Greener Pastures

Ecclesiastes 6:9
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

"The grass is greener on the other side..." I'm sure that you have heard this statement many times throughout your life. Without being rude or uncouth let me tell you that in all pastures, there are cow patties. Satan would love for you to think that something else is always better. Listen to me this morning, If you are a child of God and have been saved by your Savior Jesus Christ, what could be better?

One of the saddest things I've read in scripture is how Jesus told the Pharisee's that if they have known the Father that they should know Him. If they had seen Him then they have seen the Father because they two are one. What is so sad is that they couldn't even see Him. Why? Because they were looking for something better. They were looking for a greener pasture. Surely this man, Jesus, couldn't be the one they looked for. One man said, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Sad isn't it? There stood the very Son of God, the Lamb and Savior of the world right in front of them and they couldn't see it.

Our scripture told us today that better is the sight of our eyes than the wandering of desire. In other words, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. What we have in our lives is so much better than what we think we deserve or desire. Stop this morning and praise God for the blessings that you have. You may say, "How can I do that? You don't know my situation." You're right! I don't know your pasture and you don't know mine. At the same time, you don't want my pasture and I don't want yours.

How can we praise God in our small pasture, our hard dirt pasture, our dry pasture, our pasture filled with holes? How do you know yours is small, hard, dry or filled with holes? It's because you have been looking at other's pasture. Why are you comparing your life with theirs? Praise Him today for YOUR life. Problems, yes... Hardness, yes... Dryness, yes... Holes, yes... But God help me today to praise You and You alone. For I know that no matter what, You are with me. God I don't want another pasture or field, I want You to walk with me through this one.

What It All Boils Down To

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

The President comes across the screen of our televisions and begins his speech. He addresses the concerns and needs of America. So many times I get lost in the wording of it all. The swelling adjectives and over emphasized wording can confuse us and we could miss the point. Don't you just want to yell at the television and say, "Get to the point! What does all this boil down to?"

Then you go over to the news broadcasts about his address in hopes of a simpler explanation. There it is again... wording and jargon. Endless questions and never a clear answer. Seems like a bunch of ideas have been thrown into a pot and people just continue to stir and stir. We have to wait until it all boils down in order to see what it really is. Many ideas have started out with high hopes, but then as it has boiled down... Well, we had to throw it out.

What we desire as people is to know what's expected of us and what we need to do. It's really that simple. We want to understand our value and position in this life. We have a strong urge to find out where we fit in and what our mission in life is. What does our lives boil down to? What does God desire of my life? Now that I am a Christian, what should I be doing?

God gives us, through the preacher of Ecclesiastes, the conclusion of the matter. He brings everything to a boil. We should... Fear God! This means to reverence Him, not be scared of Him. To honor and respect Him in every action and decision we make. Second, keep His commandments. When we keep the commandments of God we show Him, and mainly others, that we love the Lord. This is the whole duty of man! Did you hear that? He has plainly pointed out our duty, calling and purpose. What should we expect of God? That He will bring every work into judgment. Every secret thing will be brought to light, whether it be good or evil, God will judge every work.

So it all boils down simply doesn't it? Love, Honor and Serve God and be ready to give an account for it all. Remember now, this will be the conclusion of every man and woman.

The Babbler's Bite

Ecclesiastes 10:11
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

The old slithering serpent crawls upon his belly searching for the next thing to sink his teeth into. Some will tell you today to just leave them alone and they won't bother you. These are also the same ones who will tell you that a shark isn't looking at you as a piece of food. You were just in their territory and they didn't know what harm you would bring. Well don't worry about me swimming in their territory, they can have it. Hahaha.

Just like the snake that slithers and has a deadly bite without even provoking it, so bites the babbler. Thanks to social media and the Internet today we get to see these babblers. It's kinda like going to the zoo and beholding animals that you normally wouldn't see because they hide in the cover of the wild. Well now thanks to technology we can see the ever present babbler. Tucked away in a room with a computer or tablet, they search for food. Scanning news articles and posts from those who are happy and peaceful. Then without notice.... Pow! The babbler strikes. Injecting their venom of bitterness and hatred. Pumping into all that have been bitten the poison of lies.

