God's insight to me:
As I read Max Lucado's devotional I said to myself "thank You, Jesus, for prepaing the way for me. In today's world we are blessed to be able to go online and get instructions on how to go from point A to point B. A detailed list on which way to turn to get us to the final destination. Well, God also provides us with that, it is called the BIBLE! Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.
What interested me in the devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley was as he wrote about how our faith can influence other Christian believers. I understand that we are to share our faith with those that don't know the Lord but we shouldn't forget the "weak and the wayward, struggling in doubt". I will always remember when a woman thanked me for refreshing her faith again. She was a Christian but she needed to be refreshed and through the God's Love Outreach Ministry and my obedience to the Lord, "she was refreshed again", Praise be to God!
Max Lucado's second devotional reminded me of the saying, "Walk the talk". As Christians we are always being viewed by many to see if we are just "good sales people" or do we actually live what we say. I want people that when they look at me can say, "I want what he has". What I have is Jesus and I truly want to share Him. I pray all believers feel as I do. If your walk is not in line with your talk, ask God why and I know if you are sincere He will tell you.
In this last devotional this sentence says a lot, "It takes incredible faith to believe in a God you have never seen". My mind thought of the scripture 2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight; Our Christian life is based just on that. Thank God that we have His Word that was handed down through the ages that our eyes can read, so that our minds can interpret, through the Holy Spirit's guidance, so that we can store in our hearts forever.
When Faith Is No Longer Needed
When faith is no longer needed,
that day will one day come.
For one day many will be standing,
in the presence of the Son.
Everything you will ever need,
will always be there for you.
You will finally understand,
how your faith on earth got you through.
So thank You, Lord Jesus,
for preparing us the way.
Thank You, Holy Spirit,
for guiding us each and everyday.
Praise to You, Heavenly Father
for never giving up on us.
Faith the size of a mustard seed,
for all of us is a must!
E. P. Shagott
9/1/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/28
Heaven
By Max Lucado
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Remember, heaven was not foreign to Jesus. He is the only person to live on earth after he had lived in heaven . . . he knew heaven before he came to earth. He knew what awaited him upon his return. And knowing what awaited him in heaven enabled him to bear the shame on earth.
*************************************************
Aug. 28-29, 2010
The Influence of Faith
by Dr. Charles Stanley
1 Kings 18:37-40
In contemporary Christian culture, faith is often considered a possession that affects just its "owner." Because of our love for independence and self-sufficiency, we have, in many ways, lost the sense of community and outreach that the church is meant to embody. We live like little islands in our own "personal relationship with Christ." But in reality, God wants our faith to influence others, both within and outside the church.
Elijah's faith influenced the entire nation of Israel. By believing and delivering God's message, he was an example to them in word and deed. When he asked the Lord to reveal Himself as almighty God, fire fell from heaven, and the people believed.
His motive in the showdown at Mount Carmel was to draw the people back to the Lord. We usually think of "sharing our faith" with those who don't know Christ, but our confidence in God can also encourage weak or wayward believers. Likewise, those strong in faith can strengthen us when we are struggling with doubt.
The church is described as a body whose parts are all interconnected (1 Cor. 12:12). God never intended that we be autonomous, living in our own personal faith. We are not like a bag of marbles; rather, we're to be like a bunch of grapes whose juices blend in times of pressure.
Guard against living an isolated Christian life. Share your confidence in God's faithfulness. Your testimony could help others' faith to grow. If you're troubled by doubt or fear, let go of any pride or shame, and seek help from a strong believer. Mutual blessing awaits when we reach out to one another.
*************************************************
8/30
Live the Life
By Max Lucado
“I am a voice calling out in the desert.” John 1:23
John was a voice for Christ with more than his voice. His life matched his words. When a person’s ways and words are the same, the fusion is explosive. But when a person says one thing and lives another, the result is destructive. People will know we are Christians, not because we bear the name, but because we live the life.
*************************************************
8/31
Exercise Your Faith
from Daily Disciples devotional
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!" And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir." Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:1-6
When God gave Abram the promise that his descendants would be as countless as the stars in the heavens, Abram and Sarai were old and had no children. This promise was still several years away from fulfillment even as the Lord made this covenant with Abram. But despite the circumstances of the current situation, Abram "believed in the Lord" and all that He was telling him. God accounted him as righteous because of his great faith.
