Just Like Daddy
Phillips, Craig & Dean is a Christian musical group that sings a song and part of the song goes like this: “I want to be just like You ‘cause he wants to be just like me; I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see.” I love that song! And… I hate that song!
I love that song because I too want to be just like Jesus. I want to be kind and compassionate; I want to be gracious and merciful; I want to be strong and humble; I want wisdom and discernment beyond this world; I want to be just like Jesus.
But then I also hate (just exaggerating a bit) the song because I find myself falling short in each of these areas and I know that “little eyes” are watching me.
What I’ve found is that it isn’t that we make mistakes that are bad examples for our little children but rather it’s to continue making those mistakes that’s a bad example. If God convicts us to leave something that isn’t right to do something that is right, then we need to change, if not, “innocent eyes” will see and do because they want to be just like us!
The old saying, “Do as I say and not as I do” is old and wrong!
We need to be right examples for our children and this requires humility and sacrifice. Humility to realize our errors and sacrifice to knock down our pride and die to ourselves; otherwise we’ll be humiliated by our own example and killed spiritually by our own pride.
May the daily sacrifice of ourselves be a sweet aroma to God for what results is a person that is worthy of being imitated because Jesus is truly guiding our steps.
I pray that today you commit to pursuing holiness, that you allow yourself to be molded and conformed into the image of Jesus Christ because “innocent eyes” are watching and they desperately need to be like someone that is right with God. Whether you’re a mommy or a daddy, or an uncle or aunt, or just a friend, this applies to you… the whole world is watching.
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” – Ephesians 5:1,2
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Ephesians 4:21-24 NKJV
Are You Two-Layered?
I used to look forward to new clothes for school when I was a child. It was a great feeling to replace the faded and worn clothes with bright, whole new ones. But every once in a while I would be so comfortable with an old shirt that I’d wear it underneath my new one… that is, until my dad caught wind of it and had me take it off.
While it’s really not bad to do that with clothing it definitely is bad to do it spiritually. In Ephesians Paul tells us to “put off… the old man… and put on the new man”. Why is that?
Well, the “old man… grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” but the “new man… was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness”. The old clothes will never become new no matter how many times our hands wash them.
It takes faith to please God and if we have faith in the new clothing we have been given then we need to remove the old clothing that is full of holes; the old clothing that is dirty; the old clothing that doesn’t allow us to come into the presence of God, into His house.
You may not have a complete old shirt on you, but I can promise you have some clothing underneath the new that doesn’t belong on you.
I pray that today you understand that God the Father has caught wind of your two layers of clothing and wants you to take the old off and experience the new clothing of Christ and come to know His fullness in and through you!
“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:21-24
I used to look forward to new clothes for school when I was a child. It was a great feeling to replace the faded and worn clothes with bright, whole new ones. But every once in a while I would be so comfortable with an old shirt that I’d wear it underneath my new one… that is, until my dad caught wind of it and had me take it off.
While it’s really not bad to do that with clothing it definitely is bad to do it spiritually. In Ephesians Paul tells us to “put off… the old man… and put on the new man”. Why is that?
Well, the “old man… grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” but the “new man… was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness”. The old clothes will never become new no matter how many times our hands wash them.
It takes faith to please God and if we have faith in the new clothing we have been given then we need to remove the old clothing that is full of holes; the old clothing that is dirty; the old clothing that doesn’t allow us to come into the presence of God, into His house.
You may not have a complete old shirt on you, but I can promise you have some clothing underneath the new that doesn’t belong on you.
I pray that today you understand that God the Father has caught wind of your two layers of clothing and wants you to take the old off and experience the new clothing of Christ and come to know His fullness in and through you!
“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:21-24
Monday, February 26, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Galatians 2:21 NKJV
The Letter or the Spirit?
In Galatians 2 we see how the Apostle Paul confronts the Apostle Peter on an issue that we deal with in the church to this day. You see Peter was living in the grace of God and not by the letter of the law. He was living without strict observance of the Jewish traditional ordinances that were set in the Old Covenant prior to Christ. Yet, he was urging Jews and gentiles to live according to the letter of the law, and when Peter came to Antioch where the Apostle Paul was he was given some correction!
Why did the Apostle Paul think this wasn’t right? Isn’t it ok to follow the laws of old time; the traditions of our religion?
Have you ever tried to keep the 10 commandments? Impossible! Now, if your position with God is dependent on keeping the 10 commandments then neither you nor I will ever be in a position to see God when we take our last breath.