What does the babbler look like you say? They come in all forms. Some wear stunning clothing with detailed makeup stripes, while others could be so friendly and seem so tame that they could be sitting right beside you and you never know it until the day your struck. What can we do about the babbler? The Bible says to rebuke the gainsayer. To flee from wickedness. We should avoid the babbler at all costs. It is a snake that can't be held or toyed with. If you do see one, point it out to others and stay away or they could bite you.

The worse part of it all is that they don't kill you as some normal snakes, no they inject you with their disease. Their bitterness becomes yours, their anger and lies become the things you spew out to others. Before long you begin to grow fangs and search for someone to inject. No, you don't want any part with the babbler. Watch out because they could be anywhere... News, radio, facebook, twitter, church, work, home and the most deadliest place...in you. If you have been bit, ask Christ today for the remedy. Ask for forgiveness and allow Him to inject into you His peace, mercy, longsuffering and joy.

Eight Minutes of Fireworks

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Don't you just love watching the firework shows during our Independence Day celebrations? The other day our church celebrated it together. We had hot dogs, drinks, chips, etc... We had football and fellowship. But our first thing was having prayer time together. We gathered around the local ball field and prayed for our churches, community and our country. Seeking God together and calling upon His name. Then the time came... Fireworks!

This was the first time that we had a celebration firework show together. It was great! As the song, "Let Freedom Ring" was playing those fireworks were zooming into the air and exploding with a loud bang. The lights that came from the fiery explosions were beautiful with color. One after another the fireworks exploded and you could hear the children, and some of the adults, ooohhhing and aaahhhhing. It put everyone into excitement. It is a reminder of those who have fought for our freedoms and the privilege to pray for our soldiers today. At the end of it all everyone clapped and yelled in enthusiasm.

This got me to thinking of this scripture. We read about the grass withering and the flowers fading. During this time of year in Alabama we cut our lawns only to have that summer shower hit it in the evening hours and by the next morning the grass has shot up two inches. Just like those fireworks, some that are professing Christ today are jumping up in excitement ready to explode and after they do.......... nothing. In eight minutes the firework show was over. Excitement and explosion for eight minutes and then nothing. Have you ever seen a firework explode and then light it again to do the same thing? No. Have you ever lit a match, blow it out, and then light it again? No. It only does it once. The same with the fireworks.

God has not called us to be firework Christians. No, He has called you to be a light unto the world. Think of the stars... Everyone wants to be the shooting star, but what about the star that just continually gives off its light? Don't pray that God make you a firework that is exciting and filled with explosive enthusiasm this morning. Pray that God make you a light in a dark world. Pray to be the consistent star that shines glory unto God. Why? Because grass withers, flowers fade, but the Word of God will stand forever. Fireworks explode, stars shoot, but a true Child of God shines forever.

You Should Know Better!

Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Over and over we have heard this statement at one time or another. You are probably like me and heard it when you were young. We never really hear it around those who have young babies and we hardly ever hear it around people that have no children. But we do begin to hear it around those with five, six, seven year old's and especially around those who have teenagers. We say, "You should have known better than to do something like this..." It's almost a common reaction.

But how many times have you found yourself saying that and then having to think about it for a moment? I've said it to my own and then thought about it. They really didn't know what to do or how to do something. They really didn't know better. I remember when I was a kid and my dad saying the same statement to me and I thought the same thing. I really didn't know it was the wrong way.

Well let me get to the point. I hear this said a lot of times today. It is usually pointed in the direction of people who are in sin. The Christians say, "They should know better". Let me say this, if that person is a Christian then the Spirit will reveal sin unto them and most of the time they should know better. But that also depends on how deep their roots are in the Word of God. But to address this statement to the world and the lost in it is wrong. People are looking at the government saying, "They should know better." Looking in the prisons and saying, "You should know better." Looking at the lost in sin telling them that they should know better. How? How can they know better without knowing Christ?

Jesus looked upon those same people like we do today. He looked at the government (Pilate, Herod), He looked at the jailed (Barabbas), He looked at the law enforcers (Roman soldiers), He looked at the adulterers, fornicators, drunkards, abusers, liars, etc... Then He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."  He didn't say, "You all should know better". He told that to the Pharisee's and religious leaders.

