Satan Has Already Picked Out The Grave

John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Since the beginning, satan has been against you. He has never been for you. He hates and despises you!  The word of God tells us that he would love to devour you as a lion does to weak prey. Chew after chew, he tears you limb from limb. He leaves your body lying in ruins and disaster. Blood, guts, pieces and parts all over the ground for others demons to feast on. Then he stands and boasts forever of how he captured and demolished you. He boasts it from the mountaintops and publishes it throughout every city. So that your shame will be remembered forever. 

If this were the image we paint of satan, then all of us would stay as far away from him as possible. But this is not the whole characteristics of satan. The Bible also teaches us that he is a deceiver. He is subtle, sneaky and tricky. The scriptures tell us that he is an angel of light. If he would only show his teeth first, we would know!  But it's not what he does. He quietly speaks to us, making us think he genuinely cares about us...

Just look in the garden of Eden... He didn't announce his presence, he just began speaking. He didn't show his fangs, but he spoke quietly and subtle. He didn't tell a whole lie, just a half truth. Ever since the day God created us and told them not to eat the fruit or they would die, satan had the grave picked out. He knew exactly where he would hide when he heard God give the law concerning the tree. He knew how he would approach Adam and Eve and what he would say. He had the perfect plot for their bodies. The perfect tombstone to be placed over them. He wanted nothing since the day of their creation than to kill them. 

Satan may have you thinking he loves you or that he is concerned. Mostly he does this by making you feel that no one, even God, loves you. He pulls you to a place alone so that you will have no help or guidance. He waits and waits until that right moment. He lures you in... He deceives you into buying his plan... He waits... He looks and sounds concerned... He waits... He offers... He waits... He lies... He waits... and then...when you think it's ok...he rushes in for the kill...and BAM! He's destroyed it all!  Everything is destroyed and scattered in ruins for all to see. Like a dead animal that has been eaten by everything in the forest. 

Remember, he only seeks your destruction. He's already picked out a nice grave for your life. Resist the devil and trust in Jesus. I love you. 

The Same Devil

Matthew 4:1
​Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Have you ever read the scriptures speaking about the temptation of Jesus?  Jesus was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness so that He could be alone and pray. While He was there the Bible says that the tempter came to Him. The tempter is speaking about the devil. How come when we are being led by the Spirit that the devil always comes to ruin things?

If you have time, go and read Matthew 4 this morning. Look at how the devil came unto Jesus. Look at what he tempted Him with. When Jesus was hungry, he tempted Him with a satisfaction of the flesh. Do we know that if Satan was there to tempt Jesus that he will also be there to tempt us? His mission and goal is to get us to fail. He wants us to give in to temptation. Sometimes it is so easy to fall for his temptations.

How did Jesus not cave in to his temptations? Lets look at how He addresses every temptation. You will find the words, "For it is written..." God wrote it down for us to use. Yes the Bible is a learning source but it is also a two edged sword. A defender for our lives. Satan fought with twisted scripture, but Jesus defended with the truth of scripture. Satan came in with self wisdom, but Christ spoke scripture.

How are we to win over Satan? Through the word of God. When Satan speaks his offer of betrayal and lies... You can speak the word of God. When he comes at you over and over, you can speak God's word over and over. And always remember, if he tempted Jesus this way, why wouldn't he choose to do the same unto you? After all, he is the same devil but the Word of God is the same Word!

You Remind Me of Someone

John 17:11
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

People say things like, "You look just like...", or "You favor each other". I've even heard people talking of how much married couples begin to look like each other. (To my wife... Patti you need to pray hard that this never takes place)  Joking aside, there is some truth to this. In married couples, they begin to have similarities about them. They also share same facial expressions and quirky phrases. They begin to blend together. Whenever you see the husband, you find yourself looking for the wife, or vise versa. After a while of being together, people are just accustomed to the both of you. 

The word of God teaches us that this should take place. One of my friends said, "We will become what we love". Meaning that what we love with our hearts will show through in our actions. If we love our wife, it will show. If we love our children, it will show. If we love fishing, it will show. If we love hunting, it will show. If you love shopping, it will show (on your checking statement). And when you love someone or something so much they or it will eventually become part of you. You won't be able to separate the two because they now have become one. 