God doesn’t care about religion or traditions. God doesn’t save us from hell by tallying up our good deeds or how well we keep to the letter of the law (although that’s a by-product of loving God).
Paul was simply telling Peter that he was focused on the wrong thing. We’re not saved by works but by grace. Paul said in Ephesians 2:8, 9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” We need to be mindful of the fact that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2Cor. 3:6) The law of the letter let’s us know that we fall short of being self-righteous and are in desperate need of a Savior!
Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
We are our own worst critics and if we allow ourselves to, we will condemn ourselves to the point that we are immovable in our walks with Jesus and His coming and dying for us was for nothing.
Today, I pray that you are reminded all day to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. Give God all the credit for saving you through His Son Jesus!
“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” – Galatians 2:21
In Galatians 2 we see how the Apostle Paul confronts the Apostle Peter on an issue that we deal with in the church to this day. You see Peter was living in the grace of God and not by the letter of the law. He was living without strict observance of the Jewish traditional ordinances that were set in the Old Covenant prior to Christ. Yet, he was urging Jews and gentiles to live according to the letter of the law, and when Peter came to Antioch where the Apostle Paul was he was given some correction!
Why did the Apostle Paul think this wasn’t right? Isn’t it ok to follow the laws of old time; the traditions of our religion?
Have you ever tried to keep the 10 commandments? Impossible! Now, if your position with God is dependent on keeping the 10 commandments then neither you nor I will ever be in a position to see God when we take our last breath.
God doesn’t care about religion or traditions. God doesn’t save us from hell by tallying up our good deeds or how well we keep to the letter of the law (although that’s a by-product of loving God).
Paul was simply telling Peter that he was focused on the wrong thing. We’re not saved by works but by grace. Paul said in Ephesians 2:8, 9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” We need to be mindful of the fact that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2Cor. 3:6) The law of the letter let’s us know that we fall short of being self-righteous and are in desperate need of a Savior!
Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
We are our own worst critics and if we allow ourselves to, we will condemn ourselves to the point that we are immovable in our walks with Jesus and His coming and dying for us was for nothing.
Today, I pray that you are reminded all day to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. Give God all the credit for saving you through His Son Jesus!
“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” – Galatians 2:21
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Peter 5:5, 6 NKJV
The Right Posture
As a child my parents would tell me to sit up in my chair and not slouch. I’d also be told to not shuffle my feet when walking and to look at people in the eyes when speaking to them and not turn away.
Proper posture was to show interest and respect towards others. It shows that we care and it dismisses laziness because proper posture takes a conscious effort.
I was also taught to introduce myself properly to others and shake their hands firmly, speaking my full name. It was, again, my posture that spoke volumes about interest and placing others first.
Additionally, I was taught that it is important to go out of my way to welcome someone to our home, or thank someone for having us at their home.
It’s our tendency as people to be prideful, thinking of ourselves and not wanting to extend ourselves beyond what we want to do. We want others to automatically show interest towards us without effort. We want others to show respect to us without having to give it first. We want others to see us and greet us without having to move one step towards them.
Listen, God came to us and extended His complete being toward us giving us everything to show us how much He loves us. He extended His hand to tax-collectors, the poor, the widows, the prostitute, the thief, fishermen and even religious zealots.
His posture was humble and always had our interest in mind, never His own! Ultimately Jesus’ posture has forever been imprinted in the minds and hearts of man. Christ extended His pierced hands to all who will accept His invitation to be with Him in His house.
Do others see your humble, loving posture? I pray that today you go out of your way to walk towards someone without resistance; that you extend your hand and take hold of theirs with sincerity; and, you speak with God’s love in your heart towards them. May they see in your eyes that you care just as Jesus in His perfect posture on the cross cared then and cares now! I pray you have a right, humble posture towards others and God.
“…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” – 1Peter 5:5, 6
As a child my parents would tell me to sit up in my chair and not slouch. I’d also be told to not shuffle my feet when walking and to look at people in the eyes when speaking to them and not turn away.
Proper posture was to show interest and respect towards others. It shows that we care and it dismisses laziness because proper posture takes a conscious effort.
I was also taught to introduce myself properly to others and shake their hands firmly, speaking my full name. It was, again, my posture that spoke volumes about interest and placing others first.
Additionally, I was taught that it is important to go out of my way to welcome someone to our home, or thank someone for having us at their home.
