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Big Hands

28 Mar

Big Hands

Psalm 37:7-8 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret–it only causes harm.

The one I love is suffering persecution. She had removed herself from the ways of the world, and rested in her faith to carry her daily. The world is threatened by the immoveable rock of the faith that Christ places in us. When we are pushed to lash out, and we withdraw, they do not understand but become threatened by the inner strength that they do not possess. Have you ever had that calm in the storm? Have you ever had someone approach you asking “why” or “how” you are handling that situation that others would “snap” on? This is one of the greatest opportunities to share you faith and love you ever will have when you face the trials of life in the strength and peace that only comes through resting in Christ’s hands as a child of God.

Many times I pray for God to hold us in His hands so that we may rest in that assurance that He has us there, bringing with it security and peace. Psalm 37:32-33 The wicked watches the righteous, And seeks to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged. We are told there that our Lord will not uphold the unrighteous in His hand with us, but allow them judgement for their deeds. We all have heard of God reigning down fire and destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, but do you remember how He delivered Lot from there just before destruction? All things pass through God’s hands and are in His control. 2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment. When you are facing big trials, know you rest in a bigger God that has you in His hands. The inner strength He gives you is the attainable strength that He can use you to reach others as a result of how you handle life’s many tribulations

 
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Posted by on March 28, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Bracket buster or Victory?

27 Mar

If I could only let you in. This is a deeply personal devo to myself, but one that we all at some time can benefit from the trials that are game changers as we are enduring and many of you are too. I have been on a “high” recently emotionally, and with that comes the understanding of the attacks and trials that will come. Satan knows when to come after us, and God allows him to test our faith. I was with the Godliest man I know yesterday discussing these things, and even the book of James. I was counseling with a friend in the middle of their large trial later, while about to face my own. I was humbled beyond words with the prayers and concerns of my two best friends. Pslam 37 was given to me, and a great place to rest as a child of God. I choose God and allow Him to work in and through me however He pleases. I draw near to Him in prayer, Godly counsel, and His Word for the strength to endure. He has got this….and me and my family…..I KNOW.

 

Bracket buster or Victory?

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

The phone calls that change everything, stopping you in your tracks. You see life as you know and plan for it change in an instant. You hang up in disbelief, and wonder what is your next move. Mine for many a year would have been to a substance to numb myself, now it is to my knees in prayer for wisdom, comfort, and guidance. The large trials of life will come, and many times they come on the heels of happiness. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan will ask God for permission to test your faith when you are full as a fattened calf; as in the story of Job 1:6-7 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

Satan is an already defeated adversary if you claim victory in Christ. There is strength and peace in the assurances of being a child of God, the Creator and overseer of all things. God can and will allow these trials to strengthen you, and to use you to encourage others. James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. God does not take the easy route in anything He desires. He will always take the right way however, many times beyond our comprehension, for He operates outside of our understanding and constraints of time. Isaiah 55:8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. He can turn what you feel is the worst thing to ever happen to you, into what He has designed as a blessing. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Rest in Romans 8:28 that He is in control all along the pathway of your life. 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.

 
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Posted by on March 27, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Is it Monday again already?

26 Mar

Is it Monday again already?

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Uggg….Monday morning and back to work. Some of us have the blahs for returning to our duties for the week ahead. We may not like where we are and  at some point the drudgery enters in on any career. We wonder what our reward will be for our diligence in performing the tasks that lay before us. But what about the possibility of our eternal underlying work being judged every day? Every move, thought, action, or even lack of action is being watched by our “boss” and we will stand before Him in the pinnacle of review. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Very scary thought, but reality none the less.

We all have and do sin every day, and that will never change. But do we strive to be the best we can in all situations, and bring glory to Christ? Do we always reflect the negative, or do we look for the light in all circumstances and try to point them out? Those tugs you feel to do the right thing at hard times are God at work in you. He is trying to use you to reflect Christ that lives in you to others, to reach them. All your “works” that you do in your every day do not go unnoticed. Matthew 25:23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ We must understand that we are not saved by these good deeds though for it comes only through Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Our ultimate goal in life should be to live righteously as we can in a world far from God. To strive to attain an eternal paradise with our Creator and to have Him utter these words to us at our review. Matthew 25:His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant;” This is the only work that matters, for the only One whom matters, and your focus will last you eternally.

 
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Posted by on March 26, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Awe

25 Mar

Awe

Psalm 33:Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

Much of what I have been listening to this week seems to have centered upon the reverent fear and holiness of God, and much about how it has been lost in today’s society and church. We want to claim the friendship of Jesus, but somewhere in that has the respect for Him lost? It gains much to pursue that relationship, but it must also be one that instills a holy fear and reverent awe of the Creator of the universe. He said in Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.”; making a claim none other can utter, and one of the most powerful writings in the bible. That statement alone should point us to reverent holy fear of our Lord.

