GodsLoveOutreachMinistry

My Journey 11/6 - 11/21/2010

2010-11-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

God's insight to me:

Well, many days have passed by since my last journey posting, almost two weeks to be exact, but the Lord has been leading me in some different area's. I have become more active on Facebook and also received my first book of (His) poems from the printer. I guess it is the old story, where does the time go? But where ever He opens a door that is where I am going. I do still read my devotionals that I try and share through this blog, but to go back and retrieve two weeks worth would be too time consuming and space on this page. So what I want to do is share with you again how the Lord is blessing me with His poetry and also an update on the God's Love Outreach Ministry that I am finishing up it's 7th year.

What always amazes me is how fruitful this ministry is. Ever since the initial program back in January 2004 the number of individuals that have seen the programs has increased each year. This is what the numbers show as of today: Grand Total = 32470 1125

2010 4922 168
2009 5423 184
2008 5046 162
2007 4839 154
2006 4586 149
2005 4323 162
2004 3331 146

With 21 programs scheduled to complete this year, there is a possibility that this year will be the highest number yet, Praise God! Wow, how blessed is that!

Now as for the poetry what I have noticed through my obedience and love for Christ He has been taking me in baby steps to bring me to the place He wants me to be. Some days He has blessed me with two or three poems in one day. Some of the poems He gives me start from an inspiration through a devotional or something someone has written or spoken in a phrase. To be in all honesty it is Him speaking to me through someone else. Just in this time period of this journey, (11/6 - 11/21), He has given me 25 poems.

The Way Out
Share If You Care
Be Silent And Still
Why Do I Love Him
Give To Him
The Father of the Faithful
On My Knees
The Son-light
The Mission
God's Timing
Veterans Day 2010
Forever Wounded
He Has What We Need
Freely He Gives
What Are You Choosing
The Many Parts of Faith
True Rest
God's Love
How Can This Still Be
The Victory
Choose Wisely
Within An Instant
The Master and the Servant
A Healthy Christian
Tell Them For Me
The Treasures Of Heaven
Be Nice To Someone
The Cries To Heaven
God, Thank You For Today
Check It Out

Again, wow! I am a 67 1/2 year old man and guess what my friends? He has me in the prime of my life. Quite a list of poems in a short time frame but He asked, and I obeyed. So why do I do what He asks me to do? Let me answer that with this poem from the list:

Why Do I Love Him?

Why do I love Him,
well, it’s plain to see,
even though it was 2000 years ago,
Jesus died on the cross for me.

Why did He do it?
Why did He suffer all that pain?
It was all because of love,
and I know He would do it again!

See, He knew me before I knew Him,
He claimed me for His own.
He wants me to spend eternity with Him,
together in His heavenly home.

All I had to do was choose,
to accept His act of love.
I hope you choose as I did,
so we all can be together above.

E. P. Shagott
11/6/2010

I once on Facebook read from a woman how she feels bad when she does something that God does not approve of. It was this poem that He inspired me with that I posted on her wall:

God’s Love

I was walking along one of life’s smooth paths,
then all of a sudden I did fall.
God grabbed my hand and lifted me up
and said, “I heard you when you called”.

I said, “I didn’t call, it wasn’t me,
I really don’t know who You did hear”.
God said, “Everyone falls now and then,
their hearts always cry out in fear.

Sometimes the heart cries are louder,
than any verbal sound at all.
See, the path doesn’t have to be bumpy,
for you to stumble or fall.

Believe in Me with all your heart,
is what you have to do,
that way any time you fall,
My love will grab onto you!”

E. P. Shagott
11/14/2010

And here is one He gave me after returning from a doctor's visit and realizing I better change my eating habits:

A Healthy Christian

I am a healthy Christian,
my body is God’s home.
I cannot have it fall apart,
and leave Him all alone

Our world is full of poison,
that is killing young and old.
It is important we watch what we eat,
so our bodies don’t corrode.

We were given eyes to read labels,
so we can understand what is best.
Stay away from junk food,
and God will do the rest.

See, God gave us an immune system,
to fight what comes our way.
Please decide like I did,
and become a healthy Christian today!

E. P. Shagott
11/18/2010

Finally I want to share His latest poem that He gave me today. After reading it do you think He was saying something to all of us?

Check It Out

The voice of the world,
says you can do it,
when really you can’t.

It tells us,
it is all about us,
when really it’s not.

It also tells us
to grab onto,
everything we want.

But really,
it’s about giving,
to those who have not.

See, life’s really simple,
all you do is pick,
and then you must choose.

With One you will win,
with the other,
sorry, you will loose.

So after reading this poem,
If you are still in doubt,
grab your bible and check it out!

E. P. Shagott
11/21/2010

Yes, it has been an interesting journey and I can't wait to see what He has for me tomorrow!

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

My Journey 11/3 - 11/5/2010

2010-11-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Three good devotionals that have a lot to say and heed. This first one by Vonette Bright speaks about as Christians three important aspects of our life in Christ should reflect. For it is sure problems will be coming our way, as Frank Sinatra once sang, "That's Life!" But in Christ all will work for His glory. We must just do our part, rest in Him, know that He is working in us, and be dependent on Him.

Here is a poem that He blessed me with today titled:

Choose Or Loose

With each day that comes anew,
with it comes new challenges too.
Some are little but some are great,
those are the ones where your heart will break.

We try our best each day to get through,
but those heart breakers are tough for me and you.
But in the Bible if you do read,
Jesus said, “Give them all to me”!

It is not just the great challenges that He does care,
but everything in our life He wants to share.
See, our heartaches, our joys, our tears and smiles,
He wants to be a part of them forever, not just awhile.

So it’s up to us as to what we choose,
without Christ in our lives we surely will loose.
In happiness or in sorrow, what comes our way,
the praise goes to God, for loving us each day!

E. P. Shagott
11/5/2010

Now this second devotional touches my heart with the story of the woman who wanted to worship Jesus with the best she had. How many people today just go through motions but truly do not know Him or love Him like this woman did. The third devotional ties in very well with the "Extravagant Love" one previously. Once you surrender to Him you find yourself in a "Passionate Pursuit" of Him. My prayer is for all to know Him and want to know about His amazing love. Here is a poem the Lord blessed me with on 11/3 about His blessings for all His children.

His Blessings Flow

May His blessings flow,
down on you.
May you understand,
His love is true.

May He always hear,
your every prayer.
May you always know,
that He is there.

May He comfort you,
when you’re in need.
May you understand,
how blessed you are indeed.

May you tell all the others,
of Him, if they do not know,
so they can also see and feel,
His blessings flow.

E. P. Shagott
11/3/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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11/3

Resting, Knowing, Depending
by Vonette Bright

It was something Barry felt he had to do.
The time had come for him to take a stand against the board’s wrongful business decisions.
So he resigned from his job. That was months ago. And his wife, Olivia, was growing impatient.
She prayed and asked others to pray. But nothing happened. The waiting became harder.

One morning Olivia read Isaiah 49:23, which says,
“Then you will know that I am the LORD, for they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.”
God showed her through His Word that peace was in resting, knowing,
and depending upon the LORD and in God’s perfect timing.

Waiting can be hard and Olivia doesn’t know when Barry will be working…
But she does know she’ll be able to tell about God’s faithfulness because she waited on Him.

Yes, dear one, walk by faith, not by sight

11/4

Extravagant Love
By Idelette McVicker

“When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume” Luke 7:37 (NIV)

Imagine bringing something worth as much as one whole year’s salary and pouring it out on the feet of Jesus. The woman who worshiped Jesus with the alabaster jar of oil brought a gift that was extremely extravagant, by any account. She took everything she had – her very best – and chose to pour it out to Jesus. This was her simple, but o, so extravagant thank you.

Jesus loved her act of worship; He saw her heart. He knew her story and He understood her worship. She had a heart filled with love for the God who forgave her sins.

What does my worship look like? Does it spring out of a heart of gratitude? What have I brought to God that is most precious to me?

Jesus, thank You for pouring out Your life on my behalf. I want to bring You my very best. Thank You that You know my story and that You see my heart. Amen.

11/5

The Passionate Pursuit
by Marilyn Ehle

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” 1 Corinthians 15:57

Here in the United States we have just finished an electric, all-consuming often distasteful election season. While we are grateful for the privilege of public debate and a system allowing free voting, many are dismayed at the lack of good taste displayed by people of all political persuasions. But there can certainly be no doubt at the passionate pursuit of individuals toward their goals. Millions of dollars were spent, even more energy expended, in seeking office and adoption of new or amended laws.

Author Joseph Stowell writes, “For followers (of Jesus), Christianity is a relationship, an adventure, a passionate pursuit of Christ.”

Is this true for me? Do I passionately pursue knowing more about Christ, listening intently for and eagerly following His gentle whispers throughout the day? Do I enter my quiet corner each morning with keen attention to discover yet another facet of His love, His story?

Those declared winners in the election process partied in their victories, gave thanks and set to work to fulfill their campaign promises. Is that lifestyle descriptive of the victory I experience through my Savior?

My Journey 10/31 - 11/2/2010

2010-11-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Three devotionals by Max Lucado that should lift the heart of each of God's children. For so many it appears life is a battle. But as I read Max Lucado's devotionals we should understand it shouldn't be. We all should have "hope" in our Heavenly Father that what ever comes up against us He will get us through. If we focus on Him then all we have to do is "wait for Him" to "knock our socks of", as it is written in the 1st devotional.

See, He loves "knocking our socks off" because He loves us! It always seem we are continously finding ways for His love to fail, because we fail, but it will never happen. His love is like His Word, unchangable.

As I read the third devotional it explains the Father's love for us. Jesus!, Divine Jesus! When I was reading the line about the Roman soldier, what came to mind was at any time Christ could of said, "no, it's not worth it". But He didn't. My friends in all reality as sinners we were not worth it but God's grace said, "Yes they are!" Praise God!

God Most High

It is “God most high”,
that hears my cry
He is the One
who knows my sighs.

It is “God most high”,
that tends to my needs,
He is always listening,
from His throne He always sees.

It is “God most high”,
that I place my trust,
my obedience to Him,
for me is a must.

It is “God most high”,
I surrender all to Him,
For I now understand
In Him, life truly begins!

E. P. Shagott
11/2/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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10/31

Hope
By Max Lucado

I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. Genesis 26:24, NKJV

Hope is not what you expect; it’s what you would never dream… It’s Abraham adjusting his bifocals so he can see not his grandson, be his son…

Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it’s far greater than that. It’s a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction.

11/1

The Father’s Love
By Max Lucado

The Lord said, “I have loved you.” Malachi 1:2

Father, your love never ceases. Never.

Though we spurn you, ignore you, disobey you, you will not change. Our evil cannot diminish your love. Our goodness cannot increase it. Our faith does not earn it anymore than our stupidity jeopardizes it. You don’t love us less if we fail. You don’t love us more if we succeed.

Your love never ceases.

11/3

Divine Jesus
By Max Lucado

I came to give life—life in all its fullness. John 10:10

Jesus is no run-of-the-mill messiah.

His story was extraordinary. He called himself divine, yet allowed a minimum-wage Roman soldier to drive a nail into his wrist. He demanded purity, yet stood for the rights of a repentant whore. He called men to march, yet refused to allow them to call him King. He sent men into all the world, yet equipped them with only bended knees and memories of a resurrected carpenter.

My Journey 10/22 - 10/30/2010

2010-10-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:
Well, as I have been busy with everything God has been laying on my heart, I noticed it has been awhile since my last blog posting. What is interesting is how He is using poetry to talk to the many that will take time to read His poems. Sometimes He would give me two or three poems in one day, in response to what someone have written in a devotional or what I have read through social media such as Facebook. I want to share with you how He has spoken to me during this period of time in poems.

10/22/2010
This poem was inspired from someone asking for prayer to fight their battle with Cancer.

Hear My Prayer, Lord

So many people in this world
are fighting it everyday,
a disease called “cancer”,
that tries to take their life away.

It weakens the body,
it plays havoc in their mind,
it doesn’t matter who it strikes,
man, woman or child of any kind.

So please hear my prayer, Lord,
may, You, help us find a way,
to give strength and courage,
to those fighting this enemy today.

Give the doctors the wisdom,
to choose what is best,
and also give our researchers,
the funds and knowledge to put it to rest.

Please touch each one afflicted,
and give them peace within their hearts,
let them know You are with them, Lord,
as You have been from the start.

In Jesus precious name,
Amen

E. P. Shagott
10/22/2010

10/23/2010
This poem was inspired from a woman who was thinking back on her wasted years before coming to know Christ.

I Weep For The Wasted Years

I weep for the wasted years,
the time I didn’t spend with You.
The very many days and nights,
I fought to just get through.

I weep for the wasted years,
I walked this world alone.
I filled them will emptiness,
trying to find my way home.

I weep for the wasted years,
I could have been telling others of You,
of all the blessings that You give,
to prove to all Your love is so true.

All those years are behind me now,
fruitful years for the Kingdom are all to come.
The wasteful years were part of my journey,
not all of my life, just some.

E. P. Shagott
10/23/2010

10/25/2010
This poem was inspired by me thinking of who I am.

A Child Of God

I am a child of Grace,
set free from worldly sin.
I am a child of Righteousness,
because my Savior lives within.

I am a child of Holy Love,
Christ paid the mighty cost.
I am a child of Purity,
my imperfections were nailed to the cross.

I am a child of Eternity,
a life that was created just for Him.
I am His Special child now,
no longer a child to sin.

I am a child of the Master,
in His light is where I trod.
I cry out with a joyful voice,
I am a child of God!!!

E. P. Shagott
10/25/2010

10/27/2010
This was a busy day for the Lord inspired me with (4) poems.

This poem was inspired by what someone wrote, "if we will only".

If We Will Only

If we will only,
take time to understand,
that each and everyone of us,
are truly part of His plan.

If we will only,
give Him our time,
for with Him our lives can be better,
yours and mine.

If we will only,
take time to read,
and from His Word
we all should take heed.

If we will only,
agree to lean on Him,
for that is when we see,
our lives truly begin!

E. P. Shagott
10/27/2010

This poem was inspired by a posting in Facebook from a friend about Jesus talking to His disciples, "Come and follow me".

Follow Me

As I was walking
in this world of sin
Jesus said, “Follow Me,
and be my friend.

What ever you need,
I have for you,
let’s walk together,
in whatever you do.

Follow me,
for there is so much to do,
so many lost in sin,
that need to follow Me too.

I need your feet,
your eyes and ears,
I need your mouth
to calm their fears.

I need your heart,
where I can be,
I need you, please,
won’t you follow Me?”

E. P. Shagott
10/27/2010

This poem was inspired by my response to the "Follow Me" poem.

A Life With Jesus

A life with Jesus
just has to be,
I can not live
without Him you see.

In pain and sorrow,
or in joy and glee,
a life with Jesus
was just meant to be.

I tried to live
the other way,
in sin and darkness
I lost my way.

But then someone spoke,
the Gospel message to me.
Now a life with Jesus,
has set me free!

So if you want
to live like me,
choose a life with Jesus,
for that’s the way it should be.

E. P. Shagott
10/27/2010

This was the last of the four poems on this day. It was inspired by a woman on Facebook who was asking for prayers for her ministry in prison.

It Was Me

Today I saw a homeless person,
looking for something to eat.
His shoes were torn and ragged,
exposing parts of his feet.

Then I saw an addict,
trying to once again get high.
His body was shaking so badly,
how would he ever get by?

Next I saw a family man,
out looking for a job.
His family needed food to eat,
their situation was looking bad.

A young girl was working as a prostitute,
her childhood just passed her by.
The innocent smile that once was there,
removed by this world of sin, why?

The Lord then spoke to my heart
and asked, “From all of these what did you see?”
With tears running down my face I replied,
“Lord, what I did see was once me!”

E. P. Shagott
10/27/2010

10/28/2010
This poem was inspired by a friend on Facebook writing about doing what God asks you to do.

God’s Task

God spoke to my heart,
He said, “I have a task for you.
All you have to be is obedient,
and trust I will get you through.

I have everything you will need,
to accomplish what needs to be done.
Just listen to My Spirit,
and always give praise to My Son.

Never get discouraged
or even stop to question why.
You were picked special for the task,
so don’t quit before giving it a try.

I know you can do it,
for you are my special one.
Someday you will understand why,
when we meet and I say, “Well done”!

E. P. Shagott
10/28/2010

This poem was inspired for a woman who was asking for prayer and wanted to feel close to the Lord again.

God Did Not Leave Us Alone

As we look out our darken windows,
we see the sunshine on our neighbor’s home.
Our house is filled with misery,
but our God did not leave us alone.

As we looked for ways to make ends meet,
and see so many over flowing pockets shown,
Oh where will our next meal come from?
But our God did not leave us alone.

As we see the many healthy people,
yet our bodies ache and groan,
We can not go from here to there,
but our God did not leave us alone.

See it doesn’t matter what we are going through,
but with the Lord how much we have grown.
It is not about what others have and we don’t,
but that our God did not leave us alone.

E. P. Shagott
10/29/2010

10/30/2010
This poem the Lord blessed me with today. I was just thinking how great it is for me "being in Christ"!

What Makes It Great

There is a beginning
and there is an end.
There are enemies
and there are friends.

There is love
and there is hate.
There is average,
then there is great.

There are winners,
and there are losers too.
There are non-believers,
but I believe in You!

For Jesus is the beginning,
and also my best Friend,
because of His love for me
there never will be an end.

See, we are what we choose
I chose love over hate,
I am a winner through Christ Jesus,
Him living in me, is what makes it great!

E. P. Shagott
10/30/2010

So as you can see a busy time in poetry for me during this part of my journey. I am hoping to have my first book of poems, volume 1, printed within a couple weeks. These poems will be in volume 2 or volume 3.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

My Journey 10/17 - 10/21/2010

2010-10-22T06:43:00.001-07:00

God's insight to me:

I love reading devotionals in the morning. I can hear God speaking to me through them. One of my favorites is J. C. Philpot. My journey these 5 days I want to share excerpts from his devotionals. In his first devotional he writes about patience. Well, for a lot of people that is a needed item to get them through their day. At times myself included, but I must admit I am a patient person. When I read that God gives us afflictions so that He may give us the patience to bear them, it made sense to me. Without need you would have no wants.

In the next devotional it talks about agreement. Agreement with God. Whenever you walk in the worldly light you are not walking with God. The world is sin. That goes back to Genesis and the fall of man. The last sentencence in this devotional says it all, "When once we have the mind of Christ and see with the eyes of God, then God and we become agreed, and being agreed, we can walk together."

The third devotional speaks about the Word of God. It states the importance of it as a sword to fight the devil and his adversaries. A very important fact to remember is it is only effective as the "sword of the Spirit', for it is then applied by Divine power. Praise God!

In the fourth devotional J. C. Philpot writes about God speaking to our hearts. I love this line from the devotional "by the voice of God heard in the heart that a saving faith is raised up in the soul." Also J. C. Philpot states that through our trials and afflictions that we understand the need to hear God's voive in our hearts. For it is through Him speaking to our hearts that it reaches our souls so we can find "rest and peace" that only He can provide.

Now this last devotional speaks about "joint-heirs with Christ". I can not imagine how someone could not want this. Whatever our needs here or in Heaven, He will supply! Wow! So what it boils down to is this; "Everything in time, everything in eternity, in this world and in the world to come, are all on our side, if we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. So how do we become joint-heirs? Just by asking Christ into your heart and to forgive you of your sins. Ask Jesus to become your Lord and Savior. If you can say it and mean it you are then heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

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10/17

"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Hebrews 10:36

Why is patience needed? Because if we are the Lord's people, we are sure to have many trials. The Lord sends us afflictions that he may give us the grace of patience to bear them.

We need patience with each other, with the world, with our relations in life, and with the Church of God. We need patience when anything is said or done to hurt our minds, wound our feelings, irritate our tempers, and stir us up to revenge. And what a mercy it is, under these sharp trials, to have patience, and thus follow the example of the blessed Lord, "who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously."

10/18

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos 3:3

There was a time, child of God, when the world held in your heart the chief place. It was not so in God's heart. You and he were therefore at variance. But now, through grace, you are brought to make eternity your chief concern. You and God are agreed there; for in the mind of God eternity as much outweighs time as the stars in the midnight sky outweigh a grain of dust.

The Lord saw the world under his curse, and you loved its favour and its blessing--seeking madly and wickedly to enjoy that which God had denounced; therefore you could not agree. Thus you see that in order to be agreed with God, we must have God's thoughts in our heart, God's ways in our soul, and God's love in our affections. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."

When once we have the mind of Christ and see with the eyes of God, then God and we become agreed, and being agreed, we can walk together.

10/19

"The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17

There is only one weapon whereby we can fight Satan to any purpose, and that is the word of God. But observe, that it must not be merely the letter of the word. It must be the "sword of the Spirit," and therefore a spiritual sword, which can only be taken in hand when the word of God is applied with a divine power to your heart, and you have a living faith in it as made "life and spirit" to your soul.

The word of truth, therefore, is full of most gracious promises, and sweet encouragements "to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ," and never in heart or hand submit to be conquered by sin or Satan.

10/20

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her." Hosea 2:14

It is in the margin "to her heart;" and God speaks to the heart; that is the special characteristic of his voice. Men may speak to the ear, and they can do no more; but God speaks to the heart, for it is there that his voice alone is heard. All religion first and last lies in a man's heart. He may have his head well furnished with notions, yet a heart destitute of grace. But not so with the vessels of mercy, for they "believe with the heart unto righteousness;" and it is by the voice of God heard in the heart that a saving faith is raised up in the soul.

If you are passing through trials and afflictions; if you are exercised with a variety of temptations, and are brought into that spot where the creature yields neither help nor hope, then you are made to see and feel that nothing but God's voice speaking with power to your soul can give you any solid grounds of rest or peace. But is not this profitable? It may be painful; it is painful; but it is profitable, because by it we learn to look to the Lord and the Lord alone, and this must ever be a blessed lesson to learn for every child of God.

10/21

"Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." 1 Corinthians 3: 21-23

Whatever there be in heaven, whatever there be in earth, that can be for your spiritual good, all is yours so far as you are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ.

Whatever your temporal wants may be, he can supply them, because he is king on earth as well as in heaven. Whatever enemies you may have, he is able to defeat them; whatever evils may press upon you, he is able to subdue them; whatever sorrows surround you, he is able to console you under them. Everything in time, everything in eternity, in this world and in the world to come, are all on your side, that are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

My Journey 10/15 - 10/16/2010

2010-10-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

It is amazing how my life has changed. Slowly, ever so slowly God has been steering me in the path He has chosen for me. Of course I know the path leads to Him, but the journey there is an awesome experience. Lately He has been touching my heart with two or three poems a day. Within these poems is His voice speaking to each of His chosen. As I read J. C. Philpot's devotionals my heart becomes on fire. Also through many other devotionals and of course His Holy Word. How can I not get excited as I read scripture like the 23rd Psalm that states in the beginning verse, "The Lord is my shepherd", for my friends if you can grasp that then you, "have no wants", for He fullfills them all. I pray that as you read through God's poems and J. C. Philpot's devotionals you have Him in your heart or are being drawn closer to Him. Always remember a life with the Father is only a prayer away;

Heavenly Father:
I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of
my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my
heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the
Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven and have
Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe
that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now
to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and
Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the
day's of my Life!. Because your word is truth, I confess
with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed
by the Blood of Jesus!

In Jesus Name, Amen

Victory Through Jesus

If you battle daily,
in this world of sin,
give the fight to Jesus my friends,
for it’s the only way you can win.

If the devil comes upon you,
and there appears no way out,
look to Jesus my friends,
for that’s truly what it’s all about.

When bitterness stays with you,
and anger grows within,
release it to Jesus my friends,
so peace can once again begin.

He can turn dark to light.
He can turn hate to love.
Victory is not in our hands,
but in Christ’s hands above.

E. P. Shagott
10/16/2010

Little By Little

Little by little,
time by time,
He changes our hearts,
and our lives He refines.

Little by little,
day by day,
because of His grace,
He changes our way.

Little by little,
one by one
He perfects in us,
for His Father’s will to be done.

Little by little,
heart by heart,
He draws us to Him,
where life really starts.

E. P. Shagott
10/16/2010

Choose

As God looked down from Heaven,
an angel asked, “Which one did You choose?”
“All of them”, God replied
“for none of them have to lose.

I love them all so very much,
and have right from the very start,
My Son, Jesus, gave His life for them,
then sent His Spirit to each and every heart.”

Then the angel looked confused,
as he looked down below.
The angel said, “Why do so many still sin?
Is it because they do not know?”

Then the God of all Creation,
smiled and gave a sigh,
“For those who heard the gospel message,
I can not answer why.

My Word was left to guide them,
and answer what they do not know.
Each one must either choose eternity with Me,
or with the devil below!”

E. P. Shagott
10/16/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>

10/15

A devotional by J. C. Philpot
Daily Portions

"That I may win Christ." Philippians 3:8

What is it to "win Christ?" It is to have him sweetly embraced in the arms of our faith. It is to feel him manifesting his heavenly glory in our souls. It is to have the application of his atoning blood, in all its purging efficacy, to our conscience. It is to feel our heart melted and swooning with the sweet ravishments of his dying love, shed abroad even to overpowering.

This is winning Christ. Now, before we can thus win Christ, we must have a view of Christ, we must behold his glory, "the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." We must see the matchless dignity of his glorious Person, the atoning efficacy of his propitiating blood, the length and breadth, the depth and height of his surpassing love. We must have our heart ready to burst with pantings, longings, and ardent desires that this blessed Immanuel would come down from the heaven of heavens in which he dwells beyond the vail, into our heart, and shed abroad his precious dying love there. Now, is not this your feeling, child of God? It has been mine over and over again. Is it not your feeling as you lie upon your bed, sometimes, with sweet and earnest pantings after the Lord of life and glory? As you walk by the way, as you are engaged in your daily business, as you are secretly musing and meditating, are there not often the goings forth of these longings and breathings into the very bosom of the Lord? But you cannot have this, unless you have seen him by the eye of an enlightened understanding, by the eye of faith, and had a taste of his beauty, a glimpse of his glory, and a discovery of his eternal preciousness. You must have had this gleaming upon your eyes, as the beams of light gleam through the windows. You must have had it dancing into your heart, as the rays of the sun dance upon the waves of the sea. You must have had a sweet incoming of the shinings of eternal light upon your soul, melting it, and breaking it down at his footstool, as the early dawn pierces through the clouds of night. When you have seen and felt this you break forth--'O that I might win Christ!' Like the ardent lover who longs to win his bride, you long to enjoy his love and presence shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost.

10/16

A devotional by J. C. Philpot
Daily Portions

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

There is a sweetness in the promises which captivates the heart; a beauty in Christ which wins the soul; a saving unction and power in the word of God, when applied, which draws forth toward it every secret and sacred affection. Can you not sometimes look up and say, "Blessed Jesus, I do love thee?" And when the word of God is opened up, applied, and made sweet and precious, have you not felt sometimes as if you could kiss the sacred page, as conveying such sweetness into your soul? This is embracing a promise in love--throwing our arms round it, drawing it near to our breast, kissing it again and again with kisses of love and affection, and taking that sweet delight in it with which the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, as now all his own--at times almost lost, but now wooed and won, no more to be parted. This is rejoicing in the word of God, delighting in a blessed Jesus and in the promises which testify of, and centre in him. Have you not felt these sweet embracements in your soul of the truth as it is in Jesus as so precious, so suitable, so encouraging, and so adapted to every want and woe? Then you are a believer; then you are a child of God; then there is a work of grace upon your heart; then you know the truth for yourself by divine teaching and divine testimony. You may still not have had that full deliverance, that blessed revelation, that overpowering manifestation whereby all your doubts and fears have been swept away, and your soul settled in a firm enjoyment of the liberty of the gospel. You may have had it or may have had it not. But if you have this character stamped upon you that you have seen the promises afar off and been persuaded of them, and embraced them in faith, hope, and love, you have a mark of being a partaker of the faith of God's elect.

My Journey 10/11 - 10/14/2010

2010-10-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was reading the devotional for today I thought of the calling on my life. It was approximately 8 years ago when the Holy Spirit was given control to begin a wonderful journey together. Being saved at 15 years of age the Spirit was there, in my heart, but was waiting for my permission to begin the calling on my life. All I can ever speak is for myself but I know there are many, many others that can also give testimony in their lives also. God has given me many talents, many I didn't realize I had but through the power of the Spirit has released them in me. Talents like, speaking, writing, singing, listening, caring, sharing and many more. God waited for 39 years before I was willing to accept His calling that was laid on my heart when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at 15 years old. He knew I had to mature and also agree to be a vessel to be used by the Holy Spirit. Did He say my name two times to get my attention as written in the devotional below? No, but I cried out His Holy Name many, many times.

So what is the calling on my life? An outreach ministry, titled "God's Love", that has grown in numbers since January 1st, 2004. Writing over 200+ of His heartfelt poems since the mid 1990's, which the first book will be printed shortly. Becoming active in my church. Writing over 200+ blogs which this one is, sharing my journey with Him, with others. Becoming active in Facebook and Twitter using the Internet for Evangelist purposes. Reaching out daily to those individuals that God has brought me to, either in person or via the Internet, to show how He changes lives. As I was reading the last paragraph from the devotional I found myself answering yes to the questions about a calling on one's lives. So many people I believe would say, "I don't know what the calling is on my life", but the answer is that they have not come to the point in their lives where they are willing to relinquish control to the God of the Universe, that created them for that reason. I pray that if that is your case, someday soon you will. He is waiting.

I want to share with you the poems that Jesus touched my heart with in this 4 day journey.

The Race

All the Christians lined up,
the race was about to begin.
What was most important,
was what was waiting at the end.

The Lord of Lords, the King of Kings,
was at the finish line,
waiting for each of His children,
as they ran the race of time.

In His glorious hand,
He held a crown for each.
We must stay focus through the race,
for it is definitely within our reach.

Though through the race of time,
many distractions will be along the way,
keep focusing on Jesus my friends,
so we can finish the race someday!

E. P. Shagott
10/11/2010

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Are You Ready To Receive?

There was a man, who couldn’t walk,
who waited by the temples door.
Every day he would wait and wait,
hoping for alms, someone would give him more.

Then came Peter and John to him,
Jesus’ love flowed from their eyes.
“Silver and gold I have none, said Peter
“but what I have I give you, in Jesus name, arise”

So this lame man whom never walked since birth,
walked through the temples doors.
He started worshiping and praising God,
which he never did before.