It’s our tendency as people to be prideful, thinking of ourselves and not wanting to extend ourselves beyond what we want to do. We want others to automatically show interest towards us without effort. We want others to show respect to us without having to give it first. We want others to see us and greet us without having to move one step towards them.
Listen, God came to us and extended His complete being toward us giving us everything to show us how much He loves us. He extended His hand to tax-collectors, the poor, the widows, the prostitute, the thief, fishermen and even religious zealots.
His posture was humble and always had our interest in mind, never His own! Ultimately Jesus’ posture has forever been imprinted in the minds and hearts of man. Christ extended His pierced hands to all who will accept His invitation to be with Him in His house.
Do others see your humble, loving posture? I pray that today you go out of your way to walk towards someone without resistance; that you extend your hand and take hold of theirs with sincerity; and, you speak with God’s love in your heart towards them. May they see in your eyes that you care just as Jesus in His perfect posture on the cross cared then and cares now! I pray you have a right, humble posture towards others and God.
“…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” – 1Peter 5:5, 6
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 2Corinthians 9:15 NKJV
The Ultimate Gift
I was searching for a Valentine’s gift for my wife online and ran into this internet site called The Ultimate Gift Shoppe. The home page starts out with this quote, “Distinguished and unique gifts for those who have everything. Gifts for everyone for all occasions. Click here to enter.”
I wanted to see what these gifts were, so I clicked on the link and to my surprise I came to a blank page that said, “Coming Soon”. Nothing more!
There’s also a magazine called The Robb Report. In it you’ll find Lamborghini’s, private jets, mansions, jewelry, extravagant vacations, yachts, and even islands for sale. Talk about the ultimate gift! If the person that thinks he has everything doesn’t want to wait for the web site that says “Coming Soon”, then he can buy this magazine and shop away!
Let me ask you a question… are you satisfied with what you have? You may not be in a position to purchase an island or a personal jet, but how about another bracelet, pair of shoes, a watch, a car, or a house? The reason why I ask is because although we can accumulate wealth, prestige, toys, houses, beautiful jewelry, and even a nice little retirement, those things will never produce true joy in your life. Temporary happiness is attained, but not complete rest and joy!
Of course, you know what I’m getting at. None of this can be taken with you once you take your last breath here on earth, that’s a guarantee! You can’t even take the time you keep all to yourself (at least you think it’s all yours to keep away from others).
But there is one gift that you can freely receive and take with you for eternity and that is Jesus. He is the Ultimate Gift! Jesus paid with His own life, giving you and me the ability to receive the free gift of eternity in heaven.
I like the first web site I mentioned because the person that has already said “yes” to Jesus has some “Distinguished and unique gifts” waiting for them in heaven; the gift of Jesus is for “everyone for all occasions”; and, He is “Coming Soon”.
For those of you that know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, take this as a reminder that we have the Ultimate Gift in Him. For those of you that don’t yet know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I hope that you’re feeling a desire to know Him and receive Him as such!
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2Corinthians 9:15
If you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please read: How to have eternal life, January 9, 2007 in this blog.
I was searching for a Valentine’s gift for my wife online and ran into this internet site called The Ultimate Gift Shoppe. The home page starts out with this quote, “Distinguished and unique gifts for those who have everything. Gifts for everyone for all occasions. Click here to enter.”
I wanted to see what these gifts were, so I clicked on the link and to my surprise I came to a blank page that said, “Coming Soon”. Nothing more!
There’s also a magazine called The Robb Report. In it you’ll find Lamborghini’s, private jets, mansions, jewelry, extravagant vacations, yachts, and even islands for sale. Talk about the ultimate gift! If the person that thinks he has everything doesn’t want to wait for the web site that says “Coming Soon”, then he can buy this magazine and shop away!
Let me ask you a question… are you satisfied with what you have? You may not be in a position to purchase an island or a personal jet, but how about another bracelet, pair of shoes, a watch, a car, or a house? The reason why I ask is because although we can accumulate wealth, prestige, toys, houses, beautiful jewelry, and even a nice little retirement, those things will never produce true joy in your life. Temporary happiness is attained, but not complete rest and joy!
Of course, you know what I’m getting at. None of this can be taken with you once you take your last breath here on earth, that’s a guarantee! You can’t even take the time you keep all to yourself (at least you think it’s all yours to keep away from others).
