Date: July 30, 2013 11:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ We Have Entertained Angels Unawares
We Have Entertained Angels Unawares
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:1-3
A preacher known for having a Bible verse for every occasion was preaching a sermon once when a bug flew into his mouth. Without hesitating, the pastor took the bug from his mouth and said to it, "You were a stranger, and I took you in!"
What do you think of when you hear the word "stranger?" One song writer said, "People think I'm strange, does that make me a stranger? My best friend was born in a manger!" In other words, who could be more different and unique than the Lord of Glory, the man Christ Jesus?
The Spirit of God encourages us to show hospitality and brotherly love to people we don't know, often the very people we steer clear of. One sure way to help us overcome our fear of strangers is to consider that perhaps the stranger we are entertaining is not a threat to us at all, but rather a ministering spirit sent to entertain and bless us (see Hebrews 1:14). Remember how God often works in unlikely ways, sending the lowliest of "strangers" to our world for His great redemption plan.
Insight: The blessed surprises in life are found on the narrow path that leads to life.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
+DEV+ Fix Your Eyes On Jesus
Date: July 29, 2013 11:29 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Fix Your Eyes On Jesus
Fix Your Eyes On Jesus
"But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 19:15-29
Doris Troy said it all when she sang in the mid '60s, "Just one look, that's all it took!" Lot's wife looked back on the burning Sodom and Gomorrah, instantly becoming a pillar of salt. Does this seem a bit harsh? It depends what kind of "look" Lot's wife "took."
It is one thing to look back on a tragedy with sadness, pity and thanksgiving for the grace and mercy of God. It is good to look over our days or years to see God's faithfulness, the ways in which we served Him, and the ways we fell short.
But it is quite another thing to look back as the Israelites did when they murmured in the wilderness, begging to return to Egypt. Jesus didn't mince words when He said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).
Lot's wife was looking longingly at her old life as if to say, "I prefer staying in Sodom and Gomorrah rather than following this Angel of the Lord." Direct your gaze on Him and look forward to safety and a new life in Christ.
Insight: Eyes fixed on Jesus are too transfixed to look back.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Topic: +DEV+ Fix Your Eyes On Jesus
Fix Your Eyes On Jesus
"But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 19:15-29
Doris Troy said it all when she sang in the mid '60s, "Just one look, that's all it took!" Lot's wife looked back on the burning Sodom and Gomorrah, instantly becoming a pillar of salt. Does this seem a bit harsh? It depends what kind of "look" Lot's wife "took."
It is one thing to look back on a tragedy with sadness, pity and thanksgiving for the grace and mercy of God. It is good to look over our days or years to see God's faithfulness, the ways in which we served Him, and the ways we fell short.
But it is quite another thing to look back as the Israelites did when they murmured in the wilderness, begging to return to Egypt. Jesus didn't mince words when He said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).
Lot's wife was looking longingly at her old life as if to say, "I prefer staying in Sodom and Gomorrah rather than following this Angel of the Lord." Direct your gaze on Him and look forward to safety and a new life in Christ.
Insight: Eyes fixed on Jesus are too transfixed to look back.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Sunday, July 28, 2013
+DEV+ Be At Rest
Date: July 28, 2013 10:11 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Be At Rest
Be At Rest
"When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid." (Mark 5:15)
Scripture Focus: Mark 5:1-20
Jesus and the disciples make a trip across the Sea of Galilee to radically transform the life and soul of ONE man! If this man lived today, we would have him committed for being a danger to himself and society. He'd be as good as dead - living among the tombs.
But after a divine encounter with the Lord, the wild man's fellow countrymen find him seated, suited and sane. It's extraordinary. He had been completely and totally transformed.
To be seated in Scripture is to be at rest. Jesus sat down at the right hand of God the Father, finishing His work of redemption and taking His seat of power. Jesus gives the weary soul rest! To be clothed in Scripture is to have your nakedness or shame covered by the gracious provision of the Lord. Adam and Eve were clothed with the robes of righteousness, animal skins provided through the shedding of blood. To be in your right mind is to be declared sane, of sound mind. The Spirit of God renews our minds so that we are able to have the mind of Christ!
Insight: While we are seated, suited and sane as believers, we look forward to our eternal rest, our new clothes and a perfected mind!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our wen site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Topic: +DEV+ Be At Rest
Be At Rest
"When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid." (Mark 5:15)
Scripture Focus: Mark 5:1-20
Jesus and the disciples make a trip across the Sea of Galilee to radically transform the life and soul of ONE man! If this man lived today, we would have him committed for being a danger to himself and society. He'd be as good as dead - living among the tombs.
But after a divine encounter with the Lord, the wild man's fellow countrymen find him seated, suited and sane. It's extraordinary. He had been completely and totally transformed.
To be seated in Scripture is to be at rest. Jesus sat down at the right hand of God the Father, finishing His work of redemption and taking His seat of power. Jesus gives the weary soul rest! To be clothed in Scripture is to have your nakedness or shame covered by the gracious provision of the Lord. Adam and Eve were clothed with the robes of righteousness, animal skins provided through the shedding of blood. To be in your right mind is to be declared sane, of sound mind. The Spirit of God renews our minds so that we are able to have the mind of Christ!