Now I'm pretty sure that these people then and today know exactly what their sinful pleasure is. I had no problem realizing mine when I was lost in them. So try something with me today and forever. Point out Christ to people first and let Him deal with the sin and then if they trust in Him as Savior help them to grow in the Word of God unto holiness through Him. The truth is they don't know any better because Satan has them convinced that his way is the best and some of them are convinced that his way is the only way of life for them. Go out and show them today the Savior whose name is Jesus!

All in Moderation

Philippians 4:1-5
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Before you give up on these scriptures because of the hard names this morning, read them again. You really don't want to miss out on the message that is within them. It is something needed more today than ever before. There is a huge battle between the flesh and spirit of a Christian in our days. We know that we must take a stand for truth and Christ being the only way to heaven while at the same time being gracious and merciful like He would be. So how do we do this? Look at what these passages say. Let's start with the last one.

He tells us that our moderation must be known unto all men. Moderation is not having respect for one person over another. Moderation is having self-control, fairness, balance or restraint. It is beholding the filthiness of sin but looking at the value of that soul to God. First of all this scripture is not, nor any other scripture in the Bible, telling us to accept sin and that everything is okay in moderation because it surely is not. This scripture is teaching us that to have grace upon the good and not upon the ungodly is wrong and sinful. We must treat all people with value and grace. "...be known unto ALL men." is what the scripture says.

So you may be asking... How can we be graceful and moderate while standing upon the Word of God? It's in the way you ask. See we stand UPON the Word of God! Too many today think that it's all about standing UP for the Word of God. Can I tell you that the Bible says that Heaven and Earth will pass away but His words will stand forever? Our mission and goal in Christian life is to stand UPON the Word of God. This means to live according to the scriptures in everything. Our greatest tool that we have as Christians is called a testimony. Testimony is not what you say you are, it is what you live before others.

Lastly, look at what the scriptures said. "...stand fast in the Lord, ...be of the same mind in the Lord, ...rejoice in the Lord, ...The Lord is at hand." Surrounding this scripture of moderation and grace we see that we can accomplish this how? IN THE LORD. Will you go out this morning and stand IN the Lord and UPON His Word? Come on, let's do it.

Take Hold of the Reins

Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Earlier in these scriptures they tell us that that a dead man is free from sin. In the grave there is no sinning. No works of evil. God says we that have been buried in Christ are also now dead to sin. Our desire to sin should be dead and in the grave. Now you may say that we all still mess up and fall to sin sometimes even when we are in Christ and that is true. A Christian can fall to sin. They can backslide and venture off of the right path tempted by their own lusts into sin.

What about the person who continues to sin even though they know it is wrong? This is very dangerous ground. To continue in sin and sin willingly over and over should cause for an examination of your salvation. We, who are dead to sin, should no longer live in sin. So how could this happen? Because we allow sin to come in. We allow the door to be open and it walks right into our lives and takes control. Before long sin reigns in the mortal body. It takes a front row seat in our flesh.

Sin loves the flesh, the mortal body. So we must take back the reins. If you allow the fall to sin to have the reins or control then it will no longer be a fall to sin. It will be wallowing in sin. It will be living in sin. Remember a Christian can't live any longer in sin. You're dead to it. The desire to sin is buried in Christ. So take the reins today and don't let failures become a lifestyle. If it is your lifestyle, then you need a new life in Jesus. If it is a failure then pray for the forgiveness of God and continue walking in Christ.

The Rest of My Time

1 Peter 4:2
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

I can't even put into words the person that I used to be. It seems as if that was not even me. My life before Christ was one filled with sin so much that I don't even like talking about that person at all. Many people have told me that I should never forget who I was before Christ and I understand their words. But if there were things that I wanted to erase from my memory it would be the days I took the Lord's name in vain. With tears today I tell you that the words that came from my mouth were so wicked. The actions of that person were vile. My heart still breaks today because I drown myself in the sins of sex, alcohol, fighting, cursing. I was so messed up by sin. Peace was something that I could never find. It breaks my heart! I cry and weep always because of that person. Not because I'm not forgiven and not because I struggle with it today, but because I never wanted to be that person. I was so lost without Christ. I was so close to death without Him.