It takes incredible faith to believe in a God you have never seen. It takes even more faith to believe in His promises that will directly impact your life. Great faith comes from our resolve to believe in the Lord and who He is, not what we can prove or intellectualize about Him. As a matter of fact, faith can be downright silly in man's eyes, even foolish. Instead of being self-conscious or embarrassed we should all pray to be more foolish in our faith. Why not expect God to move mountains in our lives?
Where is your faith today? Faith is meant to be active, not passive. If we do not keep exercising our faith, we get weak and can be tossed to and fro when the enemy comes to strike. Get into the Word of God on a regular basis and ask the Lord to increase your faith. When you get that sense within your spirit that you need to move, do it…step out and go for it. Sometimes when the fear is the greatest, you have to ask yourself: who is trying to stop you and why? Fear is not of the Lord. So why is the enemy causing you to fear? He does not want you to succeed. Faith brings success.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
My Journey 8/27/2010
God's insight to me:
As I read this devotional this morning I said, "that's me!" Through the God's Love Outreach Ministry and my love for the Lord I bring a message of His love and grace to many shut-ins that are unable to seek out for themselves. His message is mainly given through a number of songs throughout a one hour period. The average program has about 15+ songs throughout it. So as I looked back at the data from the outreach ministry since January 2004 I have presented 1075 programs. This would equate to about 16,125 songs that I have sung. So like Heman in the scriptures I guess I am a singer. But what I tell people, I do not consider myself a singer, but more a messenger. The message is "God loves you!" As F. B. Meyer's wrote I do sing not just on Sundays praising Him with hymns and praise songs, along with our church congregation, but also throughout most of my days. Not just in the ministry but also throughout my everyday existence. So I will keep on singing to Him a new song, for in my heart there rings a melody, a melody of love.
I Sing
For I sing
because I'm happy.
I sing because I'm free.
I sing because my Savior,
on Calvary did die for me.
I sing as a way to praise Him.
I sing with prayers lifted above.
I sing to my Heavenly Father,
a song of gratitude and love.
I sing as a messenger for Him,
a song that others may hear.
I sing to the many that are lost
and live in constant fear.
The song I sing is always about Him,
it flows from His Spirit within.
If you listen with your heart my friends,
it is not me singing, but Him!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/27
Our Daily Homily
a devotional by F. B. Meyer
Heman the singer. 1 Chron. 6: 33.
THIS is a very brief record to put on a man's grave, but a very expressive one. To decipher that epitaph about Heman is to learn a good deal about him. From this clue we might almost construct his entire personality and character. And it would be well if it could be said of us that we had ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Lord.
Would you be a singer not on Sundays only, but always; not with your voice only, but in your heart; not only when the sunshine pours into the open casement through the swaying boughs of honeysuckle, but when the shutters tell of bereavement and removal then remember these rules: (1st.) God must put the new song into your mouth; (2nd.) You must be fully consecrated to Him; for the song of the Lord only begins when the burnt offering is complete. (3rd.) You must not go into a strange land, for it is impossible to sing the Lord's song there.
Sing on, dear heart, sing on. There is nothing that scares off the devil so quickly as a hymn. Luther said, "Let us sing a hymn, and spite the devil." There is nothing that so well beguiles the pilgrim's step, and quickens his pace, when the miles are growing long and weary. There is nothing that brings so much of heaven into the heart. Singing makes every movement rhythmic, every service praise, every act thanksgiving. Sing when times are dark, you will make them bright; sing when the house of life is lonely, it will become peopled with unseen choristers; go down into the valley of shadow with a song, and you will find yourself singing the new song of Moses and the Lamb when you awake on the other side.
As I read this devotional this morning I said, "that's me!" Through the God's Love Outreach Ministry and my love for the Lord I bring a message of His love and grace to many shut-ins that are unable to seek out for themselves. His message is mainly given through a number of songs throughout a one hour period. The average program has about 15+ songs throughout it. So as I looked back at the data from the outreach ministry since January 2004 I have presented 1075 programs. This would equate to about 16,125 songs that I have sung. So like Heman in the scriptures I guess I am a singer. But what I tell people, I do not consider myself a singer, but more a messenger. The message is "God loves you!" As F. B. Meyer's wrote I do sing not just on Sundays praising Him with hymns and praise songs, along with our church congregation, but also throughout most of my days. Not just in the ministry but also throughout my everyday existence. So I will keep on singing to Him a new song, for in my heart there rings a melody, a melody of love.