Insight: While we are seated, suited and sane as believers, we look forward to our eternal rest, our new clothes and a perfected mind!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our wen site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Thursday, July 25, 2013
+DEV+ God's Plans Work Through The Hands Of Man
Date: July 25, 2013 1:15 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God's Plans Work Through The Hands Of Man
God's Plans Work Through The Hands Of Man
"But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed." (Acts 27:22)
Scripture Focus: Acts 27:13-44
The Apostle Paul is being shipped to Rome to be tried as a Roman citizen for his radical ministry and message concerning Jesus Christ. On the way, a great tempest named "Euroclydon" dashes the ship against the rocks and threatens the lives of all on board.
As the stress level rises and everyone fears for his life, an angel gives Paul the good news: "There will be no loss of life," and the not-so-good news: "The ship will be lost."
If you read this story carefully, you will discover that God's gracious promise to save the crew is not worked out in a vacuum. Neither the Apostle Paul nor the sailors simply stop their rescue efforts and say, "Well, the Lord has this one under control. Let's just watch and see how He carries us to safety."
Not at all! The sailors make the ship lighter by throwing cargo overboard and ultimately are saved by "staying in the boat" (vs. 31). Fatalism says, "It doesn't matter what I do." God's sovereignty says, "God's plans are often worked out through the hands of man!"
Insight: God ordains the end as well as the means to that end.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Topic: +DEV+ God's Plans Work Through The Hands Of Man
God's Plans Work Through The Hands Of Man
"But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed." (Acts 27:22)
Scripture Focus: Acts 27:13-44
The Apostle Paul is being shipped to Rome to be tried as a Roman citizen for his radical ministry and message concerning Jesus Christ. On the way, a great tempest named "Euroclydon" dashes the ship against the rocks and threatens the lives of all on board.
As the stress level rises and everyone fears for his life, an angel gives Paul the good news: "There will be no loss of life," and the not-so-good news: "The ship will be lost."
If you read this story carefully, you will discover that God's gracious promise to save the crew is not worked out in a vacuum. Neither the Apostle Paul nor the sailors simply stop their rescue efforts and say, "Well, the Lord has this one under control. Let's just watch and see how He carries us to safety."
Not at all! The sailors make the ship lighter by throwing cargo overboard and ultimately are saved by "staying in the boat" (vs. 31). Fatalism says, "It doesn't matter what I do." God's sovereignty says, "God's plans are often worked out through the hands of man!"
Insight: God ordains the end as well as the means to that end.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
+DEV+ Be Fruitful And Multiply
Date: July 24, 2013 1:20 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Be Fruitful And Multiply
Be Fruitful And Multiply
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Solomon 2:7)
Scripture Focus: Song of Solomon 2:1-13
It stands to reason that if anyone were to write the definitive book on affection, love and marriage, it would be the LORD! Remember, He did create us male and female, commanded us "to be fruitful and multiply," and conducted the first wedding ceremony in the Garden of Eden. Even Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee.
Three times during the course of Solomon's words of courtship with his beloved, the Lord exhorts the lovers not to "arouse or awaken love" until it is appropriate. (2:7; 3:5; 8:4) While the Song of Solomon rejoices in the romantic overtures and feelings that blossom in the heart of every lover, it also warns young lovers to be careful!
On the one hand, we should not rush or strive to manipulate love. It will grow naturally as the Lord gives it life. In due season, the right young man or woman will come along. On the other hand, when love begins to grow, the Lord has given us the covenant of marriage to freely stir up and awaken love for our mutual pleasure.
Insight: Affection, romance, and love will grow naturally and beautifully - if we "play according to the rules".
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Topic: +DEV+ Be Fruitful And Multiply
Be Fruitful And Multiply
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Solomon 2:7)
Scripture Focus: Song of Solomon 2:1-13
It stands to reason that if anyone were to write the definitive book on affection, love and marriage, it would be the LORD! Remember, He did create us male and female, commanded us "to be fruitful and multiply," and conducted the first wedding ceremony in the Garden of Eden. Even Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee.
Three times during the course of Solomon's words of courtship with his beloved, the Lord exhorts the lovers not to "arouse or awaken love" until it is appropriate. (2:7; 3:5; 8:4) While the Song of Solomon rejoices in the romantic overtures and feelings that blossom in the heart of every lover, it also warns young lovers to be careful!
On the one hand, we should not rush or strive to manipulate love. It will grow naturally as the Lord gives it life. In due season, the right young man or woman will come along. On the other hand, when love begins to grow, the Lord has given us the covenant of marriage to freely stir up and awaken love for our mutual pleasure.
Insight: Affection, romance, and love will grow naturally and beautifully - if we "play according to the rules".