But there is one gift that you can freely receive and take with you for eternity and that is Jesus. He is the Ultimate Gift! Jesus paid with His own life, giving you and me the ability to receive the free gift of eternity in heaven.
I like the first web site I mentioned because the person that has already said “yes” to Jesus has some “Distinguished and unique gifts” waiting for them in heaven; the gift of Jesus is for “everyone for all occasions”; and, He is “Coming Soon”.
For those of you that know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, take this as a reminder that we have the Ultimate Gift in Him. For those of you that don’t yet know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I hope that you’re feeling a desire to know Him and receive Him as such!
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2Corinthians 9:15
If you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please read: How to have eternal life, January 9, 2007 in this blog.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Galatians 6:1,2 NKJV
The Buddy System
I was in the Navy for 6 years serving my country by working underwater as a Deep Sea Diver. The work was serious but fun and exciting. It was an elite group of men that were entrusted with the maintenance and security of part of the Pacific Fleet in San Diego. But, I can tell you that the testing that came prior to being assigned to do the actual work of a diver came with great intensity and it would have been very difficult had I not had a buddy by my side the whole way through my schooling!
You see, at the beginning of our diving class we were told how dangerous the work was and that we should always use the buddy-system to ensure our safety; one more set of eyes is of priceless value because it saves lives!
While going through school we were tested in our underwater trouble shooting and problem solving skills, the exercise was called “sharking”. A buddy and I would lock arms and swim in sync and all of a sudden an instructor from above would come down and take our fins off, our masks, take the air out of our mouths and shut one set of tanks off; they would even try to unstrap our tanks and attempt to take them. Through this whole time, my buddy and I were supposed to remain calm, look at each other, assess the damage, not allow the instructor to take the tanks (our lives depended on the air), and then we had one minute to put it all back together!
If we only had one workable set of tanks, then our priority was to “buddy breath” (take two breaths and give the air piece to the other diver) while re-establishing the other’s air, and then helping each other put our gear back on and making sure it was on right. Let me remind you that the whole time either our arms or legs were locked together because the instructor could come back down at any time and we did not want to be caught off guard!
Brothers and sisters, we are also called to use the buddy system for our “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1Peter 5:8 When the storms of life hit do you have someone that will lock arms with you and maintain their composure until the storm is passed, or are you that person that someone else needs? A buddy bears the other’s burdens, helps assess the situation in truth, prioritizes what needs to be taken care of and helps put it all together!
As Christians we are called to be there for one another, making sure that not one soul is carried off into the sea of sin and destruction! I pray today that you lock arms with someone in this journey, not only with Christ Jesus, for He is the strength that holds you and your brother/sister together, but also with that one person that will remain calm and help through the “sharking”.
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1, 2
I was in the Navy for 6 years serving my country by working underwater as a Deep Sea Diver. The work was serious but fun and exciting. It was an elite group of men that were entrusted with the maintenance and security of part of the Pacific Fleet in San Diego. But, I can tell you that the testing that came prior to being assigned to do the actual work of a diver came with great intensity and it would have been very difficult had I not had a buddy by my side the whole way through my schooling!
You see, at the beginning of our diving class we were told how dangerous the work was and that we should always use the buddy-system to ensure our safety; one more set of eyes is of priceless value because it saves lives!
While going through school we were tested in our underwater trouble shooting and problem solving skills, the exercise was called “sharking”. A buddy and I would lock arms and swim in sync and all of a sudden an instructor from above would come down and take our fins off, our masks, take the air out of our mouths and shut one set of tanks off; they would even try to unstrap our tanks and attempt to take them. Through this whole time, my buddy and I were supposed to remain calm, look at each other, assess the damage, not allow the instructor to take the tanks (our lives depended on the air), and then we had one minute to put it all back together!
If we only had one workable set of tanks, then our priority was to “buddy breath” (take two breaths and give the air piece to the other diver) while re-establishing the other’s air, and then helping each other put our gear back on and making sure it was on right. Let me remind you that the whole time either our arms or legs were locked together because the instructor could come back down at any time and we did not want to be caught off guard!
Brothers and sisters, we are also called to use the buddy system for our “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1Peter 5:8 When the storms of life hit do you have someone that will lock arms with you and maintain their composure until the storm is passed, or are you that person that someone else needs? A buddy bears the other’s burdens, helps assess the situation in truth, prioritizes what needs to be taken care of and helps put it all together!
