jesus took my sinful nature up to the cross and crucified it for me. We cannot exercise self-control over our "sinful nature." What I was unable to do, He did. The Galatians verse is not highlighting something we haven't done; it is reminding us of what Jesus has already done for us. Because of Him, we count that nature as dead.
In a recent TV program, some older people who had lost some of their previous abilities were challenged to think that they were 45 years old again. They did seem to act younger for a while and to recapture some youth. But our "counting ourselves dead to sin" is different than just determined thinking. This is no self-help philosophy. It is based on an objective reality: that Christ, our Maker and Friend, died for us.
Insight: Are you unable to exercise self-control? It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Ask, and He will make it a reality in your life.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Monday, February 11, 2013
+DEV+ A King’s Heart
Date: February 11, 2013 11:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A King’s Heart
A King’s Heart
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)
Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 11, 12:1-14
King David was a man after God's own heart. He was the anointed king of Israel. If anyone should have been really holy, you would think it would be this man. David was not young or inexperienced on the night he wandered onto his rooftop and gazed at a bathing woman. David knew God, had walked with Him for years, and had been delivered by Him from many enemies. Yet when God left David to His own sinful desires that night, we learn that even the most mature and godly believer is capable of horrendous sin.
God did not rescue David from himself that night. Desire gave birth to sin and death, to adultery and murder. How could this ever glorify God or bring good to David? Read Psalm 51 and think again. "Have mercy on me, O God ...create in me a pure heart, renew a right spirit...." This is the language of dependence, humility, and worship. It's a hard and prideful heart melted. Self-reliance was obliterated, and now David was ready once again to lead transgressors to a merciful and forgiving God.
Insight: "My heart is like a highway, ...nothing so false, frivolous, [or] horrid but it can obtain access, and that at any time, in any place." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ A King’s Heart
A King’s Heart
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)
Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 11, 12:1-14
King David was a man after God's own heart. He was the anointed king of Israel. If anyone should have been really holy, you would think it would be this man. David was not young or inexperienced on the night he wandered onto his rooftop and gazed at a bathing woman. David knew God, had walked with Him for years, and had been delivered by Him from many enemies. Yet when God left David to His own sinful desires that night, we learn that even the most mature and godly believer is capable of horrendous sin.
God did not rescue David from himself that night. Desire gave birth to sin and death, to adultery and murder. How could this ever glorify God or bring good to David? Read Psalm 51 and think again. "Have mercy on me, O God ...create in me a pure heart, renew a right spirit...." This is the language of dependence, humility, and worship. It's a hard and prideful heart melted. Self-reliance was obliterated, and now David was ready once again to lead transgressors to a merciful and forgiving God.
Insight: "My heart is like a highway, ...nothing so false, frivolous, [or] horrid but it can obtain access, and that at any time, in any place." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
+DEV+ God Loves A Soft Heart
Date: February 10, 2013 11:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God Loves A Soft Heart
God Loves A Soft Heart
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 25
God loves a broken and a contrite heart. How do you get one of those? Have you ever sat down and worked out a plan to get a soft, tender heart that thinks much of Christ and little of yourself? Have you been successful? Or have you learned time and time again that you have no power to change your heart?
There are no rules you can follow, no verses you can memorize, no law you can cling to which will guarantee you a contrite heart. Yet God is faithful, and He will do this for you. He carefully measures out loving doses of success and failure, strength and weakness, joy and sorrow, to bring you to Him and soften your heart. At times, He will leave you for a season to the hardness of your heart, to your sinful pride and self-dependence. Before too long, however, He will melt you once again by showing you your sin, generously giving you sweet repentance and the gift of seeing the enormity of your need and the completeness of your dependence on Him. What is God up to in your heart today?
Insight: "To be humble like a little child, ...conscious of snares and dangers as to cry to him continually.. is the secret of walking closely with him." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ God Loves A Soft Heart
God Loves A Soft Heart
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 25
God loves a broken and a contrite heart. How do you get one of those? Have you ever sat down and worked out a plan to get a soft, tender heart that thinks much of Christ and little of yourself? Have you been successful? Or have you learned time and time again that you have no power to change your heart?
