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Light for the dark road

08 Sep

Light for the dark road

2 Corinthians 12:9-10    And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul had seemingly gone down the road of boasting to prove himself to others; yet he had taken the road not of his intellect and accomplishments, he had taken the roadof his struggles and weakness to glorify God. He had showed how he needed God in all of it, and how God was there through it. 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. Paul saw all these hardships as a way to glorify God; he was suffering for Christ and he knew that he was drawing that much closer to Christ as a result of these tribulations. Paul understood that being a Christian, a disciple, an apostle, would mean that this life would not be a life of ease. He expressed great joy to join Christ in these tribulations for the eternal reward.

So many churches now preach the love of God, and not the trials of God. When we come to know Christ, we through him, threaten the kingdom of darkness. When we live for this world, and all comes easy, we are of no threat to hell. When the power of Christ comes to live within us, we are another tool that God uses to reach other people. Our light, is His light, that has come into the world. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The light that shines from us makes the world stand against us; we show the truth that is shadowed by the darkness that is hiding from the light. Therefore the world is against us.

Becoming a Christian is the easiest thing to do; answer that call on your heart that God has placed there; repent of your sins and accept Christ as the only way you will ever get to heaven. That promise that you gain is eternal, now you are called to become a disciple and live your life remaining here for Him. You are not to go on living in sin, you are to flee it. You are to share the hope that lies within you, your light is to bring light to those living in darkness. Satan is gonna be mad, try to make your life difficult, and you should expect it to be, you switched to the other team. Boast in all that you struggle in just like Paul; show the power of the glory of God to help you in all that you struggle with. That help is the light that others need in their life too.

 
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Posted by on September 8, 2013 in Daily Devotions

 

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Lord I need you

14 May

Lord I need you

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

It has been a rough couple of days. As many of you know, I openly struggle with anxiety and depression. I borrowed the label from the apostle Paul, and call these struggles my “thorn in the flesh”. It seems as though it is a messenger of Satan that torments me also. He loves to attack when I have my defenses down, when my eyes are on the world and not on God. When I spend little time in the Word, and when I am not prepared for battle. I am not a worthy opponent for my enemy, but I find strength only in Christ to fight this war that is on a plain I cannot comprehend. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. There is no strength found in medication, there is only strength found in Christ for the spiritual war. It is found in the secret places with only you and God; the time spent alone in His Word and prayer; his strength that is planted in your soul for these battles. You are victorious when you rest in Him; you are fighting a war you alone cannot win, but is only won in the understanding you are fighting a defeated enemy in Christ.

It gave me peace to sit in my secret, quiet, place this morning with God. It gave me peace to know that He allows all the trials of my life to draw me closer to Him. In this I come to deepen my understanding of my daily need for Him. I come to comprehend the depth of my lostness without my strength found in Him. I am nothing without Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. In this quiet place I find peace; I find the ability to talk to God, to share my struggles and my need for Him; to share my hope that is found only in Him; to praise him for all that He has given me through Christ’s sacrifice for me. All that I have is found in, and through Christ. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

My heartfelt plea in this small ministry that God gave me, is for you to come to seek to be a disciple of the One whom died to give you eternal life. To live a life of sacrificial love for the One whom sacrificed His life for you. To seek the life after, with a heart so focused, that this world holds nothing for you. To have a heart for God and the things of God, to the point you realize you cannot live without God. Your life may get harder, for your enemies desire is to take your eyes and heart off God. He knows the power that rests in the heart of a disciple. God uses all these trials that He allows in your life against Satan. He strengthens you when Satan seeks to defeat you. You are nothing without Christ, but you are everything through Him.

Praise Him in this Chris Tomlin video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR_Rdb1CTE

 

 
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Posted by on May 14, 2013 in Daily Devotions

 

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Hard Bottom

05 Apr

Hard Bottom

2 Corinthians 12:9-10   But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (ESV)

Yesterday I spent some time in an online course in Hermeneutics, which is how to study the Bible. I also spent some time reading a great book by David Platt, who’s heart lies in discipleship and evangelism. It became evident how these two intertwined; the heart of a disciple and the provision of God in His Word for all they need. All throughout the Bible are the evidences of how God miraculously provided for His people in relation to their faith; especially when that faith is rooted in His Word. We must’t respond or rely on emotion, but on the promises written in His Word for our benefit. Satan lies in our questioning God’s Word; “did God really mean?” Platt made a great point to beware of teachers that use that phrase, for that phrase was when man fell into sin in the garden of Eden at the beginning of time.