I Sing
For I sing
because I'm happy.
I sing because I'm free.
I sing because my Savior,
on Calvary did die for me.
I sing as a way to praise Him.
I sing with prayers lifted above.
I sing to my Heavenly Father,
a song of gratitude and love.
I sing as a messenger for Him,
a song that others may hear.
I sing to the many that are lost
and live in constant fear.
The song I sing is always about Him,
it flows from His Spirit within.
If you listen with your heart my friends,
it is not me singing, but Him!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/27
Our Daily Homily
a devotional by F. B. Meyer
Heman the singer. 1 Chron. 6: 33.
THIS is a very brief record to put on a man's grave, but a very expressive one. To decipher that epitaph about Heman is to learn a good deal about him. From this clue we might almost construct his entire personality and character. And it would be well if it could be said of us that we had ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Lord.
Would you be a singer not on Sundays only, but always; not with your voice only, but in your heart; not only when the sunshine pours into the open casement through the swaying boughs of honeysuckle, but when the shutters tell of bereavement and removal then remember these rules: (1st.) God must put the new song into your mouth; (2nd.) You must be fully consecrated to Him; for the song of the Lord only begins when the burnt offering is complete. (3rd.) You must not go into a strange land, for it is impossible to sing the Lord's song there.
Sing on, dear heart, sing on. There is nothing that scares off the devil so quickly as a hymn. Luther said, "Let us sing a hymn, and spite the devil." There is nothing that so well beguiles the pilgrim's step, and quickens his pace, when the miles are growing long and weary. There is nothing that brings so much of heaven into the heart. Singing makes every movement rhythmic, every service praise, every act thanksgiving. Sing when times are dark, you will make them bright; sing when the house of life is lonely, it will become peopled with unseen choristers; go down into the valley of shadow with a song, and you will find yourself singing the new song of Moses and the Lamb when you awake on the other side.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
My Journey 8/26/2010
God's insight for me:
As I was reading my morning devotionals this one stood out and the Lord ministered to me through it. I now have a fire burning within me for Him that not many can understand, only those who have also released their lives to Him. From a day back in 1997 when I said, "Lord You take control of my life", a true UNION with God's holy silent Lamb became a new life for me. That day back in 1997 I experienced my soul's stillness as His Holy Spirit was free within me to do the Father's will. My prayer for today is that each set of eyes that read this devotional, and awesome poem by L. S. P., will set His Spirit free in themselves more can experience what life in Christ is all about.
Praise God!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
He Answered Nothing
Streams in the Desert - Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional
"He answered nothing" (Mark 15:3).
There is no spectacle in all the Bible so sublime as the silent Savior answering not a word to the men who were maligning Him, and whom He could have laid prostrate at His feet by one look of Divine power, or one word of fiery rebuke. But He let them say and do their worst, and He stood in THE POWER OF STILLNESS--God's holy silent Lamb.
There is a stillness that lets God work for us, and holds our peace; the stillness that ceases from its contriving and its self-vindication, and its expedients of wisdom and forethought, and lets God provide and answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.
How often we lose God's interposition by taking up our own cause, and striking for our defense. God give to us this silent power, this conquered spirit! And after the heat and strife of earth are over, men will remember us as we remember the morning dew, the gentle light and sunshine, the evening breeze, the Lamb of Calvary, and the gentle, holy heavenly Dove. --A. B. Simpson
The day when Jesus stood alone
And felt the hearts of men like stone,
And knew He came but to atone
That day "He held His peace."
They witnessed falsely to His word,
They bound Him with a cruel cord,
And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord;
"But Jesus held His peace."
They spat upon Him in the face,
They dragged Him on from place to place,
They heaped upon Him all disgrace;
"But Jesus held His peace."
My friend, have you for far much less,
With rage, which you called righteousness,
Resented slights with great distress?
Your Saviour "held His peace."
--L. S. P.