When Christ saved me, this scripture came to me. "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." No longer seeking the desire of my flesh. NO longer sleeping around! NO longer drinking it up! NO longer cussing like a sailor! NO longer fighting to prove my manliness! But now and forever living for the will of God.

God, my soul cries out to you this morning! Thank you for saving me. Thank you for your forgiveness. You never said that I had gone too far. You never said that you could forgive me of everything except... No you forgave it all. You died for it all. God, I feel your presence in my life right now. You took a vile sinner and made him clean and new. You took someone who loved his flesh and now leads him to walk in your will.  Will you please do the same for my friends who are reading this right now? Help them to no longer live in the flesh, because if they do they will die in the flesh. But help them now to decide to walk in your will so that when you call them home they will go home in your will and in your arms.

Sing with me this morning before you head out to work...

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day,
And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away!
Wash all my sins away, wash all my sins away
And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away!

Locker Room Talk

Psalms 52:1
​Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man?
the goodness of God endureth continually.

When I was growing up as a teenager I remember the "locker room" talk. Guys would be together competing over one another's weekend stories. One would tell what they did that weekend and the other would chime in and boast of his being greater. Story after story and boasting upon boasting would take place. I remember some of those very talks. Like the one about.... Hahaha nope, I ain't telling that junk.

I still see this happening today. The locker room talk among the people. Why do we do this? Why are we so tempted to boast about mischief? Makes us look tough doesn't it? Let me say also, it's not just the men. No, no, no it's the women also. Tale after tale and mostly lie after lie come from these conversations. Making themselves look great and mighty.

What is the fruit of it all? Boasting in mischief or sin will lead to disappointment and discouragement. There is an old song that I love and the words go something like this...

I thought number one would surely be me,
I thought I would be what I wanted to be.
I thought of myself as a mighty big man,
But I can't even walk without you holding my hand.

Put Me In, I'm Ready!

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

One of the things that I love the most about being a Pastor is my fellowship with the children. I love them and love being around them. Whether at church or at my house, we always have a great time. My favorite thing about them is their desire for conversation. Many times I don't have to say a word, or maybe it's that I can't get a word in, I'm not sure.

One of my favorite conversations recently was with my nine year old buddy. We were watching a basketball game and he began to be pumped up. He said, "If I was down there, and the coach put me in, I would be scoring on them all day!" Then he said it, the funniest thing I've heard in a while. He said, "I've been playing Dude Perfect on my tablet and I've got some mad skills now". I didn't laugh out loud but I wanted to. He thought because he was awesome with his jump shot on a game that it obviously had to pass unto his natural abilities on the court, right?

Isn't that the way the mind of a child is? Well just like the thinking of my friend, Christians have somehow thought that their presence and practice of church attendance will in some way give them the only skills they need on the court. Coming to church is right. It is holy! But just attending church out of habit or going through the emotions will never give you the skills you need. No, you must pray, worship, read and put into practice the things you do read in order to have the skills on the court. Just like a pattern of thumb and finger moves on a tablet will not help on the court, neither will a series of Sunday morning attendances, because it's just the thing to do, will help you in this world.

Are you asking God to put you in and you aren't even ready? Are you holding on to your Dude Perfect or Christian Perfect skills to get the job done on the court? Practice! That is what Christians need today, practice! Practice in prayer, practice in studying the Word, and definitely practice in worshiping Him with the local body.

Lastly, my little buddy wasn't wrong for his excitement about the game and wanting to be on the court, but if we would have put him in he would have been left behind by the others because they were ready and conditioned to play basketball. What about you?

I'm Tha' Man!

2 Samuel 12:7-14
And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

I know that this scripture for our devotion is longer today than normal but please take the time to read it entirely. It is the most important thing that you read in these Daybreak Discoveries every day.

