Friday, July 5, 2013

Running Off To Assert Your ‘Independence’?


FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL (070052013)

SCRIPTURES: Jer 2:29 "What do you have against me, running off to assert your ‘independence’?" GOD’s Decree.
I am writing this on July 4th as we celebrate our independence as a nation. Our forefathers and founders of our nation were Godly men. They believed in God and sought His direction as they voted and formed the laws of the land. Prayer was an ingredient of every assembly and decision. America became known as a “Nation under God”, a Christian nation. What a wonderful heritage but one that is unfortunately quickly forgotten with prosperity.
Our president declared that, “America is no longer a Christian nation.” We have chosen the politically correct posture rather than standing up for Christian principle. We have stood by and watched as prayer was banned in our public schools. The very name of God has been taken off of public buildings and is no longer to be mentioned in educational circles. The Ten Commandments have been declared narrow minded and bigoted. Moral laws have been declared outdated and we have accepted moral decline as a substitute. Sins that were declared to be an abomination by the Lord have been deemed permissible and normal. Our media and television and movies are consumed by including what use to be considered according to God’s Word as perverted, to be okay and ones right and perfectly normal. Recently California has entertained a bill that churches are required to perform “gay” marriages or lose their tax exemption status.
Where are we headed as a nation? The scripture today raises a question for America to answer. What do we have against God? He has blessed us so exceedingly and what is our response? The Bible says, “Woe unto those who call evil good, and good evil.” We must have revival for survival here in America. Let us join arms and hearts and as a nation of Godly people repent and pray, “Lord Send Revival and Let it begin in me.”
PRAYER THOUGHT:
Dear Jesus, we need to have revival spread through our nation and cause a national repentance and movement of God. We ask that once again Godliness be a mark of our nation and realize that greatness is only achieved through the presence of God in our hearts. This day we pledge seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness for the sake of our nation and our children. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen


Sunday, May 26, 2013

Meaningful Mourning

FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL



SCRIPTURES:   MATTHEW 5:4 (The Message translation)

4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you." Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (NKJV Translation)

Meaningful Mourning
Mourning was expressed in many ways in the Bible. Here is a list of a few examples. Can you find the common denominator?
1. by weeping #Ge 35:8 marg.; #Lu 7:38 etc.
2. by loud lamentation #Ru 1:9 1Sa 6:19 2Sa 3:31
3. by the disfigurement of the person, as
a. rending the clothes #Ge 37:29, 34 Mt 26:65
b. wearing sackcloth #Ge 37:34 Ps 35:13
c. sprinkling dust or ashes on the person #2Sa 13:19 Jer 6:26 #Job 2:12
d. shaving the head and plucking out the hair of the head or beard #Le 10:6 Job 1:20
e. neglect of the person or the removal of ornaments #Ex 33:4 #De 21:12,13 2Sa 14:2 19:24 Mt 6:16,17
f. fasting #2Sa 1:12
g. covering the upper lip #Le 13:45 Mic 3:7
h. cutting the flesh #Jer 16:6,7
i. sitting in silence #Jud 20:26 2Sa 12:16 13:31 Job 1:20

These methods were to make a public display of a hurting, lonely, broken heart. Jesus gave the best way to handle the passing of a friend or loved one. The Bible says there is a time to morn and so mourning is not a bad thing. So in today’s verse we find how to make it a meaningful time. This verse says we are to be congratulated when we mourn because we shall be comforted. God cares when we are in pain and He is the remedy for a broken heart. Jesus wept on the occasion of the Lazarus death. Jesus weeps with you as you mourn and sets his plan to comfort you in action. He has designed a custom made comfort especially for you. Let your faith shine as you lean on Jesus in times of grief. He has promised to be there through it all.   Joy of His presence awaits you in the morning.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Dear Heavenly Father I choose to lean on you and await your comfort with gratitude.

The God of the aged

A timely message from May 25,1856 by Spurgeon

The God of the aged
“Even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4
Suggested Further ReadingPsalm 71:1-18

Middle aged man! Listen to what David says, again, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Go on, then, unsheath your sword once more. “The battle is the Lord’s;” leave your declining years to him, and give your present years to him. Live to him now, and he will never cast you away when you are old. Do not lay up for old age and keep back from the cause of God; but rather trust God for the future. Be “diligent in business;” but take care you do not hurt your spirit, by being too diligent, by being grasping and selfish. Remember you will

“Want but little here below, Nor want that little long.”

And lastly, my dear venerable fathers in the faith, and mothers in Israel, take these words for your joy. Do not let the young people catch you indulging in melancholy, sitting in your chimney corner, grumbling and growling, but go about cheerful and happy, and they will think how blessed it is to be a Christian. If you are surly and fretful, they will think the Lord has forsaken you; but keep a smiling countenance, and they will think the promise is fulfilled. “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Do, I beseech you, my venerable friends, try to be of a happy temperament and cheerful spirit, for a child will run away from a surly old man; but there is not a child in the world who does not love his grandfather if he is cheerful and happy. You can lead us to heaven if you have got heaven’s sunlight on your face.

