+DEV+ In Trouble For Obedience

Date: July 31, 2014 12:22 AM
Topic: +DEV+  In Trouble For Obedience

In Trouble For Obedience

"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side...the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it." Matthew 14:22, 24

Scripture Focus: Matthew 14:22-33

Obedience brings blessing; disobedience brings trouble. But sometimes even when we obey, the result is still trouble.

The disciples must have been amazed when Jesus fed more than five thousand people. They may have been curious, too. But Matthew tells us Jesus "immediately" made them get into a boat to cross the lake. Why the need to leave so quickly?

John's account gives the answer. Jesus knew the crowd "intended to come and make him king by force" (John 6:15). He protected His disciples from getting caught up in the crowd's desire to run ahead of God's plan.

Still, the disciples were in a fierce storm because they had obeyed Jesus. Exhausted from fighting the waves, they became terrified at the sight of Him walking on the water. But as Jesus entered the boat, the wind stilled and the disciples had a fresh vision of Jesus, truly the Son of God.

When obedience brings problems, it may be the Lord is doing a greater work than we expected. Will we focus on our troubles or keep our eyes on Jesus?

Insight: Are you struggling with difficulties because you obeyed God? Keep your eyes on Jesus - he will use even trouble for your good and his glory.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Are You Hungry?

Date: July 30, 2014 12:24 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Are You Hungry?

Are You Hungry?

"He replied, 'You give them something to eat.' They answered, 'We have only five loaves of bread and two fish - unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.' (About five thousand men were there.)" Luke 9:13-14A

Scripture Focus: Luke 9:10-17

You've probably felt some degree of hunger before. Your stomach grumbles, you're unable to focus on the task at hand, and the only thing you can think of is food.

During Jesus' earthly ministry, He satisfied many hungry and thirsty people. But their cravings were not limited to a desire for bread and water. They were hungry - starving, in fact - for something more. They needed to hear that their heavenly Father loved them, that He cared for them as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

In this passage, Jesus taught the people "about the kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing" (vs. 11). He healed their bodies and fed their spirits with the knowledge of Yahweh, the one true God.

Jesus took a boy's meager lunch of five rolls and two sardines, and multiplied the limited offering into a meal that filled the stomachs of five thousand men, with left over besides. It was a miracle.

But the greater miracle is that the One who was the Bread of Life fed their bodies and their spirits, indeed to overflowing.

Insight: Are you hungry to know god better? Feed on his word and satisfy the hunger of your soul.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ That I May See

Date: July 28, 2014 10:25 PM
Topic: +DEV+  That I May See

That I May See

"...two blind men followed him, calling out, Have mercy on us, Son of David!  When he had gone indoors...he asked them, Do you believe that I am able to do this?" Matthew 9:27-28

Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:27-31

The ability to see is not limited to the use of our eyes. Details missed by the eyes are often grasped by our other senses. Emotions grip us as our hearts connect with the hearts of others.

During Jesus' earthly ministry, the religious leaders - those most familiar with the Scriptures - were spiritually blind. They failed to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah. But two physically blind men realized who He was. Though unable to see as they followed Jesus, they knew in their hearts who He was. They even called Him "Son of David," a title that referred to the Messiah's inclusion in the lineage of King David. They were certain He had the power to heal them.

Today, just as in Jesus' day, blindness is not limited to physical sight. Many people can't see their need for a savior. Even Christians, blind to God's activity in our lives, can be so focused on our own agendas that we miss the blessings God leaves for us each day: occasions to witness, to serve, to praise, or simply to spend quiet time with Him.

Insight: How long have you been blind to God's activity in your life? Ask him to open your eyes to what he wants you to see 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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Are You Bothering God?

Date: July 27, 2014 10:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Are You Bothering God?

Are You Bothering God?

"...some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. Your daughter is dead, they said. Why bother the teacher any more? Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, Don't be afraid; just believe." Mark 5:35-36

Scripture Focus: Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

Our world is in bad shape,  brutal wars,  broken economies.  Even the earth seems to shudder under the strain of earthquakes and other natural disasters.  With world crises multiplying faster than mosquitoes after a summer rain, God must have His hands full!  Is it right to bother Him with our relatively minor personal problems?

Jairus's daughter was dying.  He begged Jesus to heal her.  Jesus agreed to go with him.  But despite the urgency, He stopped first to heal a woman with a bleeding disease.  The short delay cost the little girl her life, and Jairus's servants brought the sad news to their boss:  her battle is over.  Don't bother Jesus with it any longer.

