Wednesday, November 27, 2013

+DEV+ Love One Another

Date: November 27, 2013 12:01 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Love One Another

Love One Another

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples..." (John 13:34)

Scripture Focus: John 13:34-35

Gardeners love worms. Worms tunnel through the ground, aerating the soil and making nutrients available to roots. These blind, slimy creatures work in the garden every day, seven days a week and draw no salary. Without them the gardener would have more work to do and added expense.

And how do they perform this valuable service? They eat dirt.

In the church we all have an important job. It is to "love one another" (John 13:35). We may have different roles as pastors, teachers, helpers, evangelists and such, but they are not the job itself. Nobody in the church has a more important job than anyone else because we all have the same job: loving one another.

When we forget this, we develop a "spectator factor." The many sit around watching the few. What would a garden be like if most of the earthworms lazed around watching two or three worms aerate the soil? Our important job in the church is to love one another. And that's a lot better than eating dirt.

Insight: Don't just show up at church. Give some thought and preparation to how you will love others when you get there.



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

+DEV+ Not All Weeds Are Ugly

Date: November 26, 2013 2:43 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Not All Weeds Are Ugly

Not All Weeds Are Ugly


"Land that...produces a crop...receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned." (Hebrews 6:7-8)

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 24:30-34


Gardeners define a weed as simply "any plant I don't want." Not all weeds are ugly or full of thorns. I know several weeds that are quite beautiful. Some people intentionally grow plants that others regard as nuisances. It all comes down to which plants you want in your garden and which plants you don't want.

When it comes to our spiritual life, we usually think of what we want. We want our life to be meaningful and useful. We want to live forever in heaven one day. And it is good to want these things. But we should also consider what we do not want. We don't want to harbor secret sins. Yet if we never examine ourselves to see if we really don't want them, it could be that we actually do. We may be trying to hide them in a corner of our heart somewhere.

However, just like weeds, things that we try to hide from the Master will crowd out the spiritual growth in our lives. Take a look around and see what you really do not want in the garden of your heart. Jesus is there ready to remove it.

Insight: Just as weeds block the growth of desirable plants, sin blocks the spiritual growth of a christian. It’s best to pull it out right away.



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.


We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Sunday, November 24, 2013

+DEV+ Embrace Jesus & His Wisdom

Date: November 24, 2013 9:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Embrace Jesus & His Wisdom

Embrace Jesus & His Wisdom

"She (wisdom) is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed." (Proverbs 3:18)

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:13-18

"Tree Hugger" is a modern term with political implications. Some like it and some don't. But did you know that the original tree hugger was one of the writers of the Bible? Solomon likened wisdom to a tree of life and guaranteed our success in life if we would "hug" or take hold of her.

When Solomon used the term "tree of life," he was making a poetic reference to the tree of life that stood in the Garden of Eden. That tree was part of God's plan for mankind and for the world. It would have been great wisdom if Adam had followed His plan. Certainly, the term "tree hugger" would have different connotations today!

But Solomon made it clear that wisdom is still available to us. God still has a plan to bless His people. If we will focus on Him and hold on to wisdom, He guarantees success. Solomon had not yet seen the fulfillment of God's plan in Jesus Christ, but we have. We can embrace Jesus Christ today. Focusing on Him is holding on to wisdom, something more precious than rubies (vs. 15).

Insight: Embrace things and they slip away from you. Embrace Jesus and join with all things in his embrace.



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Friday, November 22, 2013

+DEV+ Be A Better Tool

Date: November 22, 2013 4:17 AM
Topic: +DEV+   Be A Better Tool

 Be A Better Tool

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:18-20

I was talking to another gardener one day and spied a pair of lopping shears in the back of his truck. I knew those shears were the most expensive on the market, so I asked him why he'd spent that much on a tool. A cheaper pair would cut a branch just as well. But he challenged me to give them a try. What a difference they made! After that I bought the best, and often most expensive tools I could find.