Please take time today and read John Chapter 17. It will show you what the desire of Jesus is. He wants to be one with you. If you love Him, it will show. Not just sometime, but every time people see you they will immediately look for Jesus. 

You know what... you remind me of somebody!  

Taking a "Selfie" with Sin

Proverbs 6:27-28

Can a man take fire in his bosom,

and his clothes not be burned?

Can one go upon hot coals,

and his feet not be burned?

We live in the days of social media, selfies and instagrams. People are obsessed with taking pictures of themselves. It used to be that we would take pictures of our family and friends but now we also must be in the pictures. And the craziest thing now is to take your "selfie" in the strangest places. With snakes, sharks, alligators, hanging off of cliffs, and bathrooms of all places? (Not that the bathroom is dangerous, but it's disgusting)

While driving the bus this morning, we were all discussing the possibility of upcoming severe weather. Some asked if we would get out early.  Some had that look of concern on their faces. Some said nothing, but listened to the others. But then some spoke up and said, "Hopefully no one will be dumb enough to stay and film it, or take pictures of it. Maybe they will be safe". When I heard this, it hit me. Many will seek shelter and be safe, but how many are out there that will want the photos, videos and "selfies" with the tornado?  Knowing how dangerous this things could be and how they don't have a designated path. The destruction could be at any moment and very severe. In this same manner, people (everyday) are on social media taking "selfies" with the very things that are destroying their lives. 

In these days of self indulgence and sin, it is so prevalent that people have become numb to seeing it. Even in our television shows, we are continually indoctrinated with sin so much that we can't even recognize it. An old preacher by the name of Vance Havner said, "We are getting used to the dark". Christians are not to have fellowship with darkness because we are children of the light. We are not to fellowship with sin because we have been delivered from sin and the fellowship of sin. 

Can you take fire into your bosom and not be burned? Can you walk upon hot coals and your feet not be burned?  Absolutely not. Flee (Run) from evil! Don't take time to get a "selfie" with your sin... Run from it today and run to Jesus!

A Vessel for the Finer

Proverbs 25:4

Take away the dross from the silver,

and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

We read that salvation is not by works but by faith. We understand that man cannot get to Heaven by his merit, but by our Lord's unmerited favor called Grace. But one thing we miss out on after salvation is purity of life. Don't misunderstand me, we come to Jesus impure, but we are now saved to walk in a new life of purity. 

We should pray everyday that our Lord will remove the dross from our lives. We should ask Him to take out the things that are not needed in our vessel!  We should plead with Him about our steps, that they would be ones of holiness and ones that would bring Him glory. 

I ask you this morning, what is the dross (fleshly desires, sin, impurity) in your life?  Think about it for a moment. Maybe it's your language...not just filthy talk, but maybe even vain babbling. Maybe it's your attitude...maybe something you hold on to...maybe it's something you trust more in... Dross could be anything that has gotten into the silver and will damage the vessel.

Now that He has shown you, what is its purpose?  What glory does it bring into your life and walk with Christ?  Do we desire to be a vessel for the finer?  Our purpose is to allow Him to remove the things He knows will damage our vessel and use for His work. He is removing the filthy dross from our lives. 

Join me this morning in asking Him to remove what isn't needed. Lord, I surrender myself to your refining fire and tools to remove the impurities from my life. Help me not to fight with you, but to open up my heart so I could be a vessel used for your glory. I love you Jesus. 

I'm About to Burst

Psalm 107:8-9
Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Does something else need to happen today to make you realize and understand the greatness of God? Are you constantly asking God for more and more? STOP! Take an account of what He has already done. Call out to Him right now and say, "Lord, it is enough! Lord, you are enough!"

What would happen if we would begin to praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works? I believe that true and untainted revival would break out in the life of believers. It would flow out as an artisan well of water. Not just any water, but the water of life. Our desires would quickly turn to what God wants of our lives. We will see our needs met by the One who promises to meet them. Our wants of worldly pleasures will fade into the background of ministry and sowing the Gospel seeds.