There are no rules you can follow, no verses you can memorize, no law you can cling to which will guarantee you a contrite heart. Yet God is faithful, and He will do this for you. He carefully measures out loving doses of success and failure, strength and weakness, joy and sorrow, to bring you to Him and soften your heart. At times, He will leave you for a season to the hardness of your heart, to your sinful pride and self-dependence. Before too long, however, He will melt you once again by showing you your sin, generously giving you sweet repentance and the gift of seeing the enormity of your need and the completeness of your dependence on Him. What is God up to in your heart today?
Insight: "To be humble like a little child, ...conscious of snares and dangers as to cry to him continually.. is the secret of walking closely with him." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
A Texas Girl with a plan!
A Texas Girl with a plan!
"IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER,YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM"
WRITTEN BY A 21 YEAR OLD FEMALE
Wow, this girl has a great plan! Love the last thing she would do the best.
This was written by a 21 yr old female who gets it It's her future she's worried about and this is how she feels about the social welfare big government state that she's being forced to live in! These solutions are just common sense in her opinion.
This was in the Waco Tribune Herald, Waco , TX , Nov 18, 2011
PUT ME IN CHARGE . . .
Put me in charge of food stamps. I'd get rid of Lone Star cards; no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, just money for 50-pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job.
Put me in charge of Medicaid. The first thing I'd do is to get women Norplant birth control implants or tubal ligations. Then, we'll test recipients for drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. If you want to reproduce or use drugs, alcohol, or smoke, then get a job.
Put me in charge of government housing. Ever live in a military barracks? You will maintain our property in a clean and good state of repair. Your home" will be subject to inspections anytime and possessions will be inventoried. If you want a plasma TV or Xbox 360, then get a job and your own place.
In addition, you will either present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a "government" job. It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public housing, whatever we find for you. We will sell your 22 inch rims and low profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward the "common good.."
Before you write that I've violated someone's rights, realize that all of the above is voluntary. If you want our money, accept our rules. Before you say that this would be "demeaning" and ruin their "self esteem," consider that it wasn't that long ago that taking someone else's money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self esteem.
If we are expected to pay for other people's mistakes we should at least attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards them for continuing to make bad choices.
AND While you are on Gov't subsistence, you no longer can VOTE! Yes, that is correct. For you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will voluntarily remove yourself from voting while you are receiving a Gov't welfare check. If you want to vote, then get a job.
Now, if you have the guts - PASS IT ON...I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET THIS BACK, IF EVERYONE SENDS IT, I WILL GET OVER 220 BACK!!! I WOULD KNOW YOU SENT IT ON!!!
--
IN "GOD" I TRUST!
QUESTION ALL OTHERS,
"IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER,YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM"
WRITTEN BY A 21 YEAR OLD FEMALE
Wow, this girl has a great plan! Love the last thing she would do the best.
This was written by a 21 yr old female who gets it It's her future she's worried about and this is how she feels about the social welfare big government state that she's being forced to live in! These solutions are just common sense in her opinion.
This was in the Waco Tribune Herald, Waco , TX , Nov 18, 2011
PUT ME IN CHARGE . . .
Put me in charge of food stamps. I'd get rid of Lone Star cards; no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, just money for 50-pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job.
Put me in charge of Medicaid. The first thing I'd do is to get women Norplant birth control implants or tubal ligations. Then, we'll test recipients for drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. If you want to reproduce or use drugs, alcohol, or smoke, then get a job.
Put me in charge of government housing. Ever live in a military barracks? You will maintain our property in a clean and good state of repair. Your home" will be subject to inspections anytime and possessions will be inventoried. If you want a plasma TV or Xbox 360, then get a job and your own place.
In addition, you will either present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a "government" job. It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public housing, whatever we find for you. We will sell your 22 inch rims and low profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward the "common good.."
Before you write that I've violated someone's rights, realize that all of the above is voluntary. If you want our money, accept our rules. Before you say that this would be "demeaning" and ruin their "self esteem," consider that it wasn't that long ago that taking someone else's money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self esteem.
If we are expected to pay for other people's mistakes we should at least attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards them for continuing to make bad choices.
AND While you are on Gov't subsistence, you no longer can VOTE! Yes, that is correct. For you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will voluntarily remove yourself from voting while you are receiving a Gov't welfare check. If you want to vote, then get a job.
Now, if you have the guts - PASS IT ON...I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET THIS BACK, IF EVERYONE SENDS IT, I WILL GET OVER 220 BACK!!! I WOULD KNOW YOU SENT IT ON!!!
--
IN "GOD" I TRUST!