But our needs - “all” our needs - are important to God, even if we feel like it is too late to ask.  Jesus continued on His way.  He assured them the child was still alive.  He ejected the mockers and raised her from the dead.

The Lord wants us to bring all of our concerns to Him, large or small, because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). No bother at all.

Insight: Do you sometimes feel as if you are bothering God? Cast all your cares on him knowing he cares for you!

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Salvation Only In Jesus

Date: July 25, 2014 3:09 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Salvation Only In Jesus

Salvation Only In Jesus

“Then the woman...came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Mark 5:33-34

Scripture Focus: Mark 5:25-34

In Victor Hugo's novel, “Les Misérables”, desperation drives Jean Valjean to steal bread for his starving family. The story follows him as he searches for, and finds, redemption.

The woman in our passage was also desperate, perhaps somewhat like Jean Valjean. She had suffered from a bleeding disease for 12 years. She had spent all her money but had found no cure. Jesus was her last hope. She believed He could heal her, even if she only touched the hem of His cloak. Jesus did heal her, but it wasn't her touch that brought healing; it was her faith in Him.

Today, people speak of many paths to heaven. Some live lives of deprivation to please God. Others practice good works to prove they are worthy of salvation. But the Bible tells us salvation is a gift God offers by grace - a gift received by faith (Eph 2:8-9).

Desperation over sin may drive us to look for answers in many places. But faith in Jesus Christ is the only answer. He purchased our salvation and offers it freely to a desperate, sin-sick world.

Insight: What do you trust in when you are desperate? Find healing in Jesus Christ alone for salvation from the penalty and power of sin.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Status Quo

Date: July 23, 2014 2:02 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Status Quo

Status Quo

“When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons ... in his right mind; and they were afraid … then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region." Mark 5:15, 17

Scripture Focus: Mark 5:1-20

People respond in different ways to a display of power. Some are drawn to it while others run away in fear. Some are intimidated; others want it for themselves.

The people of the Gerasenes knew of a powerful, demon-possessed man living among the tombs. They had tried, and failed, to restrain his super-human strength.

Then the demoniac came face to face with Jesus Christ. Demonic power was no match for the power of the Son of God. Jesus sent the demons into a herd of pigs which then drowned in the lake.

While the demoniac was happy to be the recipient of Jesus' power, the people asked Jesus to leave. Were they fearful of a power greater than demons? Or were they unhappy that He had killed two thousand pigs - animals they shouldn't have had anyway, according to the Mosaic Law? The healing had cost them their livelihood.

The people preferred Jesus' power to be absent from them rather than allow it to change them. They preferred the status quo, even if it meant a man would be plagued by demons.

Insight: How has the power of God's word made you uncomfortable? Allow the powerful truths of God's word to change you, even if it means discomfort.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Faith Or Fear

Date: July 22, 2014 1:15 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Faith Or Fear

Faith Or Fear

"Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Matthew 8:24-25

Scripture Focus: Matthew 8:23-27

Most of us aren't too bothered by rainstorms as long as we are sheltered at home, safe and snug. But driving through an intense downpour with zero visibility is another matter.

The disciples experienced the biblical version of driving through a storm when they were in the boat with Jesus. Battling wind and waves - and their own fears - they could not understand how Jesus could sleep through the torrent.

Jesus could rest in the storm because He knew who He was. He knew to whom He belonged. He knew who was in control of and even created that storm. Unlike His disciples, He lived by faith, not fear. Granted, they did not yet fully realize who was in the boat with them. But what's our excuse?

We have the full record of God's written word. We have the historical evidence of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. And like Jesus, we know to whom we belong and who is in control. There's no room for fear when we live by faith, even in life's storms.

Insight: What is causing you to be fearful today? Live by faith, knowing that God will either calm the storm or He will calm you.




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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Moved With Compassion

Date: July 20, 2014 11:47 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Moved With Compassion

Moved With Compassion

"As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out - the only son of his mother, and she was a widow....When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, 'Don't cry.'" (Luke 7:12-13)

Scripture Focus: Luke 7:11-16

Losses can be devastating, causing us to feel as if our hearts have been ripped from us. Life then becomes a series of days wrapped in despair. We find it difficult to believe anyone could understand what we're feeling, including God.

Jesus - fully God, fully man - showed us God does understand. His simple words to the heartbroken widow, "Don't cry," were more than an empty phrase. His heart was knit with hers. But unlike the others there, Jesus could remove the source of her grief. He gave her back what she had lost - her precious son.

