Turn Your Eyes To God...

Scripture:

Ezekiel 36:26-31 (NIV)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine. Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices.

Devotional:

Over and over God warns us not to forget His ways.  We are told to write them on our door frames and fence posts.  We are to bind them around us as constant reminders.  What is the importance of remembering God and His decrees?  So that it will go well for us.  So that God will give us a heart transplant, and that we will be blessed.  Otherwise we are doomed to repeat past mistakes.  We will turn our eyes from God our father, Jesus our Savior, the Holy Spirit our guide and strength.  Looking at nations all over the world it is no wonder they are falling apart.  Yes great things are still happening in the world.  But have you stopped to look at where?  There are nations falling apart, even if they refuse to acknowledge it.  These nations have lost sight of God. 

The United States of America a once mighty and proud nation stands on the verge of collapse.  You can give many reasons as to why and they all will sound good.  However, the truth is that we are falling apart because we have lost sight of God the Father, Jesus the Savior, the Holy Spirit our guide and strength.  Just look at Israel.   The Jewish nation was once mighty strong in every way possible.  In today’s terms they were the ultimate super power.  What happened?  Simple they lost sight of God.  Our nation that was firmly planted in God’s ways has drifted.  Now it stands on the verge of collapse.  God is trying to get our attention, but are we listening?  I firmly believe the answer to all our problems is a simple one.  Simple to begin, but it can be hard to maintain.  All we really have to do is turn our eyes back onto God.  We need to remember God the Father, Jesus the Savior, the Holy Spirit our guide and strength.  Then we will see God’s blessings flow back upon our nation, or any nation…

The Big Race

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:7-15 (NASB)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So death works in us, but life in you.

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.  For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

Devotional:

The Little Grand Canyon in Southern Georgia was formed by water erosion.  Due to farming practices in the 1800s running water created the little canyon.  It didn’t form over night.  Somebody didn’t fall asleep one night only to wake up and see the canyon the next day.  It took years of running water to create the beautiful canyon.  The power of a little water goes a long way, especially when given enough time.

Our faith and persistence in spreading the Gospel is the same.  We might never see the full extent of what we do.  We may not realize the difference our suffering or hardships we face make.  Paul tells us to keep at it.  2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Paul spent his life devoted to spreading the Gospel.  He suffered many hardships and yet still kept on all the way till the end.  I wonder how many times he thought to himself wondering what difference he might make.  How many times did the thought cross his mind that he wasn’t making a difference?  Maybe those thoughts never crossed his mind, maybe they did.  In the end Paul touched more lives over the years.  His effort made a difference.

It is important for us to keep on going.  We must continue the race.  There will be times when it is tough and we will not want to continue.  We will feel abandoned and all alone.  We might be persecuted and scoffed at.  In this life we may never know what kind of difference we might make.  Whose life will be changed because you fought the good fight and ran the race till the very end?

what's in Your Heart?

Scripture:

James 3:9-18 (NASB)

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.   Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Devotional:

If you fill a jar with dirt and rocks there isn’t any room for diamonds and other jewels.  The jar simply cannot be filled with junk and treasures at the same time.  You can fill it with either one or the other but not both.  In this same way our hearts cannot be filled with both things of this world and of God.  We either fill it with the love of this world and what is in it or we fill it with God and the Holy Spirit.  What is in our hearts will be what comes out of us.  We are a wellspring that the Holy Spirit pours through into this world.  If we clog the spring with sinful thoughts and deeds we prevent the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.  Other people will see us and not Christ.  If we fill our hearts with God the Holy Spirit will then flow through us into the world.  Others will see Christ in us.  It is then that we can make a difference in their lives.