Look at the last part of our scripture again. He says that our souls will be satisfied and our hungry souls would be filled! I'm telling you now, if that doesn't stir your soul then your spoon has fell out of your bowl. "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness!!!"

Oh God, my LORD, I praise you this morning with my hands lifted high. I love you! I can't thank you enough for the fullness of my soul. You alone can satisfy! Other possessions and people often leave me needing and wanting more, but you are so MUCH MORE! Praise the name of Jesus. The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world.

Call it in the Air

James 1:19-20

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

If I were to walk up to a group of people with a quarter in my hand, and say these words from our title, everyone would most likely give an answer. Some of them would quickly say, "Heads" while others call for "Tails". Isn't it funny that we do this without any thought process?  Isn't it funny how we are so quick with what we think we know it will be?

Well, how many times have we done the same thing with people and their lives. Seems like we are always trying to pick which side the coin, or story, will land on. Seems like many times we are right, but sometimes we are wrong. We've even gotten so good at this that we think we have it down to a science. I can remember guys I went to school with walking around during second period with a pocket full of quarters that they had won by playing "odd or even". They thought they had this game figured out. By sixth period, their pockets were much lighter. All because the call in the air was wrong. 

This morning our scripture teaches us to be quick, or swift, to hear (listen), Slow to speak, and slow to wrath. How many times have we made some of the biggest mistakes in our lives because we called it in the air?  By obeying God's Word, we will allow the righteousness of God to work. 

Lord, the next time I hear a story, let me be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath. Help remind me that there are two sides on the coin turning in the air before me. Let me NEVER call it in the air, but may I trust and depend upon you and let it land where it may. 

Things Just Got Real

Acts 27:25

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

One night we were eating with some friends after church. Our children are ordering up the food with huge eyes of hunger. Then the time came...fooooood! It was suddenly on!  While my friends son was opening his sauce packet to put on his taco, he read the label aloud. He said, "Things Just Got Real". We all busted out laughing. He was on a mission to fill that void in the belly and when the food was placed in front of him there was nothing else to do but ask God to bless it and take it in.  Things got real for him, fast. 

Take the time this morning to read the whole chapter of Acts 27. You will read about a ship setting sail for Italy. On this ship were prisoners, including the Apostle Paul. Paul warned the men that there would be much loss of the ship and bodily harm, but the centurion soldier listened to the master of the ship more than Paul. 

They sailed slowly many days, but then the Bible says a Euroclydon (an eastern wind cyclone) came and threatened the men and the ship. I can hear the captain as he says, "Men, things just got real"! Can you imagine the wind and waves crashing against the boat so fiercely that the ship is falling apart?  The idea of being out there during this storm was enough, but the fact that one of the prisoners on the boat tried to tell you not to sail...well that had to be the icing on the cake. 

But read what happens.  Paul says, "Sirs, Be of good cheer". What if Paul's words would have stopped there?  Not only would that sound ridiculous, but it would also bring anger. When we are in a storm, or things just got real for us, it's hard to be cheerful. It's difficult not to let our emotions take control. But his words didn't stop there. He said, "Sirs, be of good cheer: FOR I BELIEVE GOD".  Two hundred and seventy-six men were saved from death because of the words of God. Don't miss it!  Paul's words saved no one. But Paul's belief in the words of God brought comfort, cheer and rest when things got real. 

When things get real in your life, where do you find peace, joy, cheer, comfort and rest?  You don't find them in the storm or the whirlwind. You find them in the words of God. I don't know about you...but I believe God. Things can't get more real than Him!

Still Holding on to Calvary!

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

I love the Andy Griffith show!  It seems like I can quote them word by word and it never gets old to me. One of my favorite episodes was when they were blasting in town to build the new road. The sound of an explosion goes off and then the telephone rings... "Sheriff's office...Yes Mrs. Vickers...No ma'am that's just blasting on the underpass...Yes ma'am we're still holding on to Richmond". (I also loved the part when the goat ate the dynamite, Otis shows up in the jail cell and Andy says, "Now we've got two loaded goats"). 