"I'm da man! I'm da wo-man!" Have you ever heard someone say this before? Usually this phrase is tied to some kind of pride issue in the life of that individual. Most times there is something boastful said or done and this phrase follows it up. We want to be "the man" or "the woman" at times don't we? (and for all of you that think I'm being politically correct because of "the woman" added to this devotion, evidently you haven't been around many women lately...haha) There is nothing wrong with being "the man", but it's what kind of man or woman you desire to be.

David in our scripture today found out that he really was "the man". I'm sure he convinced Bathsheba that he was "the man" when he invited her to his house for possible dinner and adultery. But that was prideful David, now we are seeing humble David. We see a repentant David who has sinned against the Lord. But I want you to notice something important this morning. Because of David acting like the prideful man and allowing his sin of pride to lead him down a destructive road of more sin and more sin, look at what happened. God said that he has now given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.

When we play "the man" or "the wo-man", we not only bring ourselves into sin, but others around as and even give reason for those who are lost to blaspheme (reject) God. But when we confess... The Lord will put away our sin. Our testimonies can be restored again. Our ruined walls can be rebuilt again. But only if we are willing to say, "I am the man". Let me say this... I have always been "the man" and God has always forgiven me and cleansed me of my sin. Who are you? Say it out loud this morning...... I'm the man! I'm the woman!

Finding What He's Looking For

Luke 18:8
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The scripture is very simple this morning isn't it? Will the Lord Jesus find faith on the earth when He comes? Before that ever happens can I ask you this question... Is He finding faith in you now?

The Bible defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith is our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, friend, and most importantly Lord. Our faith is believing that He will always be there even when we can't see how. Trust is our total dependence upon Him. Knowing that there is absolutely nothing we can do apart from Him. Is this kind of faith found in us? The same faith that can tear down walls of fear as well as build up walls of hope.

Have you ever stopped to think of how God is always searching? In the beginning he searched for Adam and called out to him, "Where art thou?" Even though God knew where Adam was, the scriptures show us that He still searched. Then a little further into scriptures He is searching again. The world is evil and full of wickedness but there is God searching again. His eyes are scanning over it all and He is looking with Grace glasses on. Noah is looking up unto God and finds grace in the eyes of the Lord. Then we fast forward to Isaiah and see that God is still searching. "Seek him while he may be found..." the scriptures say. God is always searching and we should be seeking Him. Finally we see that Jesus is continuing the search, and still does even today.

What if, just if... the Lord returned right this moment. Would He find faith? Faith in the earth? If we are honest it would be very difficult to find faith in society, but what about you? Will the Lord find faith, trust, obedience, love, honor, devotion, dependence upon Him in you? Pray like David did this morning... "Lord search me and try me..."

Where are the Nine?

Luke 17:17
And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

This morning Jesus had healed ten lepers from their horrible disease. Ten of them... But only one turned back to thank Jesus for the healing that had taken place in his life. He was one that saw God move in such a great way and appreciated the work that He had done in his life. So without hesitation, this leper turned back and gave glory unto God. Then Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" He asked about the others that experienced His grace and healing.

I see it daily. People will walk pass paper on the floor of a restaurant or building and look straight at it and never pick it up. But if it effected their bill at the restaurant would they do it? In other words what if that restaurant said they would give you a discount of 20% every time you come eat and are respectful enough to keep their establishment clean, would you do it? Yes you would for prosperity. What if it was an bank that you were in and you saw the deposit slips had fallen off the counter and needed to be picked up, would you do it? What if you did that the bank owner saw that servants heart and walked out of their office with a $250 gift card? Yes you would pick them up. What if you saw the copy machine without paper and you knew that the boss was standing behind you and was watching every move you made, would you do it? Sure you would and you would also make sure to throw the outside wrapper away by the closest garbage can to them. Because we love to hear the praise of men and impress them with our great feats of labor. (that wrapper is heavy and troublesome)

Isn't it funny that we will do everything in this world to receive prosperity and praise of men. If we know they are looking and we could get a "that'a boy" out of them, most times we do it. We love the praise, and we love the prize. Well this one man loved the healing and he loved Jesus. No matter what the other nine did he went back and thanked Jesus for the healing. Some teach that he received a greater blessing than the others also, but no matter if he did or not this wasn't the reason he returned. He went back because he was thankful, not to receive something else.