As Christians we are called to be there for one another, making sure that not one soul is carried off into the sea of sin and destruction! I pray today that you lock arms with someone in this journey, not only with Christ Jesus, for He is the strength that holds you and your brother/sister together, but also with that one person that will remain calm and help through the “sharking”.
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1, 2
Monday, February 12, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 2Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
Who do you think you’re fooling?
I see a man crossing the street and at the same time I see a truck barreling down on him and all of a sudden time stops! It’s as if we’re in an Allstate commercial and the man and I are the only ones that can move and talk.
I tell him that there is a truck just beyond him and if he continues to walk across the street he will be killed but the man tells me that he doesn’t see the truck. I tell him that the truck is going to kill him if he doesn’t move and the man tells me that he doesn’t believe the truck will kill him. I explain to him momentum and how little people are no match for big steel trucks and the man tells me that he doesn’t believe in trucks and I get frustrated! I get frustrated because the truth is that no matter if he can see it, understand it or even believe it, the truck will kill him if he doesn’t decide to get out of the way and for some reason he just doesn’t get it.
You may not be in a silly predicament like the one I just described, but you do deal with the truth every single day. God has provided us with a book, The Book, the Bible that gives us absolute truth. The Bible is inerrant, complete and stands the test of time. All we can do is prove it in both folly and wisdom. Regardless of whether we believe it or not, the truth is the truth and nothing but the truth.
Remember that God’s truths are real and absolute. The Bible tells you of God’s promises and your personal outcome depends on the choices you make; curses or blessings.
When you’re in a situation that you’re trying to justify, knowing it’s not right, please understand that you may fool people, but you’ll never fool an all-knowing God. He wants more than anything to have fellowship with you and the only way God can have that fellowship with you is if you come to terms with His truth and abide in it! Quit trying to open a door that doesn’t exist… take a step to the right and open the door of truth and see that Jesus is waiting on the other side.
I pray that today you see truth as truth and surrender any foolish attempts at justifying anything that is contrary to a true God.
“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” – 2Corinthians 13:8
I see a man crossing the street and at the same time I see a truck barreling down on him and all of a sudden time stops! It’s as if we’re in an Allstate commercial and the man and I are the only ones that can move and talk.
I tell him that there is a truck just beyond him and if he continues to walk across the street he will be killed but the man tells me that he doesn’t see the truck. I tell him that the truck is going to kill him if he doesn’t move and the man tells me that he doesn’t believe the truck will kill him. I explain to him momentum and how little people are no match for big steel trucks and the man tells me that he doesn’t believe in trucks and I get frustrated! I get frustrated because the truth is that no matter if he can see it, understand it or even believe it, the truck will kill him if he doesn’t decide to get out of the way and for some reason he just doesn’t get it.
You may not be in a silly predicament like the one I just described, but you do deal with the truth every single day. God has provided us with a book, The Book, the Bible that gives us absolute truth. The Bible is inerrant, complete and stands the test of time. All we can do is prove it in both folly and wisdom. Regardless of whether we believe it or not, the truth is the truth and nothing but the truth.
Remember that God’s truths are real and absolute. The Bible tells you of God’s promises and your personal outcome depends on the choices you make; curses or blessings.
When you’re in a situation that you’re trying to justify, knowing it’s not right, please understand that you may fool people, but you’ll never fool an all-knowing God. He wants more than anything to have fellowship with you and the only way God can have that fellowship with you is if you come to terms with His truth and abide in it! Quit trying to open a door that doesn’t exist… take a step to the right and open the door of truth and see that Jesus is waiting on the other side.
I pray that today you see truth as truth and surrender any foolish attempts at justifying anything that is contrary to a true God.
“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” – 2Corinthians 13:8
Friday, February 09, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 2Corinthians 8:10,11 NKJV
Procrastinate Lately?
I’ve been writing these devotions since November 9, 2006…just a few months. I initially began with the thought of writing daily, but that was very difficult given my “dynamic” schedule. I missed a day of writing and then two in the month of December and that turned into a couple weeks. I didn’t hear of anyone complaining or missing the devotions, so it was easy to not write after a while. But then my wife asked when I was going to write another Whisper and I remembered that procrastination and laziness are the tools of Satan!
It’s said that all that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing! I’m not saying I’m a good man, but God has given me the desire to write these devotions and it’s been burning within me to do them for too long! For me not to write them would be wrong and my procrastination would lead to laziness and become disobedience in the sight of God. As it is, I’ve had the thought of writing for years and haven’t done a thing about it up until a few months ago. That led to an uneasy feeling deep down inside of me!