Jesus understands our grief today. His compassion reaches into our lives, bringing wholeness. He may not restore what is lost, at least in this life. But a relationship with Him heals our spirits and comforts us in ways no one else can.

If you have not yet suffered a disturbing loss, you will. Loss is part of our sin-sick world. But through prayer, God's Word, and His Holy Spirit, we can draw on Christ's compassion, a compassion that brings comfort when no one else can.

Insight: Have you experienced a deep loss? Receive the Lord's compassion and comfort, and the reality of His presence.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Humility Of Faith

Date: July 18, 2014 12:12 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Humility Of Faith

Humility Of Faith

"Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.  That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed." (Luke 7:6B-7)

Scripture Focus: Luke 7:1-10

What do we deserve? The world tells us to push to the front of the line. Fight for the corner office. Rush for first place at the table. After all, we deserve the best of everything. Or do we?

When Luke recorded this passage, he offered a seeming contradiction regarding the worthiness of the centurion. The Jewish leaders told Jesus, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he...has built our synagogue" (Luke 7:4-5). But the centurion said, "I do not deserve to have you come under my roof" (Luke 7:6). Which statement was true?

If good works are the standard, then the man did indeed deserve to have his servant healed. But the centurion knew his good works were nothing in light of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then he combined his humility with great faith. "I do not deserve....But say the word, and my servant will be healed."

Jesus cited the man's humble faith as an example for us all. What do we deserve? Nothing. What do we receive when we put our faith in Jesus Christ? Everything.

Insight: Feel entitled and deserving of more? Jesus has taken the punishment for our sins that we all actually deserve. come to Him In humility of faith.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ What Is Your Value?

Date: July 14, 2014 9:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+  What Is Your Value?

What Is Your Value?

"If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?  How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!" (Matthew 12:11-12)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 12:9-14

How much is the human body worth? Some say that when the human body is reduced to its physical elements, it is worth $4.50. Others say the market value of living tissue, organs, marrow, blood, and all other body parts totals forty-five million dollars!

In today's passage, Jesus showed His critics the value of one person. The Mosaic Law required the Israelites to honor the Sabbath by not doing any work. But Jesus challenged them to consider that if they would save a sheep on the Sabbath, how much more valuable is a human being? Then Jesus displayed His authority by healing the man's withered hand.

At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus once again showed the importance of people to God. He willingly gave up His life on a cross, reconciling to God all who would believe in Him. His sacrifice enables us to receive the gift of eternal life.

How much are you worth? You are so valuable that you were purchased not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (see 1 Peter 1:18-19).

Insight: Have Others Caused You To Doubt Your Value To The Lord? You Are So Valuable To God That His Only Son Died For You.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Keep Your Eyes On Jesus

Date: July 11, 2014 1:17 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Keep Your Eyes On Jesus

Keep Your Eyes On Jesus

"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, Do you want to get well? Sir...I have no one to help me..." John 5:6-7

Scripture Focus: John 5:1-9

When I am hurting, I tend to focus my attention on my pain or on what I think might bring relief. However, my focus is often limited by a wrong perspective.

The man in this passage had been ill for 38 years. He sought healing at a pool known for miraculous cures. A crowd of disabled people waited at this site, watching intently for the slightest movement of the water. Each one yearned to receive a cure by being the first to enter that pool.

But in order to watch the water, they needed to keep their gaze lowered. They were limited by their physical conditions, and they were also limited by a perspective that always had them looking down. Then everything changed for one man when Jesus stepped into the picture.

How often do we focus on our problems or pursue wrong choices for relief? We compound our suffering because we do not look up. We fail to include Jesus in the equation. Looking up may not change our physical condition. But it will help us maintain an eternal perspective.

Insight: On what do you focus during your trials? Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the one who brings eternal healing.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
 

+DEV+ Forgive Sin or Heal Body

Date: July 9, 2014 8:24 PM

Topic: +DEV+  Forgive Sin or Heal Body

Forgive Sin or Heal Body

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said, Friend, your sins are forgiven.  The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy?  Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Luke 5:20-21

Scripture Focus: Luke 5:17-26

Paralysis shows itself in a variety of ways. Physically, it can stop us from moving our bodies. Spiritually, it is the result of being trapped in the grip of sin. 

Of the two, physical health is often our consuming priority. After all, it's been said, "If you have your health, you have everything." 