I remember once hearing Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as "The Apostle of the Indians," utter these beautiful words: "For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed." When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an easy-going tolerance, from passionate vindictiveness and everything that would mar or injure our testimony for Him who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. --W. H. Griffith Thomas
As I was reading my morning devotionals this one stood out and the Lord ministered to me through it. I now have a fire burning within me for Him that not many can understand, only those who have also released their lives to Him. From a day back in 1997 when I said, "Lord You take control of my life", a true UNION with God's holy silent Lamb became a new life for me. That day back in 1997 I experienced my soul's stillness as His Holy Spirit was free within me to do the Father's will. My prayer for today is that each set of eyes that read this devotional, and awesome poem by L. S. P., will set His Spirit free in themselves more can experience what life in Christ is all about.
Praise God!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
He Answered Nothing
Streams in the Desert - Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional
"He answered nothing" (Mark 15:3).
There is no spectacle in all the Bible so sublime as the silent Savior answering not a word to the men who were maligning Him, and whom He could have laid prostrate at His feet by one look of Divine power, or one word of fiery rebuke. But He let them say and do their worst, and He stood in THE POWER OF STILLNESS--God's holy silent Lamb.
There is a stillness that lets God work for us, and holds our peace; the stillness that ceases from its contriving and its self-vindication, and its expedients of wisdom and forethought, and lets God provide and answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.
How often we lose God's interposition by taking up our own cause, and striking for our defense. God give to us this silent power, this conquered spirit! And after the heat and strife of earth are over, men will remember us as we remember the morning dew, the gentle light and sunshine, the evening breeze, the Lamb of Calvary, and the gentle, holy heavenly Dove. --A. B. Simpson
The day when Jesus stood alone
And felt the hearts of men like stone,
And knew He came but to atone
That day "He held His peace."
They witnessed falsely to His word,
They bound Him with a cruel cord,
And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord;
"But Jesus held His peace."
They spat upon Him in the face,
They dragged Him on from place to place,
They heaped upon Him all disgrace;
"But Jesus held His peace."
My friend, have you for far much less,
With rage, which you called righteousness,
Resented slights with great distress?
Your Saviour "held His peace."
--L. S. P.
I remember once hearing Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as "The Apostle of the Indians," utter these beautiful words: "For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed." When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an easy-going tolerance, from passionate vindictiveness and everything that would mar or injure our testimony for Him who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. --W. H. Griffith Thomas
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
My Journey 8/24 - 8/25/2010
God's insight to me:
I loved this devotional because of the story which made me reflect back on the God's Love Outreach Ministry that I have been blessed to be called into. For 7 1/2 years I have met several residents in homes that sound like Gwen. Their lives have changed forever. Nothing is the same for them, family, friends and present surroundings are all different. They now rely on someone to help them get through the day. They are now living in the canyons of their lives, and to many it's a "Grand Canyon". Grand by meaning "big". As in Gwen's life, just ragged rocks. If there would be any green it would be weeds trying to poke through. But then I am also blessed when I meet some that make the best of what they now have. For the majority of these I can see Christ's Spirit living inside them. Though my calling is for the hurting and the lost I find an instant bond with the Christians I am brought into contact with. They are in the canyon but see more Spirit flowers than Gwen. For they have a closer walk with the Master.
I love this next devotional by Charles Spurgeon. I am so glad that God did choose me. My life has been so awesome since we are One. I pray that after reading my latest poem you would agree.
Christ Lives Within Me
Christ lives within me,
our lives are now as One.
He was the One who has chosen me,
ever since the world begun.
Ever since the Garden of Eden,
when He created Brother Adam and Sister Eve,
He knew I would also be special to Him,
all I had to do was just believe.
He is an awesome God,
Who reigns from the Heavens above.
A Father who keeps on giving,
all because of His gracious love.
So if you do not know Him,
but want to love Him like I do.
It all starts with the choice you make,
for He wants to live in you too!!
E. P. Shagott
8/25/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
August 24
Flowers in the Canyon
from Streams in the Desert devotionals
"For our profit" (Heb. 12:10).
In one of Ralph Connor's books he tells a story of Gwen. Gwen was a wild, wilful lassie and one who had always been accustomed to having her own way. Then one day she met with a terrible accident which crippled her for life. She became very rebellious and in the murmuring state she was visited by the Sky Pilot, as the missionary among the mountaineers was termed.
