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
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
My Journey 11/3 - 11/5/2010
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
><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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?
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
><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
My Journey 10/31 - 11/2/2010
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
><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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.
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
><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
My Journey 10/22 - 10/30/2010
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
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
Friday, October 22, 2010
My Journey 10/17 - 10/21/2010
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.
><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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.
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.
><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
My Journey 10/15 - 10/16/2010
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!
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.
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.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
My Journey 10/11 - 10/14/2010
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
.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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
.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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
.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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
.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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
*************************************************
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.
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
.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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
.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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
.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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
.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º> ¸.•´¯`•.¸¸><((((º>
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
*************************************************
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.
Monday, October 11, 2010
My Journey 10/8 - 10/10/2010
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
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
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
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
My Journey 10/1 - 10/7/2010
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
*************************************************
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).
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
*************************************************
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).
Saturday, October 2, 2010
My Journey 9/28 - 9/30/2010
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
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
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
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
Monday, September 27, 2010
My Journey 9/25 - 9/27/2010
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
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
Friday, September 24, 2010
My Journey 9/23 - 9/24/2010
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
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
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
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
My Journey 9/20 - 9/22/2010
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
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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?
*************************************************
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.
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
*************************************************
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.
*************************************************
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?
*************************************************
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.
Monday, September 20, 2010
My Journey 9/19/2010
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
*************************************************
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.
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
*************************************************
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.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
My Journey 9/18/2010
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
*************************************************
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."
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
*************************************************
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."
Friday, September 17, 2010
My Journey 9/17/2010
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
*************************************************
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.
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
*************************************************
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.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
My Journey 9/16/2010
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
*************************************************
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.
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
*************************************************
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.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
My Journey 9/15/2010
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
*************************************************
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.
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
*************************************************
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.
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