We are the tools Jesus uses to build His kingdom. What a humbling thought. And the wonder of it is that no matter what caliber of tool we may seem to be, Christ uses us all and fine-tunes us for His purposes. Do you feel inadequate in your ministry? God has promised to provide everything we need to serve Him. He takes us into His hand just as we are, and there we become instrumental for Him.

If you needed tools to do your earthly job, you would ask your boss and co-workers how to get them. Why not ask your Boss and co-workers in the kingdom of God how you can be a better tool in the Master's hand?

Insight: For ease and productivity, a craftsman prepares his tools before he starts his work. Let God prepare you for his work.


Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

+DEV+ Getting Back Into Balance

Date: November 20, 2013 10:17 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Getting Back Into Balance

Getting Back Into Balance

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:6-7)

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

My friend told me once “When I have a problem with a plant, I take a cutting to a nursery for advice. Usually, I find out that my problem is either too much or not enough water, fertilizer, shade, sun or whatever else the plant may need. Getting the plant back into balance solves the problem.”

Ever notice how love can be out of balance in this world? That's because sin taints even the beautiful things like love. If we have too little of it, we become negligent and uncaring. Too much love may yield jealousy, possessiveness and a controlling spirit. But unlike plants, love is not easy to re-balance. We need a whole new kind of love.

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul writes about a different kind of love that can never be given in too little or too much volume. It is heavenly love, “Agape" in Greek. Simply put, it means to love others the way Christ loves us. Such a thing is possible when we rely on the Holy Spirit to direct our feelings and actions. Then we can love others as He does, with a love that is never out of balance.

Insight: God is love; therefore, there can never be anything more important than loving like Him. Study His love and put it into practice today.



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

+DEV+ Getting To The Roots

Date: November 19, 2013 9:01 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Getting To The Roots

Getting To The Roots


"Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit." (Matthew 7:17-18)

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:4-9

Many fruit trees are susceptible to root rot. Usually, by the time you know the tree is sick, it's too late. The damage has been done at the root and is just now showing above ground. There's no treatment. You just have to remove the tree, literally getting to the root of the problem.

Christians cannot act like Christians unless they think like Christians. In Philippians 4 Paul pleads with two women to "agree with each other in the Lord." The two had a history of working in God's service, but somewhere along the way they had a falling out, and now their ministry was off course. How sobering to be named in the Bible for your disagreeable attitudes! They were neither thinking nor acting like Christians.

So how should a Christian think? "If anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (vs.8). What is more excellent and praiseworthy than Jesus Himself? If we really think on Him, we can't help but act like Him. And the good news of the Gospel will go right to the root of our sin problem.

Insight: Good actions begin with good thinking. Develop the habit of thinking like Jesus and you will enjoy the habit of acting like Him.


Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Monday, November 18, 2013

+DEV+ Seasons Are Inescapable

Date: November 18, 2013 9:28 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Seasons Are Inescapable

Seasons Are Inescapable

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

Pansies love cold weather, but they wilt in the summer sun. Marigolds love the heat but die in the cold. There's nothing to do but uproot the plants when they're out of season. Seasons are inescapable. Its best to work with them rather than against them.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 is a famous Bible passage that lists many of the seasons of life. It was made familiar in a popular song years ago. But the song did not reveal what the writer of these verses was getting at. It is in verse 14: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him."

This sentiment does not appeal to our modern culture. We would rather revere ourselves. But there is more to life than we can understand, much less control. Just as we cannot escape the seasons that govern the lives of plants, we cannot escape the fact that we were created for God's glory. Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, we thrive best when we glorify Him.

Insight: Next time you visit a garden, revere the one who rules over the seasons of life. He makes it all possible.





Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Sunday, November 17, 2013

+DEV+ The Tree Of Life

Date: November 17, 2013 10:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Tree Of Life

The Tree Of Life

"...On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 22:2)

Scripture Focus: Revelation 22:1-5


A few years ago a wildfire crossed my friends property and burned several old oak trees to the ground. It was sad to see the smoldering roots of trees that had been there since the 1800s. But in the successive spring, new trees appeared out of the ashes. The fire had released the generative force of buried acorns.