Paul was speaking of how He had been given great revelations; of how he could easily rest on them and preach a good word rooted in his pride. Of how God had allowed a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble; Satan meant it for evil and God meant it for good. Paul came to realize that in all his problems, he could glorify God. In everything he faced it could draw him closer to the One who was extended him grace through it. When we are struggling with anything, Satan comes in and attempt to plant doubt. He tries to weaken our faith; he is the ultimate deceiver, and if we let him we will take our eyes of God and the promises in His Word. But if we go to God in his Word and prayer, we gain strength and provision to fight the enemy. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Platt also wrote about one of my favorite chapters in the Bible; John 15. This chapter is where we are taught about abiding; a state of being IN Christ. In this chapter we are told of the relationship we should seek with our Savior, of a life focused on that relationship. Outside of the qualifications of a disciple found in John 15 is a scary place to be. But being found in that abiding relationship is the answer to all you need to accomplish the life and work He has planned for you. John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If you try to rest on the religiosity that comes on Sundays alone, you are not abiding or living your life as a disciple. The troubles you face, you face alone in your power, not the grace of God. Humble your heart and seek Him daily. Seek to grow into what He has given you with the power to be as a disciple of His. In that is found everything you need; for even when you are at your weakest point, your strength lies in Him.

 
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Posted by on April 5, 2013 in Daily Devotions

 

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It is clear now

11 Mar

It is clear now

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Yesterday I returned to my old dirt bike racing days; just for a time, to let both my boys try their first race. It was a great family day together, and they had a great time. I decided to saddle up too, and try to at least finish the race. Racing is hard to describe to those don’t get it, but it is something that is always in your blood. For me it went as far as turning into an idol, and became a huge turning point in my testimony of giving my life to Christ. It wasn’t five miles into the race  and I had those same feelings again; it was time to give it up, this was not for me any longer; physically, mentally, and even spiritually, I knew I was done. It was most likely my last race. God has even taken away my shoulder muscle to try and make it much more clear for me to understand; but in my mind that pride still tries to overcome obstacles He lays before me.

Paul was steep in religion; he was a highly educated man; he had a personal encounter with the risen Christ; at some point he visited heaven; but God had allowed Satan to give him a thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Paul most likely could have preached a sermon so elevated many would have come to repentance from the power of his teachings. He could have elevated himself through his wisdom to a level like none other once he came to truly know Christ that he formerly persecuted. He had every thing that every preacher wanted in education and experience. This was the stuff that great pastors are made of, until pride creeps in and destroys their ministry. I do believe God knew that, and allowed Satan to torment Paul, which kept Paul humble. God used Satan against himself in the ministry He laid on Paul’s heart. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

I am far from an educated man. I graduated High School because the teachers told me if I would at least show up, they would pass me, and I did, barely. I have never been a reader, or a book learner; I always learned by example, and trial and error. I have found myself at this stage in my life back in school, in seminary no doubt, enrolled in a two year program at Liberty. I am a living example of what God can do in anyone’s life who has a heart for Him. 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. I am nothing but an ol’ country boy with a heart for Christ. I love spending daily time with Christ and writing what he lays on my heart. You can have all that He has planned for your life too once you follow the lifestyle principle found in Matthew 6:33. That is a great place for you to start today in transforming your life to as a disciple of Christ; today, for you are not guaranteed tomorrow.

 
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Posted by on March 11, 2013 in Daily Devotions

 

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Only hard for a time

28 Nov

Only hard for a time

Job 1:1 “Is there not a time of hard service for man on earth? Are not his days also like the days of a hired man?

Are you playing the Powerball Lottery? Do you believe that that any sum of money would be the answers to all your problems, and the key to happiness? Do you know that statistics show that most lottery winners are bankrupt in 10 years? Matthew 19:24 scares me enough to keep me from playing. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” In my sin I believe I could be the person that could do both. 327 Million dollars would cause me to die in that prideful shame. Only through the distribution of that all that wealth to draw glory to Christ, could you be that camel. And pride would still creep in.

I am not feeling well. I should want to stay in bed and get some rest, but God called me to this ministry every morning. I get more than I can ever share from my daily time with God. I strive to persevere; to press on through it all; to draw glory to Christ  every day. I am just a pair of hands on a keyboard pointing you to Christ; nothing special, but everything in Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Christianity does not mean that life becomes a bed of roses. It means that you have an eternal hope placed in you to endure the temporal life here. In that hope comes strength to cope, to endure, to have joy, to share, to encourage, to persevere. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. All that you face every day that tends to drag you down; Christ gives you the hope to lift you up. As we deal with life and the trials of it; I can only pray you are relying on that hope placed within you through Christ. I cannot imagine doing life without Christ in the world in which we live. You have a better chance of being struck by lightening, than winning the lottery.

 
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Posted by on November 28, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Who do they see?

21 Nov

Who do they see?