QUESTION ALL OTHERS,
Thursday, February 7, 2013
+DEV+ Look Upon Me, Please
Date: February 7, 2013 11:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Look Upon Me, Please
Look Upon Me, Please
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:5-6, 16-18
We are all repeat offenders: irresistibly drawn to worship ourselves and to gather a crowd of admirers around us. Our speech is devoted to subtle attempts to demonstrate our own excellence, demeaning others or reciting our triumphs and victories. We can hardly bear to receive praise and acclaim without passing it on so that everyone else can enjoy us.
God loves us far too much to allow us to live in clouds of self-adoration. In kindness, He ordains that we fall flat on our faces, until we are weaned from self-hope and love and turn our eyes to our beautiful Redeemer. Christ isn't glorious to us when our own glory blinds us and consumes every thought. Christ becomes overwhelmingly gorgeous to us when we see our vile sin compared with His humble obedience and outrageous self-sacrifice.
When you sin today, thank God for this reminder to take your eyes off yourself and look to Christ. See Him in all His sinless perfection, and marvel again that He should love you and die for you.
Insight: "You need nothing to make you happy, but to have the eyes of your understanding fixed upon the Redeemer...O he is a suitable Savior!" (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Look Upon Me, Please
Look Upon Me, Please
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:5-6, 16-18
We are all repeat offenders: irresistibly drawn to worship ourselves and to gather a crowd of admirers around us. Our speech is devoted to subtle attempts to demonstrate our own excellence, demeaning others or reciting our triumphs and victories. We can hardly bear to receive praise and acclaim without passing it on so that everyone else can enjoy us.
God loves us far too much to allow us to live in clouds of self-adoration. In kindness, He ordains that we fall flat on our faces, until we are weaned from self-hope and love and turn our eyes to our beautiful Redeemer. Christ isn't glorious to us when our own glory blinds us and consumes every thought. Christ becomes overwhelmingly gorgeous to us when we see our vile sin compared with His humble obedience and outrageous self-sacrifice.
When you sin today, thank God for this reminder to take your eyes off yourself and look to Christ. See Him in all His sinless perfection, and marvel again that He should love you and die for you.
Insight: "You need nothing to make you happy, but to have the eyes of your understanding fixed upon the Redeemer...O he is a suitable Savior!" (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
+DEV+ We Are Never Left Alone
Date: February 7, 2013 12:22 AM
Topic: +DEV+ We Are Never Left Alone
We Are Never Left Alone
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one...." (Matthew 6:13)
Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 32:25-26
Do you understand the incredibly wonderful news that once you are saved, God will never leave you or forsake you? You are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and you cannot escape His loving care no matter how hard you try. He will never leave you, but He will often leave you to yourself, as He did Hezekiah.
Why is it that sometimes, when you try hard not to sin you are actually successful, and other times you try just as hard and you fail completely? You don't have the power to obey God without the fresh work of the Holy Spirit each and every time. You really are that weak and helpless! As a Christian, you are still very good at sinning, yet you are unable to obey without God's intervention.
Why would a loving God leave us to ourselves so often throughout the day? He does this to humble us, to persuade us of our depravity and need for Him, and to help us cherish Jesus Christ, the only hope for our lives. In love, He will leave you to yourself to remind you freshly of your overwhelming need for a Savior.
Insight: "God often leaves his own children to manifold temptations to humble them and make them more Watchful." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ We Are Never Left Alone
We Are Never Left Alone
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one...." (Matthew 6:13)
Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 32:25-26
Do you understand the incredibly wonderful news that once you are saved, God will never leave you or forsake you? You are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and you cannot escape His loving care no matter how hard you try. He will never leave you, but He will often leave you to yourself, as He did Hezekiah.
Why is it that sometimes, when you try hard not to sin you are actually successful, and other times you try just as hard and you fail completely? You don't have the power to obey God without the fresh work of the Holy Spirit each and every time. You really are that weak and helpless! As a Christian, you are still very good at sinning, yet you are unable to obey without God's intervention.
Why would a loving God leave us to ourselves so often throughout the day? He does this to humble us, to persuade us of our depravity and need for Him, and to help us cherish Jesus Christ, the only hope for our lives. In love, He will leave you to yourself to remind you freshly of your overwhelming need for a Savior.
Insight: "God often leaves his own children to manifold temptations to humble them and make them more Watchful." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
+DEV+ Will We Ever Obey?
Date: February 6, 2013 12:43 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Will We Ever Obey?