See the moral of the poem,
and the truth from the bible believe,
“There is power in the name of Jesus,
if my friends you are ready to receive!”

E. P. Shagott
10/12/2010

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Trust Is A Must

Trust is a must
to live for today.
Without Jesus,
there is no other way.

Trust in Him,
in all that you do.
That is the only way,
that He will get us through.

Trust is a must,
yes, trust in Him.
Once we do,
life really begins.

Trust, trust
with all your might.
Only through Him,
can this life be right!

E. P. Shagott
10/13/2010

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The Fire Within

My heart was cold
from this world of sin.
Jesus said, “What you need,
is a fire within!

It starts with a spark
then will grow with love,
the fuel you need,
will come from above.”

With my chilled heart
I cried, “Lord, let it be,
please through Your love,
ignite a spark in me!”

Then within a second,
the chill began to fade.
The spark was lit,
through Jesus’ name!

So in this life
It’s not too late to begin,
All you need
is the fire within!

E. P. Shagott
10/13/2010

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The Blessing

It is only a blessing
that when we receive,
we give thanks above
because we believe.

The blessing only comes,
because of His grace,
not of what we’ve done,
or said in it’s place.

His blessings will flow,
to bring glory to Him,
not because we’re so,
deserving my friends.

Blessings are gifts,
from the Father above,
only given out,
because of His love.

So if there’s a blessing
that might come our way,
let’s all remember to give thanks,
that God thought of us today!

E. P. Shagott
10/13/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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10/14

Our Daily Homily

A devotional by F. B. Meyer

And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel! 1 Samuel 3:10

See the urgency of God! Four times He came, and stood, and called. Mark how He stands at the door to knock. At first He was content to call the lad once by name; but after three unsuccessful attempts to attract him to Himself, He uttered the name twice, with strong urgency in the appeal, Samuel! Samuel! This has been called God's double knock. There are seven or eight of these double knocks in Scripture: Simon, Simon; Saul, Saul; Abraham, Abraham.

How may we be sure of a Divine call?

We may know God's call when it grows in intensity. If an impression comes into your soul, and you are not quite sure of its origin, pray over it; above all, act on it so far as possible, follow in the direction in which it leads and as you lift up your soul before God, it will wax or wane. If it wanes at all, abandon it. If it waxes follow it, though all hell attempt to stay you.

We may test God's call by the assistance of godly friends. The aged Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child, and gave him good advice as to the manner in which he should respond to it. Our special gifts and the drift of our circumstances will also assuredly concur in one of God's calls.

We may test God's call by its effect on us. Does it lead to self denial? Does it induce us to leave the comfortable bed and step into the cold? Does it drive us forth to minister to others? Does it make us more unseIfish, loving, tender, modest, humble! Whatever is to the humbling of our pride, and the glory of God, may be truly deemed God's call. Be quick to respond, and fearlessly deliver the message the Lord has given you.

My Journey 10/8 - 10/10/2010

2010-10-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

I love the two devotionals by Max Lucado and also the one by J. C. Philpot. As I read the "Simplify Faith" he can't make it more simpler than that. Why is Christianity so confusing? We make it that way. We just can't believe that "faith" can be that simple. But it is. Now the next devotional about the race for eternity was very well written. Being a cross country runner in my teenage years, I can speak about races. But can you just picture Jesus at the finish line yelling to us encouragement to finish and don't get distracted along the way. He loves us so much that the Holy Spirit is running with us each step of the way to get us there. As I read this devotional the Lord blessed me with this poem;

The Race

All the Christians lined up,
the race was about to begin.
What was most important,
was what was waiting at the end.

The Lord of Lords, the King of Kings,
was at the finish line,
waiting for each of His children,
as they ran the race of time.

In His glorious hand,
He held a crown for each.
We must stay focus through the race,
for it is definitely within our reach.

Though through the race of time,
many distractions will be along the way,
keep focusing on Jesus my friends,
so we can finish the race someday!

E. P. Shagott
10/11/2010

Now the last devotional by Max Lucado is the answer to how we can finish life's race and be victorious. Be like Jesus! The author states, "He endured when others quit!" We can't win our own race if we quit. Ask our Heavenly Father for the courage and strength to endure and stay focused on Jesus!

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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10/8

Simplify Faith
By Max Lucado

“He who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” Matthew 10:40, NKJV

How do you simplify faith? ... Simplify your faith by seeking God for yourself. No confusing ceremonies necessary. No mysterious rituals required. No elaborate channels of command or levels of access.

You have a Bible? You can study.

You have a heart? You can pray.

You have a mind? You can think.

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10/9

From Daily Portions devotional
by J. C. Philpot

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:2

No one can ever run the race set before him, except by looking unto Jesus. He is at the head of the race; he stands at the goal; holding the crown of victory in his hand, which he puts upon the head of the successful runner. And we can only run on as we view Jesus by the eye of faith at the right hand of the Father opening his blessed arms to receive us into his own bosom at the end of the race. Nor indeed can any one really look to him but by the special gift and grace of God. He must be revealed to the soul by the power of God; we must behold his glorious Godhead and his suffering manhood by the eye of faith; and we must view him as the incarnate God; the only Mediator between God and man. We must see the efficacy of his atoning blood to purge a guilty conscience; the blessedness of his obedience to justify a needy, naked soul; the sweetness of his dying love as an inward balm and cordial against all the thousand ills and sorrows of life. We must see his glory, as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth;

his suitability to every want and woe;
his infinite compassion to the vilest and worst of sinners;
his patient forbearance and wondrous long-suffering of our sins and backslidings;
his unchanging love, stronger than death itself;
his readiness to hear;
his willingness to bless;
and his ability to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him.

Thus the heavenly runner looks not to the course however long, nor to the ground however rough, not to his own exertions however multiplied, nor to his own strength whether much or little; nor to applauding friends nor condemning foes; but wholly and solely to the incarnate Son of God. Jesus draws him onward with his invincible grace. Every glance of his beauteous Person renews the flame of holy love; every sight of his blood and righteousness kindles desires to experience more of their efficacy and blessedness; and every touch of his sacred finger melts the heart into conformity to his suffering image. This is the life of a Christian,--day by day, to be running a race for eternity; and as speeding onward to a heavenly goal, to manifest his sincerity and earnestness by continually breathing forth the yearnings of his soul after divine realities, and to be pressing forward more and more toward the Lord Jesus Christ, as giving him a heavenly crown when he has finished his course with joy.

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10/10

Be Like Jesus
By Max Lucado

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5, NKJV

What does it mean to be just like Jesus? The world has never known a heart so pure, a character so flawless. His spiritual hearing was so keen He never missed a heavenly whisper. His mercy so abundant He never missed a chance to forgive. No lie left His lips, no distraction marred His vision. He touched when others recoiled. He endured when others quit. Jesus is the ultimate model for every person.

My Journey 10/1 - 10/7/2010

2010-10-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Well, a week has passed in my journey and I am recovering from a broken heart. What I have found during this period of time is how awesome the Lord is. Of course I knew that but it is reaffirmed, time and time again, through times of hurting and emptiness. This morning as I was reading my devotionals, that I also love to share via the Internet, this one by J. C. Philpot spoke volumes about that. Mr. Philpot stated having everything as "faring well". I must admit for many of days that fit's me to the tee. But as Christians we do not escape some days of hardship and broken hearts. In this devotional as I look back to the previous week of hurting, I found the Lord blessing me with the love of family, friends and also my church family. He also poured out His heart to mine in poetry that I am blessed to write down for Him. Since I have published my last blog He has given me (16) heart felt poems. So I understand how as the author wrote though I was "faring ill", I was actually "faring well", Praise God!

God Is Good

How are you faring today,
does it appear not much good,
is coming your way?

Does it seem the harder you try,
things are just getting worse,
and you ask yourself why?

When in the day the sun is out,
do you only see clouds
and wonder what it is all about?

Well, fret not my friends and be reassured,
through all that is happening
there is a special reward.

God is still God, in the Heavens above,
He always makes good,
because of His love.

It is up to us to what we see,
with God there is always good,
for that’s the way it must be!

E. P. Shagott
10/7/2010

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10/7

Daily Portions
A devotional by J. C. Philpot

"Brethren, farewell." 2 Corinthians 13:11

To fare well, spiritually understood, is to have everything that God can make us happy in. All God's people will eventually fare well. They all stand complete in Christ: nothing can touch their eternal safety; for they are all complete in him, "without spot, or blemish, or any such thing." In this point of view, they must all in the end and for ever fare well.

But when we come to the matter of experience, we often find that those very times when God's people think they are faring ill, are the seasons when they are really faring well; and again, at other times, when they think they are faring well, then they are really faring ill. For instance, when their souls are bowed down with trouble, it often seems to them that they are faring ill. God's hand appears to be gone out against them: he has hidden his face from them; they can find no access to a throne of grace; they have no sweet testimonies from the Lord that the path in which he is leading them is one of his choosing, and that all things will end well with them. This they think is indeed faring ill, and yet perhaps they never fare better than when under these circumstances of trouble, sorrow, and affliction. These things wean them from the world. If their heart and affections were going out after idols, they instrumentally bring them back. If they were hewing out broken cisterns, they dash them all to pieces. If they were setting up, and bowing down to idols in the chambers of imagery, affliction and trouble smite them to pieces before their eyes, take away their gods, and leave them no refuge but the Lord God of hosts. If you can only look back, you will see that your greatest sweets have often sprung out of your greatest bitters, and the greatest blessings have flowed from the greatest miseries, and what at the time you thought your greatest sorrows: you will find that the brightest light has sprung up in the blackest darkness, and that the Lord never made himself so precious as at the time when you were sunk lowest, so as to be without human help, wisdom, or strength. So that when a child of God thinks he is faring very ill, because burdened with sorrows, temptations, and afflictions, he is never faring so well. The darkest clouds in due time will break, the most puzzling enigmas will sooner or later be unriddled by the blessed Spirit interpreting them, and the darkest providences cleared up; and we shall see that God is in them all, leading and guiding us "by the right way, that we may go to a city of habitation" (Psalm 107:7).

My Journey 9/28 - 9/30/2010

2010-10-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Well, if you read my previous journey you will understand what I am writing about in this journey. With a broken heart, sometimes it appears the pain is so great and will not cease but as Max Lucado writes so wonderfully, "Rely on Him!" For a while I was at my worst for I was feeling a loss. I had to look back at all the times God was faithful to me. Why wouldn't He be now? Though my family, friends, and Pastor were there with me, it took the love of God to assure me, the pain will pass. The reason I felt His love was as Max Lucado wrote in his second devotional, I have nothing in between myself and my God. He is all my hope for without Him, "I have and I am nothing!" In this last devotional the last paragraph says it all. Jesus has done it all. Everything there is or will be done for me and you Jesus did it. How can I not get down on my knees and give Him praise. Through my grief and pain He said to me;

In your weakness,
I am your strength.
In your hurt
I’ll help you mend
In your loss
I am your gain
I am always here
just call My Name!

Grieve and Believe

When your heart is broken,
and you don’t know what to do,
grieve and believe,
that God will see you through.

When tears keep flowing,
and you cry to the Father above,
grieve and believe,
they will cease all because of His love.

When your pain increases
and words fail to ease the doubt,
grieve and believe,
that God is the way out.

Give Him your heart,
that is broken in two,
and always believe,
He is grieving with you!

E. P. Shagott
9/28/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/28

Rely on Him
By Max Lucado

“Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst.” Luke 6:35, The Message

God has proven himself as a faithful father. Now it falls to us to be trusting children. Let God give you what your family doesn’t. Let him fill the void others have left. Rely upon him for your affirmation and encouragement.

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9/29

Nothing in Between
By Max Lucado

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6, NKJV

Jesus leaves us with two options. Accept him as God or reject him as a megalomaniac. There is no third alternative . . .

Call him crazy or crown him as king. Dismiss him as a fraud or declare him to be God. Walk away from him or bow before him, but don’t play games with him. Don’t call him a great man. Don’t list him among decent folk . . . He is either God or godless. Heaven sent or hell born. All hope or all hype. But nothing in between.

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9/30

All Things
By Max Lucado

“How long must I stay with you?” Mark 9:19

How long? “Until the rooster sings and the sweat stings and the mallet rings . . .”

How long? “Long enough for every sin to so soak my sinless soul that heaven will turn in horror until my swollen lips pronounce the final transaction: ‘It is finished.’”

Jesus bore all things, believed all things, hoped all things, and endured all things. Every single one.

My Journey 9/25 - 9/27/2010

2010-09-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Interesting journey for these three days. I must admit I didn't read very many devotionals for my mind was on other things. But what I want you all to know is I spent many, many hours with the Lord. See, I was about to experience hurt, of which I haven't felt in a long time. This hurt is from a broken heart. Our God knows just what you need, when you need it. He knows that it is due too the hurt that draws you closer too Him. Does He knows how much you hurt? Sure, but He also knows how much you can bear and He cherishes every minute we are with Him.

My dog Buddy had been with me for close to 14 years. I took him to the vet on Friday morning because he wasn't eating and began sleeping all the time. His legs were getting weaker. Now with Buddy being a senior dog (approx. 96 years in human time, so they say), some of these symptoms were a little common, but I knew something was happening. After drawing blood it was determined that he was into kidney failure. The vet told me to give him just boiled chicken and rice to eat, but Buddy wanted nothing. He told me to call him Monday morning if he wasn't doing any better.

Sunday I went to church, as I always do. Of course I did a lot of praying during Bible Study and also during the service. What I was looking for was for God's help and direction to get me through this time. I felt kind of selfish because I was praying more for my needs than Buddy's. Could of God healed him? Sure, He is God. But what I was asking more was for comfort for Buddy and peace for me. I must admit I did think about staying home on Sunday, but God told me, my house is for the hurting too. Oh, He wants our praise, but He wants our needs. Myself being in a fragile state because of a weekend of worry, I was afraid I would lose it sometime in the morning. Well, I was right. I was doing well until we got to the praise song, "All Is Well", which is one of my favorites. I started off good until I got to this part in the song:

All my changes come from Him
he who never changes
I'm held firm in the grasp
of the Rock of all the changes

All is well with my soul
He is God in Control
I know not all His plans
but I know I'm in His hands

Ok, this is where I lost it. I felt His Spirit grab my heart and not let go. With tears streaming down my face, I just praised Him!!! I am so glad I went to church for the answer was there.

I want to share a poem with you that the Lord blessed me with at 3:30 AM Monday morning. The reason for the poem was that I knew what the morning would bring and I didn’t want it to come. I had to put my dog down this afternoon. But what the Lord told me was I was letting my circumstances over run my focus. After writing the poem I understood what He meant. I am blessed He chooses me to speak to each of you.

This might be a message from Him that you will want to read from time to time and share with so many others that “Do not want tomorrow to come!”

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Tomorrow

I did not want tomorrow to come,
for I knew the pain would be so great.
But then I thought of Jesus’ last night,
and the pain He endured for my sake.

I did not want tomorrow to come,
for it would be filled with anxiety and fear.
But then I thought of how my Savior must of felt,
knowing it had to come, so He could draw me near.

I did not want tomorrow to come,
I just wanted to run someplace and hide.
But then I felt the presence of the Father,
almost like He was right here at my side.

His Spirit spoke within my heart and said,
“Tomorrow must come, that’s the way it must be.
You will never face another tomorrow alone,
we will face it together, you, the Holy Spirit, Jesus and Me!”

E. P. Shagott
9/27/2010

So morning had come. Very little had changed with my Buddy, so I called the vet and I decided it was time to say good-bye. The answer you hear from others that have gone through it, never changes. It is a hard thing to do. My journey with Buddy has come to an end, but I am closer to the Lord more than ever before.

Psalms 38:21 Forsake me not, O Jehovah; O my God, be not far from me.

He wasn't. Praise Him!

My Buddy
(12/25/1996 – 9/27/2010)

I lost a special friend today,
my heart was broke in two.
A special friend that was sent from God,
special, because no other would do.

Everything about him,
just fit me to a tee.
Ten pounds of love and obedience,
that was made just for me.

Oh, I know cute friends like him,
will probably come and then have to go.
But this one was oh so special,
that’s why I loved him so.

So now I have just the memories,
praise to God, they will get me through.
How awesome a God He is,
for He knew only “my Buddy” would do!

E. P. Shagott
9/27/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

My Journey 9/23 - 9/24/2010

2010-09-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

This first devotional which speaks of hardships brought back an early poem that the Lord blessed me with back in the 1990's. I now understand through my walk with Christ that being needy, is what Christianity is all about. God wants us to be needing Him every minute of the day. That is what a relationship is all about. Charles Spurgeon wrote about it many, many years ago. I love this sentence, "When we reach the Kingdom, we are assured that it will more than make amends for the “many hardships” through which we passed through to enter it." I truly believe that when we reach our Kingdom destination, any hardship will not be remembered, why would we want too when we are in the presence of Jesus. Until that time comes we all really need His help, all the time!

I Need Your Help Today, Lord

I need Your help today, Lord,
for it seems I can't go on.
Everything in my life today
appears to be all wrong.

The beauty that You created for me,
my eyes are failing to see.
There is disease throughout my body, Lord,
that is slowly killing me.

My smile seldom appears now,
overtaken by grief and pain.
My spirit is slowly being broken,
Lord, please touch my heart again.

May my focus always be on You,Lord,
so my problems seem far away.
Thank you for this time Lord
Yes, I need Your help today….

E. P. Shagott

This second devotional is also very well written. I found myself as I was reading it moving my head up and down. Yep, very true I kept thinking. I loved as the author put it this way, "He is always working in us and with us. His plan is that we almost become passive in the process." That sounds like "need" to me again. And this, "If God has given you promises, then He is the One who is responsible to fulfill them. God does not need our help or efforts." Also what a great statement this is, "Choose to rest in His promises instead of worrying and doubting God by looking at yourself." Amen to that!

Jesus Is Waiting On You

What a friend I have in Jesus,
He is always there for me.
If I fall He lifts me up,
when so many would just let me be.

What a friend I have in Jesus,
He forgives me when I am wrong.
It is no wonder I sing His praises,
for He fills my heart with songs.

What a friend I have in Jesus,
He will never leave my side.
In His rest is where you’ll find me,
for it is there I loose my foolish pride.

What a friend I have in Jesus,
He wants to be your friend too.
All you have to do is ask Him,
my friend Jesus, is waiting on you.

E. P. Shagott
9/24/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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9/23

Many Hardships
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

“We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God”
Acts 14:22

God’s people will encounter many hardships. It was never God’s intention when He chose His people that they would be untested. They were never chosen just to experience worldly peace and earthly joy. Freedom from sickness and the pains of being mortal was never promised them. But when their Lord wrote the charter of privileges, He included discipline among the things which they would inherit.

Hardships are a part of our allotment. They were predestined for us. As surely as the stars are fashioned by His hands and their orbits fixed by Him, so surely are our hardships allotted to us: He has predestined their season and their place, their intensity, and their effect on us.

So-called “good” people must never expect to escape troubles. If they do, they will be disappointed, because none of their mothers and fathers in faith have been without troubles. Remember the patience of Job! Remember also Abraham, for he had his share of difficulties, but by his faith through them he became the “Father of the faithful.” And you’ll find that as you read the biographies of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, not one of those who God made a vessel of mercy didn’t also have to pass through the fire of adversity. God declared that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, as the King’s distinguishing royal mark.

But although hardship is the path of God’s children, they have the comfort of knowing that their Master has walked it before them. They have His presence and sympathy to encourage them, His grace to support them, and His example to teach them how to endure. When we reach the Kingdom, we are assured that it will more than make amends for the “many hardships” through which we passed through to enter it.

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9/24

Are You So Foolish?
From a devotional by Daily Disciples

Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3

There are times that we all get discouraged when we try so hard in our homes and in our work. We want to do the best we can. We want to be giving and loving in our efforts. We want to know that we are pleasing the Lord. We equate blessings with God's favor, thinking that it is our motives and actions that are being rewarded. So when things don't go well, we wonder what we are doing wrong. It is a common misconception, but God doesn't work like that. His grace is not gained by our good behavior. Because we are under the covenant of grace, we are called into rest. That is why it is so important to hold on to His promises. He is always working in us and with us. His plan is that we almost become passive in the process. We get tired of trying as we get caught in the middle between His promises and our efforts. Our hearts long to spend time with the Lord but there are always too many other factors competing for our attention. These factors take away our energy, and at times, make us feel like we can't do it all or we didn't do a good job anyway.

If God has given you promises, then He is the One who is responsible to fulfill them. God does not need our help or efforts. What He has started in the Spirit will not ever get accomplished in our flesh. It is the enemy who tries to discourage you. Satan will put thoughts in your mind of doubt and self defeat. Out loud, tell those evil forces that God has a plan regardless of your abilities. You choose to rest in His promises instead of worrying and doubting God by looking at yourself. Tell the Lord that you are choosing to focus your eyes on Him. And then, get into His Word and claim those promises. His Word puts you on the Rock, and our only responsibility is to stand firm on that Rock.

My Journey 9/20 - 9/22/2010

2010-09-22T07:22:00.001-07:00

God's insight to me:

The first two devotionals by Max Lucado speak of seeing. When we walk by faith we look through the eyes of our heart. There is a song that we sing in church sometimes where the lyrics state, "Open the eyes of my heart Lord, that I may see You!" Even if we look through our fleshly eyes we can only see the worldly things. Once we process that through our heart the Spirit shows us what we should be seeing at all times. A caring Father, a loving Son and a devoted Spirit. So my friends, "What do you see?"

This last devotional by J. C. Philpot reminds me of that part of the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." So how can that be? Heaven awaits each of God's children, how can Heaven be here now? J. C. Philpot explains it well in his last sentence, "the very kingdom of God set up in the heart." So many lost souls as Mr. Philpot writes about, looking for relief. I can understand just what he meant by that for I was one of them. Though I was saved at 15 years of age, my relief did not come until 40+ years later. I discovered I could not find His peace until I "surrendered" my soul to Him. It is His, you know. As I was thinking about this I can't imagine how anyone could not want His peace. If I feel this peace now just think what Heaven must be like. What about the non-believers? What will it be like when they hear those words as written in Matthew 25:41 Then He also shall say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.

Your Soul Belongs To Him

As you travel through your day,
though sad or with a grin,
always remember that the soul you carry,
will always belong to Him.

It was created when you were,
for a journey that will never end.
Though your body will age and crumble,
your soul does not, my friend.

God’s purpose for your soul is simple,
to once again return to Him,
but you have to make the choice,
to be an enemy or be a friend.

So please don’t wait another minute,
your soul is what’s at stake,
if you don’t choose in God,
then it’s all for the devil to take!

E. P. Shagott
9/22/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/20

Come and See
By Max Lucado

“Can anything good from Nazareth?” Philip answered, “Come and see.” John 1:46

Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Come and see.

See Wilberforce fighting to free slaves in England . . .

Journey into the jungles and hear the drums beating in praise . . .

Venture into the gulags and dungeons of the world and hear the songs of the saved refusing to be silent.

Come and see.

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9/21

Which Do You See?
By Max Lucado

“The Lord will be your confidence.” Proverbs 3:26 NKJV

The temple builders and the Savior seekers. You’ll find them both in the same church, on the same pew – at times, even in the same suit. One sees the structure and says, “What a great church.” The other sees the Savior and says, “What a great Christ!”

Which do you see?

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9/22

Daily Portions
A devotional by J. C. Philpot

"The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." 1 Corinthians 4:20

It is through the word of God in the hands of the Spirit, that this kingdom is set up in the soul. All God's people are agreed on this point, that they have no more religion than they have inward power. And all the living family are sighing, each according to his measure and season, after the manifestation of this divine power in their souls. Those that are under the law, and toiling under heavy burdens, are sighing after relief, and for that relief to come in divine power--power that shall cast all their sins into the depth of the sea. Those who having tasted that the Lord is gracious have lost their first love, are at times breathing out their inmost desire after power to revive their souls. Those who are beset with powerful temptations, and struggling, often ineffectually, with base lusts, are crying after power to deliver their feet from the fowler's snares. Those who are hard, need power to soften; those who are doubting and fearing, need power to give them faith; the backsliding need power to return, and the sinking need power to swim. By power I understand something solid, real, substantial, heavenly, supernatural. How do we measure the capabilities of a steam engine? We say that it has so many horse-power. But who in his senses would construct a steam engine of two hundred horse-power to break sticks and pick up straws? We measure power by its effects. We proportion the one to the other. Now the Holy Ghost, the God of all power and might, would not put forth his mighty and efficacious hand to break sticks and pick up straws in the soul. No. His work is worthy of a God; a "work of faith with power," because springing from a God of power. The God of Israel is not a Baal that is sleeping and needs to be awakened, or gone a journey and therefore too far off to come when needed, but "a very present help in time of trouble." By this secret power false hopes are swept away, rotten props removed, creature righteousness brought to an end, and the soul is helped and enabled to lean upon the Lord. This power is not noise and rant; but the still, small voice of Jesus in the soul. The people of God want no outward voice, but they are seeking after that secret voice of atoning blood in their conscience, that speaketh better things than the blood of Abel. The inward whisper of heavenly love sounding in their soul--not the earthquake of terror, not the fire of divine wrath, but the still, small voice of pardon and peace--makes them bow themselves before the Lord, and wrap their faces in their mantle. The Queen of England need not shout aloud in her palace, to give her commands effect. Where the word of a king is, there is power, whether from an earthly monarch or from the King of Zion. We want therefore no noise, bustle, and excitement, no raving and ranting about religion; but we want inward feeling, the very kingdom of God set up in the heart.

My Journey 9/19/2010

2010-09-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was reading this devotional it brought back memories of how time really does fly by. When we think back 20, 30, 40 and even in my case some 50 years ago it seems like it was only yesterday. A little while ago, I was talking to my next door neighbor's grandson. He is in his early twenties and we were talking about him being in his own apartment. His first move away from home. So I was wondering what really matters to him now. Probably having a job to pay for his rent and also having fun. Back 50 years ago I was getting ready to enter the service. It seems each period of time has it's own priorities. As I look back now I truly wish I would of had my priorities in better order. See if God will be first in your life then you can truly proceed through life in a blessed, abundant manner. Oh, problems will always be there but it is so much better going through them with Him than alone. The author of this devotional explained it well, "things we chased in life and see the worthlessness of the time wasted...Let us go forward with a new mind, set on the things that matter."

The Hands of the Clock

The hands of the clock
keep going around,
not stopping for life
or time to slow down.

With each tick that passes
brings something so new,
for each one of us
haven’t been there yet, very true.

And we cannot feel bad
for time not well used,
as the hands of the clock click away
it’s up to us what we choose.

So to all my family, friends
and the many more people I may meet,
may the hands of my clock
bring many memories so sweet.

And always remember
one day this life’s clock will end.
But the souls clock never stops
for it clicks forever my friend.

Live each tick to the fullest,
embrace each day with a grin,
and I pray the hands of your clock
bring you closer to Him!

E. P. Shagott
6/23/09

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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9/19

Things That Matter
a devotional by Daily Disciples

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11

It seems that time is passing so fast; birthdays come faster and even the holiday season comes sooner every year. But in reality, time is set at a fixed and constant rate and does not change. So I am not getting older faster than I used to, and holidays do not come sooner than they used to, but rather, time is passing at a constant speed. Why does time seem to be passing too fast?

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes had come to the point in his life in which he understood just how little time we really have. In the first chapter, the author identifies himself as David's son, the king of Jerusalem. He also calls himself the Preacher and he spends twelve chapters preaching on the meaning of life—the meaningless of life. His main point centers on how much time we spend on things that are "vanity." The word vanity means emptiness, unsatisfactory, and vapor. Too often, the things we chase after in life are done in vain, and end in emptiness. How many of us look back on things we chased in life and see the worthlessness of the time wasted and the end result? How many of us would love the chance to go back and do certain things over again? Let us go forward with a new mind, set on the things that matter.

Today, take time to stop, slow down and find the real meaning in your life. Our Savior was born to give the only gift that matters. A gift that is not bought, earned or labored for; it is totally free. Jesus has given the gift of everlasting life to all who believe in Him. In this gift, however, there is so much more than just what awaits us in eternity. Our gift starts today. Jesus promised that He would not leave us alone. He has given us His Holy Spirit who lives within us; and because of Him, we have love, joy and peace. Take the time to worship and praise Him for all that He has given you.

My Journey 9/18/2010

2010-09-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I read this devotional today the Lord blessed me with this poem, "For God Is Always There". How awesome it is to know that whatever comes against us, and at times we get both barrels, He is there for us and with us. Though we may run from our problems, He will not. He is everything we will ever need. So what is the key? Why do so many still not believe that? The answer to me is, it must be according to His will, not ours. Live a godly life and He lives with and in you. I have found in my own life that just because I have more years behind me than I do in front of me, my life now is more energetic and fulfilling than ever before. Why? Because of Him! It is about Him! The me is not important, but the We is! God and I. I pray that all who read this today can agree to that also about their relationship with Him.

For God Is Always There

As you begin your day today,
there is something you must be aware.
You are not traveling through it by yourself,
for God is always there.

Whatever problems comes your way,
and they become more than you can bear.
Remember not to face them alone,
for God is always there.

When sin is all around you
to choose it you mustn’t dare.
Just focus on Jesus above,
for God is always there.

And when your day is finally done,
give thanks to Him in prayer.
It doesn’t matter where you are,
for God is always there.

E. P. Shagott
9/18/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/18

Our Daily Homily
A devotional by F. B. Meyer

The Lord God, even my God, . . will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 1 Chron, xxviii. 20.

It is very comforting to take these words to our hearts; especially when we connect them with the foregoing ones about the pattern, and apply the whole passage to the temple building of our own lives. For each of us, too, there is a pattern, an ideal, a design, based on the possibilities which God sees to be within our reach; for each, too, there is abundance of stored provision; but we are not always strong to do. In Jesus there is the complete ideal of human life; of the Child at Nazareth; of the Servant in the workshop; of the Lover in his affection for his church; of the Friend, the Sufferer, the Patriot, the Saviour. Go forth and imitate Him!

Sometimes our heart and flesh fail us in the mid passage of life. Once the energy and vigour of youth promised to sustain and carry us to the end of life, without fear or failure; but these die down, and we wonder how the remainder of the life plan can be fulfilled. And the one sufficient answer is God. He who helped our fathers to the very end will help us; He who did not fail or forsake them, will never leave nor forsake us, until all the work of life which He has planned, is finished.