2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

This ministry is never to be my soap box, or in any way to have any hidden agenda. It is to be a platform to bring my every days actions, thoughts, and emotions into the light of Christ. It is to bring the struggles we all deal with every day to reveal what God is showing me in them. He is pointing out my faults and pointing me to Him. Last night at dinner we had a waitress that just opened up to us. We all three shared our faith with and encouraged each other. She even touched on her struggles at work as a Christian. We discussed the same feelings that a mark of Christianity is struggling right now; for we are going against the grain of the world. There was an immediate connection and God used me to encourage her I know; it was very humbling.

I am struggling just like so many of you in so many ways. It all can seem to be overbearing, more than I can handle at times, many times the only thing I can do is to go to sleep at the end of the day to escape. I awake the next day and God shows me things in His Word every morning to open my eyes through my heart. I do believe He has called me to a tough ministry; a ministry that will not make me popular; a ministry to tell the hard truth, and not the soft news that people want to hear. The Apostle Paul spoke of his dedication to spreading the news of Christ to the Corinthians; of giving it his all even when it costs him. Paul even spoke of the area of pride in the scriptures preceding (2:11-13). Paul also speaks of pride in Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

How do you reflect Christ every day; do you reflect Christ? Do people know that you are a Christian without you telling them? The more time you spend in God’s Word the more time you will reflect Christ. The more time you spend in God’s Word the more you will see Christ at work around you. The more time you spend in God’s Word the easier it will become to hear God’s voice. John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. You cannot claim Christianity in an hour every Sunday. Christ called us to become a, and make others, disciples of His. Christianity is a verb; it requires action not simple passivity. My heart lies in prodding you to spend daily time with God. That action will cause everything else to fall into place; but it takes effort on your part.

 
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Posted by on November 21, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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9/11

11 Sep

9/11

Deuteronomy 5:1-4 And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them. The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those who are here today, all of us who are alive. The Lord talked with you face to face on the mountain from the midst of the fire.

I have lay away thinking of how to write of the events of 9/11. This is a day in our history that should never be forgotten. We have leaders of our country speaking of us as, “we are no longer a Christian nation’, all as a ploy to forget. Our nation has become so soft the future as a world leader is very unlikely; for our desire to not offend will leave us vulnerable for attack. The events and the loss of life on this day just over 10 years ago should still be fresh in our minds. Today is a day to honor those that died at the hands of evil, and they should never be forgotten.

Moses was entering his last years and he understood the importance of passing down your heritage to the next generation. The generations behind him had not seen the great acts of God and God’s delivering them out of slavery. They had been born out of slavery and into freedom, so how would they know unless they were told? It is a parents responsibility to pass our faith and our lineage onto our children before it is lost. 2 Corinthians 12:14 For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. The generations after Moses failed in this history and faith lesson. Israel forgot God’s deliverance and fell into great sin as a nation.

Spend time today reflecting on the events that morning 11 years ago. Of how as a nation we suffered an attack by evil and thousands of innocent lives were lost. Of hero’s that paid the ultimate price in the sacrifice of their lives for others. Of the countless acts of courage in the face of death. Of how your life can change in an instant, and of how the importance of your eternal security plays into that unknown. We can easily find ourselves facing evil today, just like we did that dreadful morn. Our Father I pray for peace and comfort for those families who lost loved ones that day. I pray that you will use the events of that day to draw others closer to You. I pray that those today will see the evil in this world and the need for a Savior. I pray that they understand their is only one God, and only one way to You. John 14:6 I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but through Me. Amen.

 
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Posted by on September 11, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Soul Rest

01 Jun

Soul Rest

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

How can we find rest in a world that demands the instantaneous, the constant, the never alone or downtime to find this rest? Our minds are running at warp speeds in many different directions, multi-tasking on so many fronts, going against all that God designed us for. I believe Satan’s greatest tool in today’s age is busyness. So how can we be told in the scriptures above that we can find rest for our souls? Our souls yearn for that inner peace, and there are even products that try to sell it to us. But it is not attainable through worldly means, but only through Christ. This goes against what the world teaches, but we are told not to follow the ways of this world in Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Practically speaking, if I gave you a glimpse into my world and the hours I pack into it, you would understand why I am constantly tired. I am under the spell of busyness just like all of you; working 70-80hrs a week, all the gadgets that keep me plugged in, and pulled in many directions physically to the point of exhaustion. But my soul is at rest; and that rest brings me an inner strength that only God can provide. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. There is something about the growth of your faith that will bring about this Rest, and the Rest is found in that faith. The world cannot steal your faith, nor can they deliver it. Hebrews 4 speaks much of that faith and His rest found in it. If you will believe and accept Christ, their will come a rest for your soul that you have never had before and it will carry you into eternity.

 
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Posted by on June 1, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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