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 Moral laws have been declared outdated and we have accepted moral decline as a substitute.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

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 Reading: Psalm 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 92:14,15;  Proverbs 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)

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

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.

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.

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.”

Distinguished Medal of Honor

DEVOTIONAL (Love of God Series 03292013)     SCRIPTURE: MARK 15: 37-46   37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. 38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. 39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. 40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; 41  (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem. 42 ¶  And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43  Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counselor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. 44  And Pilate marveled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. 45  And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. 46  And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulcher which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulcher.   “Distinguish medal of honor for service above the call of duty.”   Today is called “Good Friday” What is good about the scene of the body of our Lord lying in a tomb with a battered body and injuries as evidence of death by crucifixion? Let us realize that body is the major proof of how much God loves us. Jesus gave his life up to brutality and shame and abuse and disrespect when he could have called 10,000 angels. My friend it is because He loved you so much that endured the cross. What other proof do you need of His Love ? He was your only chance to be forgiven and experience a wonderful relationship with God. Let each of us prepare to exclaim praises for His love this resurrection Sunday .  God’s Love To You. See you Sunday!!

Devotional “His Banner over Me”

Series on the Love of God (03222013) SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 17:8-15 The Amalekites Defeated 8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. DEVOTIONAL:   “THE LORD IS MY BANNER” The Amalekites were a constant problem to the Israelites. They were fierce and would raid the towns and kill the inhabitants and burn the town. They were ruthless and merciless. Here in this passage we see that Moses had an encounter with them and only when his arms were up did the Israelite army prevail. Aaron and Hur held up his arms when he grew tired and they defeated the Amalekites. He made this victory a memorial event by building and altar and calling it, “The Lord is my Banner”. I propose to you that we all have some “Amalekites” in our life. Some habit that doesn’t honor God or some sin that captures you is present in your life. Satan is a powerful enemy and he is encamped against you. Victory can be yours because The Lord is your banner. Live under His authority and obey His commands. Satan is no match against our Lord. Don’t go outside of the banner and your home and life will be blessed. Our job as Christians is to hold up the arms of those who are tired and weak spiritually. Prayer support is so important for victory over bondage from sin. The banner of the Lord gives credit to God for deliverance. Praise God brothers and sisters for His banner today.

LOOKING AT THE FUTURE

DEVOTIONAL SERIES ON THE LOVE OF GOD SCRIPTURE:  ISAIAH 11: 1-9 1 ¶ A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse’s stump, from his roots a budding Branch. 2 The life-giving Spirit of GOD will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-GOD. 3 Fear-of-GOD will be all his joy and delight. He won’t judge by appearances, won’t decide on the basis of hearsay. 4 He’ll judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth’s poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention. A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. 5 Each morning he’ll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land. 6 The wolf will romp with the lamb, the leopard sleep with the kid. Calf and lion will eat from the same trough, and a little child will tend them. 7 Cow and bear will graze the same pasture, their calves and cubs grow up together, and the lion eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child will crawl over rattlesnake dens, the toddler stick his hand down the hole of a serpent. 9 Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill on my holy mountain. The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide. LOOKING AT THE FUTURE Don’t miss out on what God has in store for you. This scripture truly illustrates the scripture in the New Testament that says, “Eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for you.” Notice this is what Jesus purchased for us. He is the “green shoot”. Look at the list and say THANK YOU JESUS. Here is a partial list (imagine that). 1.   He won’t judge by hearsay. He will judge the needy by what is right. 2.   He will build righteousness (right standing with God) and faithfulness. 3.   The nature of the savage beast will be tamed and wolf with the lamb, leopard `sleeping with the kid; calves and cubs will grow up together; the lion will have an appetite for straw. 4.   The nursing child will crawl over rattlesnake dens and stick his hand down the hole of a serpent. 5.   Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill on God’s holy mountain. 6.   The whole earth will know God-Alive. 7.   True Joy and Peace issued to us by Jesus. Amen and Hallelujah!

LOOK WHAT GOD IS DOING

LOVE OF GOD SERIES DEVOTIONAL 03042013

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SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 4: 4-9

• 4 Celebrate God all day, and every day. I mean, revel in him!
• 5 Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
• 6 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.
• 7 Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
• 8  Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
• 9 Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.  

“LOOK WHAT GOD IS DOING”

         Verse 4 challenges us to “celebrate” and to revel in him. This is verbal recognition of God’s deliverance. It should be lively and exalt the Glory of God. We are announcing to all we meet that the Master is about to arrive. Share with the cashier at the store that Jesus is coming any time now and you pray that he/she will be ready. This is good news for the believer but a warning for the unbeliever to repent, believe and be saved. You will not believe the joy of witnessing someone’s life changed with whom you shared the love of God. This is pure joy and will be recognized in heaven. Live your life knowing that God is daily working in your life. Wow that is a reason for joy instead of worry. Let your tendency to worry give way to prayer and incredible joy and peace. To accomplish this do the following:

1.   Fill your minds and meditate on ;

• a.   Things true! (Like knowing He will never abandon us.)
• b.   Authentic Love.
• c.   Love that demands love in return.
• d.   Unmerited Love from God.
• e.   Remember everything will work out with God in your heart.

Responsibilities Inherent From Following Christ

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DEVOTIONAL SERIES ON “THE LOVE OF GOD.” (03012013)

Pastor Glen Aycock

SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11

·        1 ¶  If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—
·        2 then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.
·        3 Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.
·        4 Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
·        5 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
·        6  He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.
·        7  Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human!
·        8  Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion.
·        9  Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever,
·        10  so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ,
·        11  and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.

DEVOTIONAL:  “RESPONSIBILITIES INHERENT FROM FOLLOWING CHRIST”

Dear Child of God . Has following Christ made a difference in your life? Has Living in a community of Spirit filled followers of Christ given you new meaning and purpose? What actions does your heart dictate toward care of others?  This scripture gives ways to show your love for Christ

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1.      Agree with each other. As believers we should be of one Spirit which will validate God in us.
2.      Love each other as God loves us.
3.      Serve God first, others second, and yourself last. This is the pattern of the Life of Christ on earth.

4.      Don’t be impressed with yourself but rather with the opportunity to share the love of Christ toward sinners. There is no greater pursuit
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5.      Look forward to the greatest praise service ever when you will join with the prophets of old and the children of God who will call out in praise that “He is Master of all”. Wow I have my ticket reservation, how about you?

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