Will We Ever Obey?
"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12b-13)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 51:10-13
Many times today you will be faced with a choice to obey God or sin-as sinful thoughts drift through your mind, as you live with difficult people, as you drive through traffic to get to work. Each time your heart will either turn toward God in worship and obedience, or it will flare with rebellion and turn away to worship something else. What will make the difference?
When Christ says that without Him we can do nothing, He really means it. The Holy Spirit is not like a tool kit which you receive at salvation and must learn to use properly. He is the Spirit of the living God, powerful and active, working purposefully in your mind and soul every minute of every day. He doesn't need your permission or even your cooperation to do His work. When you are tempted to sin, He will either give you supernatural grace to withstand the temptation and obey, or He will leave you to yourself to discover your weakness and grow in your humility. In each circumstance He is lovingly growing you up in grace. May you grow to be more like Him each day!
Insight: "God's honor is not compromised by sin in the hearts of those whom he teaches to wrestle and mourn on account of it." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Will We Ever Obey?
Will We Ever Obey?
"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12b-13)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 51:10-13
Many times today you will be faced with a choice to obey God or sin-as sinful thoughts drift through your mind, as you live with difficult people, as you drive through traffic to get to work. Each time your heart will either turn toward God in worship and obedience, or it will flare with rebellion and turn away to worship something else. What will make the difference?
When Christ says that without Him we can do nothing, He really means it. The Holy Spirit is not like a tool kit which you receive at salvation and must learn to use properly. He is the Spirit of the living God, powerful and active, working purposefully in your mind and soul every minute of every day. He doesn't need your permission or even your cooperation to do His work. When you are tempted to sin, He will either give you supernatural grace to withstand the temptation and obey, or He will leave you to yourself to discover your weakness and grow in your humility. In each circumstance He is lovingly growing you up in grace. May you grow to be more like Him each day!
Insight: "God's honor is not compromised by sin in the hearts of those whom he teaches to wrestle and mourn on account of it." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
+DEV+ Beginning, End, and Middle
Date: February 5, 2013 12:19 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Beginning, End, and Middle
Beginning, End, and Middle
"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
Scripture Focus: Galatians 3:1-9
The moment you were saved, God began a good work in you. What an amazing thought! Your salvation was all His work as He breathed His Spirit into your lifeless soul, opened your blind eyes, and gave you faith. In the end, all the credit will be His, for in the twinkling of an eye, He will take you to be with Him, and you will be perfect and sinless.
That explains the beginning and the end; but do you find yourself confused about the middle part? Somehow, we think He's left that portion up to us, and we grow discouraged when it doesn't seem to be going well. We still sin more than we want to, and we are easily dazzled by anything but Christ.
Would it make a difference to you to know that your life is going exactly as God has planned, sin and all? God loves you far too much to leave the crucial work of sanctification up to you. If you're like me, you'll fail and run away every chance you get. Praise God that the middle belongs to Him as well, and He always gets His way with our sinful hearts.
Insight: "Believers are like earthen vessels, liable in themselves to be destroyed by a small blow; yet so strengthened by divine grace they cannot be harmed." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Beginning, End, and Middle
Beginning, End, and Middle
"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
Scripture Focus: Galatians 3:1-9
The moment you were saved, God began a good work in you. What an amazing thought! Your salvation was all His work as He breathed His Spirit into your lifeless soul, opened your blind eyes, and gave you faith. In the end, all the credit will be His, for in the twinkling of an eye, He will take you to be with Him, and you will be perfect and sinless.
That explains the beginning and the end; but do you find yourself confused about the middle part? Somehow, we think He's left that portion up to us, and we grow discouraged when it doesn't seem to be going well. We still sin more than we want to, and we are easily dazzled by anything but Christ.
Would it make a difference to you to know that your life is going exactly as God has planned, sin and all? God loves you far too much to leave the crucial work of sanctification up to you. If you're like me, you'll fail and run away every chance you get. Praise God that the middle belongs to Him as well, and He always gets His way with our sinful hearts.
Insight: "Believers are like earthen vessels, liable in themselves to be destroyed by a small blow; yet so strengthened by divine grace they cannot be harmed." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Monday, February 4, 2013
+DEV+ Pleasure Of The Father
Date: February 4, 2013 1:09 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Pleasure Of The Father
Pleasure Of The Father
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who... gave himself for me."