This morning it may seem like blast after blast is heard. The world will blast the accuracy of God's Word. They will blast the love of Christians. They will blast the love of God. They will blast the cross of Calvary. They blast at the preaching of sin. Blast, blast, blast.... You may even be shaken by some of these very blast and wonder to yourself if we are still holding on. Let me reassure you today and forever of something... We are holding on!  Battles may come and go, and many may even say we win some, we lose some. That is wrong. I hear so many Christians say, "My parent, spouse, child or friend lost their battle to life". Please don't misunderstand me when I say this but if we are in Christ Jesus, He has defeated death and the grave. Christians don't lose the battle of death because we didn't fight that battle, Jesus did. We don't win in the end, we win when we trust on Jesus Christ as our Savior. 

So today, and everyday, Hold the fort!  Hold fast the profession of your faith without wavering! How can we do that?  You may say, "It's not blasting at your house like it is mine", "My house is shaking!"  Hold Fast! Because HE IS FAITHFUL that Promised!  Tell someone today, "Yes ma'am, yes sir, we're still holding Calvary" (Hallelujah)

It's Not the Bucket

Luke 6:45

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Years ago in a revival meeting I heard a preacher say something crazy that didn't have much to do with his message.  He laughed and we laughed. But then he said something that made a lot of sense. He said, "What's in the well, the bucket brings up". I thought that was a very simple but so true statement. He didn't have any intentions of saying what he said, but it is what he had seen or heard and so it came out.  

How many times have you been ran off the road by a crazed driver and have the first word that comes to mind not be one that would make our Lord smile? How many times have you smashed your finger with a tool or something and the first word you speak is one that mom would have went and washed your mouth out with soap for?  Because you are a Christian, you feel so bad and convicted in your heart (as you should!). You go into this process of feeling down because you never want to speak those things. Then you drift into a series of questions... Why did I act like that?  Why did I say that? How come I can't seem to get control over that?  When there should only be one question that we ask ourselves...

What's in my well?  Remember when you were young? Mom and Dad would tell you that you couldn't watch that scary movie because it would give you nightmares?  They knew if you put that in your well that you would bring that up all night, all night. 

What kind of reading do you put in your well?  What kind of television shows do you put in your well?  What kind of music do you put in your well?  Maybe now you can see why our words are those words, why actions are those actions. Because, WHAT'S IN THE WELL, THE BUCKET BRINGS UP!  Stop blaming the bucket, it only pulls up what you're pouring into your well.  

Wow, I Was Way Off!

2 Corinthians 3:2-3

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Have you ever noticed that things are sometimes different than they appear?  The other day my wife and I were shopping for some furniture. We were making our rounds to the usual stores. Every place we went there were people with cardboard signs that read, "Girl Scout Cookies". I hung my head every time and passed by, because I don't need a cookie. After the first store we began to see a pattern. These girls were everywhere. Wow! Every store we pulled up at there they were. Waiting with their cute little faces. Trying to make me fatter. I said "No" so many times that I began to avoid going beside where they were. I didn't want a cookie and I didn't want to see another sign about do-si-do's! (which are out of this world good)

Finally, as I felt freedom from these small saleswomen guess what happened?  We pulled into the last shopping store parking lot and there... they... were. Four people with signs!  I looked at my wife, and she looked at me. We both, at the same time said, "Girl Scout Cookies!"  My eyes rolled, and my expression probably said it all. As we got closer to these folks the sign begins to get clearer. Believe it or not, it wasn't the scouts. I said, "What does that sign say?"  My wife replied, "It says Can We Pray For You?" I said, "NO WAY! REALLY?" Because of what I had seen all day long I jumped to a conclusion that it must be the same thing.  God really taught me a great lesson in that. I was way off. 

You see we are so very quick to categorize and classify people or things. When one preacher ruins it by their actions (or signs they hold up) all others are now judged by the signs they have already seen. Look at what we miss sometimes because we assume what people are. We guess at what they are selling. How can this be fixed?  Let's make sure of one thing! That our signs point to Jesus. Let's hold up the banner of our Lord!