It is probable that you will do better and more enduring work henceforth than you have ever done in the heyday and plenitude of youthful power, if you let God work all through you to his own glory. You have no need for despondency, God is sufficient. Oh to write this down on the tablets of the heart God is; God is here ; God is all sufficient; God has begun and will finish! God has promised that he will never leave nor forsake us; therefore we may boldly say, "God is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

My Journey 9/17/2010

2010-09-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

A good devotional for any day. As I was reading this one what came to mind was all the battles that family and friends are fighting daily. Oh yes, myself too. For we live is a world that is filled with battles. Sickness, relationships, financial, dependencies of all types. These adversaries are huge to us. But not to God. May we all at the end of our day say as it is written in the Word, 2Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Praise God!

Our Daily Battle’s

Another day, another battle,
another foe to fight.
Another day filled with sin,
Lord, help me make it right.

Please give me the courage,
to fight what comes my way.
Lord, please give me the strength,
to help me make it through this day.

With each battle that will come today,
please let me the victor be.
May Your Word be my sword of faith,
that will make my foes to flee.

So as I start my battles,
whatever they may be.
I know I am truly blessed today,
for You will be there with me.

E. P. Shagott
9/17/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/17

Be Courageous
Gloria Copeland

Be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
– Joshua 1:7

Living a life of faith takes courage. Most people don't realize it, but it does! It takes courage to stand up in the face of sickness and declare you're healed by the stripes of Jesus. It takes courage to believe for prosperity and put your last dime in the offering plate when poverty is staring you in the face. There are going to be some days when you'd rather pull the covers over your head and hide than take another faith stand against the devil. But you can't. Because the battle of faith isn't fought once and then forgotten. If you want to keep living in victory, you have to fight it again and again.

There's no way around it. Of course, some of God's people still try to find one. The Israelites, for example. They thought their battles should be over when they crossed the Red Sea. So when they heard reports of giants living in the Promised Land, they decided they couldn't face the fight. Their courage failed them. So they took a 40-year detour through the wilderness.

But you know what? They still couldn't avoid that fight. When the time came for the next generation to enter the Promised Land, the giants were still there!

This time, however, they found the courage to face them. Where did they find it? In the Word of God.

Their leader, Joshua, had obeyed the instruction of the Lord and kept that Word on his mind and in his heart day and night. He'd meditated on it and let it constantly remind him that God was on their side.

If you're going to fight the good fight of faith to the finish, you'll have to do just like Joshua did. You'll have to continually draw courage from the Word of God. So make up your mind to do it. Get into that Word and let it change you from a coward to an over comer. Then march into battle and slay the giants in your land.

My Journey 9/16/2010

2010-09-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was reading this mornings devotional by J. C. Philpot the Lord blessed me with this poem. I will always remember watching the movie, "The Passion of the Christ" several years ago. And as real as that brings the life of Jesus to us, the one underlying fact that stood out to me was what it cost Jesus because of His love for us. Everything He endured for us, what I believe hurt Him the most was the separation from His Father. As we read in the Bible God hates sin. Sin and righteousness can never be. When the Father looked down at His beloved Son, He saw what He despised the most, sin. Our sin. The sin of the world set upon the Son of Man. The only Person that never sinned. My friends sin is all around us, we can't avoid it, but Jesus did. Jesus focused on His Father's Will. He always did what brought glory to His Father. We should follow Jesus' example and focus on Him and do as He would do. If you falter just ask Him to forgive you and refocus! Praise God our sins are forgiven through the precious blood of Jesus!

The Debt Was Paid

He carried that cross
for you and for me,
knowing that soon
He would be nailed to that tree.

He felt that spear
as it pierced His side,
and when nothing was left
water flowed from inside.

He saw all the people,
that looked at Him in disgrace,
as the blood from the thrones
streamed down on His face.

But what hurt Him the most,
even more than the beatings, you see,
was looking to His Father and saying,
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken me”?

So when it’s your time to leave,
please do not be afraid,
sin will no longer separate us from God,
because of Jesus, the debt was paid!

E. P. Shagott
9/16/2010

My friends, we do not know when it will be our time to leave. If as you are reading this you are not sure where your soul's journey will take you, all it takes is a short prayer, a meaningful prayer to determine your final destination. I believe there is only two stops available. For me I chose Heaven. Please read this prayer then decide if you want to repeat it from the heart;

Heavenly Father,

I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of
my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my
heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the
Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven and have
Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe
that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now
to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and
Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the
day's of my Life!. Because your word is truth, I confess
with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed
by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/16

Daily Portions
a devotional by J. C. Philpot

"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." Ephesians 2:14

"He is our peace." This necessarily springs from being reconciled and brought nigh by the blood of Christ. Sin has not only made us enemies to God, but made God an enemy to us. What peace, then, can there be between us whilst thus mutual enemies? Peace is between friends, not between foes. During this state of hostility and warfare, as there is no real, so there can be no felt or enjoyed peace. But the removal of the cause of the war brings about peace, first really and then experimentally. Christ has made peace through the blood of his cross (Col. 1:20). There is now no enmity on the part of God, for it was a law enmity. God always loved his people in Christ; and as he is unchanging and unchangeable, he never could or did hate them. But as a judge is an enemy to a criminal, even were that criminal his own son, so, as Judge and Lawgiver, God was an enemy to his own elect, viewed as lawbreakers. But when the law was fulfilled, and all the breaches of it atoned for by the obedience and death of his dear Son, then this law enmity was removed, and the anger of God against sin and the sinner pacified. Sin, therefore, being put away, the whole cause of that law enmity is removed; and when we believe in the Son of God, and receive the atonement by his precious blood, then there is no enmity on our side; for the goodness, mercy, and love of God melt the heart into the sweetest humility, affection, and love to and before him.

My Journey 9/15/2010

2010-09-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was reading this devotional by A. B. Simpson the Lord blessed me with this poem. An excellent message for us all. But the truth is when someone is hurting, or something is going wrong in our lives, "to wait", is something we have a hard time doing. I can remember back when my children were old enough to drive, it was hard waiting for them to come back home. The enemy was filling my head with all bad thoughts. Everytime a car door would close I would think, "Is it them"? But the underlining message is that the more we wait, and focus on Him, the greater our need becomes. The greater our need becomes, the closer we come to the Lord.

Wait, Just Wait

When a problem arises,
what are you to do?
Wait, just wait,
is what the Lord is telling you.

The pain is so strong,
the hurt just doesn’t leave.
Still wait, just wait,
The Lord says, “Wait on Me”.

But how can we wait,
Why is it necessary, what can it be?
God wants us to always need Him,
is what I truly believe.

The longer the wait,
the greater is the need.
Keep your focus on Him,
Wait, just wait, and you will finally see.

E. P. Shagott
9/15/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
E. P. Shagott
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9/15

Days of Heaven Upon Earth
a devotional by A. B. Simpson

"Though it tarry, wait for it, for it will surely come, and will not tarry" (Habakkuk. ii. 3).

Some things have their cycle in an hour and some in a century; but His plans shall complete their cycle whether long or short. The tender annual which blossoms for a season and dies, and the Columbian aloe, which develops in a century, each is true to its normal principle.

Many of us desire to pluck our fruit in June rather than wait until October, and so, of course, it is sour and immature; but God's purposes ripen slowly and fully, and faith waits while it tarries, knowing it will surely come and will not tarry too long.

It is perfect rest to fully learn and wholly trust this glorious promise. We may know without a question that His purposes shall be accomplished when we have fully committed our ways to Him, and are walking in watchful obedience to His every prompting. This faith will give a calm and tranquil poise to the spirit and save us from the restless fret and trying to do too much ourselves.

Wait, and every wrong will righten,
Wait, and every cloud will brighten,
If you only wait.

My Journey 9/14/2010

2010-09-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Excellent devotional today. I believe a lot of Christians and also very soon to be ones, can relate to what Dr. Charles Stanley is writing about in this devotional. We think that we have to be the one controlling what we are doing for God. But in reality we must let Him work through us. Now as you read the last paragraph the word that stood out to me is "surrender". What a key word that is. What that tells me is I give up being the vine, by choice, and agree to be the branch, which to me is also the vessel that contains the Holy Spirit, and let Him do the works for the Kingdom through me. Praise God!

Is About

Christianity is about love.
Christianity is about the truth.
Whether you believe that or not
is really all up to you.

The Father is about mercy.
The Father is about grace.
His wonderful love now flows out to us,
because of our sins, Jesus took our place.

Jesus is about salvation,
Jesus is about healing too.
When He went to the cross
it was because of me and you.

The Holy Spirit is about teaching.
The Holy Spirit is about guiding us too.
So pick up and read the Bible my friends,
for there you will find, it is all so very true.

E. P. Shagott
9/13/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/14

The Abiding Life
by Dr. Charles Stanley

John 15:1-5

15:1 I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.
15:2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. And every one that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bring forth more fruit.
15:3 Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you.
15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
15:5 I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Yesterday I shared with you about the time when God reminded me, "You are not the vine, Charles. I am the vine." For years I tried to accomplish by myself what Jesus Christ wanted to achieve through me—in other words, I attempted to produce fruit by doing good works. My desire was to impress God and earn His approval. His goal, on the other hand, was for me to act like the branch that I am and just abide.

The Holy Spirit's job is to live the life of Christ through us. This process is known by a variety of names, including the exchanged life, the Spirit-filled life, and the abiding life. All of these monikers describe the joyful existence Paul spoke of in Galatians 2:20: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God." The apostle meant those words literally.

Seen from the outside, a branch does not appear to be doing anything. But don't get the idea that the abiding life is passive. Jesus was the perfect example of a Spirit-filled life, and He certainly didn't sit around! He worked hard out of a reservoir of divine energy (John 8:28). All of Christ's wisdom, knowledge, and courage was drawn from God through the Holy Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit does not pop out of believers through effort; Christians bear fruit through surrender. We "take root" in the Lord by meditating on His Word, praying, and serving. We reserve nothing for ourselves to control but fully rely upon Him. That's not passive living; it's an abiding life.

My Journey 9/12 - 9/13/2010

2010-09-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

This past week a friend of mine at his bible study said, "You can't prevent a flock of birds from flying over you head, but you can decide not to let any of them make a nest in your hair!" When I was reading these two devotionals by A. B. Simpson about temptation, that saying of his came to mind. See, even Jesus was tempted many years ago as being human on this earth. What He did was tell Satan to leave. Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, Go, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve." My friends we are to do the same. When you are being bombarded by the constant temptations of this world, tell Satan to flee. Stay firm in the Word! Stay true to our Lord and Savior.

Temptation

Very often throughout our days,
we are being tempted to do something bad.
It is most important when you are,
to just resist with all you have.

Don’t let even a single bad thought,
enter in your mind and then take hold.
Resist, resist with all your might,
for in the Bible that is what we are told.

Always keep Jesus as our example,
as tempted by Satan in the Bible we did read.
Though being human at that time many years ago,
Jesus told him it is written, flee from Me!

So as we go through our daily lives,
let’s stay focused on what is true.
Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying,
and temptation won’t be able to affect you.

E. P. Shagott
9/13/2010

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9/12
Days of Heaven Upon Earth
A devotional by A. B. Simpson

"The furnace for gold; but the Lord trieth the hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3)

Remember that temptation is not sin unless it be accompanied with the consent of your will. There may seem to be even the inclination, and yet the real choice of your spirit is fixed immovably against it, and God regards it simply as a solicitation and credits you with an obedience all the more pleasing to Him, because the temptation was so strong.

We little know how evil can find access to a pure nature and seem to incorporate itself with our thoughts and feelings, while at the same time we resist and overcome it, and remain as pure as the sea-fowl that emerges from the water without a single drop remaining upon its burnished wing, or as the harp string, which may be struck by a rude or clumsy hand and gives forth a discordant sound, not from any defect of the harp, but because of the hand that touches it.

But let the Master hand play upon it, and it is a chord of melody and a note of exquisite delight.

"In nothing terrified by your adversaries which is to you an evident token of salvation and that of God."

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9/13
Days of Heaven Upon Earth
A devotional by A. B. Simpson

"Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you" (I. Peter xii. 16).

Most persons after a step of faith are looking for sunny skies and unruffled seas, and when they meet a storm and tempest they are filled with astonishment and perplexity.

But this is just what we must expect to meet if we have received anything of the Lord. The best token of His presence is the adversary's defiance, and the more real our blessing, the more certainly it will be challenged.

It is a good thing to go out looking for the worst, and if it comes we are not surprised; while if our path be smooth and our way be unopposed, it is all the more delightful, because it comes as a glad surprise.

But let us quite understand what we mean by temptation. You, especially, who have stepped out with the assurance that you have died to self and sin, may be greatly amazed to find yourself assailed with a tempest of thoughts and feelings that seem to come wholly from within and you will be impelled to say, "Why, I thought I was dead, but I seem to be alive." This, beloved, is the time to remember that temptation, the instigation, is not sin, but only of the evil one.

My Journey 9/10 - 9/11/2010

2010-09-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Two great devotionals by A. B. Simpson. When I read this first devotional, I was thinking of how my life has changed since I gave to control to Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The words of A. B. Simpson back then ring true today and why wouldn't they? Christ is the same today as He was back in Mr. Simpson's time. Jesus will never change. Once He is in control of your life you always want to do all in His wonderful name. He is God, in control, if we let Him.

God Is In Control

God is in control,
this you may not know.
God is always there,
many are just not aware.

God will never leave,
this you must believe.
God will see you through
because of His love for you.

God can heal the heart,
once you let Him start.
God can make you new,
see it’s all up to you.

Yes, God is in control,
if you will just let Him grab hold.
God is waiting on you,
to see what you will do.

E. P. Shagott
9/10/2010

Now this second devotional inspired this poem. See, no matter where we are, or what we are doing He is with us. Yep, even if we falter and fall into one of life's traps, He is there to get us back on track. Now if and when this might happen just ask Him to forgive you, and He will, then continue on your journey with Him. What a glorious journey it is. Praise God.

He Is With Us

He is with us day by day,
as we walk along life’s paths.
He will guide our feet so we won’t fall,
and slow us down when we proceed too fast.

He is with us through the storms,
that in our lives are so many.
Reassuring us with His presence,
like a rainbow sent from Heaven.

He is with us when we fail,
because we try things on our own.
He knows our every weakness,
and without Him we are so alone.

He is with us because of His love,
a love that is steadfast and true.
See, He will not leave us or forsake us,
for it is written in His Word to me and you.

E. P. Shagott
9/11/2010

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9/10

From Days of Heaven Upon Earth
a devotional by A. B. Simpson

"Wherefore, receive ye one another as Christ also received us, to the glory of God" (Rom. xv. 7).

This is a sublime principle, and it will give sublimity to life. It is stated elsewhere in similar language, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus."

This is our high calling, to represent Christ, and act in His behalf, and in His character and spirit, under all circumstances and toward all men. "What would Jesus do?" is a simple question which will settle every difficulty, and always settle it on the side of love.

But we cannot answer this question rightly without having Jesus Himself in our hearts. We cannot act Christ. This is too grave a matter for acting. We must have Christ, and simply be natural and true to the life within us, and that life will act itself out.

Oh, how easy it is to love every one, and see nothing but loveliness when our heart is filled with Christ, and how every difficulty melts away and every one we meet seems clothed with the Spirit within us when we are filled with the Holy Ghost!

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9/11

From Days of Heaven Upon Earth
a devotional by A. B. Simpson

"Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end of the age" (Matt. xxviii. 20).

It is "all the days," not "always." He comes to you each day with a new blessing. Every morning, day by day, He walks with us, with a love that never tires and a blessing that never grows old.

And He is with us "all the days"; it is a ceaseless abiding. There is no day so dark, so commonplace, so uninteresting, but you find Him there. Often, no doubt, He is unrecognized, as He was on the way to Emmaus, until you realize how your heart has been warmed, your love stirred, your Bible so strangely vivified, and every promise seems to speak to you with heavenly reality and power.

It is the Lord! God grant that His living presence may be made more real to us all henceforth, and whether we have the consciousness and evidence, as they had a few glorious times in those forty days, or whether we go forth into the coming days, as they did most of their days, to walk by simple faith and in simple duty, let us know at least that the fact is true forevermore, THAT HE IS WITH US, a Presence all unseen, but real, and ready if we needed Him any moment to manifest Himself for our relief.

My Journey 9/9/2010

2010-09-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I read J. C. Philpot's devotional the Lord brought to mind the comparison of an empty container. We are as humans vessels ready to receive something. But what do we receive? Mr. Philpot writes it is impossible as we live in sin to be filled by God. We are constantly being filled with worldly sin and therefore I believe we give out to others the same. Though Jesus invites us into a relationship with Him, so He can fill us with His love, we must choose to want that. It is so important that as Christians, true Christians, we speak of Christ to others and use His Holy Word as our foundation. As empty vessels we are longing to be fill with something. Praise God someone took their time to share Him with me.

An Empty Container

I am just an empty container,
thirsty to be filled with His love.
I find what He gives me,
flows like water from the Heavens above.

Before I yearned to be filled,
I had to yield to His call,
for I was too much into this world,
always stumbling and ready for a fall.

But now that He is within me,
He is satisfying my every need.
All the love He gives me,
I freely pour out to others indeed.

Yes, I am just an empty container,
constantly looking up above.
Knowing He will always fill me,
all because of His special love.

E. P. Shagott
9/9/2010

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9/9

Daily Portions
a devotional by J. C. Philpot

"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty." Isaiah 44:3

Thirst, as a feeling of the soul, in a spiritual sense, is certainly indicative of divine life. It is as impossible, spiritually viewed, for a man dead in sin to thirst after a living God, as for a corpse in the graveyard to thirst after a draught of cold water from the well. I know for myself that such a feeling as thirsting after God had no place in my bosom until the Lord was pleased to quicken my soul into spiritual life. I had heard of God by the hearing of the ear. I had seen him in creation, in the starry sky, in the roaring sea, in the teeming earth; I had read of him in the Bible; I had learnt his existence by education and tradition; and I had some apprehensions of his holiness in my natural conscience; but as to any spiritual thirsting after him, any earnest desire to fear him, know him, believe in him, or love him,--no such experience or feeling, I can say for myself, ever dwelt in my bosom. I loved the world too dearly to look to him who made it, and myself too warmly and affectionately to seek him who would bid me crucify and mortify it. A man, therefore, I am well convinced, must be made alive unto God by spiritual regeneration before he can experience any such sensation as is here conveyed by the figure "thirst," or know anything of the Psalmist's feelings when he cried, "As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1, 2). Now wherever God has raised up in the soul this spiritual thirst after himself, he certainly will answer that desire, "the desire of the righteous shall be granted" (Prov. 10:24). His own invitation is, "Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters" (Isaiah 55:1); and Jesus himself says with his own blessed lips, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink" (John 7:37). Nay, he opened his ministry by pronouncing a blessing on such, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled."

My Journey 9/8/2010

2010-09-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Another day, another good devotional by J. C. Philpot. As I read this devotional the Lord blessed me with the poem "Eyes Of Faith". Our eyes of the soul are so needed to understand exactly what He has endured for us. If we look with our worldly eyes we can see only what He has blessed us with here on earth. It is with our worldly eyes that we see our family, friends and what ever possessions He has allowed us to obtain. But it is through these "eyes of faith" that we may get a glimpse of Him. As I was reading Mr. Philpot's description of Christ's sufferings this verse came to mind, Luke 23:34 And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do... See, when He was on the cross, we were on His mind! Click here to listen to that song.

Eyes Of Faith

Looking through these eyes of faith,
I envisioned my Savior's face.
It was strong, loving and complete,
the perfect picture of His grace.

It was outlined with compassion,
and patience was seen there too.
The same compassion shown on the cross
and the patience He has waiting for me and you.

These eyes of faith must stay strong
as I go throughout my day.
They must constantly be looking at the Lord,
for there truly is no other way.

I know that one day theses eyes of faith,
will finally see and understand,
the unwavering love God has for us,
ever since He created man.

E. P. Shagott
9/8/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/8

Daily Portions
A devotional by J. C. Philpot

"For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." Hebrews 2:10

When, with believing eyes, we can view God the Son as the eternal salvation of all whom the Father gave unto him; when we can see him, by the eye of faith, coming down into this lower world, taking our nature into union with his own Divine Person; when, by faith, we can accompany the Man of Sorrows into the gloomy garden of Gethsemane, or behold him groaning, bleeding, and dying on the cross, an object of ignominy and shame, and believe that in this way, and this alone, salvation could be wrought out, O, what a view it gives us of the demerit and awful nature of sin, that nothing short of the incarnation of God's only begotten Son, nothing short of such a tremendous sacrifice could put away sin, and bring the elect back unto God! On the one hand, as we take a glance at the suffering and dying Lamb of God, how it shews us the awful and abominable nature of sin; and, on the other hand, when we can see by the eye of faith what that work is, by whom that work was wrought out, and how glorious and efficacious that work must be which the Son of God, equal with the Father in glory and majesty, undertook and went through to the uttermost,--how it exalts salvation in our eyes! Thus a believing sight of the Lord Jesus hanging upon Calvary's tree, not only, on the one hand, shews us the awful nature of sin, but, on the other, how full, how complete, how glorious, and how effectual must that salvation be, of which the expiring Son of God could say, "It is finished!"

My Journey 9/7/2010

2010-09-07T07:20:00.001-07:00

God's insight to me:

This devotional by J. C. Philpot was excellently written. I do believe the constant turmoil that is in peoples lives today is because most have not chosen either the flesh or the Spirit but want to live a life of both. It just doesn't work that way. Even Jesus, had to be baptized of the Holy Spirit before He could perform His miracles. The flesh and the Spirit are like night and day. Earthly sin is by the flesh, the darkness, being made righteous by the Holy Spirit is the light through Jesus Christ. Again a choice. If you have not made the choice to live by the Spirit I encourage you to do so. It starts with this simple prayer;

Heavenly Father,

I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of
my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my
heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the
Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven and have
Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe
that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now
to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and
Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the
day's of my Life!. Because your word is truth, I confess
with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed
by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Through The Flesh Or The Spirit

Through the flesh or the Spirit,
how do you see?
With the eyes of the flesh,
only earthly things can there be.

But with the eyes of the Spirit,
Christ always shines through.
To understand His Holiness,
only the Spirit will do.

Even Jesus Himself,
as He walked on this earth,
had to be baptized of the Spirit,
to begin His new birth.

So the decision is yours,
its all up to you.
Either live by the flesh or the Spirit,
you can’t live by both, this is so true.

E. P. Shagott
9/7/2010

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9/7

Daily Portions
A devotional by J. C. Philpot

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." Philemon 25

It is the regenerating breath of the Lord Jesus Christ which makes the soul alive unto himself. This is manifest from his own language: "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). Then for the first time "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with our spirit." For you will observe that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is not with our carnal mind: that ever remains the same, a body of sin and death, flesh, corrupt flesh, "in which dwelleth no good thing," and therefore not the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. His grace is with our spirit, that "new man" of which we read that "it is after God, [that is, after the image of God] created in righteousness and true holiness." This is called our "spirit," because it is born of the Spirit, as the Lord himself unfolded the solemn mystery to Nicodemus: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." This is no subtle, wire-drawn distinction, but a very important truth; for unless we see the difference between the two natures, the spirit and the flesh, the law in the members and the law of the mind, we shall always be in bondage, as looking for holiness in the flesh. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ being thus with our spirit, it breathes from time to time upon that spirit, moves and acts in it and upon it; for there is what I may call a gracious or spiritual union between the two. Thus we can no more live without the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ than the earth can live without the sun. He must shine, or we have no light; he must revive, or we have no warmth; and he must fertilise, or we bring forth no fruit. Thence time after time there is an outgoing of the single desire of the soul to the Lord Jesus Christ that his grace would be with our spirit; that this grace may be ever flowing forth into us, so as to make us new creatures, dispel all doubt and fear, break to pieces all bonds and fetters, fill us with love and humility, conform us to his suffering image, produce in us every fruit that shall redound to his praise, be with us in life and death, and land us safe in eternity.

My Journey 9/5 - 9/6/2010

2010-09-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

God's insight for me:

As I read Phil Ware's devotional it brought back the lyrics to a song the Lord blessed me with several years ago. I felt at that point in my life Christ was looking into my heart and was pleased. Indeed His presence was growing stronger because my need for Him was increasing. I think my friends and family can contest to how He has changed my life. What is it that He sees when He looks into your heart?

As He Looks Into My Heart
BY Ed Shagott

As He looked into my heart
Jesus smiled at what He saw
All the dark had turned to light
all the bitterness now gone

As He looks into my heart
He now understands
I believe in His love
and the wonders of His hands

The selfishness that was there
now replaced with His love
All the anger and despair
now erased by Calvary's blood

As He looks into my heart
He now understands
I believe in His love
and the wonders of His hands

For nothing was there for me
like His love from the start
and this my Savior sees
As He looks into my heart

As He looks into my heart
He now understands
I believe in His love
and the wonders of His hands

As He looks into my heart

Now the next devotional by J. C. Philpot to me is awesome! The more I read his devotionals the more the Lord is speaking to me through them, and of course wants me to share with all that would take time and read. After reading this devotional, the Lord blessed me with this poem.

My Life Is Being Tried

My life is always being tried,
by my Savior, who is my God!
As each day passes I find some trials,
wherever my feet may begin to trod.

These trials may come as health problems,
or sometimes breakage of my heart.
But I know as a Child of His,
where I go we are never apart.

What these trials are doing,
is testing my resolve in Him.
They’re bringing my soul closer to Godliness
without them where do I begin?

These trials are meant to exercise my faith,
in my Lord that my eyes cannot see.
My life is always being tried,
all because of His love for me.

E. P. Shagott
9/6/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/5

Hear my Heart
by Phil Ware

“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:18-19

While we are amazed at the vastness of God’s reach and the awesome breadth of his power and the glorious sweep of his majesty, the incredible truth is his personal nearness to us. He chooses to know us and be actively involved in the trials and triumphs of each day with us. How will today, or tomorrow, be different because you are aware of his presence and companionship?

Prayer: God who is near, please hear my heart. I am overwhelmed at your presence near me and within me. The comfort you bring when I am under siege, the strength you offer when I am weak, the courage you give when I am under attack, and the hope you instill when all seems hopeless — these gifts of your presence are precious to me. Without your presence I would not know where to go or why I am here. Thank you for knowing me. I look forward to knowing you one day as you know me today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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9/6

A devotional from Daily Portions
by J. C. Philpot

"Exercise thyself unto godliness." 1 Timothy 4:7

"The Lord trieth the righteous" (Ps. 11:5). In fact, a righteous life is for the most part a tried life. There is not a child of God, whose graces are lively and active, that is not tried in his soul. I have no more belief that the soul can live without exercise than that the body can. The more the soul is exercised, the healthier it will be. Trial is one main source of exercise. If you are tried as to your standing; tried as to your state; tried as to the reality of the work of grace upon your soul; tried as to your experience; tried as to your manifestations, deliverances, and evidences; tried by your sins; tried by Satan; tried by professors; tried by profane; and above all tried by your own heart, and that continually--it will keep your soul in exercise. And this is "exercise unto godliness." If these exercises are unto godliness, they lead to godliness, they take you on your way to godliness, they bring you near to godliness, they bring you into godliness; and, above all things, they bring godliness into your soul. And thus, there is an exercise of the soul unto godliness. Does not your heart at times seem without a grain of it? You see what godliness is in its nature, in its branches, in its fruits, in its graces, in what a Christian should be, practically, experimentally, and really--outwardly and inwardly--in the church, and in the world. You say, "I a Christian! I a godly man or woman! Let me compare myself with godliness. Am I godly? Is there grace in my heart? Do I live? do I speak? do I think? do I act? do I walk? do I suffer as becomes a Christian? Is my life, my profession, my conduct--in the family, in the world--in the business, in the church--at home, abroad--openly, secretly--privately, publicly--is it such that I can take it and lay it down, step by step, with vital, real, experimental, scriptural godliness? "O," say you, "I shrink back from the test. There are many things in me, inwardly and outwardly, which will not bear to be weighed up with godliness as revealed in the Scriptures of truth." Well, your mind is exercised, I suppose, when you have these workings. Now, what is the result? It is an "exercise unto godliness." You want it; you strive for it; you cry for it; you press after it; you know that none but the Lord can work it in your soul; you feel needy, naked, and destitute; you know that without it you can neither happily live nor die; yet have it you must, or perish body and soul for ever.

My Journey 9/3 - 9/4/2010

2010-09-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

This first devotional speaks of the essence of Christian life. Peace. To have God's peace inside of you makes this life bearable until we reach our final destination. As the author wrote about the storms on the surface of the seas, also like the storms of our lives. When I think back to how I was always trying to weather the storms in my life or burying them through this sinful world, not much peace back then for sure. But now as the storms come and go I do have God's peace deep inside and know I am not going through it alone.

Now this second devotional by A. B. Simpson speaks of something that is alawys hard to do, wait. In today's world everything is happening quickly and we are not accustomed to wait for anything. If our computer takes 30 seconds to perform a task we want it to be done in half that time. As Christians we also have a hard time waiting on God. If we have a problem we want God to fix it now. We can't wait! The author writes that God is waiting on us. He wants to bless us if we are ready to receive. He wants to teach us as we go through our problems if will wait and learn what His Spirit is showing us. Today God blessed me with this poem about a sinner at Heavens gate. Jesus was waiting for us sinners to say, "Come into my heart Lord Jesus, I can't wait any longer"!

Romans: Chapter 10 verse 9-10-13

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be Saved. For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession
is made unto Salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord shall be Saved!

If you can't wait any longer, pray this prayer so that the door of your heart will be open. God is waiting.

"The Sinners Prayer"

Heavenly Father,

I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of
my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my
heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the
Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven and have
Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe
that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now
to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and
Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the
day's of my Life!. Because your word is truth, I confess
with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed
by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Sinner Knocked On Heavens Door

A sinner knocked on Heavens door,
Jesus met him at the Pearly Gate.
Jesus said to the sinner, “Please come in,
we don’t want anyone to have to wait”.

So as Jesus was showing the sinner around,
the sinner’s eyes was taking everything in.
“How can someone stay in this place”?, he asked Jesus,
“how can you want me with all my sin”?

Jesus took the sinner’s hand in His,
a smile was on Jesus’ face.
He said, “Your sin was all forgiven on the cross,
Heaven has always been your place”.

The sinner started singing,
and praising Jesus with a very loud voice.
Then stopped and said, “What about all the others?”
Jesus smiled and said, “It’s up to them, it’s their choice!”

E. P. Shagott
9/4/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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9/3

God’s Peace
by Vonette Bright

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

In January of 1960, two men went where no man had ever gone before … or since. They plunged into the deepest spot in the ocean at the Marianas Trench … nearly 7 miles down. That’s a full mile deeper than Mount Everest is tall!