He told her the parable of the canyon. "At first there were no canyons, but only the broad, open prairie. One day the Master of the Prairie, walking over his great lawns, where were only grasses, asked the Prairie, 'Where are your flowers?' and the Prairie said, 'Master I have no seeds.'
"Then he spoke to the birds, and they carried seeds of every kind of flower and strewed them far and wide, and soon the prairie bloomed with crocuses and roses and buffalo beans and the yellow crowfoot and the wild sunflowers and the red lilies all summer long. Then the Master came and was well pleased; but he missed the flowers he loved best of all, and he said to the Prairie: 'Where are the clematis and the columbine, the sweet violets and wind-flowers, and all the ferns and flowering shrubs?'
"And again he spoke to the birds, and again they carried all the seeds and scattered them far and wide. But, again, when the Master came he could not find the flowers he loved best of all, and he said:
"'Where are those my sweetest flowers?' and the Prairie cried sorrowfully:
"'Oh, Master, I cannot keep the flowers, for the winds sweep fiercely, and the sun beats upon my breast, and they wither up and fly away.'
"Then the Master spoke to the Lightning, and with one swift blow the Lightning cleft the Prairie to the heart. And the Prairie rocked and groaned in agony, and for many a day moaned bitterly over the black, jagged, gaping wound.
"But the river poured its waters through the cleft, and carried down deep black mould, and once more the birds carried seeds and strewed them in the canyon. And after a long time the rough rocks were decked out with soft mosses and trailing vines, and all the nooks were hung with clematis and columbine, and great elms lifted their huge tops high up into the sunlight, and down about their feet clustered the low cedars and balsams, and everywhere the violets and wind-flower and maiden-hair grew and bloomed, till the canyon became the Master's favorite place for rest and peace and joy."
Then the Sky Pilot read to her: "The fruit--I'll read 'flowers'--of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness--and some of these grow only in the canyon."
"Which are the canyon flowers?" asked Gwen softly, and the Pilot answered: "Gentleness, meekness, longsuffering; but though the others, love, joy, peace, bloom in the open, yet never with so rich a bloom and so sweet a perfume as in the canyon."
For a long time Gwen lay quite still, and then said wistfully, while her lips trembled: "There are no flowers in my canyon, but only ragged rocks."
"Some day they will bloom, Gwen dear; the Master will find them, and we, too, shall see them."
Beloved, when you come to your canyon, remember!
*************************************************
8/25/2010
God Is Jealous
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008
“God is jealous.” Nahum 1:2
Your Lord is jealous of your love.
Did He choose you? Then He cannot bear that you would choose another.
Did He purchase you with His own blood? He cannot bear that you would live apart from Him, or that you would belong to this world.
He loved you with such a love that meant He would not stay in heaven without you; He would rather die than see you perish, and He cannot bear that anything should stand between your heart’s love and Himself.
He is jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in any mere human being. He weeps, seeing you cradle a broken jug, when His overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad, but when we transfer our dependence to another, relying on our own wisdom, or trusting in any works of our own, He is displeased. He will humble us so that He can bring us closer to Himself.
He is also jealous of our company. We should be in conversation with Jesus more than anyone else. True love is living with Him only; but to live primarily for selfish comforts, or to prefer even our fellow Christians to fellowship with Him, this is too pains our jealous Lord.
He urges us stay close to Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself. Many of the trials which He sends us are to wean our hearts from worldly things, and fixing us more closely on Himself. This jealousy, which He intends to keep us near to Christ, can also be a tremendous comfort to us, because if He cares about us and our love so much, we can be sure that He will do nothing to harm us, and will protect us from our enemies. I pray that we will keep our hearts pure for our beloved Lord alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the distractions of the world!
I loved this devotional because of the story which made me reflect back on the God's Love Outreach Ministry that I have been blessed to be called into. For 7 1/2 years I have met several residents in homes that sound like Gwen. Their lives have changed forever. Nothing is the same for them, family, friends and present surroundings are all different. They now rely on someone to help them get through the day. They are now living in the canyons of their lives, and to many it's a "Grand Canyon". Grand by meaning "big". As in Gwen's life, just ragged rocks. If there would be any green it would be weeds trying to poke through. But then I am also blessed when I meet some that make the best of what they now have. For the majority of these I can see Christ's Spirit living inside them. Though my calling is for the hurting and the lost I find an instant bond with the Christians I am brought into contact with. They are in the canyon but see more Spirit flowers than Gwen. For they have a closer walk with the Master.