An understanding comes with that realization of who God is, and the byproduct should be  humility. How can we not become humble before Him? James 4:6-8 “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” When we approach God with that respect and holy fear that He deserves, He rewards it with understanding. Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. When we begin to strive to keep Him elevated, and not prayer for open parking lot spots, He rewards us with a deeper understanding of His ways and His word. The Holy Spirit begins to reveal more, and the reverence grows as a result. The pathway to greater understanding and depth of your Christian walk is a direct result of your viewpoint of God. Humble yourself and give thanks for the One whom all blessings flow, for our time here, and the possibility of eternity with Him.

 
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Posted by on March 25, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Most Wanted poster?

24 Mar

Wow……It is so hard to just start reading the book of Acts and not get drawn into the story and loose track of time. The book of Acts alone could easily be a best seller, or even a movie on it’s own. Any readers out there can appreciate the story and how it grabs you. I just couldn’t help but wonder, what would the angels of hell say about me? It is a piercing question when I think of all the known and unknown sin in 44yrs. They have had their highlights, but I also rest in the assurance of Salvation now, and the Light that lives in me, that dis-spells all that darkness. His light that can live within you can and will cover all your regrets past, present, and future. All you must do is humble yourself, repent, and accept Christ into your heart for eternal forgiveness. I pray that you too will draw near to God, and the angels of hell know they lost you for eternity.

 

 

 

Most wanted poster?

Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

Paul was in Ephesus on his second missionary journey and he had baptized about 12 men as disciples of Christ to aid him in spreading the Good News. Ephesus was a city filled with those who practiced magic, and many even using the name of Christ in doing so. They were held in high esteem, most likely wealthy, but committing great sins against God. I encourage you to read chapter 19 for the benefit of the entire story. God was performing miracles through Paul in unusual ways and reaching those who were lost through them. This event in verse 15 led to a great repentance, an expensive burning of magic books, and even a riot that followed afterwards. But in all of this God was glorified.

There is so much in this passage, especially a direct warning from God on using His name in evil works. But do you get the question too? Do you pretend to walk as a Christian, yet continue in sin even tarnishing the Name you claim? We all sin every day, we all need forgiveness every day, we all fail, but we all can strive to live more Christ like and glorify Him in all we do. Matthew Henry said, “This was written for a warning to all who name the name of Christ, but do not depart from iniquity.” These warnings are direct for great sins committed here. But don’t we desire to be so close to Christ that the angels of hell know our name too? You must draw near to Him, seek Him daily, pursue the teachings and revelations of Him in the Word, and maybe, just maybe you will have a Most Wanted poster at the gates of hell with your name on it. James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Strive to make today a better day, living more like Christ than the day before.

 
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Posted by on March 24, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Naked at war

23 Mar

Naked at war

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

Those verses in Luke are both terrifying and reassuring all wrapped up into one. Christ was at His last supper and telling the disciples of many things to come involving Him, and them. Simon Peter was the most outspoken of the crowd, and Satan wanted get his chance at Simon, and weaken the leader of the disciples. But did you catch that he had to ask permission? Satan has no authority on his own, but must approach God before approaching us. “Oh God can I pleeeeassee go after that one who seems to be doing all these good things for you?” Have you read the story of Job and how God was so proud of him that He let Satan test him harshly only to prove how wrong Satan was and ultimately rewarded Job for his trial?

God will never tempt you in any way to do wrong. James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. God will only draw you near to Himself and give you the strength to face those temptations when they come. The more time you spend with God in prayer and His word, the more strength you have to face the temptations when they come, and they will surely come. When you are spending less time with Him, you are like a soldier thrown into battle naked without his weapons and shields. You are not prepared for the fight and succumb much more easily to the temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Prepare every day by placing yourself with God in prayer and meditation, and these will strengthen you for the temptations that Satan will bring your way. You cannot go into battle naked and unarmed and expect victory, and victory comes only through Christ.

 
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Posted by on March 23, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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I know YOU got this

19 Mar

I know YOU got this

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.

Thank you Lord for where you have me today. I may not understand, I may even question, but I must rest in the assurance that it all passes through your hands. Your ability is infinite, and my ability to reason is futile, but the peace that comes with that is immeasurable.

