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.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Friday, July 7, 2017
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.
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.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
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!
Friday, June 30, 2017
Is This Yours?
Psalms 51:3
For I acknowledge my transgressions:
and my sin is ever before me.
This is the prayer that David said unto the Lord after his sin with Bathsheba. He said that his sin was "ever before me". When David woke up, there was his sin. When David walked through his day, his sin was there also. When he laid down to bed, there was his sin again. Always and everywhere his sin was there. He had to live with it every single day.
Do you notice something about what David said? He didn't do like the modern confessor. Most people's confessions today begin with their excuses of why they did what they did. Almost never do they begin by saying, "God it is my sin." It is mostly started with, "God you know me, you know I'm sinful and that sometimes I can't help it."
Some want to say that it's not their fault. They want to blame Adam and his sin in the garden. Let me tell you something! It's not Adam's fault, and it ain't your Daddy's fault, and it ain't your mom's fault, and it ain't your siblings fault, and it ain't your teachers fault, and it ain't your preachers fault, and it ain't the households fault, and it ain't the White Houses fault... It's YOUR SIN!
Until it becomes "YOUR sin", you will never find the forgiveness and victory over it. It's not others that cause you to sin, it's you. It's not the sin of others, it's yours. It's not their fault, it's yours. David said, my sin, is ever before me. What about you today? Is it your sin? Then confes it to Jesus and let Him work in you.
For I acknowledge my transgressions:
and my sin is ever before me.
This is the prayer that David said unto the Lord after his sin with Bathsheba. He said that his sin was "ever before me". When David woke up, there was his sin. When David walked through his day, his sin was there also. When he laid down to bed, there was his sin again. Always and everywhere his sin was there. He had to live with it every single day.
Do you notice something about what David said? He didn't do like the modern confessor. Most people's confessions today begin with their excuses of why they did what they did. Almost never do they begin by saying, "God it is my sin." It is mostly started with, "God you know me, you know I'm sinful and that sometimes I can't help it."
Some want to say that it's not their fault. They want to blame Adam and his sin in the garden. Let me tell you something! It's not Adam's fault, and it ain't your Daddy's fault, and it ain't your mom's fault, and it ain't your siblings fault, and it ain't your teachers fault, and it ain't your preachers fault, and it ain't the households fault, and it ain't the White Houses fault... It's YOUR SIN!
Until it becomes "YOUR sin", you will never find the forgiveness and victory over it. It's not others that cause you to sin, it's you. It's not the sin of others, it's yours. It's not their fault, it's yours. David said, my sin, is ever before me. What about you today? Is it your sin? Then confes it to Jesus and let Him work in you.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
What if We Wept?
John 11:35
Jesus wept.
Jesus wept.
Although this is one of the shortest verses of the Bible it has the deepest impact on me. It helps me to understand the heart of the God I serve everyday. Without this verse, we really couldn't see the brokenness of our Lord. You know what is amazing? Not a bone of the Lord Jesus was ever broken but His heart was.
In this verse Jesus was broken over the condition of the people. Some would have you to believe that He was broken and weeping about the death of His friend but this isn't true. He had come to call him out of death and back into life. No the weeping was from the condition of the people. They didn't believe. If they didn't trust Jesus and believe upon Him then how were the wonderful works of Jesus going to be accomplished?
With all of the recent stories, even from this week alone, my heart hurts. The disbelief and disdain of the people must surely break the heart of Jesus. My heart is broken for this world, and the Christians that are in this world. The evil that is faced on a daily basis is causing my heart to be concerned. To the point that I find myself crying often.
What great things could happen if God's people were to become broken? What if we wept over the condition of the people instead of seeking revenge upon them? What if we were to weep in our prayers for them? I wonder what could happen? You know something... tears have a way of breaking walls and barriers that words can't. So it's really not about all the words that we can come up with when sharing the Gospel, but about how many tears we've shed when preparing to share the Gospel.
Jesus wept... doesn't seem like much but oh what an impact it has had upon this whole world! Thank you Jesus for teaching me a lesson in weeping and being the broken man I need to be. Keep my heart broken and my eyes watering. I love you Lord.
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