Filling our hearts with God takes an active effort on our part.  What must we do?  We need to read the scripture.  We must constantly be in prayer.  It is also important to fellowship with fellow Christians.  God has given us each other to help us keep on the straight and narrow path.  We can give encouragement to one another as well as hold each other accountable.  As the saying goes “Many hands make light work.”  In the end however, no one can change your heart but you.  Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and help you change your heart.  Keep your focus on God in all you do.  You just might be amazed at the difference it can make.  Eventually you will notice your heart is no longer filled with things of this world but instead filled with things of God.  For me at least this is a constant struggle that I have to work on every day.  If I am not careful I find worldly things tend to creep back in.

The Storm

Scripture:

Psalm 91

Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Devotional:

Our house is surrounded by trees.  On windy and stormy days you can just see the tops of the pines waving back and forth.  Yet I can stand outside on the front porch and not feel the strong winds.  You see evidence of the storm raging on all around us.  Our little home is nestled quietly surrounded by the woods.

Are you in the middle of a storm?  Is everything a struggle?  Do you feel that you are constantly under attack?  Remember that through it all you are not alone.  If you call upon Him God will wrap you in His loving arms.  He will protect you keeping the enemy and all his attackers from you.  Like my house tucked in the woods you can be tucked within the folds of God’s arms.  He will keep the enemy’s attacks from you, protecting you from the storm.  You will be able to see the effects all around, but you will be kept safe.  All you have to do is call upon God and trust in Him.  When you feel overwhelmed and that you are being attacked from all sides pause long enough to read Psalm 91.  Pray and know God is with you protecting you.  You will see the trees swaying in the storm but you will be kept safe.

Not Far From The Tree...

Scripture:

Jeremiah 32:17-19 (NASB)

‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows loving kindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The LORD of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

Devotional:

As the old saying goes “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”  As we grow from childhood we become our parents.  There are things my mom or dad use to say or do that I swore I wouldn’t when I grew up.  The funny thing is when my oldest two kids were little I would catch myself yelling out to them, as they ran out the door, “Close the door we are not…”  A saying I often will repeat is something my mom use to say to us, “Clear as mud.”  Of course not all habits and sayings that we inherit are bad.  Some can be very beneficial.  My dad would ingrain in us “If you are not going to do the job right, don’t do it at all.”  If you ask me that is a very wise statement.  Just don’t try to use that as an excuse not to do something.  I did once when my wife asked me to do something and it wasn’t pretty.

We can pick up bad habits and sinful traits from our parents.  We then turn around and pass them onto our kids.  The good news is that the cycle can be broken.  Through the grace of God we can instill in our children Godly traits and habits.  My parents passed several good qualities down to me, one of which is going to church regularly.  Nothing is too difficult for God.  When we feel we are faced with the impossible we need to reach out to God.  What is impossible for man is a simple task for God.  After all He is the one who breathed the heavens into being.  I think He can help us rid ourselves, and children, some bad habits.  Let us all find God’s grace, love, and mercy.  Let us pass them down to our children…

Who Is Glorified?

Scripture:
Philippians 2:7-9 (NASB)

but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

Devotional:

Most people want the spotlight.  They strive for the high profile positions.  There they will surely be noticed and given lots of credit.  We wear our achievements like badges of honor to be displayed for all to see.  When seeking positions of servitude are we looking for our glory or Gods?  Who gets the credit?  There is nothing wrong with recognition for something you have done.  What is important is who is glorified and given credit. 

I use to love giving devotions or sermons in churches.  At the same time I was scared to death to do so.  It was a time when I could stand up and share the words God has given me.  My goals were always the same.  I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life, and for God to be glorified.  Afterwards someone would say I did a good job or what I said spoke to them.  I would give thanks and simply say it wasn’t me.  God gave me the words to share.  He deserves the credit.  Now as I write devotional thoughts most days I do not seek the attention.  It really isn’t me writing.  I pray for God to give me the words to share.

The task itself doesn’t really matter.  What is important is who you give credit to.  Do you keep it, or give it to whom it belongs?  You can stand on the stage, or you can be the person who makes it all happen.  You can be the organizer and planner, or you can be the person working behind the scenes ensuring nothing goes amiss.  If it weren’t for the sound technician a pastor wouldn’t be heard.  If it wasn’t for the janitor the bathrooms would be dirty.  Each task no matter how big or small is equally important.  Each task needs to be done.  Remember Jesus himself came to serve not to be served.  It doesn’t matter what you do.  It matters who is glorified by what is done.