We will never understand God’s ways. Isaiah 55:8″For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.” We would never take the paths that a good father will lead us down for many times they come with a cost, and we willingly would deny that price. We simply take the easy path, never seeing the work He may have intended to do through us. We make our plans, but do our plans allow room for God? Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Most likely not, but yet He has the ability to steer us where He has wanted us all along. He let’s us make mistakes, and He uses them to our benefit.

Pastor Jack yesterday preached on John 9 and the blind man from birth that Christ healed. This was not a bad decision or punishment the man had made. The disciples had asked why he was blind and in verse 3, “ Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” God had been at work in his life all along. But there is a key to remaining in God’s will for your life when you feel him speaking to you. When you feel those tugs of God, are you obedient, or do you pursue it alone going against God in your own reason? You see the works of God outside your reason and in those acts of obedience. John 9:11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.” Rest in the peace that surpasses all understanding knowing as a child of His, you can rest in Him in whatever you may face today.

 
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Posted by on March 19, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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The deaf rebel

18 Mar

The deaf rebel

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

This morning I was thinking about writing about the time spent early every day seeking God. Of how I believe God honors that time by speaking to us when we honor Him by doing so. Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. When we set a time every day to place honor to Him, what do we place before Him that takes away from that appointment? There is not a right or wrong time, just a set time I believe. That lets God know you are serious about your relationship with Him. As a result of this study, it took a somewhat different turn in Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs is written by Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. A man who sought God and counsel to gain understanding of the things of God. I encourage you to read this chapter, for it speaks plainly of the draws of the world that tug us away from God, and the results of it. It is written as a father who speaks to their rebellious child, and the enticements of sin that draw that child away. Of how God is the voice of reason, rebuking that sin, desiring to protect us from our calamity that lies before us. I lived this life for many years, “the rebel without a cause”, and I know the destruction that came as a result of it. My plea to you is to heed the warnings, listen to His voice, and rest in His security. Proverbs 1:33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

 
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Posted by on March 18, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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A Field of Treasure

17 Mar

A Field of Treasure

Matthew 13:44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Have I got a real estate deal for you! In this field lies a hidden treasure, but will you trust me on this by just looking at the field, or purchase it and dig into the great opportunity? Will you lay aside everything for this opportunity that promises an eternal return? If you grasp what treasure lies beneath the surface, the choice is easy,  and you speedily move to grasp what you have found. In this parable Christ is the Treasure, and the gospel or Good News that is found in the Word is the field. You simply unearth the hidden treasure by digging into God’s Word and finding Christ throughout the Old and New Testaments. You are missing an eternal treasure by letting the field lie dormant, or just scratching the surface, instead of digging deep to find the treasure.

You can’t judge a book by it’s cover, and you can’t find the treasure without digging in the field. Once you begin to unearth that Treasure, you hide it in your heart and begin to realize the value of what you possess. The value of your life hidden in Christ is immeasurable and many other things you once cherished seem to have little value. Philippians 3:7-8 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Once you begin to realize what you possess in a book like non-other, you will begin to gain a great return on your investment that is the only secure investment available today. Pray for God to reveal Himself to you, open your bible and unearth your hidden treasure.

 
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Posted by on March 17, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Energy for the race

16 Mar

As I awoke this morning, feeling the pains of a very rough work week, my body is physically hurting. I was thinking of how I still have two more long rough days ahead, and what I needed to do to accomplish the tasks at hand. I needed physical energy and probably some Aleve pain meds too. It hit me the similarities of our lives and duty as disciples of Christ, and the energy and meds that we receive from Him. What I receive our here early every morning is much more than I can convey in these devotions. I can never accurately pen what He provides me in this labor of love. It gives me the energy to run that eternal race and press on towards that goal that lies ahead, to share what He has done for me, and can do for you.

 

Energy for the race

John 6:27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

Tired. Physically exhausted, mentally drained, the labor which drags us down as we seek to work and provide for our families and ourselves. And yes the older we get, the harder it gets. But we continue to press on, pushing ourselves for the tasks at hand, to obtain whatever goal lies before us, to reach the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. It may be at work or at play, but we press on towards that goal, of achievement and success.

The ultimate goal of eternal life is obtained simply through grace alone (Ephesians 2:8), but the burden that becomes placed on your heart is the desire to share what you possess with others. That is the “works” that Christ places in you, and does through you. As in preparation for that work that lies ahead, you must feed yourself on that spiritual food that prayer and time in His Word bring. These provide the energy to run the race that is set before you. This food is not obtained on Sundays only, but requires daily nourishment in time consecrated to Him. Take the time to feed your soul, along with your body every morning. You will find a strength you never knew you possessed, and an energy to face the day no matter how daunting the worldly tasks that may lie ahead.

 
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Posted by on March 16, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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