At that depth, the pressure is tremendous… more than 200 million pounds. And yet, they found life… as tranquil as can be. No matter the storms that rage on the surface, the ocean below is calm and peaceful.

This is the way our Christian life should be. No matter what storms rage around us, deep down, we have peace. Under the greatest pressure, God gives us calm assurance to face every day.

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9/4

A devotional from Days of Heaven Upon Earth
by A. B. Simpson

"Come ye yourselves apart" (Mark vi. 31).

One of the greatest hindrances to spirituality is the lack of waiting upon God. You cannot go through twenty-four hours with two or three breaths of air, in the morning, as you sip your coffee.

But you must live in the atmosphere, and you must breathe it all day long. Christians do not wait upon God enough. It needs hours and hours daily of spiritual communion with the Holy Spirit to keep your vitality healthful and full. Every moment should find you breathing out yourself into Christ, and breathing afresh His life, and love and power.

God is waiting to send us the Holy Spirit. He is longing to bless us. His one business is to quicken and sustain our spiritual life. He has nothing else to do with His infinite and great resources. Let us receive Him. Let us live in Him. Let us give to Him the joy of knowing that His infinite grace has not been bestowed in vain, but that we appreciate and improve the blessings which He oft has so freely bestowed.

Lord, help me this day to dwell in Thee as the flower in the sunshine, as the fish in the sea, living in Thy love as the atmosphere and element of my being.

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My Journey 9/1 - 9/2/2010

2010-09-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Two wonderful devotionals to start the month of September. Both of these devotionals speak of the same thing, "surrender". The question for most is how and when do we do this. In the first devotional it speaks of God bringing us into a place of suffering, sickness and pain. I truly do not believe He gives that to us, but allows us into it so He can bring us out to bring Him the glory. Many people when going through a crisis are ready to surrender all. I also believe many, many people miss out of His working in their lives because they can not, our will not, submit to Christ as He submitted His life for us. Now if you read A. B. Simpson's second devotional I pray this sentence touches your heart; "give Him in all His fullness to your heart if you will but open your heart and give Him right of way and full ownership and possession." That is "surrendering all to Him".

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me

Surrender To Him

Oh give to the Lord what He seeks,
surrender to Him what is His.
He cannot work through our lives,
until we willingly and truly do this.

We must admit to ourselves,
that we are weak and He is the Way.
We must surrender to Him all we are,
so that He can truly live in us today.

We can’t hold back a single thing,
we must see the Truth in His Word.
We must surrender to Him our total being,
so through us His Gospel can be shared.

See, He was the first to surrender all for us,
so that the Life with Him will always be.
Surrender to Him our earthly lives,
as on the Cross He did for you and me.

E. P. Shagott
9/2/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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9/1
From Days of Heaven Upon Earth
A devotional by A. B. Simpson

"Afterward that which is spiritual" (I. Cor. xv. 46).

God has often to bring us not only into the place of suffering, and the bed of sickness and pain, but also into the place where our righteousness breaks down and our character falls to pieces, in order to humble us in the dust and show us the need of entire crucifixion to all our natural life.

Then, at the feet of Jesus we are ready to receive Him, to abide in Him and depend upon Him alone, and draw all our life and strength each moment from Him, our Living Head.

It was thus that Peter was saved by his very fall, and had to die to Peter that he might live more perfectly to Christ.

Have we thus died, and have we thus renounced the strength of our own self-confidence?

We begin life with the natural, next we come into the spiritual; but then, when we have truly received the kingdom of God and His righteousness, the natural is added to the spiritual, and we are able to receive the gifts of His

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9/2

From Days of Heaven Upon Earth
A devotional by A. B. Simpson

"Who hath despised the day of small things" (Zech. iv. 10).

The oak comes out of the acorn, the eagle out of that little egg in the nest, the harvest comes out of the seed; and so the glory of the coming age is all coming out of the Christ life now, even as the majesty of His kingdom was all wrapped up that night in the babe of Bethlehem.

Oh, let us take Him for all our life. Let us be united to His person and His risen body. Let us know what it is to say, "The Lord is for the body and the body is for the Lord"! We are members of His body and His flesh and His bones.

He that gave that little infant, His own blessed babe and His only begotten Son, on that dark winter night to the arms of a cruel and ungrateful world, will not refuse to give Him in all His fulness to your heart if you will but open your heart and give Him right of way and full ownership and possession.

Then shall you know in your measure His quickening life, even in this earthly life, and by-and-by your hope shall reach its full fruition when you shall sit with Him on His throne with every fiber of your immortal being even as He.

My Journey 8/28 -8/31/2010

2010-08-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I read Max Lucado's devotional I said to myself "thank You, Jesus, for prepaing the way for me. In today's world we are blessed to be able to go online and get instructions on how to go from point A to point B. A detailed list on which way to turn to get us to the final destination. Well, God also provides us with that, it is called the BIBLE! Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.

What interested me in the devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley was as he wrote about how our faith can influence other Christian believers. I understand that we are to share our faith with those that don't know the Lord but we shouldn't forget the "weak and the wayward, struggling in doubt". I will always remember when a woman thanked me for refreshing her faith again. She was a Christian but she needed to be refreshed and through the God's Love Outreach Ministry and my obedience to the Lord, "she was refreshed again", Praise be to God!

Max Lucado's second devotional reminded me of the saying, "Walk the talk". As Christians we are always being viewed by many to see if we are just "good sales people" or do we actually live what we say. I want people that when they look at me can say, "I want what he has". What I have is Jesus and I truly want to share Him. I pray all believers feel as I do. If your walk is not in line with your talk, ask God why and I know if you are sincere He will tell you.

In this last devotional this sentence says a lot, "It takes incredible faith to believe in a God you have never seen". My mind thought of the scripture 2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight; Our Christian life is based just on that. Thank God that we have His Word that was handed down through the ages that our eyes can read, so that our minds can interpret, through the Holy Spirit's guidance, so that we can store in our hearts forever.

When Faith Is No Longer Needed

When faith is no longer needed,
that day will one day come.
For one day many will be standing,
in the presence of the Son.

Everything you will ever need,
will always be there for you.
You will finally understand,
how your faith on earth got you through.

So thank You, Lord Jesus,
for preparing us the way.
Thank You, Holy Spirit,
for guiding us each and everyday.

Praise to You, Heavenly Father
for never giving up on us.
Faith the size of a mustard seed,
for all of us is a must!

E. P. Shagott
9/1/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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8/28

Heaven
By Max Lucado

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Remember, heaven was not foreign to Jesus. He is the only person to live on earth after he had lived in heaven . . . he knew heaven before he came to earth. He knew what awaited him upon his return. And knowing what awaited him in heaven enabled him to bear the shame on earth.

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Aug. 28-29, 2010

The Influence of Faith
by Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Kings 18:37-40

In contemporary Christian culture, faith is often considered a possession that affects just its "owner." Because of our love for independence and self-sufficiency, we have, in many ways, lost the sense of community and outreach that the church is meant to embody. We live like little islands in our own "personal relationship with Christ." But in reality, God wants our faith to influence others, both within and outside the church.

Elijah's faith influenced the entire nation of Israel. By believing and delivering God's message, he was an example to them in word and deed. When he asked the Lord to reveal Himself as almighty God, fire fell from heaven, and the people believed.

His motive in the showdown at Mount Carmel was to draw the people back to the Lord. We usually think of "sharing our faith" with those who don't know Christ, but our confidence in God can also encourage weak or wayward believers. Likewise, those strong in faith can strengthen us when we are struggling with doubt.

The church is described as a body whose parts are all interconnected (1 Cor. 12:12). God never intended that we be autonomous, living in our own personal faith. We are not like a bag of marbles; rather, we're to be like a bunch of grapes whose juices blend in times of pressure.

Guard against living an isolated Christian life. Share your confidence in God's faithfulness. Your testimony could help others' faith to grow. If you're troubled by doubt or fear, let go of any pride or shame, and seek help from a strong believer. Mutual blessing awaits when we reach out to one another.

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8/30

Live the Life
By Max Lucado

“I am a voice calling out in the desert.” John 1:23

John was a voice for Christ with more than his voice. His life matched his words. When a person’s ways and words are the same, the fusion is explosive. But when a person says one thing and lives another, the result is destructive. People will know we are Christians, not because we bear the name, but because we live the life.

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8/31

Exercise Your Faith
from Daily Disciples devotional

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!" And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir." Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:1-6

When God gave Abram the promise that his descendants would be as countless as the stars in the heavens, Abram and Sarai were old and had no children. This promise was still several years away from fulfillment even as the Lord made this covenant with Abram. But despite the circumstances of the current situation, Abram "believed in the Lord" and all that He was telling him. God accounted him as righteous because of his great faith.

It takes incredible faith to believe in a God you have never seen. It takes even more faith to believe in His promises that will directly impact your life. Great faith comes from our resolve to believe in the Lord and who He is, not what we can prove or intellectualize about Him. As a matter of fact, faith can be downright silly in man's eyes, even foolish. Instead of being self-conscious or embarrassed we should all pray to be more foolish in our faith. Why not expect God to move mountains in our lives?

Where is your faith today? Faith is meant to be active, not passive. If we do not keep exercising our faith, we get weak and can be tossed to and fro when the enemy comes to strike. Get into the Word of God on a regular basis and ask the Lord to increase your faith. When you get that sense within your spirit that you need to move, do it…step out and go for it. Sometimes when the fear is the greatest, you have to ask yourself: who is trying to stop you and why? Fear is not of the Lord. So why is the enemy causing you to fear? He does not want you to succeed. Faith brings success.

My Journey 8/27/2010

2010-08-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I read this devotional this morning I said, "that's me!" Through the God's Love Outreach Ministry and my love for the Lord I bring a message of His love and grace to many shut-ins that are unable to seek out for themselves. His message is mainly given through a number of songs throughout a one hour period. The average program has about 15+ songs throughout it. So as I looked back at the data from the outreach ministry since January 2004 I have presented 1075 programs. This would equate to about 16,125 songs that I have sung. So like Heman in the scriptures I guess I am a singer. But what I tell people, I do not consider myself a singer, but more a messenger. The message is "God loves you!" As F. B. Meyer's wrote I do sing not just on Sundays praising Him with hymns and praise songs, along with our church congregation, but also throughout most of my days. Not just in the ministry but also throughout my everyday existence. So I will keep on singing to Him a new song, for in my heart there rings a melody, a melody of love.

I Sing

For I sing
because I'm happy.
I sing because I'm free.
I sing because my Savior,
on Calvary did die for me.

I sing as a way to praise Him.
I sing with prayers lifted above.
I sing to my Heavenly Father,
a song of gratitude and love.

I sing as a messenger for Him,
a song that others may hear.
I sing to the many that are lost
and live in constant fear.

The song I sing is always about Him,
it flows from His Spirit within.
If you listen with your heart my friends,
it is not me singing, but Him!

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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8/27

Our Daily Homily
a devotional by F. B. Meyer

Heman the singer. 1 Chron. 6: 33.

THIS is a very brief record to put on a man's grave, but a very expressive one. To decipher that epitaph about Heman is to learn a good deal about him. From this clue we might almost construct his entire personality and character. And it would be well if it could be said of us that we had ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Lord.

Would you be a singer not on Sundays only, but always; not with your voice only, but in your heart; not only when the sunshine pours into the open casement through the swaying boughs of honeysuckle, but when the shutters tell of bereavement and removal then remember these rules: (1st.) God must put the new song into your mouth; (2nd.) You must be fully consecrated to Him; for the song of the Lord only begins when the burnt offering is complete. (3rd.) You must not go into a strange land, for it is impossible to sing the Lord's song there.

Sing on, dear heart, sing on. There is nothing that scares off the devil so quickly as a hymn. Luther said, "Let us sing a hymn, and spite the devil." There is nothing that so well beguiles the pilgrim's step, and quickens his pace, when the miles are growing long and weary. There is nothing that brings so much of heaven into the heart. Singing makes every movement rhythmic, every service praise, every act thanksgiving. Sing when times are dark, you will make them bright; sing when the house of life is lonely, it will become peopled with unseen choristers; go down into the valley of shadow with a song, and you will find yourself singing the new song of Moses and the Lamb when you awake on the other side.

My Journey 8/26/2010

2010-08-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

God's insight for me:

As I was reading my morning devotionals this one stood out and the Lord ministered to me through it. I now have a fire burning within me for Him that not many can understand, only those who have also released their lives to Him. From a day back in 1997 when I said, "Lord You take control of my life", a true UNION with God's holy silent Lamb became a new life for me. That day back in 1997 I experienced my soul's stillness as His Holy Spirit was free within me to do the Father's will. My prayer for today is that each set of eyes that read this devotional, and awesome poem by L. S. P., will set His Spirit free in themselves more can experience what life in Christ is all about.

Praise God!

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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He Answered Nothing
Streams in the Desert - Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional

"He answered nothing" (Mark 15:3).

There is no spectacle in all the Bible so sublime as the silent Savior answering not a word to the men who were maligning Him, and whom He could have laid prostrate at His feet by one look of Divine power, or one word of fiery rebuke. But He let them say and do their worst, and He stood in THE POWER OF STILLNESS--God's holy silent Lamb.

There is a stillness that lets God work for us, and holds our peace; the stillness that ceases from its contriving and its self-vindication, and its expedients of wisdom and forethought, and lets God provide and answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.

How often we lose God's interposition by taking up our own cause, and striking for our defense. God give to us this silent power, this conquered spirit! And after the heat and strife of earth are over, men will remember us as we remember the morning dew, the gentle light and sunshine, the evening breeze, the Lamb of Calvary, and the gentle, holy heavenly Dove. --A. B. Simpson

The day when Jesus stood alone
And felt the hearts of men like stone,
And knew He came but to atone
That day "He held His peace."

They witnessed falsely to His word,
They bound Him with a cruel cord,
And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord;
"But Jesus held His peace."

They spat upon Him in the face,
They dragged Him on from place to place,
They heaped upon Him all disgrace;
"But Jesus held His peace."

My friend, have you for far much less,
With rage, which you called righteousness,
Resented slights with great distress?
Your Saviour "held His peace."
--L. S. P.

I remember once hearing Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as "The Apostle of the Indians," utter these beautiful words: "For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed." When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an easy-going tolerance, from passionate vindictiveness and everything that would mar or injure our testimony for Him who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. --W. H. Griffith Thomas

My Journey 8/24 - 8/25/2010

2010-08-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

I loved this devotional because of the story which made me reflect back on the God's Love Outreach Ministry that I have been blessed to be called into. For 7 1/2 years I have met several residents in homes that sound like Gwen. Their lives have changed forever. Nothing is the same for them, family, friends and present surroundings are all different. They now rely on someone to help them get through the day. They are now living in the canyons of their lives, and to many it's a "Grand Canyon". Grand by meaning "big". As in Gwen's life, just ragged rocks. If there would be any green it would be weeds trying to poke through. But then I am also blessed when I meet some that make the best of what they now have. For the majority of these I can see Christ's Spirit living inside them. Though my calling is for the hurting and the lost I find an instant bond with the Christians I am brought into contact with. They are in the canyon but see more Spirit flowers than Gwen. For they have a closer walk with the Master.

I love this next devotional by Charles Spurgeon. I am so glad that God did choose me. My life has been so awesome since we are One. I pray that after reading my latest poem you would agree.

Christ Lives Within Me

Christ lives within me,
our lives are now as One.
He was the One who has chosen me,
ever since the world begun.

Ever since the Garden of Eden,
when He created Brother Adam and Sister Eve,
He knew I would also be special to Him,
all I had to do was just believe.

He is an awesome God,
Who reigns from the Heavens above.
A Father who keeps on giving,
all because of His gracious love.

So if you do not know Him,
but want to love Him like I do.
It all starts with the choice you make,
for He wants to live in you too!!

E. P. Shagott
8/25/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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August 24

Flowers in the Canyon
from Streams in the Desert devotionals

"For our profit" (Heb. 12:10).

In one of Ralph Connor's books he tells a story of Gwen. Gwen was a wild, wilful lassie and one who had always been accustomed to having her own way. Then one day she met with a terrible accident which crippled her for life. She became very rebellious and in the murmuring state she was visited by the Sky Pilot, as the missionary among the mountaineers was termed.

He told her the parable of the canyon. "At first there were no canyons, but only the broad, open prairie. One day the Master of the Prairie, walking over his great lawns, where were only grasses, asked the Prairie, 'Where are your flowers?' and the Prairie said, 'Master I have no seeds.'

"Then he spoke to the birds, and they carried seeds of every kind of flower and strewed them far and wide, and soon the prairie bloomed with crocuses and roses and buffalo beans and the yellow crowfoot and the wild sunflowers and the red lilies all summer long. Then the Master came and was well pleased; but he missed the flowers he loved best of all, and he said to the Prairie: 'Where are the clematis and the columbine, the sweet violets and wind-flowers, and all the ferns and flowering shrubs?'

"And again he spoke to the birds, and again they carried all the seeds and scattered them far and wide. But, again, when the Master came he could not find the flowers he loved best of all, and he said:

"'Where are those my sweetest flowers?' and the Prairie cried sorrowfully:

"'Oh, Master, I cannot keep the flowers, for the winds sweep fiercely, and the sun beats upon my breast, and they wither up and fly away.'

"Then the Master spoke to the Lightning, and with one swift blow the Lightning cleft the Prairie to the heart. And the Prairie rocked and groaned in agony, and for many a day moaned bitterly over the black, jagged, gaping wound.

"But the river poured its waters through the cleft, and carried down deep black mould, and once more the birds carried seeds and strewed them in the canyon. And after a long time the rough rocks were decked out with soft mosses and trailing vines, and all the nooks were hung with clematis and columbine, and great elms lifted their huge tops high up into the sunlight, and down about their feet clustered the low cedars and balsams, and everywhere the violets and wind-flower and maiden-hair grew and bloomed, till the canyon became the Master's favorite place for rest and peace and joy."

Then the Sky Pilot read to her: "The fruit--I'll read 'flowers'--of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness--and some of these grow only in the canyon."

"Which are the canyon flowers?" asked Gwen softly, and the Pilot answered: "Gentleness, meekness, longsuffering; but though the others, love, joy, peace, bloom in the open, yet never with so rich a bloom and so sweet a perfume as in the canyon."

For a long time Gwen lay quite still, and then said wistfully, while her lips trembled: "There are no flowers in my canyon, but only ragged rocks."

"Some day they will bloom, Gwen dear; the Master will find them, and we, too, shall see them."

Beloved, when you come to your canyon, remember!

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8/25/2010

God Is Jealous

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008

“God is jealous.” Nahum 1:2

Your Lord is jealous of your love.

Did He choose you? Then He cannot bear that you would choose another.

Did He purchase you with His own blood? He cannot bear that you would live apart from Him, or that you would belong to this world.

He loved you with such a love that meant He would not stay in heaven without you; He would rather die than see you perish, and He cannot bear that anything should stand between your heart’s love and Himself.

He is jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in any mere human being. He weeps, seeing you cradle a broken jug, when His overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad, but when we transfer our dependence to another, relying on our own wisdom, or trusting in any works of our own, He is displeased. He will humble us so that He can bring us closer to Himself.

He is also jealous of our company. We should be in conversation with Jesus more than anyone else. True love is living with Him only; but to live primarily for selfish comforts, or to prefer even our fellow Christians to fellowship with Him, this is too pains our jealous Lord.

He urges us stay close to Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself. Many of the trials which He sends us are to wean our hearts from worldly things, and fixing us more closely on Himself. This jealousy, which He intends to keep us near to Christ, can also be a tremendous comfort to us, because if He cares about us and our love so much, we can be sure that He will do nothing to harm us, and will protect us from our enemies. I pray that we will keep our hearts pure for our beloved Lord alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the distractions of the world!

My Journey 8/21 - 8/23/2010

2010-08-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Here are three devotionals by Adrian Rogers. This first one when I read it brought back an interview with Mother Teresa. She was asked that when she went to Heaven was there something she wanted to ask Jesus? Her answer was, "Why did so many have to suffer?" Adrian Rogers devotional I believe is right on. Even if we don't understand it, we chose what happened to us. If you didn't choose then maybe because of someone else' choice has caused you suffering. I truly believe that God does not want manor woman to suffer. As I read in the bible two verses stood out to me, Genesis 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the heavens, and to every creeper on the earth which has in it a living soul every green plant is for food; and it was so. Genesis 2:16 And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree in the garden. It was man's choice to change the structure of what we eat. So every since the fall of man and woman, when they were banished from the Garden of Eden, by their choice, enter sickness and problems. God did not create evil. God created man and gave him the ability to choose. God also gave us His Son, Jesus, who said in John 16:33 I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. How did Christ overcome the world, on the Cross. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Praise God!

This next devotional everyone should pay special attention to, Prayer is one our untapped resources. A personal conversation with God. Humans have a unique way of tuning each other out, but not God. He is always waiting to talk with us. Any minute, at any time, He is there, waiting on us. Each child of His has the Holy Spirit inside ready to intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Thank You, Holy Spirit.

This final devotional "In Christ Jesus", should be each Christians daily battle cry. As it is written in the bible, Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

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August 21

Why Is there Suffering in the World?
By Adrian Rogers

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36

"If there is a God, and that God is a good God, then why is there suffering?"

"What kind of a God is it that has created evil?"

Ever heard those comments before? Ever made them yourself?

You're not alone. Many people have thought the same thing. But that's not straight thinking. Let me tell you the way it truly is.

God did not create evil. God created perfection. God made man perfectly free. The freedom He granted man meant that he had to be free to choose to love. Then in order to choose to love, we must be able to choose not to love. This freedom of choice gave rise to evil, for man's freedom meant he could make a wrong choice.

Which kind of love do you want from others? A forced love or a free love? Which sounds better, "I love you" or "I have to love you"?

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August 22

Pray to Be Heard of God, Not Men
by Adrian Rogers

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Matthew 6:5

One time a young professional was waiting for a meeting when he heard someone walking down the hallway. Thinking that this might be a potential client for him, he picked up his telephone and pretended to be having a high-powered conversation.

Soon the footsteps stopped at his desk. Looking up he asked, "What may I do for you?" The man standing before him replied, "I'm from the telephone company. I've come to hook up your phone."

Prayer is the same way. The prayer that gets our Savior's attention comes from the heart and not from the head, "to be heard by men." Prayers to impress people are one-way conversations.

Find a quiet place in your home where you can be alone with the Lord every day for a special time of communion with the Him. He is waiting for you there.

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August 23

To Be "in Christ Jesus"
By Adrian Rogers

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1

What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus?" First, think about what it was for Noah to be in the ark. The ark was waterproof. How do we know it was? Well, God told Noah, "put pitch on the inside and on the outside" (Genesis 6:14). The word "pitch" in the Hebrew is kapar, and it is exactly the same word translated as "atonement." You see, we are in Jesus as Noah was in that ark. Just as the storms of God's wrath beat upon that ark, the storms of God's wrath beat upon the Lord Jesus. But we are on the inside, and not one drop of judgment can come through.

Read Romans 8:35-39. Reflect on the things that Paul says will never separate you from God's love. Give glory to God that your sins have been atoned for by the righteous blood of the Savior.

My Journey 8/17 - 8/20/2010

2010-08-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

I like this devotional by Adrian Rogers for it really speaks about our lives today. Some people going to church on Sunday, giving God one hour of their time, and then going home and putting on "dirty clothes". The dirty clothes I am speaking of is their daily lifestyles. My friends a sin is a sin. One Sunday a week does not change that. To have a fellowship with God you must understand that. Once you ask Christ into your heart and ask Him to forgive you of your sins, it is a done deal. Does that mean you won't sin again? No, but you are less tempted to put on those dirty clothes. And if and when you do remember, He knows it. Ask Him to forgive you for that and again it is a done deal. What you find is your wanting to sin diminishes and being Christ-like increases. If that is what you want, it is your choice. It is mine.

The "Thanks Be To God" devotional is very well written. As we see our country and leaders turn away from God, we must prayerfully ask God to forgive us and guide us in His ways, the same ways that our founding fathers founded this great country on. The way hasn't changed from the beginning. God hasn't changed and never will change.

Dr. Stanley's devotional will bring fear to some people. Just think of what God's final exam for us is going to be like. So many I believe will be needing more time to learn, for they didn't spend their time wisely. Do you understand what the "truth" is? John 14:6, Jesus said, I am the truth, the way, and the life... Did you recognize when the "truth" was present? Did you tell others about the "truth"? One day we will all be in front of the greatest teacher of all and He will say, "The final exam begins now!" He already knows your answers!

Neil T. Anderson's devotional speaks volumes about God. I love this statement about how we are waiting for a sign form God, "Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself." I also found this to be very true, "I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God." I believe if you want to watch God work get done on your knees and ask Him to be control of your life, then look in the mirror and watch Him work.

The Face in the Mirror

I looked in the mirror
and what did I see,
the face of Jesus
looking back at me.

I said, “oh Lord ,
how can this be?
The things I’ve done
You can’t really want to be me!

You never sinned
or did any wrong,
How can I possibly think
being with You I belong?

Then within a moment
He spoke to my heart.
“The past is forgiven
let Me be your new start!

If you can say yes
and finally agree,
then the reflection in the mirror
will always be Me.”

E. P. Shagott
12/12/09

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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August 17

Is It Clean Enough?
by Adrian Rogers

"O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:31-32

A man was in the back bedroom of his home getting dressed while his wife was in the living room talking to a friend. He called out to his wife, "Darling, is this shirt clean enough for me to wear?"

Without hesitation she said, "No."

He said, "How did you know it wasn't clean enough to wear? You didn't even come back to look at it."

She answered, "If you had to ask, it wasn't clean enough!"

When it comes to the question of whether you should do something or not, if it's doubtful, it's dirty. Unfortunately, most of us don't give God the benefit of the doubt. We just go ahead and do it.

Are you in doubt about something today? If you have even the smallest doubt in your heart that it might be sin or lead to sin, be strong and choose to say "No." He will be your peace.

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August 18

Thanks be to God
From Daily Disciples Devotionals

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100

Let us all be thankful for our freedom and for our founding fathers who laid the God-fearing foundation for this great nation. But above everything else, let us not forget the One who made us. We are God's people---we are His sheep and this nation is still His pasture. Take time today to give Him praise and thanksgiving for the true freedom that we have in His Son Jesus Christ. Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Pray for our nation today. As Christians, we should all be greatly concerned at how our lawmakers are turning away from God in their choices and decisions. God's mercy is everlasting but there is a day of judgment coming. Pray that our nation will turn back to the Lord. One by one, as Christians, we can make a difference. Let's start today.

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The Final Exam
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Matthew 25:31-40

Pay attention because there will be a test later." Upon completing their schooling, most people are relieved not to have to hear those words anymore. Well, your testing days are not quite over, because God has a final exam for believers. Below is a brief "study guide" outlining what the Lord's faithful can expect at His judgment throne.

Questions. Examining each believer's life from the moment of salvation to death, God looks for answers to three questions:

1. How much truth did the person know?

2. How many opportunities did he or she have to use that truth?

3. What did the individual do with those opportunities?

So you see that we are actually preparing for the final exam right now. On judgment day, no excuses or arguments can stand, nor will anything unrighteous, selfish, or evil be permitted in God's holy presence. All we'll have to show is what we did in His name.

Rewards. Every person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior shares in the gift of eternal life. However, just as each one is judged by his or her own life, so are rewards given individually. Though the Bible is not specific about the nature of heavenly blessings, the promise of receiving them permeates its pages (Matt. 5:12, 6:4; 1 Cor. 3:8; Rev. 2:23).

Throughout life, our heavenly Father provides each of us with so many big and small ways to honor Him. Take my advice: Do not waste a single moment of preparation time! On the appointed day, you will want to stand before Him, certain that you used your opportunities to the fullest.

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8/20

How God works
by Neil T. Anderson

Deuteronomy 8:6
You shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him

I believe in miracles, and I accept as fact every one recorded in the Bible. I believe that our entire Christian experience is a miracle. It simply cannot be explained by natural means. And God's power is seen in other miraculous ways today, but must He always prove Himself by stepping outside His created order? If God doesn't primarily guide us through His Word (which never changes) and take into account the fixed order of the universe, how can we ever have any stability? How can we make any plans if God doesn't reveal His ways and then stay consistent with them?

God is not capricious in His dealings with man. He has clearly established His ways and He is faithful to them. I believe God has revealed His ways and we are to walk in them. The question is, how does God work through human responsibility and the natural order of the universe to bring about His will? Somehow He works through a less-than-perfect church, orchestrating human affairs in such a way as to guarantee the outcome of the ages. What really impresses me is His timing, not His miraculous interventions.

Notice how Jesus responded to those who insisted on a sign: "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet" (Matthew 12:39). Satan wanted a sign too. He said, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down" (Matthew 4:6). To this Jesus responded, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (verse 7 NIV ). Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself.

I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Prayer: Lord, I want to be responsible to use the gifts You have given me and lay aside sin and fruitless activities.

My Journey 8/16/2010

2010-08-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Recently I read on Facebook of a person who lost a loved one. I also can relate to that for it is something you never get over, but learn to live with. I love what this devotional speaks about, praise and worship. See, it is easy to be singing God's praises when everything is going good, but when you are in the valley like this gentleman who lost his wife to cancer, not many want to praise God, but that is what life is about. God used this gentleman in his darkest hour to bring glory to Him. This is an excellent devotional with an excellent message, "Will you someday be able to look down from the "Edge of Heaven?" Several years ago I read a short story about Pastor Rick Warren's fathers last moments. He sat up in his hospital bed and said, "Got to save one more for Jesus, got to save one more for Jesus!" Then he went to be with the Lord.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there is something about that name!

Click here to listen to that song on YouTube.

After reading this devotional by John Fischer the Lord blessed me with this poem.

The Edge of Heaven

God walked over to the edge of Heaven,
and then looked down at me.
He said to His many angels,
see that one, he is special as can be.

Every time I look into his heart,
I see his love for me shining through.
Because he believes in My Son, Jesus
he also believes in me too.

So as all the angels looked down,
from the edge of Heaven above,
the Father gave them instructions
to protect me, and shower me with their love.

Steady him if he stumbles,
pick him up if he falls,
Holy Spirit listen to his prayers,
and tell Me when he calls.

Then from the edge of Heaven,
God looked down at all the rest.
Because of their love for my Son Jesus,
they truly will also be blessed.