However, God's primary concern is not the healing of our bodies, but the healing of our spirits. His priority is our freedom from sin, not our freedom from discomfort. Despite his physical state, the paralyzed man's greater need was to be restored to God. That's why Jesus first said to him, "Your sins are forgiven." 

Still, healing of the spirit is usually not visible. Since those at the scene could not see the forgiveness, they might claim it did not occur. So Jesus healed the man's body. To prove He was God's Son, He healed the paralytic spiritually and physically. 

Was it easier for the Savior to forgive the man's sin, or for the Creator to heal his broken body? Only God can do both...and He did!

Insight: Do You Have The Assurance That Your Sins Are Forgiven? Come To Christ For The Most Important Healing You Will Ever Receive

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Unclean !

Date: July 8, 2014 9:53 PM

Topic: +DEV+  Unclean !

Unclean !

"A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, 'If you are willing, you can make me clean.'  Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man." Mark 1:40-41

Scripture Focus: Mark 1:40-45

"Unclean! "According to the Mosaic Law, that is what a leper was required to shout when near other people because leprosy was terrifying in its contagious and speedy progression. 

Jesus could have healed this leper with a word. He could have commanded the man to bathe in a stream. He could have allowed the leper to grab His robe. But Jesus " touched " him. 

What did that touch mean to this outcast? He must have been desperate for physical contact with other people - for proof that though the disease had stolen his health, it had not stolen his humanity. 

Jesus then instructed him to show himself to a priest, to comply with the Mosaic Law. Instead, the man proclaimed his healing to all who would listen. Would the local priests have become believers if this man had obeyed Jesus and followed the Law? We don't know. 

What we do know is that the Law could only "confirm" his physical healing. It could not "bring" healing - physical or spiritual. For that, the man needed the touch of the Master's hand and so do we.

Insight: Where Do You Need The Touch Of The Master's Hand In Your Life? Submit To Jesus' Touch And Experience Spiritual Healing And Restoration.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Fully Obey God

Date: July 7, 2014 9:11 PM

Topic: +DEV+  Fully Obey God

Fully Obey God

"'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything.  But because you say so, I will let down the nets.'  When they had...they caught such a large amount of fish that their nets began to break." (Luke 5:5-6)

Scripture Focus: Luke 5:1-11

Has God ever asked you to do something that didn't seem logical? 

That may have been how Simon Peter felt when Jesus told him to launch his boat. Simon was an expert fisherman. If anyone knew where the fish were or were not biting, he did. What could a carpenter tell Peter about fishing that he didn't already know? 

For example, Peter knew the best chance for success was at night, when fish swam closer to the shore. The fish swam to deeper waters during the day, making it much more difficult to catch them with nets. After working all night with nothing to show for his efforts, the logical decision was to cut his losses and try again the next evening. 

But Jesus told Peter to do what was contrary to his expertise. He instructed him to set his net in deep water during the day. Peter had a choice: obey in faith or trust his experience. Peter's obedience resulted in a great catch that broke every rule of fishing. Even greater was the change in his life. This fisherman became a fisher of men.

Insight: Where Is God Asking You To Obey Him Contrary To Your Experience? Obey The Lord In Faith. He'll Fill Your Nets And Change 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.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ July 4th Christ Has Set Us Free!

Date: July 6, 2014 11:19 PM

Topic: +DEV+  July 4th Christ Has Set Us Free!

Christ Has Set Us Free!

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

Scripture Focus: Galatians 5:1-15

We sat on a dock of the Current River and watched as a man carefully rowed his canoe back and forth along the waterway, pulling a tube with his wife and two daughters hanging on. One of the girls waved an American flag she had made and mounted on a broom handle. People all along their docks waved, cheered and saluted as they floated by.

Today we celebrate the wonderful and expensive freedom we enjoy in this country. But it's also a time to be reminded of the spiritual freedom we enjoy and celebrate in Jesus Christ. He has set us free - covered, bought and redeemed us out of the slave market. We are now His children in faith. Has there ever been more reason for joy?

How protective we must be of this cherished freedom. Paul tells us to "stand firm." We are not to allow ourselves to be enslaved to methods, rules, lawlessness or that which will keep us from growing in Christ and serving Him. Celebrate today with time in His Word and time in prayer, thankful for our cherished spiritual freedom.

Insight: Christ has brought change and freedom to us. Let the joy of one set free be evident in you.

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 urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

  

Michael D. Inman

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867

- "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."