Maybe this devotion has touched you in the area of how you view others, which is awesome. But maybe God is speaking to you about what you are trying to sell people. What would your sign say?  Either way, let Him speak to you. Love you all. 

Well, I Reckon

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

I just love the word of God. I love the language. Like our scripture this morning... "I reckon!"  The sufferings of this world are real and hurtful. Sometimes it may seem like we can't handle anything else. We suffer for being righteous. We suffer for being holy. We suffer for being a Christian. We also suffer in this world from just everyday struggles and heartaches. But when we count them all together, Paul says that he "reckons" it can't even compare to the glory of God. 

A few years ago my wife and I were going through a very tough time. Death had not knocked on our families door very much. Only my pawpaw had gone home to be with Jesus so far. But then out of the blue, death knocked. Not once, but twice. My wife's grandmother and my grandmother both went into the hospital about eight days apart. They stayed there for over one hundred and fifty days. Then crossed over the river of Jordan into the hands of God eleven days apart from each other. We were actually walking off of the fresh dirt of my wife's grandmothers funeral service when we got the call that my granny had another serious stroke. 

We were sitting in a revival meeting during this time period. I was not preaching but my family was singing. It was so difficult that night trying to sing. The sorrows seemed to be way too heavy. I didn't know how I was gonna make it, but then the preacher said something that got to me. He said, "When I'm down and out, I get down on my knees and pray". God begin to move in my heart and I wrote the words to this song...

When I get down, I just go down on my knees in prayer to Him

When I get low, I know I can go to the one who walked up Calvary's hill

When I am stressed, my heart is pressed inside that it seems there's no way out

I look all around and when I get down, I just go down

When I open the paper or turn on the news I can see this old world is dying fast

From murder to lying my souls starts crying Oh, God how long will this last?

I worry about loved ones and all of my friends, without faith they'll never win

But then I think of Jesus alone in the Garden, and I've learned this lesson from HIM!

You know what? I reckon that what happens here can't compare to what I have waiting there!  I reckon that it's gonna be worth it all. I reckon that God is working it for my good. You reckon?

Foundation Problems

Psalms 11:3

If the foundations be destroyed,

what can the righteous do?

Much damage and destruction can come from a foundation problem. Homes that have a foundation issue can cause problems within the whole structure. A poor foundation can cause the frame of the house to shift. Which then causes the sheathing and sheetrock to crack and buckle. The only way to fixed something like this is to fix the foundation. 

Cars or trucks that have damage to the frame, whether they are cracked or bent, can cause issues as well. You should not even drive a vehicle that has a bent and damaged frame. It would cause driving problems and could cause you to crash. 

In this same manner, when the spiritual foundations are crumbling we are in much danger. When dads are no longer spiritually stable in their walk, or moms are not spiritually sound in their labor our structure is in peril. 

God will you restore our trust in the one and only foundation that we are able to stand on, Jesus Christ? I pray this morning for my friends who are fathers. Help them Father to know that their standing is upon you. Remind them of their footing, their base, their structure in Christ. For the moms, please bind up the loose stones, quicken their mortar and hold up their pillars of faith. God bless and encourage those moms and help them to know their role and how important that they are. 

Finally, God, our marriages in America are falling and failing because of the foundation that people are building on. Satan has tried so hard, and still is at work today, to destroy our foundation. He doesn't attempt to destroy us above the foundation where we can obviously see him. No, he attacks us below the surface, at our foundation. Thank you that our foundation in Jesus is sure and secure. 

Pinch Me, I Must Be Dreaming

Psalms 126:1-3

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,

we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing:

then said they among the heathen,

The Lord hath done great things for them.

The Lord hath done great things for us;

whereof we are glad.

Isn't it great to see God move in your life?  Take time for a moment this morning to look at where you were without Him and see where you are today. Think of where you've walked in the Christian life and how He has been there all the time. Think of the struggles that came and you couldn't hardly breathe, but now you are able to breathe freely. Think of the fiery trials that you walked through, but because He was with you, today you still stand. 

I love it when we can look back and see where He has moved or walked with us. It causes me to laugh at times. Other times a song comes to our minds and out of our mouths in praise to Him. A sense of joy and peace comes over you because you have seen Him move. At times it's almost like a dream. Where we want to ask someone to pinch us and see if it's real. I say, "If I am dreaming, then don't wake me up". 