E. P. Shagott
8/18/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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8/16

Edge of Heaven
by John Fischer

Rod Mayer has been the youth pastor at Capo Beach Calvary in Capistrano Beach, Calif., for 15 years, and many in the church credit he and his wife Janet for being an instrumental tool in their children’s faith journeys. Through Janet’s recent three-year struggle with cancer, she kept a positive outlook and was often the one who cheered others who were saddened by her condition.

The Sunday after she died, the church was treated with stories of how Rod and Janet, knowing the end was near, had spent a beautiful week together in Hawaii. We also heard how Rod had taken their two children’s favorite toys and put them in a paper bag out of sight. He told them that although they couldn’t touch their toys or play with them, they knew where they were, and it was going to be the same with their Mommy. They wouldn’t be able to touch her or play with her, but they would know she was in heaven.

Two days later, with Janet in heaven, a memorial service was held at the church. There was not enough room for everyone who came. There were stories about Janet from those who were closest to her. Some tried to laugh and bring lightness to the heavy emotions by recalling her sunny disposition. I imagined Rod on the front row, choked up by all this. I wondered if he might speak, but then, if it were me, I surmised I would not be able to.

Suddenly, Rod was up on the platform speaking. He told us how in her last few moments Janet stood up in bed, reached her hands up to heaven and spoke. When he asked her who she was talking to, she said, “Angels.” And then he and a friend laid her back down on the bed, and she died.

I thought it was pretty courageous of him to do this—to tell us these things—given his situation and the frailty of human emotions. But I was soon to be even more surprised when he strapped on a guitar and began leading us in songs of praise & worship. Let me tell you, that was an experience like no other. It was the closest I’ve ever come to worshiping with the saints in glory. Solid. True. There was such a sense of reality in knowing that Rod could not do this if he wasn’t looking out over the edge of heaven right then as he sang. This was not drummed-up praise. This was exuberant, from-the-bottom-of my-shoes praise. There was no lie in it.

Rod’s voice carried over everyone else’s, and there was something about it that was different. It had a strength and confidence that was mystical, if not eerie. It was almost as if he stepped over the edge of heaven for a moment and sang to us from there. I swear I heard a glorified voice.

And then, if that weren’t enough, he had us all bow our heads and he gave an invitation. Yep. I’m not making this up. He told everyone at his wife’s funeral that this would be a really good time to make sure they were ready to die, and then he told them what they needed to do to receive Christ. From the edge of heaven, he welcomed a number of people into the family of God.

Rod is not a big man. He’s not a tall man. He is slight in build and usually a little nervous around people. But let me tell you something: Rod is a huge man now in my eyes. Bigger than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m sure he will go through some long, lonely days. By the time you read this, they may be his longest ever. I don’t know, but I hear it’s the little things you miss—the coffee ready, the toothpaste squeezed in the middle, the sniffle during a touching scene on television, or simply turning around and forgetting for a split second, that there is no one there. Not to mention all the support you had the first few days that is now gone. Not anybody’s fault; it’s just that way. They have to get back to their lives, and you have to go back to yours, except yours will never be the same.

I know after that service I’ll never be the same, and I hope you won’t either, even just from reading this. And you know what else? If you don’t know what’s going to happen to you when you die, Rod would want you to do something about that. Right now. He would want you to make his loneliness worthwhile by meeting him someday, at the end of days, on the edge of heaven. You can do it right now.

My Journey 8/14 - 8/15/2010

2010-08-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Three good devotionals with three good messages inside.

John Grant's writing brought back some of my memories of when my walk with Christ was more of 40+ years of stumbling. See, I didn't know back then that God had a plan for me. And truthfully now as I think back I wouldn't of been successful either for He was not my main priority. But God was patient and did not give up on me. When I think back of the many, many times I would drive 14+ miles not understanding what I was doing due to so much alcohol in my system. But God, through His love and grace protected me and all the innocent lives I could of harmed and changed. Now the fruits of God's love and faithfulness in me is unfolding through His wonderful plan in my life. Praise God!

Charles Spurgeon's devotional is a good one to follow John Grants. Because of my obedience to God's calling on my life I have and cherish my fellowship with the Father. It is because of my love for His Son, Jesus, that this fellowship is possible. As it is written in John 14:6-7, Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. And from now on you know Him and have seen Him. I am amazed that when I am presenting a song in the Seeds for Christ series I hear the Father speaking and fellowships with me. I can only pray that you also have this fellowship with Him. If not ask Him, with a sincere heart, that you may.

Katherine Kehler's devotional made me think how God has blessed me with the ability to bring His message of love and grace to His many wounded. As I share with the many residents that have viewed the God's Love Outreach Ministry programs, I am not a singer but God has blessed me with this ability. See, the driven force behind my life now, is a divine force. As the song is coming forth through me it is because of my love for Him that His message can be told. I love to tell the story of Jesus and His love.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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8/14

God has a Plan
by John Grant

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

Have you ever known someone who has had a near death experience and survived? Perhaps it was a serious disease or perhaps a narrow escape from death. Most people who have such an experience comment that they guess the Lord wasn’t finished with them yet and had something else in store for them to do.

I recalled such an experience at an early age, when recently I read about the tragic loss of life from a flash flood on the Caddo River in Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Dozens of campers were victims of a nighttime flash flood when the river rose at the rate of eight feet per hour. Many saved their lives by scaling up the steep embankments and unfortunately many did not survive.

It made me recall a time when I was a teenager and with five others drove to Colorado to camp there for a week and then camp the following week in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Shortly after arriving in Colorado one of our group became seriously ill and required medical treatment, causing us to spend the entire two weeks in Colorado. It was much to my disappointment, as I wanted so much to see Yellowstone, where we had campground reservations for months in advance.

It wasn’t until we were on the way back home when we found out about the big earthquake, so strong that it reversed the flow of a river and obliterated the campground where we had reservations. Dozens of campers perished and certainly we would have been among them but for the illness that kept us in Colorado.

I was not a practicing Christian at the time, but I remember wondering what kind of adult life I had ahead of me and what I would have missed if I had been camping at Yellowstone. It was a sobering thought that had a deep and early impression on my life.

Sometimes God saves our life in ways we never know about. Sometimes we do. I have a friend who was flying from Chicago to Detroit and got to the gate just as the plane pulled back. He was angry that he was going to miss a meeting he felt he could not miss. But, when he found out that the plane went down over Lake Michigan killing all aboard, suddenly his attitude changes from anger to thanks. He thought that the meeting wasn’t so important after all.

The truth is that every day we live and survive is through God’s mercy and grace. He saves our life daily so we can serve and praise Him tomorrow. Truly, our days are numbered and when we will begin eternity, we know not. But one thing we do know is that each day is a gift, to be lived for His glory and mission each day. Live today as if it were your last and then be thankful when you wake up tomorrow.

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8/15

Silent Fellowship with the Father
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

“At that time Jesus answered.” Matthew 11:25 (KJV)

This is a very particular, and peculiar, way to start a verse: “At that time Jesus answered.” If you will look at the context you will notice that no one asked Him a question. He wasn’t in conversation with any human being. Yet it is written, “Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father.” When a man answers, he answers the person who has been speaking to him. Who, then, had spoken to Christ? His Father. Yet there is no record of it; and this should teach us that Jesus had constant fellowship with His Father, and that God spoke into His heart so often, so continually, that it was not a circumstance of enough importance to be recorded.

It was the habit and life of Jesus to talk with God. Even as Jesus was -in this world- so are we. So let’s learn the lesson this simple statement teaches us about Him. May we likewise have silent fellowship with the Father, so that often we may answer Him, and though the world will not know whom we’re speaking to, we will be responding to that secret voice unheard of any other ear. Our own ear, opened by the Spirit of God, recognizes His voice with joy. God has spoken to us, let us speak to God, either to set our seal that God is true and faithful to His promise, or to confess the sin of which the Spirit of God has convinced us, or to acknowledge the mercy which God’s providence has given, or to express humble acceptance of the great truths which God the Holy Spirit has opened to our understanding.

What a privilege it is to have intimate communion with the Father! It is a secret hidden from the world, a joy with which even our nearest friends cannot share. If we want to hear the whispers of God’s love, our ear must be purged and fitted to listen to His voice. Today, may our hearts be in such a state that when God speaks to us, we, like Jesus, are be prepared at once to answer Him.

Question: Are you often in “intimate communion” with God? Would you like to be?

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8/15

I want to know Him!
by Katherine Kehler

“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him.” Philippians 3:10

Lately, I have been thinking about Jerry McGrath. He was a marvelous singer who performed at many conferences. He had been in the secular entertainment industry when he was struck down with leukemia and was no longer able to sing. Then he yielded his life to the Lord, God touched and healed him. From then on, he used his amazing voice to serve God.

During every performance he told the story of his miraculous healing and then would sing:

“Lord, I want to know You. Deep within my soul, I want to know You more.”

When he finished the song, there was not a dry eye in the audience.

Jerry had experienced the power of Christ’s resurrection, but he had also experienced suffering. I wonder, sometimes, why we so often pray and sing for the Lord’s power, but abhor the suffering? We need both to make us be like Jesus. Sadly, we have bought into the philosophy that life should be soft and easy. Christ’s life certainly wasn’t.

Father, You know what cowards we are. We want the soft and easy road. Help us to get real, Lord. Enable us not to be surprised when troubles come our way. After all, Jesus did say that in this world we would have troubles. How quickly we forget, Lord! We need You to remind us. Amen.

My Journey 8/11 - 8/13/2010

2010-08-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Three excellent articles from Daily Disciples devotionals. In the first one I can relate to what the author wrote about. Though it took me over 5 years to understand that the Lord called me into a ministry for Him, it is tough work. Being human we want to do what we want to do, not what God is asking us to do. It is sometimes easy to get discouraged and weary but the author stated two things to stay focused on; be faithful and realize we can't do it on our own. We are dependent daily on Christ!

As I read this second devotional my mind thought of the many in this world that don't know Christ. What I have found is from the time I open my eyes, till I close them in sleep, I can not make it in this world without Jesus. As our Pastor has said many times, "He is as close to you as you let Him be!" During this month presenting the "Seeds of Grace" program for the God's Love Outreach Ministry there is a song titled "Thank You for Your Grace". One line in the song states "You came into my life and made me new. A broken man discarded and hopeless." As I sing the lyrics I am saying to myself, "How true" Interesting is the fact that I was saved as a teenager 15 years of age, but I didn't realize what it was to be "new" until I walked through this worldly life for 40 years. I didn't understand what the scripture verse that the author stated meant, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. Everything you will ever need is in that verse. I do pray that for every set of eyes that read this insight understand that. If not I pray that "today is the day" that you can.

In the third devotional this sentence that the author wrote is very true, "we do not always appreciate the work of God because of the hardness of our own hearts." There is a saying I once read, "Many want to serve God but only as advisers!" I think also that is how many of us want to have a relationship with Him. Another couple great sentences in this devotional are "Jesus does not need us to do anything. He wants us to come to Him, listen to Him and enjoy His fellowship. God does not want our actions; He wants our hearts. When our hearts align with His, our actions will follow to please Him!" Amen to that.

I Want To

I don't have to but I want to,
give Him praise everyday.
I don't have to but I want to,
let Him be my light and guide today.

I don't have to but I want to,
listen to His Spirit as He speaks.
I don't have to but I want to,
tell others about Him that I meet.

I don't have to but I want to,
please Him in all I do.
I don't have to but I want to,
reach out to others that need Him too.

I want to, not that I have to,
love Him with all my heart.
I want to, not that I have to,
because He loved me first from the start!

E. P. Shagott

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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8/11

Ministry
A devotional from Daily Disciples

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.
2 Corinthians 4:1

Ministry is an interesting word. What defines a ministry? Is it a job in a church, a job outside of a church, or is everything in the Christian life somehow a form of "ministry"? Regardless of where or how ministry is conducted, one thing is true---it is a tough job. If we are not careful, we can become very weary and discouraged in doing the work of the ministry.

I have noticed in my own experience that I need to be reminded repeatedly that God does the work. I just need to be faithful to do what He has asked of me today, depending on Him for everything. Somewhere during the busyness, I can forget what dependency feels like and try to make sense of ministry in my own flesh instead of relying on His Spirit. A good saying is "Where God's finger points, there God's hand will make a way."

For those of you who are serving in a ministerial role, pray for the Lord to give you verses to anchor your ministry goals. While reading the scriptures, look for a verse that expresses how you feel or what your heart's desire is. Keep searching the scriptures and praying until you find at least one verse or one story that you can pray back and meditate on. Those verses will give you the strength to get through the trials as well as the focus to finish what you started. God will bring to your remembrance the scripture throughout the days ahead when the times get difficult. God wants us to count the cost and be responsible in whatever service we do but God takes us as His responsibility to get us through. And remember, we are all dealing with the same thoughts and struggles. You are not alone when serving the Lord.

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8/12

Today is The Day
A devotional from Daily Disciples

O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. Psalm 86:7-8

Several months ago, I wrote the following letter to my sister. She had written to me with questions about the Lord. Where is He when she is hurting so much? I was reminded of this letter as my sisters and mother were visiting with me last week. We each described our hurts and struggles. There was comfort in being together, but the greatest comfort is in knowing the Lord. The words still hold true and, maybe today, you are in the same place or know someone who is struggling with the same issues. We pray that these words minister to your heart…

Jesus has been waiting for you your whole life. He knows exactly where you are and how you feel. He knows what it is to suffer and hurt. Hebrews 4:15 says that we have a great High Priest who understands our sufferings and pain because He, Himself, endured so much more. Our only hope is Jesus. He is the only one who can heal you. And He will heal you...that is why He died. He had to die or we would all be lost. His Holy Spirit is now moving on your heart, which is why you are asking these questions. Your questions are really directed towards Him. All He wants from you is your heart, nothing more. All you have to do is let Him in...you will have no peace until you do. The Bible has your answers but you will not understand what the Bible says until you have been saved by the very blood that was shed when Jesus died. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

He loves you and He wants you to be His child. You are precious in His sight. The Lord will give you answers but you must go through His Son, Jesus. John 14:6 says "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." So many people refuse to accept this truth but it is the truth. Jesus is the only way. I am going to give you the prayer to ask Him into your heart...pray it in your heart....

Dear Lord, I thank You for Jesus, whom You sent to the cross to die for me. I know, Lord, that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. Please cleanse me of them all and make me new today. Jesus, I ask that You come into my heart and save me. Please heal me and make me whole. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may understand Your word and live a new life in You. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for loving me. Help me to live for You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

It is that simple. All of the rest will come. You have a whole life ahead that God wants to use for His purposes. The enemy has held you down too long. The victory begins today in Jesus. God has a plan for your life. It is never too late.

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8/13

Knowing Christ
From Daily Disciples devotional

But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. John 9:18

To open the eyes of the blind was a clear sign that Jesus was the Messiah. The religious leaders knew that no one could open the eyes of the blind. However, they did not believe that the man had really received his sight until his parents confirmed the fact that he had been born blind. Even after speaking to his parents, the Jews still did not want to believe that Jesus healed his sight.

Today, Jesus is still performing miracles as He gently touches us and others. He is still answering prayers and working among us on a daily basis. Nevertheless, like the Pharisees, we do not always appreciate the work of God because of the hardness of our own hearts. We personally want to tell God what He can and cannot do. We want to challenge the miracles and call them "coincidences" or deny that a miracle happened at all. We talk Christianity and try to exclude the "Christ."

I had a man say to me once that he tried that Christianity stuff and it did not work. He went on to tell me that he read the Bible, prayed and did good works within the church but it was only a phase. I then asked him the following questions: "Have you ever gotten down on your knees, begging God to cleanse you from your sins? Have you ever told the Lord that you only desired to live for Him, to serve Him and to follow Him wherever He wanted? Have you ever had such a hunger and thirst to read His words that He placed within His book just to get to know Him better? Did you ever want Jesus more than you wanted anything else and desired to please Him in everything you did?" He clearly and quickly answered, "NO." And I said, "Then don't think that you ever came to know Jesus, and without Jesus, there is no Christianity." Christianity without Christ is just a lot of wasted time and effort, doing some good things that do not really matter. Jesus does not need us to do anything. He wants us to come to Him, listen to Him and enjoy His fellowship.

There are many reasons why we may want to be religious. God does not want our actions; He wants our hearts. When our hearts align with His, our actions will follow to please Him. No one has to pretend or try to act like a Christian. As you believe in Him, He will change you. Pray that your heart will stay soft to recognize the works of God in your life. Pray that the miracles of Jesus make a difference in your day and affect the lives of others. Pray that you see Him moving in you, touching you and healing you from the depths of your heart today. Jesus wants to gently and quietly love on you. God does not need you to play Christianity. God wants you to know Christ.

My Journey 8/10/2010

2010-08-10T06:25:00.001-07:00

God's insight to me:

This is an excellent devotional. As I read it the main point that God brought out to me were these words by Mrs. Charles Cowman, "It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power." What ever you are going through or have already gone through, God has permitted that to happen. To answer why is in my last sentence and also this that was in the devotional, "He will give you a lesson that you will never forget", and also this, "You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has". Also in this devotional is a great poem.

As I read The next devotional by A. B. Simpson it compliments the one by Mrs. Charles Cowman. It speaks about the Holy Spirit that indwells in us once we accept Christ into our hearts. The Holy Spirit the third part of the Trinity and as it is written in this devotional is, the Executor of God's will, His Divine Messenger, who is jealously concerned in fulfilling in us all the Master's will. Praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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8/10

Making Straight the Crooked
from Streams in the Desert
Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional

"Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked" (Eccles. 7:13).

Often God seems to place His children in positions of profound difficulty, leading them into a wedge from which there is no escape; contriving a situation which no human judgment would have permitted, had it been previously consulted. The very cloud conducts them thither. You may be thus involved at this very hour.

It does seem perplexing and very serious to the last degree, but it is perfectly right. The issue will more than justify Him who has brought you hither. It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power.

He will not only deliver you; but in doing so, He will give you a lesson that you will never forget, and to which, in many a psalm and song, in after days, you will revert. You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has. --Selected

"We may wait till He explains,
Because we know that Jesus reigns."

It puzzles me; but, Lord, Thou understandest,
And wilt one day explain this crooked thing.
Meanwhile, I know that it has worked out Thy best--
Its very crookedness taught me to cling.

Thou hast fenced up my ways, made my paths crooked,
To keep my wand'ring eyes fixed on Thee;
To make me what I was not, humble, patient;
To draw my heart from earthly love to Thee.

So I will thank and praise Thee for this puzzle,
And trust where I cannot understand.
Rejoicing Thou dost hold me worth such testing,
I cling the closer to Thy guiding hand.
--F.E.M.I.
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8/10

From Days in Heaven Upon Earth
A. B. Simpson devotional

"There is no spot in thee" (Song of Solomon iv. 7).

The blessed Holy Spirit who possesses the consecrated heart is intensely concerned for our highest life, and watches us with a sensitive, and even a jealous love. Very beautiful is the true translation of that ordinary passage in the Epistle of James, "The Spirit that dwelleth in us loveth us to jealousy."

The heart of the Holy Ghost is intensely concerned in preserving us from every stain and blemish, and bringing us into the very highest possibilities of the will of God.

The Heavenly Bridegroom would have His Church not only free from every spot, but also from "every wrinkle, or any such thing." The spot is the mark of sin, but the wrinkle is the sign of weakness, age, and decay, and He wants no such defacing touch upon the holy features of His Beloved; and so the Holy Ghost, who is the Executor of His will, and the Divine Messenger whom He sends to call, separate, and bring home His Bride, is jealously concerned in fulfilling in us all the Master's will.

Lord, take from me every blemish and mark of weakness and decay, and make me Thy spotless Bride.

My Journey 8/7 - 8/9/2010

2010-08-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was reading devotionals I found these three by Max Lucado that brought back some memories of an older poem and also prompted a new one for today. His first devotional speaks of the Coming of Jesus. I like how he mentioned the whole realm of people from all perspectives. All, now that is the key word,all will come before the Lord. Can you just imagine every heart that ever beat will be there? Hard for the human mind to vision, but not God. How could the creator of everything not have "all" in one place. This is a poem that the Lord blessed me with earlier this year.

Are You Ready

I heard a knock on my heart,
it was Jesus calling me.
He said, “Child of Mine, are you ready to come home
or do you want Me to let you be?

Do you still want to stay
in this world filled with sin?
Are you ready to come home My child,
Heaven is ready for you to enter in!”

I said, “Lord my bags are all packed
and with You I want to be,
but there is still so much to do here,
and so many longing to be free.

I have many friends and family,
that don’t know You like I do.
I want them to be in Heaven with me,
before their life on earth is through.

So whatever time You give me,
it will always be devoted to You.
Sharing Your love with others,
so they can be in Heaven too!

E. P. Shagott
2/11/10

Max Lucado's next devotional speaks about the heart of Christianity. Faith. 2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight; Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this sycamine tree, Be rooted up and be planted in the sea! And it would obey you. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. All of these are great scriptures to be embedded in your heart. Though your eyes do not see a way out of your problems, have faith for God does. So you think your problem is too big? Have faith, the size of a mustard seed, that faith is bigger than your problem. Each one of us has faith, the same measure was dealt to us, use it. Praise God for it.

Now this last devotional by Max Lucado prompted this poem. All this month the God's Love Outreach Ministry is presenting Seeds of Grace from the Seeds for Christ series. One of the songs that is presented is "Sinner Saved By Grace". Once Jesus becomes your Lord and Savior we are no longer sinners but saints. We are forever cleansed of our sins. We are joint heirs in Christ. Praise God!

When You Look At Me

When you look at my face,
what do you see?
Because I love Jesus,
it is Him really not me.

When I reach out to touch someone,
it is His hands that does.
They are reaching out to His lost
to be claimed for the Father above.

When my feet are carrying me,
to places to give Him praise,
these are really the feet of Christ,
that carried me all my days.

When my mouth opens with song,
praising His Holy Name,
it is His Holy Spirit flowing from me,
touching lives that will never be the same.

So when you look at me,
take a good look at what you see,
my old being is gone,
it’s now Jesus, not me!

8/9/2010
E. P. Shagott

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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8/7

Jesus is Coming
By Max Lucado

“Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see him.” Revelation 1:7

Every person who has ever lived will be present at the final gathering. Every heart that has ever beat. Every mouth that has ever spoken. On that day you will be surrounded by sea of people. Rich, poor. Famous, unknown. Kings, bums. Brilliant, demented. All will be present. And all will be looking in one direction. All will be looking at Him—the Son of Man. Wrapped in splendor. Shot through with radiance.
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8/8

Through Faith
By Max Lucado

“A person is made right with God through faith.” Romans 3:28

Dare you stand before God and ask him to save you because of your suffering or your sacrifice or your tears or your study? . . .

Nor did Paul. It took him decades to discover what he wrote in only one sentence.

“A person is made right with God through faith.” Not through good works, suffering, or study. All those may be the result of salvation but they are not the cause of it.

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8/9

Washed Away
By Max Lucado

“The blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin.” I John 1:7

The cleansing is not a promise for the future but a reality in the present. Let a speck of dust fall on the soul of a saint, and it is washed away. Let a spot of filth land on the heart of God’s child, and it is wiped away . . .

Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, “I can clean that if you want.”

My Journey 8/6/2010

2010-08-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Now here is a good evangelistic devotional. So many good sentences that touched my heart. This devotional speaks volumes of those that truly love the Lord. I believe many people go through life thinking of themselves as "inconspicuous", but not in God's eyes. I can not understand how if someone is doing the Lord's work that they can think of their lives as "mediocrity and insipidity". Now here is the icing on the cake as they say, "We are doing more good than we know, sowing seeds, starting streamlets, giving men true thoughts of Christ, to which they will refer one day as the first things that started them thinking of Him". As I go into nursing homes and senior residences I understand what I do is plant a seed. A sower for Christ. See I understand before you can have fruit, you must plant a seed. Before someone would want to come to Christ, they would want to see and hear from someone that has. This last sentence by George Matheson is what my life is about now, "He was a good man; he wrought no miracles, but he spake words about Christ, which led me to know Him for myself."

In the Shadows of Life

I stood in the shadows of life,
unnoticed to those passing by.
Just a plain, quiet person,
content to live and not question “why”?

I did what people asked me to,
never thinking of fortune or fame.
Content being in the shadows
is what my life became.

Then one day I heard of Christ,
from a person just like me,
they were always quiet too,
but Jesus just wouldn’t let them be.

See, once you learn of Jesus,
and accept Him into your heart,
He brings you out from the shadows,
into His light, where you’ll never to be apart!

E. P. Shagott
8/6/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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8/6

Hidden Workers
from Streams in the Desert devotional

"John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true" (John 10:41).

You may be very discontented with yourself. You are no genius, have no brilliant gifts, and are inconspicuous for any special faculty. Mediocrity is the law of your existence. Your days are remarkable for nothing but sameness and insipidity. Yet you may live a great life.

John did no miracle, but Jesus said that among those born of women there had not appeared a greater than he.

John's main business was to bear witness to the Light, and this may be yours and mine. John was content to be only a voice, if men would think of Christ.

Be willing to be only a voice, heard but not seen; a mirror whose surface is lost to view, because it reflects the dazzling glory of the sun; a breeze that springs up just before daylight, and says, "The dawn! the dawn!" and then dies away.

Do the commonest and smallest things as beneath His eye. If you must live with uncongenial people, set to their conquest by love. If you have made a great mistake in your life, do not let it becloud all of it; but, locking the secret in your breast, compel it to yield strength and sweetness.

We are doing more good than we know, sowing seeds, starting streamlets, giving men true thoughts of Christ, to which they will refer one day as the first things that started them thinking of Him; and, of my part, I shall be satisfied if no great mausoleum is raised over my grave, but that simple souls shall gather there when I am gone, and say,

"He was a good man; he wrought no miracles, but he spake words about Christ, which led me to know Him for myself." --George Matheson

My Journey 8/4 - 8/5/2010

2010-08-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

This devotional from Daily Disciples I thought describes it well how many feel about religion. Many people I have spoken to over the years have told me they don't believe in it. Why? I think because of the laws that come with it. The do's and don'ts in a world of, "Go ahead, do it, why not!" But if you can just understand and believe in the relationship with Jesus Christ then you have religion. Another important point I thought the author of this devotional pointed out was the word, "choice"! I believe to have any relationship it starts with that. From the smallest decision you make, like, "what shall I eat today?", to the most important one, "If I die today where is my soul going?", it is a choice you make. A lot of people have told me that they believe in God, well, so does the devil. I also believe that many, many people think of God as an end of life thought. Well, to me He is a every moment thought. My prayer for each set of eyes that read this insight is that as Max Lucado's next devotional states, "Don't Miss the Point!" Jesus loves you, He wants to be your life. He is mine!

In John 3:36 it is written, "He that believeth on the Son (Jesus) hath everlasting life" And in Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved..."

Here is a prayer you can pray if you make the choice to believe and want a relationship with Jesus;

"Dear Lord Jesus, please have mercy on me, and forgive my sins. I repent. I trust in You Lord Jesus to cleanse me from all of my sins by your blood. Please give me the free gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your promise to take me to Heaven when I die and for saving me, Amen."

Here is a song by Karen Wheaton I found on YouTube titled, "Just Be There". It was written for her daughters; click here to view it.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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8/4

Relationship Over Religion
from Daily Disciples Devotionals

Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19

Religion says that we must follow rules and laws. Relationship says that we just be, not do. Jesus just wants us to be with Him. You ask, "How can I be with someone I cannot see or touch?" Have you ever talked with someone over the phone and felt as though you were right there with them? And even with emails or letters, we can express and share love and support without touching or seeing the person on the other side. Why? Because we have a relationship with that person. We know them. We love them. We know they love us. Whatever the case may be, we have a personal connection. Do you know someone that you like to just be with? A true friendship does not require rules and guidelines. A true friendship requires time, attention, forgiveness, communication, openness, honesty, unselfishness---and most of all, love. Jesus wants more than just a relationship with us; He wants our friendship. Why is this relationship so important?

When Adam and Eve sinned, all of mankind was doomed to death. One sin brought down every human being who would ever be born. From that moment on, we would all be born of sin, and death would be our destination. One sin is all it took to separate us from God. When Jesus died for us, His one act of sacrifice on the cross was all it took to restore us back to God. Through one man death entered; through one Man life was restored. We had no choice in being born. We had no choice in the condemnation of sin that is within each one of us. But we have a merciful God who by His grace has given us a choice today. We have a choice to believe in His Son. We have a choice to accept His free gift of eternal life. We have choice for total and complete restoration back to our heavenly Father. We cannot change what happened through Adam, but Jesus changed the outcome that awaits each of us. And not only has Jesus given us life eternal, but He has given us His peace. There is no need to work or to try to earn His favor. His grace promises us unmerited favor and mercies that are new each morning, not through religion but through a relationship with Him.

Spend some time today just being with Jesus. Talk to Him. Walk with Him. Sit at His feet. He will meet you no matter where you are. Stop working, stressing, trying, striving---just rest. Turn off the noise and listen. Think of Jesus as you would your best friend. He will help you get to know Him better. Pray to have the relationship with Jesus that He wants to have with you.

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8/5

Don’t Miss the Point
By Max Lucado

“Lord, you bless those who do what is right.” Psalm 5:12

The trip from Egypt to the promised land can be made in nine days (Deuteronomy 1:2). It took the Israelites thirty-eight years.

What they should have done, they didn’t . . . So God decided they needed some time to rethink a few things.

Maybe God is wanting to teach you a few things. Pay attention. You don’t want to spend thirty-eight years missing the point.

My Journey 8/1 - 8/3/2010

2010-08-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

I love this devotional about being pruned. I will be the first to admit, "it hurts sometimes", but it is for our own good. I know if I look at my own yard I have some bushes that because of my lack of pruning, either because of time consuming or knowledge of doing it, the bush produces less and less flowers and grows aimlessly. Well praise God that He is the Master pruner in my life and all others who will let Him. Annie Johnson Flint wrote a good poem about this.

A. B. Simpson's devotional I titled "Some Day". For one day my friends, we do not know when, but Christ is coming back. The Gaither's had a song called "The King Is Coming" that I have performed during some of the God's Love Outreach Ministry. I mainly present it in the Seeds of Salvation program at Easter time. Every time I do I think of a friend of mine who said to me, "they just don't preach that enough from the pulpit". To listen to this song on YouTube click here. Here is a poem the Lord blessed me with over a year ago;

It’s Jesus!

It was just another day,
my thoughts were of family and friends.
I was thinking of what I was going to do,
not thinking today this life on earth would truly end

It was like so many other days
the sunshine filled the sky.
But all of sudden it was the brightest day ever,
I looked up and said, it’s Jesus, He said, “Yes, it is I!”