Proverbs 13:4, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
Enough about me! You know I’m an expert at procrastination and laziness, but how about you? Does this apply to you or are you diligent in all that the Lord has impressed upon your heart to do? Have you followed through to completion? Let’s start with the basics: 1) Reading your Bible daily? 2) Going to Church consistently? 3) Praying all the time? If so, then how about Serving? Are you using the gifts the Lord has blessed you with? Did you know that they are not yours to hoard, but rather to give away to others?
The Apostle Paul had this to say to the Corinthians, “And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.” – 2Corinthians 8:10,11
I pray that today is a day of new beginnings for you; that you prayerfully think of what the Lord has impressed upon your heart to do for Him. And, with that, you are moved to act and follow through to completion that which the Lord has set before you. I can guarantee that your soul will be satisfied and made rich for God promises this to be true!
I’ve been writing these devotions since November 9, 2006…just a few months. I initially began with the thought of writing daily, but that was very difficult given my “dynamic” schedule. I missed a day of writing and then two in the month of December and that turned into a couple weeks. I didn’t hear of anyone complaining or missing the devotions, so it was easy to not write after a while. But then my wife asked when I was going to write another Whisper and I remembered that procrastination and laziness are the tools of Satan!
It’s said that all that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing! I’m not saying I’m a good man, but God has given me the desire to write these devotions and it’s been burning within me to do them for too long! For me not to write them would be wrong and my procrastination would lead to laziness and become disobedience in the sight of God. As it is, I’ve had the thought of writing for years and haven’t done a thing about it up until a few months ago. That led to an uneasy feeling deep down inside of me!
Proverbs 13:4, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
Enough about me! You know I’m an expert at procrastination and laziness, but how about you? Does this apply to you or are you diligent in all that the Lord has impressed upon your heart to do? Have you followed through to completion? Let’s start with the basics: 1) Reading your Bible daily? 2) Going to Church consistently? 3) Praying all the time? If so, then how about Serving? Are you using the gifts the Lord has blessed you with? Did you know that they are not yours to hoard, but rather to give away to others?
The Apostle Paul had this to say to the Corinthians, “And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.” – 2Corinthians 8:10,11
I pray that today is a day of new beginnings for you; that you prayerfully think of what the Lord has impressed upon your heart to do for Him. And, with that, you are moved to act and follow through to completion that which the Lord has set before you. I can guarantee that your soul will be satisfied and made rich for God promises this to be true!
Whispers: A Devotion from James 4:8 & Luke 11:9, 10 NKJV
“Please Reveal Yourself to Me!”
Have you ever heard a joke and not understood the punch line? Maybe not but my sister is an example of this happening (all the time!). She would hear a joke and laugh at it. We would all continue doing what we were doing and about 30 minutes later deep, hard and sometimes uncontrollable laughter would erupt from the other room where my sister was and we would wonder what she was laughing at. When asked, my sister would tell us through tears of laughter that she finally got the joke and was laughing at it!
Spiritually speaking, I’ve felt this way at times: reading and receiving but maybe not fully understanding what God is telling me, only to understand and “get it” later in the day, week, month or year!
Moses walked with the Lord, leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, raised his staff and parted the Red Sea, struck the Rock and caused water to come out. But Moses having spoken with God and been given the 10 Commandments and being in God’s presence on many occasions, still had a desire to have the Lord be revealed to Him even more! Moses pleaded with God in Exodus 33:18, “Please, show me Your glory.”
Imagine having experienced all of what we read about in Moses’ life and still asking God to reveal Himself! But you should ask yourself, why not? Moses did and God placed him in a cleft on the side of a mountain, covered Moses with His hand, and allowed Moses to catch a glimpse of Him as He was passing away.
If we ask, God will do much the same with us. His Word says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) Jesus tells us in Luke 11:9, 10, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
I pray today that you ask God to reveal Himself to you! I pray hat you may see His glory and shine with it in the midst of darkness. The laughter others will hear out of the next room will be laughter of joy because God has revealed Himself to you a little more!
Have you ever heard a joke and not understood the punch line? Maybe not but my sister is an example of this happening (all the time!). She would hear a joke and laugh at it. We would all continue doing what we were doing and about 30 minutes later deep, hard and sometimes uncontrollable laughter would erupt from the other room where my sister was and we would wonder what she was laughing at. When asked, my sister would tell us through tears of laughter that she finally got the joke and was laughing at it!