God is so good, God is so good,

God is so good, He's so good to me.

He answers prayer, He answers prayer,

He answers prayer, He's so good to me. 

I love Him so, I love Him so, 

I Love Him so, He's so good to me. 

I Needed That!

Luke 10:42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Do you find it amazing that Martha invited Jesus into her house, and Mary invited Jesus into her heart?  Before you begin to put Martha down for her labor, don't ever forget that we must find time for it also. But look at what the scripture says about Mary. She has, "chosen that good part". 

Sometimes we forsake the "good things" in worship for entertainment or emotion. We will spend much preparation on notes (musical or message) and forsake the much needed time in prayer over the music and message. Often we focus on how people experience the services we hold instead of how Jesus is honored, glorified and concerned with our services. 

This morning, put the apron down. Put the work, emotions and formalities aside and fall before Him in prayer and worship. Take time to kneel before the King of all Kings!  Spend your morning enjoying and anticipating the day He has set aside for you. 

Take the time and chose that "good part". Because, just like Mary, the moments you spend before His feet can never be taken away from you. Maybe you'll get up saying... "Thank you Lord, I needed that". 

Waiting for the Sun to Shine

Mark 8:25

After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

There is nothing to me like waking up way before daylight... Eating a good breakfast at the gas station across the street where we will put in at Lake Guntersville... Unhooking the boat, putting the plug in, easing it into the water and pulling away from the shore. My fishing rods are all laid out and my plans on where to fish are going through my head with visions of bass jumping out of the water and into my boat. Then it happens...! 

I've pulled around the corner from my favorite launch site and entered into the main body of water only to find out that I can't see my hand in front of my face. The fog would be rolling down the river so thick that you couldn't see. It was crazy, and a bit scary. Remember now that I was still old school with no GPS in the boat. So I can't make heads or tails of where I'm at. I remember fishing with a friend once that asked where we were and I said, "The Lake". 

I have been so misplaced and confused before that I didn't know where I was. I would think to myself that the bank is around here somewhere. I would slow us down to an idle and we could hear boats roaring by us and not even see them (so that means they couldn't see us either). At times it was terrifying. 

But then what I waited on all morning happened. The sun begin to rise up higher and higher. The fog began to lift!  And all of the sudden I was 10 to 15 feet from the spot I had looked for all morning but I couldn't see it. 

When the fog of life, sin or confusion rolls in upon our lives it can be a scary and difficult time. We must be patient. We must listen for His words. We must slow down sometimes, even to an idle, so we don't cause anymore damage to our vessel and run aground. Then what we have waited on will happen. The SON will begin to rise higher and higher in our lives. Pushing the fog and confusion away. Then we will be able to see just how close we were to shore of rest. 

Somebody's Praying

Philemon 1:4
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

A few years back I had a woman in the church where I Pastor at to tell me something that still makes me smile to this day. She said, "Brother Steve, I can't do much anymore. I can't sing, cook, teach or anything like I used to be able to do. But I want you to know something." I asked her what it was and she said, "I pray for you everyday, and your beautiful little family." If you know me then you know I started crying.

Think about it. Someone who will take the time out of their lives, out of their own troubles or trials, just to pray for you. If it doesn't make you weep it should. One of the sad things about this is that many Christians today tell you that they are gonna pray for you but then end up forgetting about it or needing to pray for something of their own. Paul says that he was thankful and always prayed for this man, as well as many churches, everyday.

A few years had passed and this woman who told me and others this statement went home to be with the Lord. While we were attending a Pastor's conference one year I heard a song playing that I had not heard in sometime. Then the Pastor told us to join hands and pray for the one next to us on the right and left. This way everyone in the conference has been prayed for by name. The music was softly playing and then the man started singing...

Somebody's prayin' I can feel it. Somebody's prayin' for me.
Mighty hands are guiding me to protect me from what I can't see.
Lord I believe, Lord I believe, Somebody's prayin' for me.

Well then it started again... My tears begin to flow because I thought about this woman of God who told me she prayed for me.