As I looked around I saw neighbors,
family, friends and even some people I did not know.
Jesus looked at each one
but to certain ones He said, “come its time to go home.”

I just stood there crying
then Jesus came to me.
He said, “as a young boy you asked Me into your heart,
what are you crying about, what can it be?”

I said my Lord, the tears are not for me
but for so many that would not let go.
Theirs lives were consumed by the many worldly lies,
even though you loved them so.

Jesus smiled and wiped my tears
and said, “come, life now truly begins!”
As it was written in My Word,
blessed are the believers, for they are the ones that win!

E. P. Shagott
6/5/09

The second devotional by A. B. Simpson speaks about the Holy Spirit. Mr. Simpson describes Him with these characteristics, gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness, and forbearance. As I was reading this devotional I saw most if not all these in myself. The more my walk with Christ strengthens is more of them. It is because I want to be "Christ-like!" How awesome it was as I was reading my devotionals the other devotional on the 8/2 by Mrs. Charles Cowman, "Victorious Living is Possible", I thought goes along perfectly with Mr. Simpson's. See, without the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life you will be fighting a losing battle!

In this last devotional it also goes along with the others. I have found in my own life to have a victorious life, it comes with patience. Where does that patience come from? It is one of the gifts of the Spirit. Mrs. Charles Cowman's devotional explains it very well, "He knows your need better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to bring more glory out of it all. Patience takes away self-works." The glory goes to God, always!

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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8/1

A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman

Pruned to Yield Fruit

"And every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (John 15:2).

A child of God was dazed by the variety of afflictions which seemed to make her their target. Walking past a vineyard in the rich autumnal glow she noticed the untrimmed appearance and the luxuriant wealth of leaves on the vines, that the ground was given over to a tangle of weeds and grass, and that the whole place looked utterly uncared for; and as she pondered, the Heavenly Gardener whispered so precious a message that she would fain pass it on:

"My dear child, are you wondering at the sequence of trials in your life? Behold that vineyard and learn of it. The gardener ceases to prune, to trim, to harrow, or to pluck the ripe fruit only when he expects nothing more from the vine during that season. It is left to itself, because the season of fruit is past and further effort for the present would yield no profit. Comparative uselessness is the condition of freedom from suffering. Do you then wish me to cease pruning your life? Shall I leave you alone?" And the comforted heart cried, "No!"
--Homera Homer-Dixon

It is the branch that bears the fruit,
That feels the knife,
To prune it for a larger growth,
A fuller life.

Though every budding twig be lopped,
And every grace
Of swaying tendril, springing leaf,
Be lost a space.

O thou whose life of joy seems reft,
Of beauty shorn;
Whose aspirations lie in dust,
All bruised and torn,

Rejoice, tho' each desire, each dream,
Each hope of thine
Shall fall and fade; it is the hand
Of Love Divine

That holds the knife, that cuts and breaks
With tenderest touch,
That thou, whose life has borne some fruit
May'st now bear much.
--Annie Johnson Flint
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8/1

A devotional from Days of Heaven Upon Earth
by A. B. Simpson

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done" (II Cor. v. 10).

It will not always be the day of toil and trial. Some day, we shall hear our names announced before the universe, and the record read of things that we had long forgotten.

How our hearts will thrill, and our heads will bow, as we shall hear our own names called, and then the Master shall recount the triumph and the services which we had ourselves forgotten! And, perhaps, from the ranks of the saved He shall call forward the souls that we have won for Christ and the souls that they in turn had won, and as we see the issue of things that have, perhaps, seemed but trifling at the time, we shall fall before the throne, and say, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory!"

Beloved, the pages are going up every day, for the record of our life. We are setting the type ourselves, by every moment's action. Hands unseen are stereotyping the plates, and soon the record will be registered, and read before the audience of the universe. and amid the issues of eternity.

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8/2

A devotional from Days of Heaven Upon Earth
by A. B. Simpson

"Thy gentleness hath made me great" (Ps. xviii. 35).

The blessed Comforter is gentle, tender, and full of patience and love. How gentle are God's dealings even with sinners! How patient His forbearance! How tender His discipline, with His own erring children! How He led Jacob, Joseph, Israel, David, Elijah, and all His ancient servants, until they could truly say, "Thy gentleness hath made me great."

The heart in which the Holy Spirit dwells will always be characterized by gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness, and forbearance. The rude, sarcastic spirit, the brusque manner, the sharp retort, the unkind cut--all these belong to the flesh, but they have nothing in common with the gentle teaching of the Comforter.

The Holy Dove shrinks from the noisy, tumultuous, excited, and vindictive spirit, and finds His home in the lowly breast of the peaceful soul. "The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness, meekness."

Lord, make me gentle. Hush my spirit. Refine my manner. Let me have Christ in my bearing and my very tones as well as in my heart.
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8/2

A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman

Victorious Living is Possible

"Nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20).

It is possible, for those who really are willing to reckon on the power of the Lord for keeping and victory, to lead a life in which His promises are taken as they stand and are found to be true.

It is possible to cast all our care upon Him daily and to enjoy deep peace in doing it.

It is possible to have the thoughts and imaginations of our hearts purified, in the deepest meaning of the word.

It is possible to see the will of God in everything, and to receive it, not with sighing, but with singing.

It is possible by taking complete refuge in Divine power to become strong through and through; and, where previously our greatest weakness lay, to find that things which formerly upset all our resolves to be patient, or pure, or humble, furnish today an opportunity--through Him who loved us, and works in us an agreement with His will and a blessed sense of His presence and His power--to make sin powerless over us.

These things are DIVINE POSSIBILITIES, and because they are His work, the true experience of them will always cause us to bow lower at His feet and to learn to thirst and long for more.

We cannot possibly be satisfied with anything less--each day, each hour, each moment, in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit--than to WALK WITH GOD. --H. C. G. Moule

We may have as much of God as we will. Christ puts the key of the treasure-chamber into our hand, and bids us take all that we want. If a man is admitted into the bullion vault of a bank, and told to help himself, and comes out with one cent, whose fault is it that he is poor? Whose fault is it that Christian people generally have such scanty portions of the free riches of God? --McLaren.
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8/3

A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman

Wait With Patience

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him" (Ps. 37:7).

Have you prayed and prayed and waited and waited, and still there is no manifestation?

Are you tired of seeing nothing move? Are you just at the point of giving it all up? Perhaps you have not waited in the right way? This would take you out of the right place the place where He can meet you.

"With patience wait" (Rom. 8:25). Patience takes away worry. He said He would come, and His promise is equal to His presence. Patience takes away your weeping. Why feel sad and despondent? He knows your need better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to bring more glory out of it all. Patience takes away self-works. The work He desires is that you "believe" (John 6:29), and when you believe, you may then know that all is well. Patience takes away all want. Your desire for the thing you wish is perhaps stronger than your desire for the will of God to be fulfilled in its arrival.

Patience takes away all weakening. Instead of having the delaying time, a time of letting go, know that God is getting a larger supply ready and must get you ready too. Patience takes away all wobbling. "Make me stand upon my standing" (Daniel 8:18, margin). God's foundations are steady; and when His patience is within, we are steady while we wait. Patience gives worship. A praiseful patience sometimes "long-suffering with joyfulness" (Col. 1:11) is the best part of it all. "Let (all these phases of) patience have her perfect work" (James 1:4), while you wait, and you will find great enrichment. --C. H. P.

Hold steady when the fires burn,
When inner lessons come to learn,
And from this path there seems no turn
"Let patience have her perfect work."
--L.S.P.

My Journey 7/30 -7/31/2010

2010-07-31T06:09:00.001-07:00

God's insight to me:

I like this devotional by Charles Swindoll for it made me think of the opening line that I use for my blogs, "God's insight to me." I love his statement that "insight makes the simple profound and the difficult understandable!" I will whole hardily agree with the simple being profound for I have many times said, "Wow" after God making something open to my mind and heart. As I was reading about touch I thought of the Holy Spirit. When He is present in you this line from Charles Swindoll is so true,you experience Him, feel Him, are moved by Him, understands, is lost in Him! How true when stated we didn't "earn it or learn it or deserve it," nope it is a gift from God as Mr. Swindoll writes, "It pleased Him to make you like you are for His glory." Gifts from God. Thank You Jesus!

Gifts

Each breath I take
Each sunrise I see
Each sound I hear
Are gifts from Thee.

Everything I touch
Every step I take
More gifts for me
That my Lord did make.

A forgiving heart
A caring way
A truthful nature
Yes, more gifts each day.

Every smile I make
Every laugh in fun
Every hand I’d shake
Every friend I’ve won.

Food to eat
And water to drink
All gifts from You, Lord
Which makes me think.

The reason for all these gifts
Is now so plain to see
Because the greatest gift of all
Is just Your love for me…

E. P. Shagott

Max Lucado's devotional makes me think of a phrase I have said many times when sharing God's love or my personal testimony, "My bags are packed!" For once truthfully believe that this earthly place is not our home we then pursue in earnest what is waiting for us. If you believe in the Bible, which I do, then in the last chapter, the book of Revelation, chapter 21, verse 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer is. My friends, I am ready when He is!

This last devotional made me think about the God's Love Outreach Ministry that will be starting up on August 2nd. I believe it is truly "God's Loving Outreach" that I am blessed to be chosen to be a part of. I have found this song on YouTube which is one of my favorites. It is called "There is a River" and had the privilege to sing it a couple times at City Mission with some other gentlemen. As Charles Stanley wrote. "When your soul is empty and the well runs dry, look for Jesus!" How true. Click here to listen to this song by the Gaither's.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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July 30

Caught, Not Taught
by Charles R. Swindoll

1 Corinthians 4

"Some things are better felt than telt," say our Scottish friends. And that is so true. Take insight, for example—that elusive weave of intuition, perception, alertness, and sensitivity. You just can't teach it. You can, however, nurture it. You can even expand it. But there's no one-two-three process that suddenly makes one insightful. Yet insight is essential in things like teaching or counseling or writing. When insight is present, those skills literally come alive. Insight makes the simple profound and the difficult understandable. Those who have it were not taught it; they caught it. From God.

Another example? Touch. We refer to a gifted musician as having the right "touch"—that sixth sense that lifts sterile black notes off white pages and transforms them into the colorful and moving strains of a masterpiece. Give some pianists the score and you get harmony and rhythm played with proper timing. Place the same piece before one with touch—and there is no comparison. One plays music. The other experiences it, feels it, is moved by it, understands, is lost in it . . . and helps us do the same.

Touch is somehow caught from God, not taught by man. Either you got it or you ain't!

These two extremes pose a practical problem, however: Either we feel deprived . . . or we get stuffy because we got it and they ain't.

Hey, let's once and for all put this frustration to bed. If you've "got it," you caught it. You didn't earn it or learn it or deserve it, nor can you preserve it. God sovereignly marked you out and equipped you with that unique ingredient to reflect His glory. That's the reason. "What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?"
(1 Cor. 4:7).

And what if you're among the so-called have-nots? You're gifted, but it's not one of those abilities that seem so enviable. Your particular gift or ability or capability is just as significant, just as deliberately planned by God, as any other. It pleased Him to make you like you are for His glory.

And on top of the responsibility that's yours to contribute your part, you have the added joy of receiving the benefits from those individuals uniquely gifted with things like insight and touch. Those moments come to us on rare occasions in life, not to frustrate us but to refresh us . . . like the soft rush of wind from the flapping of angels' wings.

I don't know how else to describe it. Some things are better felt than telt.

Have you been envious or jealous of another's gift? Just stop and think of what the world would have missed had you not been in it.

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July 31

In Transit
By Max Lucado

“Our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven.” Philippians 3:20

You’ve seen people treat this world like it was a permanent home. It’s not. You seen people pour time and energy into life like it will last forever. It won’t. You’ve seen people so proud of what they have done, that they hope they will never have to leave—they will.

We all will. We are in transit.

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July 31

God's Loving Outreach
by Charles Stanley

John 4:1-42

This story of the Lord's encounter with a Samaritan woman is a wonderful example of His loving response to hurting individuals. Jesus is always reaching out in love, even when we do not recognize His extended hand.

Although this meeting may have appeared accidental, it was really a providential appointment with the Messiah. As the woman reached the well, Jesus initiated conversation by asking for a drink of water. His direct approach surprised her and opened the door for a dialogue that would change her life forever.

Throughout the exchange, Jesus' goal was to help the woman recognize her greatest need so He could supply her with the only gift that would meet that need: salvation and the forgiveness of her sins. She had spent her life trying to find love and acceptance in all the wrong places. Christ offered her the living water of the Holy Spirit—the only thing that would quench her spiritual and emotional thirst.

Like the Samaritan woman, we can at times be so intent on getting our immediate needs met that we fail to see God's hand reaching out to us in love, offering what will truly satisfy. Only Christ can fill our empty souls for eternity and provide for our essential emotional needs now.

This world is filled with wells that promise to provide love, acceptance, and self-worth but never fully satisfy. When your soul is empty and the well runs dry, look for Jesus. He has a divine appointment scheduled with you, and He will quench your thirst with His Spirit—if you let Him.

My Journey 7/28 -7/29/2010

2010-07-29T05:27:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Both of these devotionals deal with prayer. The first is about persistence. Keep on, keep on, as they say. Mine and your prayers will be answered. I like what Jake Kampe writes, "We don’t always completely understand God, and most likely never will." I remember one time in my life I prayed for "ten years" before my prayer was answered. It is in God's timing not mine. But my prayer was answered and I thank Him for all the one's He has answered and those He is still answering.

As I read Jake Kampe's second devotional I felt a sadness in my heart for many, many times I am asking for myself and not thinking of others. I love this statement "focuses on something greater than ourselves". That my friends is what I think Christianity is in a nutshell. Jesus many times said, "Father not My will but Thy will be done".

Here I Am Again Lord

Here I am again Lord,
praying on bended knee.
So many issues in my life
that are really bothering me.

I want to be healthier,
though I don’t eat like I should.
I want to have more money,
but wouldn’t work for it if I could.

I want to have more friends,
though I don’t talk to the ones I have.
I want my family to love me more,
but when I’m with them they make me mad.

So God I am still waiting,
for You to answer my prayer,
and if You decide not too,
well, I think it’s not very fair.

Now the moral of this poem is
unanswered prayer we’re always asking why?
See, God is waiting to bless us,
once the focus is off the “I”!

E. P. Shagott
7/29/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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7/28

From a devotional 365.org
by Jake Kampe

"And he said to them, 'Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him." And he answers from within, "Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything." I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.'"

Luke 11: 5-8

Have you prayed for something very specific, waited for God to come through, but heard only silence? You continued to pray over and over, and it seemed as if your prayers were disappearing into space with no sense that you have been answered? But you continued to pray. Each day you fell to your knees in desperation, begging God to reveal something that will let you know God was there. “Have I done something wrong?” you ask yourself. “Is it because of some sin in my life?” “Are you really there, God?”

Let’s face it, we don’t always completely understand God, and most likely never will. God's answers to prayers are usually not what we think they will be, and many times God doesn’t respond with a simple “yes” or “no.” Sometimes God’s answer is a frustrating, “Not yet.” And that is usually the last thing we want to hear, right? Waiting on God is not something that comes easy for most of us. But one thing is for sure, God never ignores our prayers. Be patient. Be persistent. Continue to pray and in the stillness of the moment, hear God whispering, “Not yet; but keep asking.”

God, I know that your answers to prayers are not always what I might expect. But I know that you hear them and answer them according to what is best for my life. Give me the strength to keep praying and the patience to wait for you to answer. Amen.

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7/29

From a devotional 365.org
by Jake Kampe

"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Luke 11:9-10

What motivates your prayers? Is it about what you can get, or what you can give? Is it for something temporary, or for something greater? Is it motivated by what will bless you, or what can be a blessing to others? Do you limit your prayers because your focus is on your world, rather than the world beyond you? Let’s say you had one wish and could ask for anything you could imagine. What would you ask for: an endless supply of your favorite drink from Starbucks, or clean water for every living person? Peace in your family, or a solution to the conflicts in the Middle East? That new job, or a cure for cancer?

Now, I’m not suggesting that God doesn’t care about our deep personal needs. God does care! But is it possible that prayer is so much more than just getting what we want? Prayer involves motivation that focuses on something greater than ourselves. It involves looking at the big picture and seeking the impossible. Think about what we have at our disposal. The God of the universe wants to give us what we ask. What might we ask for?

My Journey 7/26 - 7/27/2010

2010-07-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I read the devotional Alive In Christ, I thought of what our Pastor said Sunday during our prayer time. He spoke asking for blessings for the person on the either side of us and those sitting in front and back of us in the pews. For each one has needs to be brought before God. Then our Pastor prayed for ourselves. Just as Gail Rogers wrote we rarely think of ourselves in need but we all do. She called these "ashes in our lives". These ashes she wrote were from "burned up hope", in our lives. Yes, I can relate to that, as most can. But what I can relate to now is what is written in God's Word. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV) 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. I now realize the truth in His Word where it is written in Psalms 55:22 (NIV) 22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Shortly after reading Gail Rogers devotional the Lord blessed me with this poem;

The Ashes of Life

God reached into my ashes,
and grabbed onto what was there.
It contained many of my hopes and dreams,
the remains from my anger and despair.

He held them gently in His hands
and caressed them with His tears.
He said in a loving, tender voice,
“these ashes are Mine, along with all your fears.”

Then God whispered to my heart,
listen to my Spirit and from My Word take heed.
I have everything you will ever want,
I am all you will ever need!

I lifted my eyes to Heaven,
and thanked the Father above,
for through the ashes of my life,
He created beauty all because of His love.

E. P. Shagott
7/27/10

In the devotional by Marilyn Ehle several words jumped from the page as I read. These words describe this worldly life since the fall of man; poverty, weeping, unnoticed, starving, mocked, shameful, war makers, bound, tortured! But then my eyes found this sentence, “Fix our eyes on Jesus” in the midst of stresses of daily life. What seems like upside down living results in right side up joy." Amen to that.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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July 26

Alive In Christ
by Gail Rodgers

Shelly loved to reach out to others. She had a heart of compassion for those in need. She rarely thought of herself as needy.

No one likes to think of herself as needy. We prefer other adjectives for ourselves, words that reflect strength or wisdom. As mentors we stand ready to help and to share from our strength and wisdom. We often see those who come to us as the needy ones. We don’t care to have “needy” beside our own name, yet we all wear that tag.

Just for a moment think about your own needs. It’s easier to think of someone else and how you can help them. But can you identify where you are needy? We can see the needs of others clearly, but can be blind to our own.

There is a tool we can use to help us see our own need. Once you have the tool in your hand you will actually be surprised that it works so well. The tool is paying attention to any conflict in your life. Conflict often reflects our unmet needs.

Think about it for a moment. Recall the last encounter you had with conflict. Most of us don’t have to dig very far into our memories. Sometimes the unmet need is basic and easy to remedy such as the need for sleep.

But often it is much deeper. The need to feel valued and heard or the need to be accepted or respected can cause conflict from a wounded heart. Control and manipulation can stem from an angry heart, rooted in a need to forgive others or oneself.

We all have ashes in our lives. A wise friend of mine has said, “Listen for the ashes in peoples lives and then pray into them.” Ashes exist where hope has burned up and need remains. Think about where conflict exists in your life and ask God to help you identify any unmet need, whether yours or someone else’s, that may exist at the root of it. Begin to pray into those needs.

The deep needs of our heart can only be adequately met by God. He is the one who promised to bring “beauty out of ashes” (Isaiah 61:3).

When you see potential conflict lurking on your horizon… stop… and use the opportunity as a tool to build into your own life or to pray into another’s. Look honestly at yourself. Grow from it in these four ways:

• Give God the opportunity to reveal to your heart any unmet need that may be at the root of this conflict. Be open to seeing your own need and be open to praying into the needs of another. It will help dissolve hostility too.

• Recognize that God is the only One who can meet all of your needs.

• Open your heart to God’s help, asking Him to be the Source you need for that unmet need in your life. Bring another Christian alongside who can pray for you in this as you move toward God’s healing and finding “beauty from ashes.”

• Walk beside another in prayer as you pray for their unmet needs. They may not be open to you but you can pray into their life, asking God to be their Source in meeting the needs of their soul.

God invites us to ask for His help in our needs.

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

God promises to be the Source for all of our unmet needs.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

As we seek God in our conflicts and allow Him to reveal where we are needy, He will supply what we need and we will be equipped, in greater ways, to extend our hands to the needy in our pathway.

Allow Him to GROW you in and through the deep needs of your heart.

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July 27

The Upside Down Life
by Marilyn Ehle

“Blessed are..” (the unlikely ones) Read: Matthew 6

Fighting an uphill battle. Going against the grain. His days are numbered.
Such phrases are usually uttered with stooped shoulders, deflated sighs and faces of resignation and yet “for the Christ follower” they can be shouts of triumph. Jesus’ own words the “blessed ones” of Matthew 6 speak of the incongruity of the Christian life:

The poverty stricken will live like kings
Weepers will know the comfort of deity
The unnoticed faithful will bask in riches
Starving souls will dine with royalty
Mocked mercy-givers will be applauded by God
The shameful majority seem to win, but the pure will gaze on holiness
War makers are rewarded now, but peacemakers will dance innocently with joy
Bound, tortured, shamed, limping unknown Christians will reign freely forever

We read that “Because (Jesus) never lost sight of where He was headed” that exhilarating finish in and with God. “He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever”. Hebrews 12:2, (the Message). That same hope is available to us as we “fix our eyes on Jesus” in the midst of stresses of daily life. What seems like upside down living results in right side up joy.

My Journey - 7/25/2010

2010-07-25T03:42:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Joseph Charles Philpot (1802 – 1869) "My desire is to exalt the grace of God; to proclaim salvation alone through Jesus Christ; to declare the sinfulness, helplessness and hopelessness of man in a state of nature; to describe the living experience of the children of God in their trials, temptations, sorrows, consolations and blessings." - Joseph Charles Philpot

I came across this devotional by Joseph Charles Philpot. As I read this devotional I thought of the importance of spreading the gospel so that each one of us can feel and believe that God is real. Even though this devotional was written in the 1800's Mr. Philpot understood the importance of receiving Christ's testimony and telling others so that they have the opportunity to accept it also. After being blessed by this testimony the Lord inspired me with this poem.

I Can’t Do It For You

To all my friends and family
and those through my life I will meet.
I can’t do it for you,
all I can do is show you what Christ did for me

I can’t ask Jesus to love you,
for I know He already does.
I can’t guarantee that you’ll be in Heaven,
giving praise with me, to our Father God above.

Each one of us must make that decision,
if you haven’t already, I pray you do someday.
For even as Jesus disciple Thomas asked Him,
“Lord, how can we know the way? "

Jesus gave Thomas and us the answer,
and in the book of John, Chapter 14 verse 6 you will see,
Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life;
no one comes to the Father but by Me.

7/24/2010
E. P. Shagott

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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July 25

"He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true." John 3:33

We can only set to our seal that God is true in any one point of doctrine, experience, or precept when we feel an inward witness that God indeed has declared it. Thus, upon every manifestation of God's goodness to the soul, every application of Christ's blood to the conscience, and every revelation of God's distinguishing grace, it is only as we receive Christ's testimony, experience the inward approbation of it, and feel its sweetness and blessedness that we can set to our seal that God is true. This, we may be well assured, is the only way to know the power and reality of true religion, to understand the Scriptures, and enjoy a convincing testimony that God is our God, Christ our Saviour, the Holy Ghost our Teacher, heaven our eternal home, and that our soul is saved in the Lord Jesus Christ with an everlasting salvation.

And with what divine certainty can such a soul sometimes speak. Sometimes, indeed, we cannot believe anything; it seems as if there were nothing in God's word that we could set our seal to. All seems a mass of confusion, and our ignorance appears so great that we cannot set our seal to any vital truth. But when the blessed Spirit is pleased to testify of the things of God, and we, receiving the testimony of Jesus Christ, walk in the light of that testimony, then there is a holy certainty of and heavenly acquiescence with God's truth. This divine faith will bring us through all our trials and sorrows, and though we may be dragged through a very hell of temptation, yet shall we know God is true. Here, then, is the grand trial of faith; first to receive Christ's testimony, and then to hang upon that testimony, in spite of all opposition from within and without, from feeling its weight, power, and sweetness.

My Journey 7/21 - 7/24/2010

2010-07-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

God's insight for me:

As I was reading various devotionals for my journey on these days, though they were good, I found God silent. He wasn't speaking to me or giving me His inspired poems. Today I came to this devotional by Katherine J Kehler. As she wrote about things changing all around us I thought how true. Then as I read on, God's message to me hit home. "Tell them about me!" As I go through my daily journey, though those around me can see a change from the old me, I must be more vocal for Christ! For all eyes that will read this blog please stop and ask yourself, "Is Jesus my friend?" All I can do is tell you how He changed my life. Tomorrow is Sunday. I am not sure what hymns or praise songs they will be singing but "What a friend we have in Jesus" I will be singing in my heart. Praise God!

My Eyes Gazed At The Cross

As I walked into church
and sat in my favorite pew,
my eyes gazed at the cross
and I didn't know what to do.

I envisioned Jesus nailed to it
and heard Him say to me,
"I am glad you came to my house
it is important for Me, you see!

Sometimes in your busy life
you never take time to understand.
See everything you hear, taste, touch and smell
was all created for you, by these nail pierced loving hands!

Remember Sunday is My day
to come learn, sing and give Praise.
For yes, it is I, Jesus,
that is with you each and every day.

So thank you for coming to My house,
this visit is always short and sweet.
I can't wait to thank you in person,
on the day we finally meet!"

E. P. Shagott
1/1/2007

To listen to this inspired hymn on YouTube click here.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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A feature story from "Thoughts About God" website

What a Friend we have in Jesus
by Katherine J Kehler

“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith in Him” (Ephesians 3:12).

What a friend we have in Jesus! We sang that song in church yesterday. Wow, that song has meaningful words. Have you sung it recently? Just read the last two lines of the second verse:

“Can we find a friend so faithful? Who will all our sorrow bear?
Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

What an amazing friend! He is always there for us - caring, listening, loving. He never leaves us. He is always the same and He is always there. Our Stability (the Rock)!

Everyone and everything else around us changes constantly. Our bodies change. Our locations change. The seasons change. Children come and go - friends too. Parents leave. Of course, I don’t have to tell you about changes. You are well aware.

That is why, while we were singing, What a Friend we Have in Jesus yesterday, I thought of a very sad time in our lives when our five-month old grandson died suddenly from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It was the hardest time we had ever gone through. Not only were we grieving the loss of our grandson, we watched our children (which was so much worse) go through grief.

During the time I was grieving the death of Spencer, I would often wonder what could be more painful than losing our precious grandbaby? But one day the Holy Spirit told me what could be much, much worse. He reminded me that if Jesus would leave me that would be utterly horrible - total darkness. Can you imagine?

Who would I talk to hundreds of times a day if He weren’t there? Who would I send thoughts of praise to many times a day? Where would I go in times of emergency? Where would I receive Life and Light for the day?

How glad I am that He will never leave me - or you. No matter the changes that occur during our lifetime, He does not change. He does not leave us! He is our “forever friend.” What a friend we have in Jesus!

Father, thank You for living in us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Thank You that Your Word is truth - all Your promises are true. You will never leave us or forsake us. Thank You so much. Amen.

Is Jesus your friend? Would you like a personal relationship with Him?

Giving your life to Jesus is an act of faith that you can express through prayer.

Praying is simply talking to God. He knows you . What matters is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest you pray the following prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I thank you for your love and that you came into the world to die for me. I confess that I have directed my own life and that I have therefore sinned against God. I now want to put my trust in you and receive you in my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Make me the person you want me to be. I thank you that you answered my prayer and that you are now in my life. Amen."

Is it the desire of your heart to make this prayer yours?

If yes, pray now and according to his promise, Jesus Christ will come into your life.

My Journey 7/18 - 7/20/2010

2010-07-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

I like the devotional by Adrian Rogers. I could just picture in my mind the devil having a yard sale. But what I couldn't understand is why he would be selling these when he freely wants to give them to each of us. As believers it has been said many times that you can not lose your salvation but the devil wants to make you ineffective to reaching others for Christ. The tools that Adrian Rogers writes about will definitely do that. Discouragement is one that we constantly battle. So many people are living a life in a depression state of mind because of a combination of one if not all of these. Stay strong in Christ my friends and remember to tell the devil as Jesus did, "get behind me satan", and also tell him to take his tools with him!

In the devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley it gives us the answer as to how to keep the devil behind us. If the devil is handing you one of his tools don't take it but grab onto one that comes from the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Those my friends are the true tools of life.

Max Lucado's devotional is an excellent description of life. In the Message translation that he used it states that "Life is a journey". When I read that I thought about the title of my blogs that the Lord blesses me with, "My Journey". What stands out most in my life now is the two words that Max Lucado used in this devotional, "love" and "choice". My friends, I choose to love God! I choose to believe that all Scripture is inspired by God. I choose to understand that it is not about me but all about Him!

Reach Into God’s Toolbox

When life’s problems get overwhelming,
and a solution you’re looking for,
reach into God’s toolbox
to solve this problem and more.

If the devil gives you heartaches,
filled with jealously, anger and hate.
Reach into God’s toolbox,
to fix the problem before it’s too late.

Grab onto the tools from the Spirit,
love, joy, peace, and patience, just to name a few.
So whatever the devil is throwing your way,
God has the right tool waiting for you.

Remember the devil wants to keep you discouraged,
thinking each day you will always lose.
God has given us victory through His Son,
all we have to do is choose!

7/20/2010
E. P. Shagott

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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July 18

The Chief Tool of the Devil
by Adrian Rogers

"Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord…" Psalm 25:15

There's a story about the devil auctioning off his tools. He had a high price on pride, laziness, arrogance, hate, envy, and jealousy.

But there was one tool that had a sign under it that read, "Not For Sale." Someone said, "What is that tool? Why isn't it for sale?" "Well," he said, "I can't afford to get rid of that one. It's my chief tool, discouragement. With this tool, I can pry open a heart. And once I get in, I can do most anything I want."

Do you want me to tell you why you get discouraged? I'll give it to you in a nutshell - you've taken your eyes off God!

Are you discouraged? If not, praise God! Then find someone who is, so that you can give them the encouragement they need in Jesus Christ. Maybe it's your next-door neighbor. Maybe it's a co?-worker. Maybe it's your spouse.