There once was a tree that grew in the Garden of Eden called "The Tree of Life." We never got to eat its fruit because of sin's curse. Somehow it disappeared from this world. But in the book of Revelation, we read of a new tree of life that will grow someday in a place called "The New Jerusalem."

All of life and history are moving toward that day. There will be difficult times before it arrives. Our lives will know the sorrows that come from our sin-corrupted world. But after all of that, Christ's followers will eat from the tree of life in a place where, "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God... will be there in the city, and his servants will serve him" (Revelation 22:3).

Insight: Jesus saves us so that we "may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city"  (Revelation 22:14).




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series
Or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Thursday, November 14, 2013

+DEV+ Gethsemane

Date: November 14, 2013 8:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Gethsemane

Gethsemane

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray." (Matthew 26:36)

Scripture Focus: John 18:1-6

Matthew 26 is the great turning point in the ministry of Jesus. "His hour" had come. He had commanded sickness to cease, demons to flee and storms to be calm. His life had been uniquely victorious. Now the needy crowds would go to the wayside as He fixed His eyes on the cross, soon being "delivered into the hands of sinful men [to] be crucified..." (Luke 24:7).

He chose to prepare Himself in the garden of Gethsemane. In this garden of sorrow, He faced the greatest challenge that anyone has ever faced. The sinless Son of God would give His life for sinners. He knew that He would conquer death, but the cross still lay in front of Him.

Although the Christian life is full of celebration and victory, sometimes we find ourselves in our own garden of sorrow. Even the promise of heaven does not make it go away. But what Jesus accomplished does banish our sorrow. He faced it all by saying, "may your will be done." Let's do likewise. Becoming like Him in sorrow means we will rise like Him in victory.

Insight: It's not easy to say "may your will be done" during times of sorrow, but those are the times when we really mean it.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

+DEV+ Jesus Sees You

Date: November 13, 2013 10:09 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Jesus Sees You

Jesus Sees You

"Jesus answered, 'I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Phillip called you.' Then Nathanael declared, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.'" (John 1:48-49)

Scripture Focus: John 1:43-51

"I don't need to go to church. I see God in my garden." Have you ever heard that excuse? People use it a lot. What they mean is that they have enjoyed some solitude and have mistaken their surroundings for God.

The truth is that you can't see God in a garden: He's not a plant. Yes, He made everything in the garden, but He is not one of the things He made. These people have got the point of solitude exactly backwards. You don't see God in a garden; He sees you. Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as solitude. Even when you get away from other people, you are still not alone.

This is what Nathanael discovered in today's verse. He thought he had been alone, under a fig tree, running his own life. But there was someone watching him, waiting to change his life in a radical way.

Have you missed the point of solitude? Jesus sees you and waits to change your life. In this time of solitude, realize that He sees you and is calling you. Will you recognize your King and follow Him as Nathanael did?

Insight: Solitude is a good thing, but it's not everything. It's just another way that we can encounter the one who is our all in all.



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
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If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
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You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ Let Your Light Shine

Date: November 13, 2013 12:18 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Let Your Light Shine

Let Your Light Shine


"...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Scripture Focus: Acts 12:24

Bulbous plants, like irises and daffodils, propagate by sprouting baby bulbs off of a mature bulb. For a while those babies can grow right next to the mother plant and thrive. But if there are too many, the new bulbs remain tiny and produce smaller and fewer blooms.

Isn't this the perfect illustration of Christians who spend too much time by themselves or with other Christians? We become less effective at spreading the Gospel and even find time to bicker with each other.

The wise gardener separates bulbs every year to insure big, beautiful blooms. There are always plenty of baby bulbs left over to share with neighbors and friends.

The Bible and church history are full of examples of God separating His people for their good and His glory. He sends missionaries away from home and allows persecution to spread us out. But we don't have to wait for Him to move us to a distant country. Right where we are, we can develop intentional, healthy relationships with people who are outside of the Way.

Insight: Someone you know needs to see the beauty of Jesus Christ today. Show his beauty by planting your testimony where they can see it.