How many times do we think that preaching, singing, evangelizing, youth rallies, revivals are the most important things that we need to be doing? We sometimes forget that prayer is the driving force behind all of these things. Prayer is not the last thing that we need to do, it's the first!

Right now, I have prayed for you. I want you to know something even greater than that though. When you finish the devotion go and read John Chapter 17 and you will see that even Jesus has prayed for you.

He Will Flee

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

How can I break away from...? This is almost a daily question that I'm asked. I can't break away from sin. How can I stop? What if I told you that God has laid it out in His Word? It's a very simple plan. Let's look at it.

First of all in order to break away from sin we must submit to God. Submit means surrender to or give yourself to. It means to accept or yield to someone or something. Sin will always have a hold on you, no matter what it is, as long as you're not submitted and surrendered to God. Submitting means that God is greater and your desire for Him overtakes the need for sin.

Second, you must resist the devil. Resist means to withstand. Satan comes in like a flood with his temptations of sin. Trying his best to get you to please your flesh and rebel against God. What is the best way to get the temptations of Satan away from you? Resist him! What did the scripture say would happen if we submitted to God and resisted the devil? He will flee from you!

Lord, I submit myself unto you today. I confess my sin and ask for your forgiveness. Please give me the wisdom and strength to resist the devil and his temptations so that he will flee. I love you and I thank you. In Jesus name - Amen.

Just a Cup of Cold Water

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Years ago, when I started as Pastor, I was just a young man of twenty-four. I didn't know much about being a Pastor at all. I knew nothing really. About a year into it, a member asked me to go to a Pastor's conference. I didn't give it much thought, but this woman was very persistent so I caved in to the idea. After going I heard great men of God speak such awesome messages from our Lord. Men like, Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, Mac Brunson and others. I was stunned by the power and anointing that was clearly upon these men. But then one man, Junior Hill, walked to the pulpit. I wondered what he would say. I was praying for God to help a young Pastor like me. I was seeking direction and more of His Spirit. To be very honest with you, I didn't expect much. He was a fellow Alabama man, pretty country and plain in his speech (just like me). But then he opened his mouth and it seemed as if a God Himself was speaking straight to my heart. 

Brother Junior spoke of one cup of cold water. Just one small cup of water and it's direct impact it could have upon our ministry. I have often thought of this one cup of water. Many dry days have come into my life since that time twelve years ago. Many days where my mouth seemed so parched and thick because of my thirst. At times it seemed as if I was going to thirst to death if I didn't have some of His spiritual water. Then as clear as the sky on a sunny day, God sent someone into my life like Andrew Johnson carrying a cup. A cup of His refreshing water. As he placed it into my hands I could feel the Love of God. When I would take it to my heart and drink it up I knew that God must have sent them my way!  

This morning think about this... Just one cup of water today. If all you can do for Him today is give one cup of cold water in His name, then do it. I promise you this. If you pour out one cup, surely God will have someone waiting that is thirsty.  There is a thirsty world in need of the living water we have. Please get a cup, fill it up, and give it to someone today. 

Don't Quit

2 Corinthians 4:16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

I have learned in the last year of my life that things are difficult. From physical to spiritual things, some of them can be tough. I've also learned that as much as we may strive to be in good physical shape, that this body is daily decaying. There is not enough medicine, make-up or workouts that can stop this from happening. (Before you use this devotion as an excuse to not workout and eat healthy, don't. That is not what the point is) There is no fountain of youth, no serum that you can take to stop the process of a dying body. You can maintain it and take good care of what God has given you, but you cannot stop the penalty of sin upon creation. We are all headed toward the grave. 

But the good news is... The inward man (spiritual man) is renewed day by day. We can help the spiritual side of us daily. We can become better and better. See this flesh will fall to the earth someday, but our spirit in Jesus will not fade or die. That's why Paul says, "For which cause we faint not..."  In other words, this is the reason we don't quit!  Because we know the ailments of this old body will someday be taken away and fade into the background of our new body.  What a day that is going to be when Jesus I shall see, and I look upon His face, the one who saved me by His Grace. When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the promised land... What a day, glorious day that will be. 