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July 19

Can We Trust Our Conscience?
By Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Corinthians 1:12

The conscience looks at thoughts and actions to determine if they are in line with one's principles and standards. It is important to keep our internal alarm system well maintained so it will be trustworthy.

For our moral compass to sound at the right time and for the right reason, we must:

• Accept Scripture as our standard for behavior. Second Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." If we choose to adopt our culture's values, which are often at odds with the Lord's, our conscience will be unreliable. Instead, we want our radar to alert us to the possibility of going off course.

• Align our thinking with the Lord's. Romans 12:2 says to renew our minds. It is necessary and ongoing work to combat what this unbelieving world accepts as true and right. Our alarm system should help us identify ungodly ideas.

• Apply God's Word to daily living. When our habits reflect godly values, our conscience will become more sensitive to what is right and wrong.

In addition, it is essential that we rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding. Our conscience by itself is of some value, but it becomes indispensable when accompanied by the Spirit's guidance (John 16:13).

The Scriptures teach us how to live—in our thought life, conduct, and emotions (Gal. 5:16-23). As we make our standards align more closely with the Lord's, our conscience will become increasingly trustworthy because it is based on what is important to our heavenly Father.

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July 20

Dangerous Liberty
By Max Lucado

“Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.” 1 Peter 1:17, The Message

Each life is . . . a story to be written.

The Author starts each life story, but each life will write his or her own ending.

What a dangerous liberty. How much safer it would have been to finish the story for each Adam. To script every opinion. It would have been simpler. It would have been safer.

But it would not have been love.

Love is only love if chosen.

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My Journey - 7/17/2010

2010-07-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:
This devotional by George H. Morrison is lengthy but very inspiring. After reading it the Lord blessed me with this poem. May both the devotional and the poem bless the eyes of the people that read it. My prayer is that each one can understand there is more to this life than what we are able to understand. Put your life in His hands!

Behold His Hands

Behold His hands so strong and true
that guide us through our day.
Hands that lift us when we fall,
and wipe our tears away.

Behold His hands of brotherhood
that reaches out to everyone.
To seek and touch each lonely soul,
ever since their lives begun.

Behold His hands of power,
that through Him keep us strong.
And by His hands that give us strength
to keep us from all wrong.

Behold His hands of tenderness,
that soothes each breaking heart.
These are the hands of God my friends,
that have been with us from the start.

Behold His hands of suffering,
that were nailed to the tree.
These are the hands of Jesus,
The Lamb of Calvary!

Behold the hands of reassurance,
that never will let us go.
Behold the hands of the Trinity,
reaching out because They love us so!

E. P. Shagott
7/17/2010

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July 17

Hands BeautifulA George H. Morrison devotional sermon

Behold my hands--Luke 24:39

The Hand--A Symbol of the Active Life

The Bible is signally distinguished for this, that with a message from God it reaches the human heart, but not less remarkable is the attention which it directs to the human hands. In our Western speech, with its leaning toward abstraction, we speak of character and its outflow in conduct; but in the Eastern speech, which has always been pictorial, men spoke of the heart and its witness in the hands. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ....? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart." "If thy hand offend thee, cut it off." "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." And Pilate, wishing to assert his innocence in a manner which the Jews could comprehend, did not cry, "My conduct is reproachless," but in the presence of them all he washed his hands. That is the symbolism of the hand in Scripture. It is conduct incarnate, the sign of the active life. It is the organ through which is sketched, as on a screen, the thought that is singing or surging in the heart.

Behold My Hands

Now if that be true of every human hand, it will be very specially true of the hands of Christ. He is always saying to us "Behold My heart": but in the same voice He says, "Behold My hands." Could any meditation, then, be more appropriate for some quiet evening of communion on a Sabbath? Try to conceive that Christ is in your midst, that Christ on whose body and blood mystical you fed today. Try to conceive that He is standing there and saying to everyone of you, "Behold My hands." What are these hands? What do they signify? We shall run through the Gospel story that we may see.

Hands of Brotherhood

Behold His hands, then, for they are hands of brotherhood. When Jesus came into Peter's house, we read, He saw his wife's mother sick of a fever. And what did He do? He put out His hand and touched her, and she arose and ministered to them. When He was in Bethsaida they brought a blind man to Him, beseeching Him that He would heal him. And what did He do? He took the blind man by the hand, and hand in hand they left the town together. And the world will never forget that scene at Nain, when Jesus met the sad procession to the grave, and moved with compassion He put forth His hand, and touched the bier. In all these cases, and in a hundred others, what men recognized in the touch was brotherhood. Here was no cold pity, no condescension, no distance of heart from heart. Christ came alongside of suffering and sorrow, brought Himself into living and actual touch with it; and the men who were standing by, and who saw it all, said, "Behold His hands, they are the hands of brotherhood."

And always, where the Gospel is at work, it stretches out its hands in the same way. Is not this the glory of the Christian spirit that it pulsates with the sweet sense of brotherhood. The poet Crabee, talking about charity, says:

A common bounty may relieve distress,
But whom the vulgar succor they oppress.

But the Christian never lowers when he helps, for with everything he gives, he gives his hand. It is not the way of the Gospel to isolate itself, and to give cold advice and help as from a distance. It bears men's burdens, understands their need, calls the poorest, brother, and the fallen, sister. Until men feel that the hands stretched out today are the very hands that touched the bier at Nain, and they know that the hands of Christ are hands of brotherhood.

Hands of Power

Again, behold His hands, for they are hands of power. When Jesus went back the second time to Nazareth, do you remember what the villagers said about Him? What they could not fathom was how this carpenter's Son was endued with His unquestionable power. "What wisdom is this that is given Him," they said, "that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands." They had seen these hands busy at carpentering once, but now there was a power in their touch that baffled them. And then I turn to the Gospel of St. John, where our Savior Himself is speaking of His sheep; and He says, "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Behold His hands, then, for they are hands of power; they are powerful to do and powerful to keep. There have never been hands on earth like those of Jesus, so mighty in action and in guardianship.

I read the other day in some book about China a remark that had been made by a young Chinese convert. He belonged to the literary class, and had studied Confucius, and the remark he made was something of this kind. He said, "The difference between Confucius and Christ is not so much a question of morality: for I find the golden rule in the sacred books of the East, and a great deal more that Jesus might have uttered; but the difference is that once I was told what to do, but left quite helpless and powerless to do it; but now with the ideal comes the power." The hand of Confucius was a cold, dead hand; it had written the maxim--it could not inspire the man. There was no power in its touch to kindle the dark heart, to animate the will, to change the life. But in contact with Jesus it was very different--that was the meaning of this Chinese student--there was healing and there was power in His touch. What is the power that has abolished slavery? What is the power that has given us a free Scotland? What is the power that has changed ten million lives, inspired the missionary, and made the social worker? The power is the power of the touch of Jesus; it is the impress and the impact of His hand. Behold His hands, then, in the advance of Christendom. Behold His hands in the change of countless lives. Behold them in the new ideals of the multitude; in the graces and perseverance of the saint. They are not only hands of brotherhood, for their very touch has been an inspiration. Behold His hands, for they are hands of power.

Hands of Tenderness

Then again, behold His hands, for they are hands of tenderness. Of all the exquisite pictures in the Gospel I think there is none more exquisite than the scene when "the mothers of Salem their children brought to Jesus." With a mother's instinct for a Man who was really good, they wished their children to be blessed by Him. And the disciples would have kept the children off: Christ was too busy with great affairs to heed an infant. They had never guessed yet that the kingdom of heaven was mirrored for Jesus in these childish eyes. Then Jesus drew the little children to Him, and blessed them; but He did more than that. It has sunk deep into the memories of the evangelists that in blessing them He laid His hand upon them. Do not spoil the act by making it sacerdotal. Do not imagine that He was communicating grace. It was an act of the sweetest and most natural tenderness, the gentle and caressing touch of love. When He laid His hand upon the infant's head, He was laying it upon the mother's heart. Do you think these mothers ever would forget it? Some of them would see that hand again. It would be pierced then, streaming with red blood, and they would say, "Look! that hand was once laid upon my child." Behold His hands, then, they are hands of power; but the mothers could tell you that they were hands of tenderness.

Is not that one of the wonders of Christ's touch--the union of power and gentleness that marks it? It is mighty to heal, mighty to raise the dead; but a bruised reed it will not break. Christ is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, so is He named in the Book of Revelation; but when John looked in heaven for the Lion, behold, in the midst of the throne a Lamb as it had been slain. Why is the Gospel so precious when the chair is empty and the grave is full? Can you tell me why in seasons of disappointment, in times of distress, anxiety, and sorrow, men find in the Bible their best and truest Comforter? It is not only because the hand of Jesus is powerful to console and to assuage; it is because when every other touch would pain, the touch of Jesus is exquisitely tender. Why are our Christian homes so full of gentle love, so different from the stern spirit of antiquity? There is only one answer, it is "Behold His hands": it is the touch of Christ which has achieved it. In the tender and happy grace of Christian womanhood--behold His hands. In the kindness and care that is shown to the dumb creatures--behold His hands. The very dogs, says Dr. Laws of Livingstonia, the very dogs here feel the benefits of Christianity. His touch is mighty, then, mighty to heal and save--there are those who vouch for that. But the hand that was laid so gently on the children has never been withdrawn from humanity.

Hands of Suffering

Once more, behold His hands, for they were once disfigured. Their beauty was torn away from them with wounds. They were pierced with nails, and fastened to the cross, in the hour when Jesus Christ was crucified. I have often thought that the scribes and Pharisees must have had a twice-distilled pleasure when the hands were nailed. They would say "Behold these hands that once wrought such mighty deeds; they will never trouble or vex us anymore. Look at them ragged and torn, pierced through and through." It was an exquisite morsel of revenge. These hands had played havoc with the priest's hypocrisies: they had plaited the scourge and used it in the Temple. Look at them now on the cross--what hands in the world so powerless--their little day of authority is dead.

But the strange thing is that it is the hands which were pierced that have been the mightiest power in human history. Not the hands laid upon the blind man's eyes, not the hands laid upon the children's heads, have been so mighty in the world's redemption as the hands that were marred and wounded on the cross. Is not that strange? There was a little maiden whose mother was very beautiful--she was very beautiful excepting her hands, and her hands were shrunken and shriveled and unsightly. For a long time, with the delicate reticence of girlhood, the little girl said nothing on the matter; but at last her curiosity overpowered her. "Mother," she said, "I love your beautiful face, and I love your beautiful eyes and brow and neck; but I cannot love your hands, they are so ugly." Then her mother told her the story of her hands. She said, "When you were an infant sleeping in your cradle, one night the cry of fire rang through the house. I rushed upstairs--the nursery was ablaze--but God led me right to the cradle and I saved you; but ever since then my hands have been like this." The little girl was silent for a moment. Then she said "O mother, I still love your face: but I love your hands now. best of all. "Behold His hands, for they were pierced for us!

Hands of Reassurance

Lastly, behold His hands for they are hands of reassurance. After Jesus was risen from the dead, the disciples gathered together and Thomas was with them. And Jesus appeared standing in their midst, and said to them "Peace be with you." We all know how Thomas had doubted Him. He had said, "except I see in His hand the print of the nails." Nothing would satisfy or convince that realist except the print of the nail upon the palm. And Jesus said to him, "Thomas, behold My hand; is not that the hand that was nailed upon the tree?"--which, when hearing and seeing, Thomas falls before Him crying "My Lord and my God." I ask you ever to remember, then, that the hand of Christ is a reassuring hand. When we are tempted to doubt if He still lives and reigns, to us as to Thomas He says, "Behold My hands." Much may be dark to us and much may be inexplicable; we may not fathom the mysteries of grace. We know not where Jesus is, nor can we behold Him; but like Thomas we can behold His hands. In a thousand deeds and in a thousand lives there is the unmistakable touch of the Redeemer. Does not that reassure us and kindle our faith again? Does it not inspire our hope and nerve our faint endeavor? It is the risen Savior saying, "Behold My hands"; it is our answering cry "My Lord and My God."

My Journey 7/15 - 7/16/2010

2010-07-16T04:37:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was reading the devotional by A. B. Simpson the song, "You Are My All in All", came to mind. We sang this last Sunday in church. Click here to listen to on YouTube. This song is an inspiration to sing in God's church on a Sunday morning, expressing how each of us there feel. Well, I hope everyone there feels that way. I love how A. B. Simpson writes, "Moment by moment we may now take Him as our grace and strength, our faith and love, our victory and joy, our all in all."

The Streams in the Desert devotional has a wonderful poem by George MacDonald. The devotional and the poem both speak of God's leading. I have often used the quote, "A lot of people want to serve God, but only as adviser's!", in some of the God's Love Outreach Ministry programs. When God speaks to our hearts and asks us to do something for Him we always want to but, do it our way in our time.

I love Max Lucado's devotional. From it the Lord blessed me with this poem today. Always remember that Christ is our bridge to the Father. His love for us bridges the Father's love to us. Thank You Jesus!

The Bridge

I came upon a bridge today,
that separated someone from me.
Neither one wanted to cross,
so together we could be.

The bridge seemed so very long,
we were both unsure what we’d find.
On either side would there be, friend or foe?
Would their hearts be cruel or kind?

At first we both were hesitant,
leery to take the first step.
Then Jesus said, “Remember my commandments,
the ones you both said you kept?

Love your neighbor as yourself
is important as can be.
Love is the bridge that connects each heart,
and it all began at Calvary.

E. P. Shagott
7/16/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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July 15

Days of Heaven Upon Earth
A devotional by A. B. Simpson

"I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine" (Song of Solomon vi. 3).

If I am the Lord's then the Lord is mine. If Christ owns me I own Him. And so faith must reach out and claim its full inheritance and begin to use its great resources. Moment by moment we may now take Him as our grace and strength, our faith and love, our victory and joy, our all in all.

And as we thus claim Him we will find His grace sufficient for us, and begin to learn that giving all is just receiving all. Yes, consecration is getting Him fully instead of our own miserable life.

There are, indeed, two sides of it. There are two persons in the consecration. One of them is the dear Lord Himself.

"And for their sakes," He says, "I consecrate Myself that they also might be consecrated through the truth." The moment we consecrate ourselves to Him He consecrates Himself to us, and henceforth, the whole strength of His life and love and everlasting power is dedicated to keep and complete our consecration, and to make the very best and most of our consecrated life.

Who would not give himself to such a Saviour? Surely we will to-day, first give ourselves and then give Him each moment as it comes, to be filled and used.

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July 16

Streams in the Desert
a devotional by Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional

Who is Leading?

"O Lord , I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23).

"Lead me in a plain path" (Ps. 27:14).

Many people want to direct God, instead of
resigning themselves to be directed by Him; to
show Him a way, instead of passively following
where He leads. --Madame Guyon

I said: "Let me walk in the field";
God said: 'Nay, walk in the town";
I said: "There are no flowers there";
He said: "No flowers, but a crown."

I said: "But the sky is black,
There is nothing but noise and din";
But He wept as He sent me back,
"There is more," He said, "there is sin

I said: "But the air is thick,
And fogs are veiling the sun";
He answered: "Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone."

I said: "I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say";
He answered me, "Choose tonight,
If I am to miss you, or they."

I pleaded for time to be given;
He said: "Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in Heaven
To have, followed the steps of your Guide."

I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said: "My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"

Then into His hand went mine,
And into my heart came He;
And I walk in a light Divine,
The path I had feared to see.
--George MacDonald

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July 16

Days of Heaven Upon Earth
a devotional by A. B. Simpson

"As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God" (Ps. xlii. 1).

First in order to a consecrated life there must be a sense of need, the need of purity, of power, and of a greater nearness to the Lord. There often comes in Christian life a second conviction.

It is not now a sense of guilt and God's wrath so much as of the power and evil of inward sin, and the unsatisfactoriness of the life the soul is living. It usually comes from the deeper revelation of God's truth, from more spiritual teaching, from definite examples and testimonies of this life in others, and often from an experience of deep trial, conflict and temptation in which the soul has found its attainments and resources inadequate for the real issues and needs of life.

The first result is often a deep discouragement and even despair, but the valley of Achor is the door of hope, and the seventh chapter of Romans with its bitter cry, "O wretched man that I am," is the gateway to the eighth with its shout of triumph, "The Spirit of life in Christ hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

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July 16

The Bridge of Friendship
By Max Lucado

“Unfriendly people are selfish.” Proverbs 18:1

We’re in a fast-moving, fast-paced society. We need to build bridges between our hearts and those of people who need a friend—and allow Jesus to cross that bridge of friendship and walk into their lives . . .

Whether or not you are friendly could determine whether or not someone hears about Jesus.

My Journey 7/13 - 7/14/2010

2010-07-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

I like this devotional by A. B. Simpson for it states what is most important for a Christian walk. As a pastor of mine once said, "We must learn to put ourselves down as we lift Jesus up!" Self-forgetting is an interesting way of putting it. We live today in a very "me" orientated world. If "we" don't get what "we" want "we" try to make someone else feel "our" pain. May we strive to follow Christ's example so as the author writes, "so shall we find our highest joy, divine love, the more blessed "to give" than "to receive."

This devotional by Charles Spurgeon ties in well with A. B. Simposn's devotional. For if we are to be "self-forgetting" that would leave us defenseless. If we are not looking out for ourselves then who will? Well, I thought Charles Spurgeon answered that very well, God. These two lines in Spurgeon's devotional I thought were awesome, "Oh, that we could in all things live by faith, then should we be delivered in all time of danger! No one ever did trust in the LORD in vain, and no one ever shall."

The devotional Pure Gold speaks of trials. So many people, are being tested daily through these trials. To me life is a learning experience and God permits us to go through these trials so we can be stronger from them. I always like the saying, "If it was easy anybody could do it!" Also what is amazing is when we are experiencing one of many life's trials, you think that only you are having problems today. But what we don't realize is our neighbors, friends and so many people we don't know is having a worse day than we are. So don't despair and look for the lesson to be learned from your trials. Also remember God is using our life trials to draw us closer to Him.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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July 13

Days of Heaven Upon Earth
a devotional by A. B. Simpson

"Even Christ pleased not Himself" (Rom. xv. 3).

Let this be a day of self-forgetting ministry for Christ and others. Let us not once think of being ministered unto, but say ever with Him: "I am among you as He that doth serve." Let us not drag our burdens through the day, but drop all our loads of care and be free to carry His yoke and His burden.

Let us make the happy exchange, giving ours and taking His. Let the covenant be: "Thou shalt abide for Me, I also for thee." So shall we lose our heaviest load--ourselves--and so shall we find our highest joy, divine love, the more blessed "to give" than "to receive." Let us do good to all men as we have opportunity.

Let us lose no opportunity of blessing, and let us study ingenious ways of service and usefulness. Especially let us seek to win souls.

The Days of Heaven are busy days,
They serve continually,
So spent for Thee and Thine, our days,
As the Days of Heaven would be.

The Days of Heaven are loving days,
As one they all agree,
So linked in loving unity
May our days as Heaven be.
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July 13

Implicit Trust
by Charles Spurgeon

"For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in Me, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 39:18).

Behold the protecting power of trust in God. The great men of Jerusalem fell by the sword, but poor Ebed-melech was secure, for his confidence was in Jehovah. Where else should a man trust but in his Maker? We are foolish when we prefer the creature to the Creator. Oh, that we could in all things live by faith, then should we be delivered in all time of danger! No one ever did trust in the LORD in vain, and no one ever shall.

The LORD saith, "I will surely deliver thee," Mark the divine "surely." Whatever else may be uncertain, God's care of believers is sure. God Himself is the guardian of the gracious, Under His sacred wing there is safety even when every danger is abroad. Can we accept this promise as sure? Then in our present emergency we shall find that it stands fast. We hope to be delivered because we have friends, or because we are prudent, or because we can see hopeful signs; but none of these things are one-half so good as God's simple "because thou hast put thy trust in me." Dear reader, try this way, and, trying it, you will keep to it all your life. It is as sweet as it is sure.
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July 14

Pure Gold
by Katherine Kehler

“These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of His return” 1 Peter 1:7

I have to admit I love jewelry - gold, silver, diamonds and gems of all kinds. I don’t know why I like them. Maybe because they sparkle and shine brightly when the light catches them - maybe because they are valuable. I am pleased that in heaven we will be surrounded with gold, sapphires, rubies and pearls.

Last night, while in the bathtub, I was reading and meditating on the above verse. We have gone through some major trials this past year and it felt like we were being tried in the test tube of fiery trials.

The Bible tells us that our faith is more valuable than pure gold. He is willing to put us through trials so we will be strong and pure. The impurities are burned out of our hearts so that we reflect Him who is glorious.

Recently my husband and I discussed whether or not we are different as a result of the months of testing. We agreed that we are more joyful. We are also more tender and in love with Christ and each other. Christ has become more real to us. And that is a good thing.

Would we have chosen these trials? No. Are we thankful for what He has done and is still doing in our lives? Absolutely.

How about you? If you are going through a time of testing right now, don’t despair. God is purifying you so you will reflect on Him more. And that is a good thing.

Father, purify our hearts. Make us wholly Yours. May our lives reflect Your radiance wherever we go. Amen.

My Journey 7/10 - 7/12/2010

2010-07-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Max Lucado's devotional goes very well with Chuck Swindolls. Both speak of the heart. As I was reading Max Lucado's the words "if only" came to mind. If you are a Christian just stop for a moment and think if all the non-believers had Christ in their hearts for one day. Wow! I can only speak for myself but if they feel like I do they would not want to go back to the old life.

I remember the radio just as Chuck Swindoll describes it in his devotional. Last month as I was presenting the Seeds of Youth program I mentioned, it just as he was describing it, to the various shut-ins that the God's Love Outreach Ministry ministers to. I wonder how the kids today could ever envision being without a TV, but I remember it. I love how this devotional mentions the heart. To me it is the most important organ in the body. As Chuck Swindoll wrote about, we don't know what is on the heart of each person. A lot of times I am asked, "how are you doing"?, and I reply "good", when in fact I am having some trouble in my life. Many Christians in church on Sunday may seem to be like they are worshiping God, but their minds are truly not on Him but their own problems. The church is a good place to be when that is happening. But just like Mr. Swindoll points out God is very aware of our heart's situation. This is a poem the Lord blessed me with back in February of 2008;

The Heart

The heart is very interesting
its job is so immense,
for it to fail is not an option
through days that are intense.

It also holds emotions
those good and also that are bad.
It has to work so much harder
on the days we feel very mad.

Of all the places in us
that God chose from above,
He chose the heart for His Spirit to live
and work through Christ’s precious love.

So when you’re feeling troubled
in your heart His Spirit seek,
and listen very carefully
to the Word that He does speak.

But if we do not listen
from the heart what the Spirit has to say,
we find the heart gets very exhausted
just to make it through the day.

E. P. Shagott
2/9/2008

As I read A. B. Simpson's devotional the Lord touched my heart with turning it into a daily prayer. How awesome it turned out. After reading it, you may want to also use it to begin your day;

My Daily Prayer

May this day we be with You Lord. May we seek it’s plan and direction from You. May we take Your highest thought and will for us in it. May we always look to You for our desires, ideals, expectations in it. May You be our Guide and Way. May we always be thinking of You as our Personal Guide of every moment, on whom we constantly depend to lead our every step.

May You Lord also be the sufficiency and strength of all the day. Let us never forget the secret: "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." Let us have You Lord in us to do the works, and let us every moment fall back on You, both to will and do in us of Your good pleasure.

Let our holiness be "the law of the spirit of Your life." Let our health be the "Your life manifest in our mortal flesh." Let our faith be "the faith of the Son of God who loved us." Let our peace and joy be Your peace and joy. And let our service be not our works, but of Your grace within us.

Jesus we pray this in Your precious name,
Amen

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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July 10

A New Heart
By Max Lucado

“You were taught to be made new in your hearts, to become a new person.” Ephesians 4:23

What if, for one day and one night, Jesus lives your life with his heart? Your heart gets the day off, and your life is led by the heart of the Christ. His priorities govern your actions. His passions drive your decisions. His love directs your behavior . . .

Would people notice a change? Would you still do what you had planned to do for the next twenty-four hours?

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July 11
Devotional by A. B. Simpson

"For it is God which worketh in you" (Phil. ii. 13).

A day with Jesus. Let us seek its plan and direction from Him. Let us take His highest thought and will for us in it. Let us look to Him for our desires, ideals, expectations in it. Then shall it bring to us exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Let Him be our Guide and Way. Let us not so much be thinking even of His plan and way as of Him as the Personal Guide of every moment, on whom we constantly depend to lead our every step.

Let Him also be the sufficiency and strength of all the day. Let us never forget the secret: "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." Let us have Jesus Christ Himself in us to do the works, and let us every moment fall back on Him, both to will and do in us of His good pleasure.

Let our holiness be "the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus." Let our health be the "life of Jesus manifest in our mortal flesh." Let our faith be "the faith of the Son of God who loved us." Let our peace and joy be His peace and joy. And let our service be not our works, but the grace of Christ within us.

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July 11-12

Who, Indeed, Knows?
by Charles R. Swindoll

Psalm 139

I grew up in the heyday of radio. (Fact is, I didn't even see a television set until I was a teenager.) If we got our homework done, we could listen to various weeknight radio shows. Remember that spooky line the announcer always gave just before The Shadow came on: "Who knows what evil l-l-lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" Then there would be a blood-curdling laugh, which faded away into the distance. I always liked all the lights on when we listened to that program.

Many years have passed since those simple and innocent days of my childhood, but that single line remains a haunting question to this day: Who, indeed, knows what wickedness lurks in the hearts of men and women?

We think we do. But how wrong we usually are. The heart houses secrets we can never see. People are awfully good at cover-up. Smiling masks often camouflage breaking hearts. About the time we think we've got somebody figured out, we're stunned to discover how much was hidden from view. Lurking in many a life is pain beyond belief.

In our world of superficial talk and casual relationships, it is easy to forget that a smile doesn't necessarily mean "I'm happy" and the courteous answer "I'm fine" may not be at all truthful. Just because it's Christmas, we can't assume everybody's merry. Even the closest family members can be blindly unaware of each other's pain.

I'm not suggesting that everyone is an emotional time bomb or that masks are worn by all who seem to be enjoying life. But I've lived long enough to know that many a heart hides agony while the face reflects ecstasy.

There is Someone, however, who fully knows what lurks in our hearts. And knowing, He never laughs mockingly and fades away. He never shrugs and walks away. Instead, He understands completely and stays near.

Who, indeed, knows? Our God, alone, knows. He sympathizes with our weaknesses and forgives all our transgressions. To Him there are no secret struggles or silent cries. He hears. He sees. He stays near. He accepts us and loves us unconditionally. He is "the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort."

He who loves us most knows us best. He who knows us best cares the most.

My Journey 7/9/2010

2010-07-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Todays devotional was very moving for me. I am always praying for peace, in my family lives, my friends lives and even in my life. As I read Chuck Swindoll's devotional I thought, "Now here is a great servant to the Lord and look what he is experiencing". A word that stood out was "anger" in what he was experiencing. I remember reading the scripture verse, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Do not be hasty in your spirit to be angry; for anger rests in the bosom of fools. I read this just prior to reading Mr. Swindoll's devotional. Then I thought is the Bible calling a great preacher like Chuck Swindoll a fool? Then as I read further in his devotional he states how he tried everything he could, reading God's Word and also spending time in prayer but nothing helped. I thought to myself, if a man of God like Chuck Swindoll can go through times without peace in his life, what about those that maybe are not walking closely with the Lord as him, or maybe doesn't know the Lord at all? Wow! Well, the answer for me I understand is what Charles Spurgeon wrote, "The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul-trouble." I also loved this quote of Spurgeon's, "Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are." As for me I love how it is written in God's Word, 1Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace which was toward me has not been without fruit, but I labored more abundantly than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

The Rivers of Grief

The rivers of grief can run so deep,
it’s waters are so icy cold.
We wait and wait for relief,
and for some comfort to behold.

Hour by hour, day by day,
when will our sorrows end?
Grief’s currents are so very strong,
not giving way for family or friends.

Then within all my struggles,
God’s voice became so crystal clear.
He said, “Do not be discouraged child of Mine,
but look for a lesson to be learned here.

See grief will come and grief will go,
it’s all just a matter of time.
Look for the wisdom that lies within,
remember it’s not in your time but Mine.”

E. P. Shagott
7/10/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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July 9

Deep Grief
by Charles R. Swindoll

1 Corinthians 10:11-13

The past couple of weeks have been some of the toughest of my life. My emotions have spanned the spectrum: shock, sorrow, horror, intense anger, disillusionment, disappointment, and utter bewilderment. I have prayed—without much benefit. I have read the Scriptures from the Psalms and Proverbs to the words of Jesus and various sections of the letters from Paul, Peter, James—without much peace.

I feel like Job, who admitted, "If I speak, my pain is not lessened, And if I hold back, what has left me? . . . He has exhausted me. . . . My spirit is broken" (Job 16:6-7; 17:1).

It occurred to me around 4:20 this morning that perhaps the late, great Spurgeon might have understood my grief better than any other when he wrote over a century ago in his Lectures to My Students, in a chapter entitled "The Minister's Fainting Fits":

Who can bear the weight of souls without sometimes sinking to the dust? . . . To see the hopeful turn aside, the godly grow cold, professors [and pastors] abusing their privileges, and sinners waxing more bold in sin---are not these sights enough to crush us to the earth? . . .

The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul-trouble. Count it no strange thing, but a part of ordinary ministerial experience. . . . Live by the day, by the hour. . . . Be not surprised when men fail you; it is a failing world. . . . Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are.

No longer should we be saying that "perilous times will come." They have arrived, fellow pilgrim; they are now. And we must face them head-on, doing whatever is necessary to stand firm.

As Carl Henry wrote so eloquently in Twilight of a Great Civilization:

We may even now live in the half generation before all hell breaks loose, and if its fury is contained we will be remembered, if we are remembered at all, as those who used their hands and hearts and minds and very bodies to plug the dikes against impending doom.

The secret of standing in treacherous times is being willing to "take heed"
lest we also fall.

My Journey 7/8/2010

2010-07-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was reading Adrian Roger's devotional this morning I thought of trying to write a poem to God using a letter from the alphabet to give praise and also a way for me to describe Him. Of course the challenge came with using "x". I loved the story about the violinist named Fritz Kreisler. Reading this devotional made me think how awesome it is as Jesus is strumming the strings of my heart. Just as the lyrics from the song, "Here I Am to Worship" states, Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that Your my God!

Amen, yes You are!

An Alphabetic Poem To God

An Abundant life for us You give,
with all the Beauty that there is.
Always Caring for each of us,
as a Father Devoted to His kids.