The Good Fight

Scripture:

Acts 18:5-11 (NASB )

But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Devotional:

It must have been extremely frustrating to Paul.  After reading several chapters in Acts Paul was plagued by unbelieving and jealous Jews.   They caused problems for him everywhere he went.  Finally in Corinth Paul washed his hands of the Jewish leaders. 

We often wonder how long do we have to put up with something before things change.  It seems that we continuously beat our heads up against a wall.  We reach the end of our ropes and throw our hands in the air shouting “I am through, I am done with it.”  When we reach that point what do we do?  When is it enough?  God didn’t give up on His people.  God didn’t want Paul to either.  Acts 18:9-10 (NASB) “And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.’”  Who is it that God is telling you to reach out to?  Are you ready to give up because it appears fruitless?  God is there telling you “Don’t give up.  I am with you and I have many people there to help you.”  We are not alone.  God is with us.  God has given us helpers and companions.  We need to hang in there fighting the “Good fight” all the way to the end.  Just know you are not fighting it alone.  When you are ready to give up stop to look around, someone is there to help.  Let others help lift the burden.

Have You Died?

Scripture:

Romans 6:12-14 (NASB)

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Devotional:

Have you died?  Are you still living?  Romans 6:8 (NASB) “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,”  As a matter of fact if we have accepted Christ as our savior we have died to our old lives.  We died in His death only to be raised in new life.  It is in Christ that we have been given true everlasting life.  For Christ died once and for all for all sin.  John 3:16 says it all ““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

We are no longer bound by the law, we are no longer bound by death.  But this does not give us free reign to continue in sin.  I know I have struggled with the same sins over and over in life.  As Paul stated I find I do those things that I do not wish to do.  I find I cannot do the things that I wish to do.  I am weak.  It is through the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to do those things that we know are right.  It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to stand firm against those things that we know we should not do.  God’s grace is sufficient for us all.  No matter how many times we mess up His grace is there for us.  As we go forth let us strive for perfection knowing its success through the Holy Spirit and Grace…

Do You Trust?

Scripture:

Psalm 116:1-6 (NIV)

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
   he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
   I will call on him as long as I live.

  The cords of death entangled me,
   the anguish of the grave came over me;
   I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD:
   “LORD, save me!”

  The LORD is gracious and righteous;
   our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the unwary;
   when I was brought low, he saved me.

Devotional:

Has anyone ever let you down?  Have they failed you in some way?  Could it be that we have issues trusting God because we put human limitations upon Him?  There are times when I have said or done something to let others down.  I have failed in performing a task that I said I would.  I have made hurtful comments to someone.  The worst is yelling at my kids when I am frustrated, and they don’t deserve it.  The point is that I have failed in some form or fashion those that I love.  Unintentionally they too have failed me at some point.  We are sinners and we make mistakes.

God never fails.  He never lets us down.  We can always count on Him to be there and to see us through.  Psalm 116:5-6 (NIV)

The LORD is gracious and righteous;
   our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the unwary;
   when I was brought low, he saved me.

God loves us so much that He gave us everything.  He is our protector.  He is our provider.  He is our savior.  There is one thing you can always count on, God is there for you.  He will never fail.  The failure is when we place limitations on God.  We tend to put Him in a box.  The truth is that there is not a box big enough to contain our God.  He is truly limitless.  We can trust Him and count on Him for any and everything.  He will not fail…

Sharing In Our Troubles

Scripture:

Philippians 4:14-20 (NIV)

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Devotional:

Paul expressed his thanks and joy for the support that the Philippians shared in Paul’s troubles.  He rejoiced in that they gave in order to meet his needs.  The true account is where he wanted credit for all things to go.  Not himself, not in the church, but in Christ our Lord and Savior.    Through sharing everyone’s burden was a bit lighter.  Paul was given everything he needed.  His strength in God was what allowed him to endure all things.  We too can endure all things through the strength that God gives

. 