Don't quit!  Even when it gets tough...don't quit!  Even if you feel you can't make it another step...don't quit!  For which cause we faint not!  Lord Jesus, please renew us today. 

My Best Friend

Exodus 33:11

And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend...

Some view God as the "Big Boss Man Upstairs". He's always listening and ready to come in and ruin your fun. Some view Him as the "Homeboy" who you hangout with, some even while they are doing sinful things. But Moses saw God in a different way. He became so close to God, that he and God spoke as friends would speak. This doesn't mean that Moses didn't reverence God, it means that Moses was so in love with the fellowship of God, and God was so in love with Moses, that they talked together as friends. 

My greatest friend I have is God. But let me use an earthly example so you will understand me. My greatest earthly friend is my wife, Patti. We talk about everything. Sometimes it's me listening and sometimes it's her listening. At times it could be on a heated subject, but we talk it through as friends. One of the greatest joys I have is telling you about my wife. I use her as illustrations in many of my messages to show our love and friendship, no she doesn't like all of them.  There is no one that I will allow to come between me and my wife. Remember, she is my best friend. There is no one I would rather talk about than my wife. Remember, she is my best friend. I have no problem in doing what she asks of me, and she has no problem in doing the same. Because we are best friends. 

God and Moses were best friends. At one place in scripture God told Moses that He was about to destroy the children of Israel because of their sins and his friend Moses said, "Please don't". Then in other places, Moses wanted to walk away from it all and God said, "No my friend". 

When you pray, how do you talk to your friend?  If there is sin, you do realize that all sin is against your best friend? Ask Him to restore the best friendship you could ever have right now. Repent of the sin and begin to talk to God as a man would talk to his friend. Thank you Lord for being my friend. 

My Favorite Comforter

John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

When I was a child, I can remember going to bed at night afraid of the dark. I can remember thinking something was in the room with me and that I couldn't see it because it was so dark. So I would take my blanket and put it over my head. When I would do this it seemed that all my troubles vanished. Someone could be breaking into my house, come into my room and stand right over me, but as long as the cover was over me...there was no way they could find me or harm me.

Now that I'm older I can't wait for it to get dark. Cause I'm tired and ready for bed. I love crawling into my bed, and getting underneath that comforter. The darker the better!  Cause I'm resting in this bed underneath my comforter.  It seemed like nothing could scare or harm me when I was younger because of my comforter. Now it seems like rest and peacefulness comes while underneath the comforter.

Do you see where I'm going?  When I first accepted Jesus, and the Comforter came into my life, there were times I was afraid. There were times where I was scared, but through the Comforter I found my rest. No matter how dark it would get, I just covered up with the Comforter. Now that I'm an older Christian, I find all my comfort, all my peace, all my rest in my Comforter!

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for sending the sweet Holy Spirit. Thank you for comforting me when I'm afraid, scared and if it gets dark. Thank you for providing the rest, peace and comfort that no one else could ever give. I love you so much. I love my Comforter!

A Good Report

Hebrews 11:1-2

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Nothing can beat a good report card or a good report at the doctors office. Have you ever seen a student hide a good report card?  No!  They love to show a good report card to every one they come in contact with. What about a good doctors report?  Surely you would tell everyone. I know I would.

Sometimes Fear can contaminate our report. Nothing hurts more than thinking of what the report, or outcome, will be with fear. Fear can devastate us in our walk with Christ. Fear can bring speculation and often bring discouragement. There is no possible way we can have a good report if it is contaminated with Fear. 

Look at our scripture, it says... "By Faith" we obtain a good report. In the Old Testament the children of Israel sent spies to search the promised land. They came back with a good report, but then allowed fear into it. Fear then changed the good report into one with doubt and discouragement. They allowed fear to override the goodness of the report. The children of Israel suffered because of their unbelief. 

Faith! That is what we need to obtain and maintain the good report of God. "By Faith"... I believe the report of God. "By Faith"... I trust in the report. "By Faith"... God's report remains good. 

Finish this with me...

  - By Faith God has.............in my life

  - By Fear...........has happened in my life