Spiritually speaking, I’ve felt this way at times: reading and receiving but maybe not fully understanding what God is telling me, only to understand and “get it” later in the day, week, month or year!
Moses walked with the Lord, leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, raised his staff and parted the Red Sea, struck the Rock and caused water to come out. But Moses having spoken with God and been given the 10 Commandments and being in God’s presence on many occasions, still had a desire to have the Lord be revealed to Him even more! Moses pleaded with God in Exodus 33:18, “Please, show me Your glory.”
Imagine having experienced all of what we read about in Moses’ life and still asking God to reveal Himself! But you should ask yourself, why not? Moses did and God placed him in a cleft on the side of a mountain, covered Moses with His hand, and allowed Moses to catch a glimpse of Him as He was passing away.
If we ask, God will do much the same with us. His Word says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) Jesus tells us in Luke 11:9, 10, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
I pray today that you ask God to reveal Himself to you! I pray hat you may see His glory and shine with it in the midst of darkness. The laughter others will hear out of the next room will be laughter of joy because God has revealed Himself to you a little more!
Whispers: A Devotion from 2Corinthians 3:2,3 NKJV
Reader-friendly?
With the new Microsoft Windows Vista Version having just been released the question is often asked of salesmen if the new system is “user friendly”?
But what is exactly meant by that question? If someone comes up on a laptop computer, opens the computer up, and begins to use it but soon finds out that they can’t find any basic icons on it, like the “print” button or this person has difficulty understanding the logic of how it’s set up, then it’s not “user-friendly”. The computer’s purpose is not simply accessible and open, and people will revert to a system they are familiar and comfortable with.
The Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians in a basic, clear and intentional manner. For example, he said, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…” – 1Corinthians 15:3, 4
What we speak to others should be as simple as the example Paul gives us, “according to the Scriptures”. Anything we ourselves think up and try to figure out on our own accord clouds the message we are supposed to deliver.
Here’s something to boast about… “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” – 2Corinthians 1:12
Here’s another area of our lives that should be reader-friendly, our daily conduct! Do we have two sets of vocabulary; one on Sunday and another the rest of the week? Do we behave in a manner that lifts God up or ourselves? Are others confused about your “Christianity”?
We can all muddy the message of Jesus Christ in word or deed, but we need to realize that the Bible tells us that others are watching and they should be able to “read” our lives and understand that we are Christ’s and no one else’s.
Are you God’s letter written for men to read and understand that God is wonderful and worth living for? Are you spiritually reader-friendly?
“You are an epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” – 2Corinthians 3:2, 3
With the new Microsoft Windows Vista Version having just been released the question is often asked of salesmen if the new system is “user friendly”?
But what is exactly meant by that question? If someone comes up on a laptop computer, opens the computer up, and begins to use it but soon finds out that they can’t find any basic icons on it, like the “print” button or this person has difficulty understanding the logic of how it’s set up, then it’s not “user-friendly”. The computer’s purpose is not simply accessible and open, and people will revert to a system they are familiar and comfortable with.
The Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians in a basic, clear and intentional manner. For example, he said, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…” – 1Corinthians 15:3, 4
What we speak to others should be as simple as the example Paul gives us, “according to the Scriptures”. Anything we ourselves think up and try to figure out on our own accord clouds the message we are supposed to deliver.
Here’s something to boast about… “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” – 2Corinthians 1:12
Here’s another area of our lives that should be reader-friendly, our daily conduct! Do we have two sets of vocabulary; one on Sunday and another the rest of the week? Do we behave in a manner that lifts God up or ourselves? Are others confused about your “Christianity”?
We can all muddy the message of Jesus Christ in word or deed, but we need to realize that the Bible tells us that others are watching and they should be able to “read” our lives and understand that we are Christ’s and no one else’s.
Are you God’s letter written for men to read and understand that God is wonderful and worth living for? Are you spiritually reader-friendly?
“You are an epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” – 2Corinthians 3:2, 3
Monday, February 05, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Corinthians 10:11,12 NKJV
The Complainer, the Player and the Idolater
These three, although not identified by name in the Bible, are spoken of for our benefit. You might ask, “For our benefit? How is it that we benefit from someone that wines and cries about everything; someone that is promiscuous, sexually unrestrained; and, someone that holds his football-viewing, recreation and softball-playing above God?”