Where does that strength come from?  Besides the obvious answer from God, where do we draw His strength from?  Philippians 4:14, “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”  Some of the strength that Paul had came from the support of others.  The strength we gain comes from our friends and fellow Christians.  It is through sharing that we relieve the strains, stress, and needs of those around us.  Acts 4:32-35 (NIV):

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.  With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Giving is not just our money.  Are we truly giving of ourselves to God?  Are we sharing in one another’s troubles?  It seems to me that I am constantly failing in this task.  It is important to show that we care.  It is important to give back to God.  One of the ways we do this is in sharing in each other’s troubles.  This may only be a listening ear, it could mean helping someone move, or fix something.  What has God given you that you can share?  Let us lift one another up in all things…  We are the BODY…

Friends

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

Two are better than one,
   because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
   one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
   and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
   But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
   two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Devotional:

Friendship can be the difference between success and failure.  It can make the difference between life and death.  Loneliness can lead depression and if it runs too deep can lead to feelings of unworthiness.  After all I must not be worth anything because no one likes me.  Think about the times when you felt lonely.  What other emotions were there?  Companionship can do wonders to lift up spirits and lighten burdens.  I remember when I was in high-school.  My freshman year I ran cross country.  I always found it easier when I had someone to run with than running alone.  When I had a partner alongside me I could run faster and farther.  It has always been easier to actually get out there and workout when I had a partner. 

When was someone a friend to you?  How did it make you feel knowing someone was there for you?  When was the last time you were a friend to someone?  Friendship goes both ways.  You can make a difference and not even realize it.  Through friendship we can share in each other’s burdens and joys.  We lighten the one and increase the other.  God never intended us to be all alone.  He meant for us to fellowship with one another.  He meant for us to have relationships with people, and most of all with Him.  He is our friend and He is always with us.  He will make a difference in our lives if we let Him.  Who knows who God will use to touch your life?

Sharing In Each Other's Burdens

Scripture:

Psalm 55:1-8 (NIV)

Listen to my prayer, O God,
   do not ignore my plea;
  hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
  because of what my enemy is saying,
   because of the threats of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering on me
   and assail me in their anger.

  My heart is in anguish within me;
   the terrors of death have fallen on me.
Fear and trembling have beset me;
   horror has overwhelmed me.
I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
   I would fly away and be at rest.
I would flee far away
   and stay in the desert;
I would hurry to my place of shelter,
   far from the tempest and storm.”

Devotional:

All of us at one time or another feel overwhelmed.  We feel the attacks from the enemy coming from all sides.  We all have hardships, trials, and tribulations that we go through.  No one is spared.  Paul asked God three times to remove some affliction from him.  God’s response was My Grace is sufficient for you.  2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NIV),

…or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”…

One of the greatest evangelists of all time couldn’t escape affliction and hardship.  Why should we think we shouldn’t face hardships?  All of us will face them; the question is how will we react.  God’s grace is sufficient for us.  We do not have to face hardships alone.  We are filled with the Holy Spirit.  God will see us through if we rely upon Him.  God has also given us each other.  As Christians it is our duty to be there for one another.  We are able to assist each other along life’s narrow path.  As the old saying goes “Many hands make light work.”

 

When faced with troubles do you turn to God?  Do you try to face them alone?  You don’t have to.  God is with you.  His grace is sufficient.  His strength is greater than anyone else’s.  In today’s difficulties it is important that we help one another.  It is important to remember that you do not have to go at it alone.  You have others around willing to share the load.  Maybe you can help ease someone else’s burden.  Maybe God is seeking to use you to be there for someone else…

Character Flaws & God's Grace

Scripture:

Genesis 14-23 (NIV)

So he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and she prepared some tasty food, just the way his father liked it. Then Rebekah took the best clothes of Esau her older son, which she had in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob. She also covered his hands and the smooth part of his neck with the goatskins. Then she handed to her son Jacob the tasty food and the bread she had made.