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are still in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Monday, November 11, 2013

+DEV+ Who Has Good Roots

Date: November 11, 2013 10:45 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Who Has Good Roots

Who Has Good Roots

"The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time." (Matthew 13:20-21)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 13:3-23

The hakea bush grows quick, thick and tall. It looks like a good plant for a hedge. But a strong wind will knock it over because the root system is very poor. The part of the plant that you can't see determines its real character.

When it comes to our character, do we concentrate on growing the parts that will impress others? Just like in the plant world, the part of us that can't be seen determines our real character. It is the place where we put down our spiritual roots. If we ignore it, we are just like the hakea bush because of our weak roots.

  Jesus tells us that the one who has good roots is "...the man who hears the word and understands it" (Matthew 13:23). It takes time to consider if you have really heard and understood the Word of God. It takes a wholehearted effort to daily read God's Word. Take the time to think and meditate on what you learn and how it applies to your life. Then you will find that when difficulties arise, you will remain standing in faith and rooted in Jesus.

Insight: No tree can be strong without strong roots. Put your roots down deep in God's promises, and they will hold you up.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series
Or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ Trust In Christ Alone

Date: November 10, 2013 11:57 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Trust In Christ Alone

Trust In Christ Alone

"Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." (Proverbs 11:28)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 49:12-15

Wealth seems like something to trust. Have you ever felt worry or peace just from looking at the balance in your bank account? We see the flashy excesses of the wealthy and the misery of the poor and conclude: "wealth is better." So we strive and work and long for riches.

While we're busy worrying, some of this world's wealth is coming from an effortless process in a tiny organism. The process is photosynthesis, and the organism is the leaf. Without leaves doing their simple job, there would be no food, no life, and no riches. Trillions of leaves provide the means to grow all the food, fiber, and materials we need. They simply present themselves to the sun.

Every day we make the choice of what or in whom we will trust. Proverbs 11:28 makes it clear that if we trust in wealth, we are guaranteed to fall. Although we know this, it is difficult to resist and turn to Christ alone. But Jesus shines His righteousness toward us so we can thrive. All we must do is present ourselves to the Son.

Insight: Jesus is the one, true Son of God. in Him is life, and that life is the light of men. (see John 1:4)



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Thursday, November 7, 2013

+DEV+ Pray Continually

Date: November 7, 2013 7:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Pray Continually

Pray Continually

"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." (Psalm 55:16-17)

Scripture Focus: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Every gardener spends a lot of time on his knees. When I first started my career as a gardener, I did not recognize or appreciate this marvelous opportunity. The work is hard and long, and the weather often does not cooperate. On your knees half the day, your attitude can deteriorate quickly.

But one day I realized how much time I was spending on my knees pulling weeds, fixing sprinklers, etc. It hit me: what a perfect time to pray! From then on I determined to pray whenever I was on my knees. It has made a difference in my attitude.

Jesus looked for times to pray and made use of them. Sometimes He got up early (Mark 1:35) or prayed all night (Luke 6:12). The Bible records numerous times of day when He prayed. We can find time, too, if we plan for it. You may be able to pray while working. If you're a brain surgeon or scientist, you may need to find another time. But we all have mental downtime, like when we're commuting or folding clothes, when we can spend quality time with our Master.

Insight: The apostle Paul told us to pray without ceasing. You can't do that without starting. Find your mental downtime and fill it with prayer.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are still in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

+DEV+ I Have Chosen You

Date: November 6, 2013 11:20 PM
Topic: +DEV+  I Have Chosen You

I Have Chosen You

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:16)

Scripture Focus: John 15:9-16

Nurserymen often talk about how a plant "likes" being planted in sun or shade. But you never hear them talk about where a plant chooses to be planted. That's because plants don't choose. They grow where they are planted. That's what makes them a "plant."

But Jesus chooses those who will become His followers. "I have chosen you out of the world" (John 15:19), Jesus says. The entire process of salvation is due to Him choosing us, not because of anything we have done. This is a great mystery. We don't know how it works, but we see that it works in our changed hearts. I know that if God had waited for me to choose Him, He would still be waiting.