For meditation: Elderly believers—the Bible tells us about their testimony  (Psalm 92:14,15Proverbs 16:31), their teaching (Titus 2:2,3) and their treatment (1 Timothy 5:1,2).

note: This sermon was substantially repeated at Stambourne, Essex, two days later on the commemoration of the jubilee of Spurgeon’s grandfather, Rev James Spurgeon.


Sermon nos. 81-82
25 May (1856)

Friday, May 3, 2013

BLESSINGS EVEN IN TRIALS


FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL
 

 
SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 5:1-3

1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

BLESSINGS EVEN IN TRIALS

God is waiting to bless those whose hearts are breaking because of sons and daughters, moms and dads, brothers and sisters who are fighting a life threatening disease. God wants you to know that He hasn’t forgotten you and He will draw nearer to you more than ever before. We can thank God and Praise Him because He has promised to give you strength in the toughest of times. He knows every tear drop and is waiting to hug you and give you comfort. If you trust Him and have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior then the Bible reminds us that “Joy comes in the morning”.

I sat at the bedside of a football team mate in the last stages of cancer. The Morphine did not cancel the pain and yet he talked to me about the love of the Lord. He was trying to imagine how Heaven would be and joy filled his soul as he concentrated on living eternally in heaven free of imperfection and walking with Jesus. We prayed thanks to God for what He had prepared for my friend. At the end of the prayer He asked me to get his parents. I told his parents that he was asking for them. He told them I love you mom and dad. His dad asked if he was in pain and he smiled a big smile and in perfect peace he said “no all is good.” His dad said then close your eyes and rest. He said “Jesus” and closed his eyes and went to meet Jesus. “Oh death has no sting but is swallowed up in victory by Jesus.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Dear Jesus we pray for all the victims of cancer today and the loved ones who are walking the passage with them. May their faith give Godly comfort which this world cannot give. We pray for a cure to be discovered soon. In Jesus name, Hallelujah, Thine the glory. Amen

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Waiting On God



Waiting On God

 


SCRIPTURE: PSALM 62:1-2 (MESSAGE)
62 1-2 God, the one and only—
    I’ll wait as long as he says.
Everything I need comes from him,
    so why not?
He’s solid rock under my feet,
    breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
    I’m set for life.
WAITING ON GOD
I believe one of the main stressors in a home is experienced when a husband or a wife has to wait for their spouse to get ready. However we can take this to another level in our spiritual life. We ask God to answer our prayer today rather than in His time. Do you have a pressing need from which you desperately need deliverance? Are you willing to wait as long as he says? The temptation to take matters into your own hands ends up as a disaster. David was able to be patient because he believed that everything he really needed comes from God. Do you realize that one must plant their feet on the solid rock and praise God for deliverance even before it occurs. Faith will allow us to be set for life. We need to pray for our nation’s leaders to prayerfully make decisions that reflect faith in God. The core beliefs that marked this nation as a Christian nation need to be returned to and be reflected in our laws and statutes. Know that God has heard your prayers and he will answer every prayer. As a parent my children would come and ask, “Daddy can I…” questions. I as a responsible parent would consider if it would benefit my child and then give an answer, yes or no or not now. Your Heavenly Father does the same thing.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear Jesus: We vow to “stay the course” and Lord we need help to restore the core beliefs among your people, namely recognition that God is our help and deliverer. We seek a revival that brings us to our knees asking for forgiveness. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

KEEP IT SIMPLE

FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL (04262013)


SCRIPTURES:  Matthew 6:5-13 The Message (MSG)




Pray with Simplicity

5 “And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6 “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
7-13 “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
    as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.

Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.


DEVOTIONAL:     “KEEP IT SIMPLE”. God doesn’t seek eloquent and impressive prayers. He desires the utterances of your heart. Remember he knows the position of your spiritual life and all of your needs. So talk to Him about any sin in your life. He can reach down to the deepest pit and lift you out of the miry clay that sucks at your soul. God really cares and loves you and He is the answer for any problem you have.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

The World Is Not a Stage


  FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL 04192013

 SCRIPTURES: Matthew 6:1-4 (The Message)

The World Is Not a Stage

6 “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.
2-4 “When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.”
 

RECIPE FOR GOOD WORKS

Sixty years ago I was in the Boy Scouts. We were challenged to do one good deed a day. In quest for that merit badge I would each day seek to do a good deed. This was purely a selfish motive on my part. When I received Christ as my Savior there was a shift. I no longer served self as a master but began to see others through the eyes of Jesus.  A Christian that is filled with God will be led to compassion for others. This desire will lead us to do good works. In the scripture for today we find a recipe for good works.
 
             Don’t do good works to bring recognition to yourself.
             Don’t do good works only when others can see you.
             Don’t be a play actor performing as a stage performance.
             Don’t think about how good works makes you look to others.
             Your motto will be, “Just do it—Quietly and Unobtrusively”.
 
Key Statement: “That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.” (verse 4b)
 
Prayer Thought: “Let others see Jesus in me.”