He went to his father and said, “My father.”

“Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?”

Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.”

Isaac asked his son, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?”

“The LORD your God gave me success,” he replied.

Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not.”

Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he proceeded to bless him.

Devotional:

There villains we love to hate in movies and books.  There are characters that no matter how hard they try everything always go wrong.  They make bad choices and their flaws seem to be the dominant factors in their lives.  Some of the best heroes in the movies are those with flaws that just seem to be in the right place at the right time.  All of us have imperfections in our makeup.  We have done things we are not proud of.  Despite all of this God still loves us and will use us for His greater good.

God uses people in the Bible who are full of character flaws.  It is through His grace that each of them have overcome and managed to become Godly men.  I remember a conversation with a friend about some of the Bible greats.  He was quick to point out the flaws and not see God’s greatness in them.  My friend could only focus on the bad.  He couldn’t see the good, God’s work in them despite their weaknesses.  The Old Testament is full of people who made monumental mistakes in their lives.  There is Abraham, Jacob, Samson, and David.  Other’s lacked faith or were struggling with faith or fear.  Regardless of the person they had flaws in their character.  What made the difference?  God did.  They sought God.  In the end God called them and they listened.  Where would we be without Abraham’s great faith?  Had he not had faith in God he would not have left his home.  David was a man of God’s own heart.  Just imagine what could have happened had David’s heart not been set on God.  Maybe God used these people and had their history recorded to give us hope.  We see their flaws and yet they triumphed.  We see their mistakes and yet God still used them, and loved them.  God forgives all sins.  God loves us all.  Not one of us is perfect.  Each of us has skeletons in the closet.  However, it is through Grace that we can find peace and salvation.  If God can look past our faults, shouldn’t we do the same?

Do You Love God? Does It Show?

Scripture:
Hebrews 6:10-12 (NASB)

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Devotional:

Recently I had a conversation with a friend about self confidence and abilities.  There are times I feel inadequate to the task at hand.  I often think who would want to hear what I have to say.  Other thoughts include who am I to do this.  The truth is that if God calls you to it, then you are the person.  He will equip you with what you need to be successful.  Are you willing to put forth your best effort for His glory regardless of the task?  2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NASB), “Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  Are we doing our best for Him?  After all He is equipping us to the task He has given us.

 

It is easy to say we love Him.  It is one thing to speak the words.  It is another to show our love.  We can show our love for him by our deeds and actions.  We can undertake the tasks He gives regardless of how we feel.  It doesn’t matter if you do not feel qualified.  We shouldn’t let our own busyness get in the way either.  Too often I find my days filled and before I know it another week has gone by.  Too many times I let slip by opportunities God placed before me to be a part of His ministry.  I need to make sure I have time for God.  Sometimes we become selfish and do not wish to be bothered.  We want God to leave us alone to our lives.  We want to profess our love and move on.  No matter the reasons, it is simply too easy not to show our love for God.  Do you love God?  Are you willing to show that love?  God showed us how much He loved us.  He sent His son to live, suffer, and die for us.  What more could He give?

God's Gifts, Your Gifts...

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NASB)

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written,

“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR,
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Devotional:

I find Christmas to be a wonderful time of year.  I love the decorations and all the lights.  What I love the most are all the gifts.  Yep, I love the gift giving.  OK, not for me.  Honest, no really honest I love giving Christmas gifts to everyone I can.  One of the worst Christmases I had was a year I just couldn’t give any gifts, well just a few.  (Don’t bother asking me for anything for Christmas.  As much as I enjoy giving I am not able to buy everyone everything…).  Seriously though, there is great joy in giving to others.  It truly is a blessing in and of itself. 