Everlasting home You prepare for us,
because You’re Forgiving of our sins.
A gift because of Your Grace,
Your our Healer and our friend.

Always Interested in all we do,
Jealous if another god we chose.
Kindness You always pour out to us,
Loving no matter what we do.

A Mighty God You definitely are,
Never far and always Near.
Over and over forgiving us,
with a love so righteous and Pure.

You never Question what we do,
just Reassuring us along the way.
Staying close by our sides,
showering us with Tender mercies everyday.

The Ultimate price You did pay,
With a Value that stirs within.
You are truly the Worthy One,
that X-ed out all our sin.

Praise to You Heavenly Father,
may our hearts always Yearning to be,
sharing our love and Zeal,
with You throughout eternity!

E. P. Shagott
7/8/2010

This devotional by Kenneth Copeland has in it something that I have told many times to God's wounded in various nursing homes, "I love you and God loves you." Can you just imagine how those words touch a person who may be thinking, all is lost, no one cares, I'm all alone? God's love means, Jesus is there to show them the way, He cares for you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. How strong is God's love? Click on this link to learn more about Nicky Cruz that David Wilkerson wrote about. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicky_Cruz

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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July 8

He Alone Is Worthy
by Adrian Rogers

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." Revelation 5:12

There's an interesting story about how a gifted violinist named Fritz Kreisler acquired a Stradivarius violin.

Kreisler heard about the violin owned by an old Englishman and offered to buy it, but the old man said it wasn't for sale. One day Kreisler ventured to the old man's house and said, "If I can't buy it, may I touch it?" The old Englishman invited him in and even allowed him to begin making music with it. Great tears welled up in the old Englishman's eyes, and he said, "It is not for sale, but it is yours. You are the Master and alone are worthy of it!"

That is what worship is all about. God is the Master, and He alone is worthy.

Starting with the letter "A," and going through the alphabet, find something to praise Him for with each letter. Praise Him for all that He is, has been, and will be!
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Protected by Love
by Kenneth Copeland

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.
– Matthew 5:44-45

Love your enemies...turn the other cheek...to most people that sounds like a pretty weak way to handle somebody who's causing them trouble. But, the truth is, it's the most powerful way there is. It's the way Jesus did it-- and His way never fails.

Do you remember when Jesus went back to Nazareth and the religious folks were angry with Him and wanted to push Him off a cliff? What happened? He just walked right past them, and no one could lay a finger on Him. Another time they decided to stone Him, and He didn't retaliate that time either. He just walked off. No one could touch Him.

When Jesus walked through that crowd, He wasn't afraid. He knew they couldn't hurt Him because He was walking in the love of God.

When Jesus said to turn the other cheek, He didn't mean for you to stand there and have your brains beaten out. He meant for you to stand there in love and in faith believing that the protecting power of God that accompanies that love would keep you safe. He meant for a man to swing at you and not be able to hit you!

The story of Nicky Cruz as recorded in David Wilkerson's book, The Cross and the Switchblade, is a perfect example of that. Nicky was reputed to be the most ruthless gang leader of his time. Yet, when David Wilkerson stood in front of him, telling him about Jesus, Nicky was totally unable to hurt him. He thrust his knife at David several times. But every time he did, David just said, "Nicky, you can cut me into a thousand pieces and every piece will still say, 'I love you and God loves you.'" Because of love, Nicky couldn't get his knife close enough to David to hurt him. A supernatural force always stopped it short.

"But I don't have that kind of love!"

Yes, you do. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is make the decision to be motivated by that love rather than your own human feelings.

My friend, love never fails! You don't have to be afraid of failure anymore. In fact, you don't have to be afraid of anything. If you're walking in the love of God, you're living the most powerful kind of life there is.

My Journey 7/7/2010

2010-07-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Who would of thought that as I was reading this devotional that is really about "choices", not food. Many, many years ago God opened my eyes to that word, "choice". It is what life is all about, worldly and spiritual. Ever since the Garden of Eden each breath is about what we choose. When God created man He wanted him to freely fellowship and worship his Creator. Then came the fall of man, he chose to make that decision. But God did not give up on us. God had another plan to bring us back to a fellowship with Him. Still a choice we have to make. The choice is "Jesus"! So here we are today making choices as believers and non-believers. The non-believers choose the worldly food to feed them. It is saturated with sin. There is no growth process with that nourishment. But what this devotional speaks of is how important it is for the believers to always choose the right choices, for we know what the menu is all about. Eternal life. Abundant life. A righteous life in Christ Jesus, that brings us to a fellowship with the Father.

The Eyes of the World

The eyes of the world are upon us,
as we go about our day.
The eyes of the world are upon us,
watching what we choose to do today.

What we show to everyone around us,
demonstrates what we truly believe.
The eyes of the world are watching,
and God is also watching you and me.

Be careful of the choices you make,
please think before you speak.
Remember what Jesus said,
“What you do to someone you are also doing to Me”

So as you go throughout your daily journey,
be careful what you do and say.
It can make the difference in someone’s life,
if they see Jesus in you today!

E. P. Shagott
7/7/2010

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July 7, 2010

Daily Disciples Devotional

Today’s Thoughts: The Real Food

But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 1 Corinthians 8:8-9

How often do you think about food? What types of cravings do you get for your favorite foods? Midnight snacks and mad dashes through our favorite drive-thrus are part of our lives and culture. Hunger is a drive necessary to sustain life while appetite is a desire to satisfy our cravings for food. Food is a necessity to our physical bodies and to enjoy good food is one of our greatest pleasures. However, even with all its necessity, this earthly food has no value to us spiritually.

If Paul is saying that what we eat, or do not eat, has no effect on our relationship with God, then why can we not eat whatever, drink whatever and be merry? One reason is because the choices that we make impact others. We must realize that our actions are being watched by others and that we have a responsibility as Christians to set godly examples for others. God does care about the behaviors and attitudes we exhibit that affect those around us.

There are numerous examples of this behavior in our churches today. Movies and television choices can influence our families and friends. What kind of example do we set for those in and out of the church? Would seeing certain movies stumble others? What about drinking alcohol? Many Christians have no problem with limited alcohol consumption. But, would it not influence the Christian who feels that this type of drinking, without exception, is wrong? Some might argue that the Christian church in general stumbles non-believers, because much of our behavior is not just in the world, it is of the world.

Food is not the real issue, but it is certainly representative of how our behaviors as Christians can greatly affect those around us, even if there is technically “nothing wrong” with certain activities. Jesus gave His life for us so that we can have the real food—the bread of life. If we follow Him, our choices in this world will bring glory and honor to His name while also setting the right example for others. We should pray not to get hung up on things of no value spiritually but to get caught up in the Spirit of God so that we may be a blessing to others, not a stumbling block.

My Journey 7/6/2010

2010-07-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was reading my devotionals for today this one from Adrian Rogers really touched my heart. For the past several days, yes several days, we have been blessed with sun filled mornings and afternoons. Sometimes living near Buffalo, New York we don't get a lot of them. Adrian Roger's devotional spoke about light, but a more wonderful one than we are blessed in our cloudless days. God's Light! The awesome wonder of the Son's Light! Even as the sunshine lifts our spirits, sometime short lived though, the Light of Christ's countenance is everlasting. May this poem that the Lord blessed me with today and Adrian Roger's devotional be the "Light" to guide you each and everyday.

The Son’s Light

Don’t walk in darkness,
when His light is always there.
Let Jesus brighten your day,
and take away your despair.

Don’t let the worries of today,
keep dark clouds all around.
Step out into the Son’s light,
and see all His beauty to be found.

Don’t listen to the worldly lies,
that bombard us everyday.
Let the Father, Spirit and the Son’s light,
shine through you today.

Do trust in the Heavenly Father,
as you go throughout your day.
Believe in His Word and be blessed,
and let His Son, light your way.

E. P. Shagott
7/6/2010

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July 6

The Light of God's Countenance

"Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us." Psalm 4:6

How easy it is to be deceived when we are not walking in the light of God's Word.

Charles Lindbergh tells about the time he was flying in a dense fog over Newfoundland. He noticed moisture beginning to freeze on the wings of his plane and thought, "This great adventure is going to come to an untimely end. What shall I do?"

Then he had a moment of inspiration. He pulled his plane up and out of the fog and burst into the dazzling sunlight.

Have you ever felt like you were living in a fog? Friend, He has a word of encouragement for you. You can get near to the heart of God today. His light can shine even in the darkest corner of your heart.

· Ask God to shine His light into the darkness of your heart.

· Ask Him to reveal your doubts and fears.

· Ask Him to reveal your sin that lies covetously in your heart.

Then get ready for a blessing. Draw up close, because when you repent, He'll reach in with healing forgiveness.

My Journey 7/5/2010

2010-07-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

The Test

My heart is at unrest,
day after day,
as I go through this life,
trying to find a better way.

What can be found,
to give me the peace,
to satisfy my heart,
that beats within me?

Each day is a struggle,
as we travel life’s way.
Just another daily test,
then from His Word, I read today,

In Luke chapter 1, verse 79, to give light to those
who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Jesus gave me the answer to life’s test.

See, it doesn’t matter,
what life throws your way,
what is most important of all,
Is that Christ is the center of our day!

E. P. Shagott
7/5/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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July 5

Don't Think Like the World
by Kenneth Copeland

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
– 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

If you think like the world thinks, eventually you will act like the world acts. Unrestrained thoughts produce unrestrained actions. So control your thoughts by bringing them into obedience to the Scriptures.

Program your mind with the Word of God. The Word is spirit and it is life. When your mind is totally saturated with the Word of God, your will becomes strong to exercise authority to overcome every ungodly thought and evil habit.

Don't let Satan deceive you into sacrificing the glory of God in your life for a few moments of self-indulgence and sin. Restrain your thought life. Meditate the Word instead of selfish, carnal thoughts. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith.

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July 5

A Nation Gone Astray
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Isaiah 59

The principle of sowing and reaping applies not only to individuals but also to nations. A country that ignores or rejects God and His Word will suffer the consequences of that choice. Though Israel had once honored the Lord, it went astray during the days of the prophet Isaiah and suffered the dire results of turning from the heavenly Father.

When a nation begins ignoring biblical commands and principles, truth becomes relative as false philosophies and "liberated thinking" take root. Leaders tend to consider themselves advanced and intellectual, but in reality, if they are separated from God, their thinking is foolish and their understanding darkened (Eph. 4:17-18).

A society always behaves according to its belief system, so the inevitable result of skewed thinking is sin. Once sin becomes acceptable in the eyes of the people, sensuality and self-gratification dominate as restraint is lifted. The baser nature of man emerges in the form of immorality, greed, and violence. Injustice reaches its peak when laws permit the killing of the most helpless and innocent of all its citizens—unborn children. Even if the majority of citizens disapprove of the injustice and immorality, unless they act, that nation will continue its downward spiral into depravity.

Our ultimate hope, of course, is in our coming King who will reign on earth with righteousness and justice. But the church must still awaken to its responsibility to be salt and light in a depraved world. Each generation is called to be alert and active during its appointed time on this earth.

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July 5
From Streams in the Desert devotional

The Power of Silence

"Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10).

There is for the heart that will cease from itself, "the peace of God that passeth all understanding," a "quietness and confidence" which is the source of all strength, a sweet peace "which nothing can offend," a deep rest which the world can neither give nor take away. There is in the deepest center of the soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His still, small voice.

"All-loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired of starshine or moonlight or sunrise. The sullen blackness gloomed above us as if it would last forever. And out of the dark there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed some wild thunder peal to break the torturing stillness of that over-brooding night.

But Thy winsome whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across Aeolian harps. It was Thy 'still small voice' that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard. We looked and saw Thy face radiant with the light of love. And when we heard Thy voice and saw Thy face, new life came back to us as life comes back to withered blooms that drink the summer rain."

My Journey 7/4/2010

2010-07-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

A fitting poem for the Fourth of July. I was blessed with this poem shortly after September 11th.

Perfect World

I tried to envision a perfect world
Where everyone would be free
A world without suffering and pain
Where all lived in harmony.

A world without bitterness
A world without shame
A world without differences
A world without blame.

Never having to say you're sorry
For you never did any wrong
A world filled with laughter
A world filled with song.

Could there ever be such a place?
Yes, for it is in God's plan
We would all be their now
If not for the fall of man.

So people don't get discouraged
Remember to think before you do
Until we get to our "Perfect World"
This one will have to do.

E. P. Shagott

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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To our Sovereign Nation

I pledge
(because I owe)

alegiance
(loyalty, duty, all that I am, all that I have)

to the Flag
(everlasting symbol of our great nation)

of the United States of America,
(50 separate and distinct states woven together by common thread our Constitution)

and to the Republic
(a representative form of government which recognizes, respects and upholds the individual sovereignty of each of its separate entities)

for which it stands,
(towering, protectively, over all who know its presence)

one nation
(bonded together for the common good of its citizens)

under God,
(without whom all would surely perish)

indivisible,
(incapable of being torn asunder from without or from within)

with liberty
(the guaranteed freedom to strive to be whatever you wish to be)

and justice
(a representative form of government which recognizes, respects and upholds the individual sovereignty of each of its separate entities)

for all.
(every citizen of every description whether naturalized or natural born)

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To Our Sovereign Savior

I pledge

allegiance

to the Christian flag,

and to the Savior,

for whose kingdom stands.

One Savior,

crucified,

risen and coming again,

with life

and liberty

for all who believe.

My Journey 7/2 - 7/3

2010-07-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

The devotionals that I share with God's insight to me for these three days are all from the same devotional, Daily Disciples Devotionals.

The Promise of God devotional speaks of peace, everyday peace. In the Bible verse quoted, that is God's promise to us. As I was reading this devotional my thought went to so many that can not find His peace. So many living with a temporary peace that is chosen with our worldly eyes and ears. I believe what has truly invaded our lives is the world of communication to us, advertisement. Slowly but surely we are being programed to live a worldly life. We end up thinking it is our choice but it is not, we are being conditioned to want something or believe we need something by constant advertisement. I thought to myself, "why would they want to do this to us?" The answer for me is two fold, money and control. And as they are succeeding in doing this, only if we let them, we remain without the peace that we seek in our hearts. So what is the answer? For me and a lot of true Christians, "Jesus!" I have found my worldly wants are diminishing and my hunger for Christ is increasing. In place of TV, newspapers and Internet garbage, have been with His Word, devotionals, and Christian fellowship. My way of life now! His peace is with me.

The devotional named "Step into New Land" brought back a memory of what the author wrote about in our "Experiencing God" Sunday school material. The author wrote to "watch where God is working in your life and meet Him there." What I like about what the devotional stated, "Some did and some did not." They call that "choice". Abram did not hesitate. He did as the Lord asked Him to do. My thoughts went to Jesus when prior to His death He made a choice, the Fathers will, as I found in The Message translation, Mark 14:36 (The Message) 35-36Going a little ahead, he fell to the ground and prayed for a way out: "Papa, Father, you can—can't you?—get me out of this. Take this cup away from me. But please, not what I want—what do you want?" Isn't it amazing that even as Jesus was asking His disciples, "come and follow Me", He already knew what was waiting for Him, "the Cross!" The disciples had to decide to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel message and the love they had for Jesus, just as Jesus gave up everything for the love of the Father and His love for us.

This is an early poem that the Lord blessed me with about 10 years ago.

Comfort Zone

Many, many years ago
while growing up at home,
times seemed happier then,
for I was in my comfort zone.

On most Sundays I would go to church,
to sing, and learn and pray.
As a youth I would listen to our leaders
and try to learn from what they had to say.

The message was the same back then,
as it is today,
believe in Jesus Christ our Lord,
for He is the only way.

He was nailed to a cross and crucified,
this man without sin,
He died because He loved us
and so that eternity we could spend with Him.

So in this troubled world,
fear not, for you are not alone.
Open your heart to Jesus my friend,
for He is our comfort zone.

E. P. Shagott

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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July 2

Daily Disciples Devotional

Today's Thoughts: The Promise of God

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Today, everyone is looking for peace. We want our desires fulfilled and we think that will bring us happiness. We hear promises of fulfillment on radios, see promises on billboards, become a part of them through television and after hearing these promises enough times, we sing about them and make daily choices because of them. What is the primary message that these slogans promote? The answer, "We've got what you need." Promises, promises! Promises of a fulfilled life, an improved life, a happier life and a more peaceful life suggest that this life is attainable through the things of this world. Commercials promise that you can "have it your way," "we do it all for you," "you asked for it, you got it," and "you deserve it." But can these promises really be true? And will these products bring us the peace we are all seeking?

Because of the inability to have these promises truly fulfilled from the world, it then seems hard to believe that all the promises from the Lord will come true. Unlike the promises of the world that are conditioned upon our spending money and time to benefit from their product, Jesus has given us the promises of God, which are free. The Lord does require something from us: our trust, belief and obedience. And in return He promises peace to His people. Our attitudes, goals and desires should not depend on the promises of the world, but on the promises of the Word. It's that peace that makes us different and gives us something that others want. That peace will affect the way we live in our actions, behaviors and attitudes. Acts 10:36 says, "You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all." Jesus promises us peace, not from this world, but from Him. His promises are not empty slogans but a way of life: for He is the way, the truth and the life.

Do you need to experience His peace today? If so, begin by asking Jesus to fill you with His loving peace. His promises will never fail you.

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July 3

Daily Disciples Devotional

Today's Thoughts: Step into New Land

Now the Lord had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. Genesis 12:1-5

The Lord called Abram out. He told him to leave his country, not just his home, but his country. God told Abram to leave his family and head towards a new land. Can we begin to imagine how Abram must have felt? I wonder if his family thought he was crazy. Let's see now—you are going to leave your home, family, country and head to a land that you have not seen yet? Abram did leave his home and country behind and went as the Lord directed him. Abram was a man of great faith. He believed in the promises of God and it was accounted to him as righteousness.

In the New Testament, Jesus told his disciples a similar message when he said, "Follow Me." To follow Jesus meant leaving everything else behind, including homes and families. Some did and some did not. The same is true today. How many of us are truly willing to forsake all for the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do we really have to go to such extremes in this day and age? In our hearts, we must answer those questions. Despite our behaviors and outward appearances, God knows our hearts. If we are willing to surrender all to Jesus, the Lord will do the rest.

Think upon these verses today. Maybe God has a new land that awaits you. Without a doubt, God has blessings planned for your life, planned from before you were born. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone? If so, this could be the step that changes your life in amazing ways.

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My Journey - 7/1/2010

2010-07-01T04:17:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

Gloria Copeland's devotional speaks of I believe many Christians fear, being imperfect. With Christ living in us we still stumble or stray off His desire for us. But what is described in this devotional is the use of the word perfect. "Devoted to God". My friends I am that for sure. There are still so many today that just have not come to believe in Christ. The Lord blessed me with this poem about that;

How Do I Believe

How do I believe someone asked,
in a God I can not see?
How can I be sure,
that God really loves me?

How can I know,
when in trouble He is really there?
How can I be rest assured,
that God really cares?

Well, for me the answer is simple,
all you have to do is open your eyes.
Look all around and see,
where all His beauty lies.

Open up His Word,
that hasn’t changed since day one.
Listen to all His praises,
from hymns that are being sung.

Then ask any believer,
that loves Him with all their heart.
They truly understand there is a God,
who loved us from the start.

E. P. Shagott
7/1/2010

"God With Us" is an awesome devotional. When the God's Love Outreach Ministry is presenting programs to shut-ins at various nursing homes, I tell the residents that God is and always will be with them. I have quoted this verse many times in programs, Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Many of the residents find that they are feeling alone and family and friends have forgotten them. It is so important that they feel God's love more now than ever in their lives to give them comfort and reassurance that He is always with them.

Dr. Charles Stanley's devotional is a wonderful devotional for today's times. Always remember the God of the mountain is also the God of the valley's. I will always remember my dad back in the 60's saying, "this world is going to the dogs!" Well, I thought back then everything was going good. Remember that statement was said by a man who went through the depression. The main theme of Dr. Stanley's devotional is "it's all in God's plan". I believe that for sure. He is God! He controls everything for His purpose. I want to share with you the 2nd poem that God blessed me for today;

To All My Family and Friends

I am sorry to all my family and friends,
for I can not wait on you.
With so much little time left,
there is so much I have to do.

My life is not mine any more,
it was freely given to Him.
A choice that I had to make,
so He could work from within.

My prayer is for each of you,
to know Him like I do.
To understand before time runs out,
just what Jesus did for you.

Each minute is so valuable,
to reach out and touch His lost,
so they can understand as I do
the importance of the Cross.

So lead me Lord to the ones,
that still don’t understand.
Many, many still have to choose,
it’s not about theirs, but your plan.

E. P. Shagott
7/1/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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July 1, 2010

Later is Here!
by Gloria Copeland

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household?
– Matthew 24:45

The Word tells us that God shows Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are "perfect" toward Him (2 Chron.16:9). That word "perfect" doesn't mean that we have to do everything just right and live without making a mistake. Thank God, we don't have to do that. It means "devoted"--a heart consecrated, dedicated, loyal and faithful to God.

The mistakes we make will not stop God from working in our lives. Only our lack of faithfulness can do that.

Who is faithful? The one who spends his time doing what God has called him to do. Or as Jesus put it, the one who takes up his cross and follows Him. The one who denies his fleshly desires and spends his life on the things God desires him to do.

Maybe God has been urging you to spend more time in His Word and in prayer or dealing with you about ministering more to the people around you. He may be calling you to pray for the sick or to teach the Word. But you're busy, so you glide on with good intentions and tell God you'll do it later. Well, later is here!

Decide today that you are going to be the faithful and wise servant. Find out what is stealing your time from the Lord. Serve His interests instead of your own.

Do you want to be a ruler in the household of God? Do you want Him to show Himself strong for you? Then take up Jesus' thoughts today. Take up His purposes and His plans. Now is the time to be faithful!

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July 1

God with Us
from Faith's Checkbook Devotionals

"God shall be with you" (Genesis 48:21).

Good old Jacob could no more be with Joseph, for his hour had come to die: but he left his son without anxiety, for he said with confidence, "God shall be with you." When our dearest relations or our most helpful friends are called home by death, we must console ourselves with the reflection that the LORD is not departed from us but lives for us and abides with us forever.

If God be with us, we are in ennobling company, even though we are poor and despised. If God be with us, we have all-sufficient strength, for nothing can be too hard for the LORD. If God be with us, we are always safe, for none can harm those who walk under His shadow. Oh, what a joy we have here! Not only is God with us, but He will be with us. With us as individuals; with us as families; with us as churches. Is not the very name of Jesus, Immanuel -- God with us? Is not this the best of all, that God is with us? Let us be bravely diligent and joyously hopeful. Our cause must prosper, the truth must win, for the LORD is with those who are with Him.
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July 1

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Daniel 2:20-22

How many of us have listened to the global or national news and wondered, What in the world is going on? Without a firm foundation of biblical truth, we can easily be overcome with fear and despair. Despite the upheaval in political and financial realms, Christians can find peace in the knowledge that our God is sovereign over every nation and ruler on earth.

Though the future of a nation appears to be in the hands of its rulers and lawmakers, an omnipotent hand is orchestrating a good and glorious plan: the Lord is the one who "removes kings and establishes kings" (v. 20). Ultimately, every governmental leader is put into office, not by voters, political campaigns, or personal abilities, but by the hand of God.

Nothing that the Lord does is carried out in isolation. He's working all things according to His divine plan. We tend to think that a ruler has to be righteous for God to use Him, but Proverbs 21:1 tells us that the Lord can direct the heart of any national leader wherever He wishes. In fact, He describes two pagan kings—Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus—as "My servant" (Jer. 25:9) and "My shepherd" (Isa. 44:28). Unbeknownst to them, God guided their paths to fulfill His purposes for Israel.

When the news threatens to dislodge your peace or cause despair, remember who holds the nations in His hand. God's plans for this world are moving along according to His divine purposes, and no unrighteous ruler can thwart Him. Just keep singing, "He's got the whole world in His hands."

My Journey 6/30/2010

2010-06-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

God's insight to me:

As I was preparing today's journey this first one by A. B. Simpson was so fitting to start off with. This will be my 151st blog I have written and you may ask yourself, "Why is he doing this?" A. B. Simpson had the answer it is what I prefer. I chose because of my love for Christ to reach out to anyone who will take the time to read these writings. With today's technology it is another way of fulfilling the great commission, Mark 16:15 And He said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation. Also as I advance in years it will leave a footprint behind of what I have became, 2Corinthians 5:17 So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The fiery furnace devotional refers also to choice like the previous devotional. I think of this sometimes as "the line drawn in the sand". Each one of us must make our stand. What do you prefer? The pleasures and temporary rewards of this world or the rewards in Heaven. You choose in your heart and God is very aware of what you choose. Believe me if you choose the world He will give it to you but remember it is written 2Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a rushing noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. And the earth and the works in it will be burned up. Sometimes this worldly life comes with many disappointments but through them it just shows how great our God is. This is an awesome statement, "If there is a great trial in your life today, do not own it as a defeat, but continue, by faith, to claim the victory through Him who is able to make you more than conqueror, and a glorious victory will soon be apparent." Choose to continue by faith!

Max Lucado's devotional is asking each one of us, "What is the state of your heart?" Are you seeking self-pity or seeking Christ, drinking human misery or tasting God’s mercy. Though Max Lucado may be asking the question, God already knows the answer.

Yesterday I did the last two programs for the God's Love Outreach Ministry, "Seeds of Youth". As I was reading the last devotional from 365.org, I was recalling how the program started. With the music "Lost in the 50's Tonight" playing in the background, I spoke and shown pictures from almost 60 years ago. Who would of thought we would have a phone in out pockets? What ever happened to whitewall tires? As the pictures were being shown, preparing the residents for the type of music that followed I noticed it brought back many memories to them. The music from back then had a message for many people. The message of love, hope, caring and being free. What most of the residents told me all this month is they do not understand the words in today's songs. They don't listen to the music today for they can't understand the message. My friends the message of Christ will never change. It's the sweetest music I have ever heard. No matter what your age or where you are at the Spirit will make it real to you, if you choose to want to hear it!

God Is Waiting For You To Choose

Do not think that God is waiting,
to see what you are going to do.
He already knows your heart,
and everything there is about you

He is not waiting for you
to do some kindly deed,
For He knows what is in your heart,
and exactly what you want to do indeed.

God is not waiting on you,
to once in a while sing His praise,
for God already has all the answers
as we live through out our days.

What God is waiting for,
is for you to make that choice,
to surrender your life totally to Him,
and you listen carefully to His Spirits voice.

So as each day quickly goes by,
you may have lost another time,
to choose to start a new life in Christ,
for I chose and He is the best friend of mine!

E. P. Shagott
6/30/2010

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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June 30
Days of Heaven Upon Earth Devotionals
by A. B. Simpson

"Therefore, choose" (Deut. xxx. 19).

Men are choosing every day the spiritual or earthly. And as we choose we are taking our place unconsciously with the friends of Christ, or the world. It is not merely what ye say, it is what we prefer.

When Solomon made his great choice at Gibeon, God said to him, "Because this was in thine heart to ask wisdom, therefore will I give it unto thee, and all else besides that thou didst not choose." It was not merely that he said it because it was right to say, and would please God if he said it.

But it was the thing his heart preferred, and God saw it in his heart and gave it to him with all besides that he had not chosen. What are we choosing, beloved? It is our choice that settles our destiny.

It is not how we feel, but how we purpose. Have we chosen the good part? Have we said, "Whatever else I am or have, let me be God's child, let me have His favor and blessing, let me please Him?" Or have we said, "I must have this thing, and then I will see about religion." Alas, God has seen what was in thine heart, and perhaps He has already said, "They have their reward."

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June 30
Streams in the Desert Bevotionals
by Mrs. Charles Cowman

The Fiery Furnace

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2:14).

God gets His greatest victories out of apparent defeats. Very often the enemy seems to triumph for a little, and God lets it be so; but then He comes in and upsets all the work of the enemy, overthrows the apparent victory, and as the Bible says, "turns the way of the wicked upside down." Thus He gives a great deal larger victory than we would have known if He had not allowed the enemy, seemingly, to triumph in the first place.

The story of the three Hebrew children being cast into the fiery furnace is a familiar one. Here was an apparent victory for the enemy. It looked as if the servants of the living God were going to have a terrible defeat. We have all been in places where it seemed as though we were defeated, and the enemy rejoiced. We can imagine what a complete defeat this looked to be. They fell down into the flames, and their enemies watched them to see them burn up in that awful fire, but were greatly astonished to see them walking around in the fire enjoying themselves. Nebuchadnezzar told them to "come forth out of the midst of the fire." Not even a hair was singed, nor was the smell of fire on their garments, "because there is no other god that can deliver after this sort."

This apparent defeat resulted in a marvelous victory.

Suppose that these three men had lost their faith and courage, and had complained, saying, "Why did not God keep us out of the furnace!" They would have been burned, and God would not have been glorified. If there is a great trial in your life today, do not own it as a defeat, but continue, by faith, to claim the victory through Him who is able to make you more than conqueror, and a glorious victory will soon be apparent. Let us learn that in all the hard places God brings us into, He is making opportunities for us to exercise such faith in Him as will bring about blessed results and greatly glorify His name. --Life of Praise

"Defeat may serve as well as victory To shake the soul and let the glory out. When the great oak is straining in the wind, The boughs drink in new beauty, and the trunk Sends down a deeper root on the windward side. Only the soul that knows the mighty grief Can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come To stretch out spaces in the heart for joy."

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June 30
The State of Your Heart
By Max Lucado

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.” Luke 6:45, NIV

When you are offered a morsel of gossip marinated in slander, do you turn it down or pass it on? That depends on the state of your heart . . .

The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink human misery or taste God’s mercy.

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June 30

Daily Devotional's from 365.org

Ever notice how discontented we can become when something new comes along? Think about cell phones. Some people I know desperately want an iPhone. They crave more “apps” and view their current phone as if it were two cans attached with a string.

We’re free to complain. Choosing to be grateful that we even have a cell phone in our pocket remains another option. Living by the Spirit frees us up. We can see possibilities beyond our circumstances. Our desires and feelings take a backseat to considering what God might want for us.

Living by our feelings enslaves us to the whim of every impulse and urge. Contentment, gratitude, peace, and generosity slip through our fingers like grains of sand at the beach. Impatience, selfishness, anger, and anxiety take root in our words and actions before we know it. After offering us a well-intentioned word of warning, Paul might want to know, “Can you hear me now?” Our lives will reflect our answer. Choose freedom.

Brian Abel