I’ve heard this said: Your life may be nothing more than an example for others to learn what not to do? A big walking Warning or Caution Sign!
Losers and Winners, we can all benefit from them. It is said that hindsight is 20/20 but better is using others hindsight as our foresight! I’d rather benefit from other’s errors and avoid the wrong thing than learn the “hard way” and experience unnecessary pain and anguish. How about you?
In chapter 10 of 1Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that many Old Testament Israelites were examples of what not to do, “Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” – 1Cor. 10:6 (speaking of the Israelites that were delivered out of Egypt with Moses)
Today, I encourage you to move forward thoughtfully, taking into account the “losers” that are written about in the Bible and use their examples as what not to do. This encouragement is given because we can so easily dip into any one of these roles, none of us are exempt.
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition [warning, caution]… Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” – 1Corinthians 10:11, 12
These three, although not identified by name in the Bible, are spoken of for our benefit. You might ask, “For our benefit? How is it that we benefit from someone that wines and cries about everything; someone that is promiscuous, sexually unrestrained; and, someone that holds his football-viewing, recreation and softball-playing above God?”
I’ve heard this said: Your life may be nothing more than an example for others to learn what not to do? A big walking Warning or Caution Sign!
Losers and Winners, we can all benefit from them. It is said that hindsight is 20/20 but better is using others hindsight as our foresight! I’d rather benefit from other’s errors and avoid the wrong thing than learn the “hard way” and experience unnecessary pain and anguish. How about you?
In chapter 10 of 1Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that many Old Testament Israelites were examples of what not to do, “Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” – 1Cor. 10:6 (speaking of the Israelites that were delivered out of Egypt with Moses)
Today, I encourage you to move forward thoughtfully, taking into account the “losers” that are written about in the Bible and use their examples as what not to do. This encouragement is given because we can so easily dip into any one of these roles, none of us are exempt.
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition [warning, caution]… Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” – 1Corinthians 10:11, 12
Friday, February 02, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from John 11:35 NKJV
Tongue-tied?
Calvary Pastor Chuck Smith tells the story of when he met with a friend that was in sin. Chuck had prepared himself to share scripture with his friend, and had a plan of discussion and redirection for restoring his friend to God.
This was not the first time Pastor Chuck had met with someone to deal with the sin of adultery, but this time it was different because he was meeting with a dear friend. And as he tells the story, he sat in the man’s house and wept uncontrollably. Pastor Chuck wasn’t even able to get a word out and excused himself; leaving the friend he so eagerly wanted to help… he thought he had failed!
Pastor Chuck later found out that his friend had repented, asked his wife to forgive him and his marriage was restored. Chuck’s friend told him that he saw the brokenness and love of Christ through Chuck the day he went to his house and did nothing but cry. This moved his friend so much that he understood the impact his actions had, especially on his relationship with Jesus and was moved to reconcile with his wife.
There are times when words just get in the way and we need to show compassion and love with hugs, kisses and tears. Jesus wept for the people over the grief they were experiencing because of the death of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus. The response of the people was, “See how He loved him!”
Ecclesiastes 3:4, “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
Sometimes words just get in the way!
Jesus wept. – John 11:35
Calvary Pastor Chuck Smith tells the story of when he met with a friend that was in sin. Chuck had prepared himself to share scripture with his friend, and had a plan of discussion and redirection for restoring his friend to God.
This was not the first time Pastor Chuck had met with someone to deal with the sin of adultery, but this time it was different because he was meeting with a dear friend. And as he tells the story, he sat in the man’s house and wept uncontrollably. Pastor Chuck wasn’t even able to get a word out and excused himself; leaving the friend he so eagerly wanted to help… he thought he had failed!
Pastor Chuck later found out that his friend had repented, asked his wife to forgive him and his marriage was restored. Chuck’s friend told him that he saw the brokenness and love of Christ through Chuck the day he went to his house and did nothing but cry. This moved his friend so much that he understood the impact his actions had, especially on his relationship with Jesus and was moved to reconcile with his wife.
There are times when words just get in the way and we need to show compassion and love with hugs, kisses and tears. Jesus wept for the people over the grief they were experiencing because of the death of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus. The response of the people was, “See how He loved him!”
Ecclesiastes 3:4, “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
Sometimes words just get in the way!
Jesus wept. – John 11:35
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)