Today’s scripture verse tells us that those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly.  If we horde what is given to us God will not give abundantly.  Think of a cup of water.  If you pour water into an empty cup eventually it will fill up.  Once full you cannot add more water to it.  Only by emptying the cup can you add more water.  The more you pass God’s blessings on the more He will bless you.  What joys are you missing out on because you are hording what God has already given to you?  We do not need to fear not having.  God promises to supply our needs and to take care of us.  So, why do we hold onto what has been given?  A Christmas Carol comes to mind when thinking about giving or hording.  Ebenezer Scrooge was a stingy person hording his wealth.  He wouldn’t even share with his one and only nephew.  He lived in a cold and dark house all alone.  He had no friends to share his life with.  I think how sad to live that way.  I think of how much he missed out on in life.  Again, what are you missing out on by not sharing God’s gifts?

Pour Out The Blessings

Scripture:

Malachi 3:7-12 (NASB)

“From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’

“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the LORD of hosts. “All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says the LORD of hosts.

Devotional:

Tithing can be a touchy subject for some.  We all say we trust God.  We talk about faith and trust all the time.  However, when it comes to tithing all too often we fall short.  We look at the numbers and logically they just don’t add up.  No matter how hard you try two plus two just doesn’t add up to six.  It can’t be done.  Then out of nowhere someone brings up Malachi chapter three.  Oh if you just give God ten percent He will pour out His blessings.  After all Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”  We are sold on the ideas that if I give God ten percent without fail; then He will give me much more in return.  God becomes a lottery winning.

The truth is we are to give with a cheerful heart.  2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  We make the mistake of tithing for reasons of “the law.”  We tithe because we must, it is a duty.  Somehow we have lost sight of God in our tithing.  Why do we tithe then?  For starters we are told to tithe, in the Old Testament.  Tithing was set at ten percent of the first fruits, not necessarily money.  It included crops and livestock among other things.  Tithing was meant to support the Levites; today we would say the church.  I feel what is more important about tithing is our honoring God.  We are giving God back the first fruits of our labors whether it is money or something else.  When we tithe we acknowledge that what we have has been given to us by God.  It is not ours but His.  He has entrusted us with the things He has given us.  Look at Acts 4:32, “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.”  Acts 4:34 “For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales”  Tithing is not meant to be just a ten percent offering.  Tithing is a gift that is best given with a joyful heart.  Tithing is of our money, our time, and our talents.  It is our tithing that supports the church.  Through our offerings God’s work is accomplished.  For example the church is able to open doors for the people.  People are able to go on missions because of offerings given to God.  Benefits of tithing include feeding the hungry, clothing those with nothing to wear, providing homes to the homeless, medical aid to those without.  The list goes on and on.  Without our gifts none of these things can happen.  Why?  God uses us to do His work.  He gives to us so that we can give to others, and back to Him.  Tithing is necessary.  Through our tithing, or offerings, we are honoring God.

Do you give so that you can get rich?  Do you give so that God will open the windows of heaven?  By the way other references to the windows of heaven in the bible are rain.  God pours out water or rain upon the land, see Genesis 7:11, Genesis 8:2, Isaiah 24:18.  Could it be that when God said he would open the windows of heaven He meant He would bless the people by rainfall?  After all if you are a farmer what better blessing than having an abundance of water for your crops…

Bad Things and Good Gifts

Scripture:

James 1:12-18 (NIV)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

Devotional:

When something bad happens we tend to do one of two things.  We either blame God or cry to Him for help.  Have you ever asked “God why have you done this to me?”  Sometimes we ask “What did I do to deserve this?”  Another saying I have heard is “God must be punishing me.”  If we are not outright blaming God for our woes then we cry to Him for help.  It is amazing that you can hear many nonbelievers crying out to God in bad times.  You can hear them asking how could God allow this to happen.  To me it’s funny; they don’t believe and yet will still cry out to Him when things get really bad.