How reassuring this is when we follow His command to bear fruit (that's His way of telling us to do as He did and how our lives then reflect His goodness). We need not feel the weight of responsibility so heavily if we remember that He chose us and appointed us to do it. As we study and respond to His good and perfect Word, He will give us what we ask in His name.

Insight:  "So Neither He Who Plants Nor He Who Waters Is Anything, But Only God, Who Makes Things Grow." (1 Corinthians 3:7)




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

+DEV+ Keep Planting Those Seeds

Date: November 5, 2013 10:53 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Keep Planting Those Seeds

Keep Planting Those Seeds

"Then Jesus asked, 'What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed...'" (Luke 13:18-19)

Scripture Focus: Luke 13:10-19

In Southern California plants struggle for existence. The heat and frequent droughts make it hard for them to flourish. But one plant that has no problems growing here is mustard. It thrives in the very conditions that kill other plants. If you pull it out of your garden, it will return next year. The wind and the birds will plant those tiny seeds all over for you.

When Jesus made the statement quoted above, it was after a religious leader tried to stop Him from spreading the kingdom of God. But Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. The mustard seed grows from a tiny seed into a huge plant. No one can eradicate it because the seeds are so productive. Likewise, the kingdom of God cannot be stopped because just a little bit of it is so powerful. Jesus kept planting seeds, and look what has happened!

Many today would like to stop the spread of the Gospel. They work hard to discredit Jesus and His followers. But the Gospel keeps going forward as we keep spreading those tiny seeds.

Insight: Nothing can stop the spread of Christ's kingdom. It thrives even in impossible situations. Keep planting those seeds!




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

Monday, November 4, 2013

+DEV+ Thy Will Be Done

Date: November 4, 2013 10:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Thy Will Be Done

Thy Will Be Done

"He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored." (Proverbs 27:18)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13

Fig trees are amazing. They are hardy and bear an enormous crop. But gardeners who plant a fig tree don't expect the tree to serve them. They serve the needs of the tree in order to enjoy the fruit later.

In times of prayer, have you ever acted like a gardener who expects the plant to serve him? We ask for this and that and sit back, waiting for the abundant harvest of our "labor." But look at the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6. There are only five verses. Two are about God and His kingdom; two are about how we should behave. Only one verse is a straightforward request: "Give us today our daily bread." And that is not asking for much.

God has told us that we can bring all our needs before Him with assurance that He will meet them. But our overall approach to prayer should be like the gardener in the verse quoted from Proverbs above. We should look after our Master, asking more about how we can serve Him than how He can serve us. Through our humble submission to Him, His blessings abound.

Insight: What prayer can we pray and always receive a "yes"? God always says "yes" when we pray, "Thy will be done."




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets

+DEV+ The Time Is Short

Date: November 4, 2013 12:34 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Time Is Short

The Time Is Short

"He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?' 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered. He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'" (Matthew 20:6-7)

Scripture Focus: Matthew 20:1-7

When you grow a lot of stone fruits, you are up against the clock when it's harvest time. If you don't pick those apricots, peaches, plums, etc. the squirrels and birds will. And the rest will rot on the ground. You don't need to wait for a sign from heaven to start picking. That sign has already been given - it’s harvest time.

Some people wait for a sign from heaven before they start their ministry or being active in the kingdom of God. Like the landowner in the Scripture quoted above, God is asking them, "Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?"

They think that God should call them and show them a sign to tell them what to do for Him. But that sign has already been given. The Bible tells us clearly that we are to go and tell others about Jesus Christ. In this day of instant communication, the resources are available to share His story with one or many, across the street or around the world. Plus we have the Holy Spirit to direct us.

Start today. It’s harvest time!

Insight: The time is short. You only have today to do today's work. Jesus is saying, "You also go and work in My vineyard."




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of a monochrome laser printer that does duplex.
So your donations would be appreciated small or large.

If you would like to become a prayer partner and a financial partner with monthly gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 
You will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series or their choice of our Bible Study Syllabus Booklets