This morning, tell Jesus how thankful that you are. Are you one of the unthankful nine? Or are you the one who is appreciative? Thank you Jesus for healing my heart.

The Rainbow of Mercy

Luke 18:10-14
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Let me ask you a very sincere question. Have you honestly, fervently prayed about the condition of the USA before this past ruling of the court system? I mean a daily prayer for our nation and each leader. The kind of prayers where you were constantly seeking God and asking Him for guidance in our leaders? Or did you pray every now and then? When it came across your mind? Or when the decision of our society effected you? If you haven't then you have every right to be upset about what is happening, but you have no right to be mad about it.

I see a sin in our Christians today. We have allowed the sin of the world to anger us and place ourselves above the sinner. Look at our scripture this morning. This Pharisee said he was so much greater than the publican. He boasted of everything he did and was above this lowly sinner. Much like now, many are boasting about how great they have been in their Chrisitan walk. You can almost hear them sing, "How Great I Am".

But the sinful publican couldn't even lift his head. He pleaded for the mercy of God! The most exciting thing that I notice about this scripture is the fact that this man went home justified while the other one went home just the same.

Church, Christians... You'll never be justified bragging on how great you are. You'll never be able to reach that lost and sinful person with your foot on top of their head. Ask God for His true mercy. Maybe, just maybe we should reevaluate the use of this rainbow that we are all seeing. We know that it doesn't stand for fornication, but rather mercy. Let's ask God for just that today... God, will you please be merciful unto us and forgive our sins? Please be merciful unto those who have pushed our country toward this slippery slope of sin. Reach down and pull us from this miry pit Lord God Almighty.

An Attack from Behind!

Deuteronomy 25:17-18
Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God.

What happens when a leader, soldier, dad, pastor or president begins to coast in their lives because they are tired? Slowly and steadily the weaker ones are picked off by the enemy. Leaders who become stale, stagnate, cold and weary most times begin to slack off. Those who once charged the front lines or the gates of hell with the Gospel message are now sitting on the sidelines.

Their excuses? I'm tired. I've been doing this a long time. It's time for someone else to stand up. I get tired of disciplining my children. I don't have any help. Too many soldiers are falling beside me. Over and over there are excuses for our exhaustion. God's Word tells us that we should not be weary in well doing. Don't give up! Don't give in! Don't give out! Keep pressing forward soldier, leader, dad, pastor or president. Keep leading by example. When you are weak, pray for strength from Christ Jesus. When you feel like you can coast because things are okay or settled down... Keep guard and press in because the enemy is right behind you.

In our scripture this morning, God reflects back to how the Amalekites deceitfully attacked Israel. Notice that they were waiting in the way and picked off the weak and feeble that were at the back of the line when you were weary and tired. You would think that Satan would attack from the front lines but that's mostly not the case. No, he attacks from the rear and upon the weakest member. It could be a church member. It could be a wounded soldier. It could also be a son or daughter moms and dads. There is no time to coast! Pray for strength today, right now this morning. Lord, help our leaders, soldiers, parents, pastors and president. Turn around and look!!!! It's happening right behind you.

First One On, Last One Off

Deuteronomy 31:8
And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

In the early wars of Vietnam there was a General named Hal Moore. One of his quotes to his men was... "I'll be the first one on the battlefield and I'll be the last one off the battlefield." What leadership! This is a man who wasn't going to send people to finish the task of war but a man who led by example. He knew the pain and costs of war and was not willing that his men think he wasn't willing to pay that same cost or pain. Where have such men gone to? Are they in hiding today or just not there anymore?

There is no true leadership from someone who isn't willing to get into the trenches with those that he is leading. Today's leadership wants it to be given unto them and never respectfully earned. It's proven in our society. Those out of college wave their degree papers. Those out of high school wave their diploma. Those out of middle school wave their scholastic awards. Even those out of elementary school boast of their knowledge while all demanding positions of leadership. Then we also have those of age who demand the leadership role and having never lead before, but because of age it's demanded they lead. Leadership is not as much knowledge and age as it is respectfully earned by leading in example.