The truth is that God doesn’t cause anything bad to happen.  God doesn’t even place the slightest bit of temptation in front of you.  God is good and He is Holy.  He wants to shower you with His love and His blessings.  Are you ready to receive His gifts?  Are you ready to open up to Him so that He may bless you?  Yes bad things happen in this world.  It just isn’t God causing them.  It is the enemy.  Let us place blame where it is due.  We live in a fallen world.  God gave us the freedom to choose.  We chose sin, which is the cause of all the problems we have in this world.  James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

May God’s peace be with you, and may His blessings be showered upon you…

Don’t Let Somebody Else Do It…

Scripture:

Matthew 25:34-46 (NIV)

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Devotional:

I remember several years ago driving to Chattanooga.  I was heading up there to look at a new software package we were considering selling.  It was early morning about halfway there we stopped for breakfast.  While we were placing our order someone walked in asking for money for food.  This person looked homeless.  He looked as if he didn’t own anything but the clothes on his back.  I had recently talked with a few friends about scams.  People who look homeless begging for money, by the end of the day they walk away with large sums of money.  I didn’t want to just give this man money.  However, my heart poured out to him.  I felt compelled to do something.  So I walked him up to the counter and paid for his meal.  He gratefully took the food, sat down, and ate in the warmth of the restaurant.  As I reflect over this I cannot count the number of times I had simply walked by not bothering to help. 

It is important to help those who are in need.  However, we do not need to enable wrong doing.  How do you know what to do?  Jesus clearly states that whomever we clothe or feed we do unto Him.  I don’t know about you but I do not wish to go to heaven only to be told I left Christ naked and hungry.  So again how do you know what to do?  A simple answer is to listen to your heart.  Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you.  If you are listening to God’s quite voice you will know what to do.  When it came to the man at the restaurant my first thought was to walk by.  Something tugged at my heart.  I knew I needed to help that man.  I didn’t say anything or try to preach to him.  When asked for money I simply took him to the counter and let him order his food.  I could see the gratefulness in his eyes.  In that moment I gave Jesus something to eat.  There have been times when I haven’t felt that urge and I did nothing. 

When I am faced with the situation to give or not to give I simply stop to pray.  As I pray I listen for God’s voice prompting me what to do.  If you listen for Him the Holy Spirit will put it upon your heart what to do.  Remember we are to visit the sick, those in prison, comfort those in need.  We are to clothe the naked and feed the hungry.  We are the hands and feet of Heaven.  If we do not do the Work Christ set out for us to do it will not get done.  We cannot take the attitude of “someone else will do it.”  If we all say that then “No one” will do what needs to be done… 

Law Or Grace

Scripture:

Matthew 15:1-9 (NIV)

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

“‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.’”

Devotional:

Are you bound by the law?  Are you trapped by all of the laws that you must keep?  It seems that every year congress adds more laws for us to follow.  There really is no way to know all the laws that govern us.  In fact there are still places that have laws that are no longer applicable.  For example in Illinois it is illegal to give a lighted cigar to dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals kept as pets.  In Indiana it is illegal to bath in the winter months, glad I don’t live there in the winter.  In Louisiana it is just “simple assault” to bite someone with your real teeth.  However, it is “aggravated assault” if you use false teeth.  After googling old laws I received over two hundred million results.

In Jesus’ time the Pharisees had placed too much into keeping laws.  They were so wrapped up in laws that they could not accept Grace.  Because of Grace we are not bound by the laws.  What is sad is that there are still people who are “bound” by the law.  They place too much on the rules and regulations.  They have little room for Grace.  They are quick to condemn because of infractions that were made.  Jesus said it best when He said in John 8:7 (NIV) “When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’”  I for one would rather have Grace than be bound by law.  I have sinned and by law I am guilty.  My penalty is death.  It is by Grace alone that I have life.  Do not become trapped inside the laws condemning yourself and others.  Jesus didn’t come to remove the law but instead he fulfills the law.  Live by Grace.  Show Grace, for freely it is given to you. Freely you need to pass it on.