(Galatians 2:20)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 3:13-17
What makes your face light up with joy? Does your heart race at the sight of a beloved person or at that first glimpse of a newborn baby? Do you come alive with pleasure when you see beautiful art or taste a gourmet meal? Just try to imagine what on earth could bring pleasure and delight to the heart and mind of an infinite God?
Scripture tells us that God delights in the Godhead, each member of the Trinity participating eternally in mutual love and endless satisfaction and joy. How then, could I ever hope to please God or bring joy to Him, especially as a fallen sinner? Yet God does delight in me because I am united by faith to the Son who pleased Him perfectly on my behalf. How does God feel about His Son? Is He ever annoyed or exasperated with Him, impatient, disappointed or bored? No! He adores Him at every moment of every day. When I am united to Christ and His perfection is credited to me, God looks at me and sees His Son. And He is riveted and overjoyed by what He sees...always!
Insight: "Why does the Father treasure his Son so? Because he sees himself in his Son. His own perfections are flawlessly reflected there." (Steve Estes)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Pleasure Of The Father
Pleasure Of The Father
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who... gave himself for me."
(Galatians 2:20)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 3:13-17
What makes your face light up with joy? Does your heart race at the sight of a beloved person or at that first glimpse of a newborn baby? Do you come alive with pleasure when you see beautiful art or taste a gourmet meal? Just try to imagine what on earth could bring pleasure and delight to the heart and mind of an infinite God?
Scripture tells us that God delights in the Godhead, each member of the Trinity participating eternally in mutual love and endless satisfaction and joy. How then, could I ever hope to please God or bring joy to Him, especially as a fallen sinner? Yet God does delight in me because I am united by faith to the Son who pleased Him perfectly on my behalf. How does God feel about His Son? Is He ever annoyed or exasperated with Him, impatient, disappointed or bored? No! He adores Him at every moment of every day. When I am united to Christ and His perfection is credited to me, God looks at me and sees His Son. And He is riveted and overjoyed by what He sees...always!
Insight: "Why does the Father treasure his Son so? Because he sees himself in his Son. His own perfections are flawlessly reflected there." (Steve Estes)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Friday, February 1, 2013
+DEV+ My Name Is Written On His Heart
Date: February 1, 2013 1:08 AM
Topic: +DEV+ My Name Is Written On His Heart
My Name Is Written On His Heart
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28)
Scripture Focus: Romans 8:31-39
Do you remember reading Romeo and Juliet? Their love for each other was so strong that they both preferred death over being apart. I have a Savior who "would rather die than live without me," too. He did that, indeed, but His death was not final.
What word but love could describe the heart of Christ as He suffered for the joy set before Him? You and I are that joy! Despite our doubt, pride, anxiety, depression, addictions, idolatries, bitter thoughts and lying tongues, we still are the delight of His heart and the apple of His eye.
In love, He paid for every sin I have committed or ever will commit; in love, He holds on to me - tighter than Romeo could ever hold Juliet. In love, my name is written on His heart and graven in the wounds on His hands. My sin can't stop His plan to bless me with every spiritual blessing. His love does not depend on my performance, but on His own obedience. Here I rest in complete safety, knowing that I am in the very center of the greatest love story ever told.
Insight: "God knows our frame; he remembers that we are but dust; and has opened for us a new and blood-besprinkled way of access to the throne of grace..." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ My Name Is Written On His Heart
My Name Is Written On His Heart
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28)
Scripture Focus: Romans 8:31-39
Do you remember reading Romeo and Juliet? Their love for each other was so strong that they both preferred death over being apart. I have a Savior who "would rather die than live without me," too. He did that, indeed, but His death was not final.
What word but love could describe the heart of Christ as He suffered for the joy set before Him? You and I are that joy! Despite our doubt, pride, anxiety, depression, addictions, idolatries, bitter thoughts and lying tongues, we still are the delight of His heart and the apple of His eye.
In love, He paid for every sin I have committed or ever will commit; in love, He holds on to me - tighter than Romeo could ever hold Juliet. In love, my name is written on His heart and graven in the wounds on His hands. My sin can't stop His plan to bless me with every spiritual blessing. His love does not depend on my performance, but on His own obedience. Here I rest in complete safety, knowing that I am in the very center of the greatest love story ever told.
Insight: "God knows our frame; he remembers that we are but dust; and has opened for us a new and blood-besprinkled way of access to the throne of grace..." (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
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