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
+DEV+ Pray Before The God Of Heaven
Date: July 23, 2013 12:29 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Pray Before The God Of Heaven
Pray Before The God Of Heaven
"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4)
Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah had the job of a lifetime. He lived in the luxurious palace as the trusted cupbearer to the King of Persia. In the midst of this ease, affluence and plenty, Nehemiah was moved by a report about the tragic conditions in Jerusalem: walls were broken down, the gates were burned with fire, people were in great distress.
How do we respond when we hear about the suffering of fellow Christians? Nehemiah immediately bears their burden as His own. He sits down and weeps, mourning for many days and then seeking the Lord's mercy on behalf of the people. He prays for favor before the king.
Nehemiah's courage and loyalty are extraordinary. First, he asks the king to send him to Jerusalem to rebuild a city that will ultimately be at odds with him. Secondly, Nehemiah asks the king for a blank check to get the job done. In short order, the king says "Yes!" and Nehemiah sets out on his mission of mercy. Let your heart be moved by the God for whom all things are possible and whose kingdom will never end.
Insight: Favor with God comes before favor with man.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Topic: +DEV+ Pray Before The God Of Heaven
Pray Before The God Of Heaven
"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4)
Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah had the job of a lifetime. He lived in the luxurious palace as the trusted cupbearer to the King of Persia. In the midst of this ease, affluence and plenty, Nehemiah was moved by a report about the tragic conditions in Jerusalem: walls were broken down, the gates were burned with fire, people were in great distress.
How do we respond when we hear about the suffering of fellow Christians? Nehemiah immediately bears their burden as His own. He sits down and weeps, mourning for many days and then seeking the Lord's mercy on behalf of the people. He prays for favor before the king.
Nehemiah's courage and loyalty are extraordinary. First, he asks the king to send him to Jerusalem to rebuild a city that will ultimately be at odds with him. Secondly, Nehemiah asks the king for a blank check to get the job done. In short order, the king says "Yes!" and Nehemiah sets out on his mission of mercy. Let your heart be moved by the God for whom all things are possible and whose kingdom will never end.
Insight: Favor with God comes before favor with man.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series
Sunday, July 21, 2013
+DEV+ Second Chances
Date: July 21, 2013 9:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Second Chances
Second Chances
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Lamentations 3:19-32
Most people believe in second chances. After all, to err is human. If you dismally fail a test in school, you may be offered a retest. If you're in a car accident, your insurance has accident forgiveness. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? But how many of those can a person hope for?
Jeremiah lived during a spiritually dark time in Israel. God's people were living in sin and were being disciplined for it. Yet they were not consumed by the Lord's wrath or barred from His mercy.
During my six years in prison, the Lord was disciplining me for my sin. Every morning at sunrise the same announcement echoed through the cell block: "Inmates, GET UP, GET DRESSED, and GET READY FOR CHOW! Cell doors opening in five minutes!" The message was clear: no more second chances.
But at the same time revelry was played, I was finishing my time in the Word of God. The cell that could have consumed me became the prayer closet whereby I experienced the mercy and faithfulness of God every morning.
Insight: There is always a fresh start and a new day in the kingdom of God.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
Topic: +DEV+ Second Chances
Second Chances
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Lamentations 3:19-32
Most people believe in second chances. After all, to err is human. If you dismally fail a test in school, you may be offered a retest. If you're in a car accident, your insurance has accident forgiveness. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? But how many of those can a person hope for?
Jeremiah lived during a spiritually dark time in Israel. God's people were living in sin and were being disciplined for it. Yet they were not consumed by the Lord's wrath or barred from His mercy.
During my six years in prison, the Lord was disciplining me for my sin. Every morning at sunrise the same announcement echoed through the cell block: "Inmates, GET UP, GET DRESSED, and GET READY FOR CHOW! Cell doors opening in five minutes!" The message was clear: no more second chances.
But at the same time revelry was played, I was finishing my time in the Word of God. The cell that could have consumed me became the prayer closet whereby I experienced the mercy and faithfulness of God every morning.
Insight: There is always a fresh start and a new day in the kingdom of God.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
+DEV+ Walking With God
Date: July 21, 2013 12:59 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Walking With God
Walking With God
"This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 6-9
Noah's life is an amazing story of one man's intimate fellowship with God. Imagine being described as one who walked with God! What did that look like? Did Noah spend long hours in prayer? Did he hear an audible voice? I would love to know the answers. What we do know is this: Noah walked with God; God spoke to Noah (Genesis 6:13); "Noah did according to all that the Lord had commanded him" (Genesis 7:5); God blessed Noah and his sons as a result (Genesis 9:1); and God promised to establish His covenant with him and his descendants (Genesis 9:9).
Noah walked so closely with his Creator that when God talked with him, he obeyed, even in the midst of being mocked and ridiculed for years.
We, too, can have that kind of intimacy with God through faith in His Son, Jesus whom Noah is pointing us to. Jesus walked with His Father in perfect obedience for us, enduring the mocking and ridicule that echoed the voices of Noah's day. Are we willing to walk with Him and find our safety in His sheltering love?
Insight: Obedience to God and intimacy with God were both demonstrated in Noah's life; they are equally important and available for our faith walk, too.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal
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