Leaders are those who love to get to the house of God early and set up for a worship time. They love to be the first ones on the battlefield. Leaders also have a tendency to stay until the last one is off the battlefield. Leaders love to SHOW others how to walk in Christ and not TELL them how. A great leader is shown by the way they themselves follow. How can you expect people you lead to be on time if you aren't on time? How can you expect people you lead to be respectful to others if you are not? How can you expect people you lead to follow leadership if you are not following leadership? Will they tithe will you don't? Will they witness while you don't? Will they seek holiness while you don't? No, and never. Pastors, Deacons, Ministers, Song Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, Children's Ministry Workers, Members, etc...?

General Hal Moore was a good example of leadership, but Jesus Christ is the Greatest example of leadership. He will definitely be the first one on the the battlefield and the last one off. Thank you Jesus for willingly getting into the trenches of this flesh in order to redeem and lead us to salvation.

I'm Not What I Used To Be

Acts 8:3
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "I'm not what I need to be, but I'm not what I used to be?" Imagine Saul or now known as Paul. His life before Christ was one of havock the scriptures say. His life was headed in the wrong direction. The things that he had done, that he thought was the right thing to do but they weren't, made him well-known. Look at the life he lived... Making havock of the church, entering into every house and having the men and women arrested for serving Jesus. He was so contrary to what Christ was. His attitude toward people was filled with legalism while the attitude of Jesus was filled with love. His treatment of people was harsh while Jesus treated people with mercy.

Then the time came where Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Saul was now saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. His attitude is changed, his character is changed, even his name has been changed. But the way people viewed him or talk about him hadn't changed. They couldn't believe that a man such as Saul could have ever been changed. This was a man who made havock of the church. He was brutal unto the church and now we are supposed to believe that he is changed?

Maybe on those days that he would struggle with his flesh he would quote the phrase... I'm not quite what I need to be just yet, but thank you Jesus I am not what I used to be. Can you say the same thing this morning? If you say that you are still what you used to be then can I tell you in love today that you've not been saved? When He saves you, He changes you. And you will never be the same again! Believe me, I know!

On Your Mark... Get Set... Wait, What?

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Good morning!  I hope that today finds you doing great. As we search the scriptures together, I just felt like telling you that I love you. I pray for you while writing these words of hope everyday. You reading these devotions brings me so much joy. Not because I write them, but because of God showing me areas in my life where I need help and that it could possibly help someone else. 

See how simple and easy it is to write or talk to people that you love?  It's so easy to be kind, and tenderhearted to people that are the same back to you. It's a lot easier to forgive people that are forgiving also. Or look at it like this... It's easy to forgive people of a lie, a wrong, a sin. But what about when it's a few lies, many wrongs, or sins?  

I find it easy to be kind to one another. Even to people that I know don't like me and want no part of who I am or what I say. You may think I'm silly but I don't try and avoid those people in my life. I actually make it uncomfortable at times. When I see them, I make sure I try and wave. If we meet down the aisle of a store, I speak. Because kindness is easy. Number 1 is programmed!

Every since the day Jesus saved my life, I've had number 2 in my books. I thought I would never cry in front of people, much less for them. When God saved me, that's all I can do now. At times I'm so broken for people and their sin that I begin to question if I care about it more than they actually do... Hahaha. So me being tenderhearted, got it Lord! 

But then comes #3... Forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you. Did you just hear the sound of brakes screeching across the pavement? Sounded like Bo and Luke Duke coming to a sideways, screeching halt in the General Lee. How simple are these other two things. Even the world (lost) can do these first two. But when it comes to number three, well even the best of Christians struggle. 

Think of an Olympic runner... You know, I could be a gold medal winner if it only depended on two things instead if three. What do they say? "On your mark!" (Kindness, Got it!), "Get set!" (Tenderhearted, that's me!), "GO!" (Forgiveness, HOLD UP!) When they say, "On your mark" I could take my position on the line... "Get set", I would pop up in running position with the best of them... "GO!" Hold the phone! You mean I've gotta run the race? It sure is easy to look like a follower of Jesus if it depended on the two. It's even simple to keep some of the things He teaches us at the front of our everyday routines. But when it comes to running...well that's a different story huh?

On your mark!   Get set!   GO!