I love this next devotional by Charles Spurgeon. I am so glad that God did choose me. My life has been so awesome since we are One. I pray that after reading my latest poem you would agree.
Christ Lives Within Me
Christ lives within me,
our lives are now as One.
He was the One who has chosen me,
ever since the world begun.
Ever since the Garden of Eden,
when He created Brother Adam and Sister Eve,
He knew I would also be special to Him,
all I had to do was just believe.
He is an awesome God,
Who reigns from the Heavens above.
A Father who keeps on giving,
all because of His gracious love.
So if you do not know Him,
but want to love Him like I do.
It all starts with the choice you make,
for He wants to live in you too!!
E. P. Shagott
8/25/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
August 24
Flowers in the Canyon
from Streams in the Desert devotionals
"For our profit" (Heb. 12:10).
In one of Ralph Connor's books he tells a story of Gwen. Gwen was a wild, wilful lassie and one who had always been accustomed to having her own way. Then one day she met with a terrible accident which crippled her for life. She became very rebellious and in the murmuring state she was visited by the Sky Pilot, as the missionary among the mountaineers was termed.
He told her the parable of the canyon. "At first there were no canyons, but only the broad, open prairie. One day the Master of the Prairie, walking over his great lawns, where were only grasses, asked the Prairie, 'Where are your flowers?' and the Prairie said, 'Master I have no seeds.'
"Then he spoke to the birds, and they carried seeds of every kind of flower and strewed them far and wide, and soon the prairie bloomed with crocuses and roses and buffalo beans and the yellow crowfoot and the wild sunflowers and the red lilies all summer long. Then the Master came and was well pleased; but he missed the flowers he loved best of all, and he said to the Prairie: 'Where are the clematis and the columbine, the sweet violets and wind-flowers, and all the ferns and flowering shrubs?'
"And again he spoke to the birds, and again they carried all the seeds and scattered them far and wide. But, again, when the Master came he could not find the flowers he loved best of all, and he said:
"'Where are those my sweetest flowers?' and the Prairie cried sorrowfully:
"'Oh, Master, I cannot keep the flowers, for the winds sweep fiercely, and the sun beats upon my breast, and they wither up and fly away.'
"Then the Master spoke to the Lightning, and with one swift blow the Lightning cleft the Prairie to the heart. And the Prairie rocked and groaned in agony, and for many a day moaned bitterly over the black, jagged, gaping wound.
"But the river poured its waters through the cleft, and carried down deep black mould, and once more the birds carried seeds and strewed them in the canyon. And after a long time the rough rocks were decked out with soft mosses and trailing vines, and all the nooks were hung with clematis and columbine, and great elms lifted their huge tops high up into the sunlight, and down about their feet clustered the low cedars and balsams, and everywhere the violets and wind-flower and maiden-hair grew and bloomed, till the canyon became the Master's favorite place for rest and peace and joy."
Then the Sky Pilot read to her: "The fruit--I'll read 'flowers'--of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness--and some of these grow only in the canyon."
"Which are the canyon flowers?" asked Gwen softly, and the Pilot answered: "Gentleness, meekness, longsuffering; but though the others, love, joy, peace, bloom in the open, yet never with so rich a bloom and so sweet a perfume as in the canyon."
For a long time Gwen lay quite still, and then said wistfully, while her lips trembled: "There are no flowers in my canyon, but only ragged rocks."
"Some day they will bloom, Gwen dear; the Master will find them, and we, too, shall see them."
Beloved, when you come to your canyon, remember!
*************************************************
8/25/2010
God Is Jealous
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008
“God is jealous.” Nahum 1:2
Your Lord is jealous of your love.
Did He choose you? Then He cannot bear that you would choose another.
Did He purchase you with His own blood? He cannot bear that you would live apart from Him, or that you would belong to this world.
He loved you with such a love that meant He would not stay in heaven without you; He would rather die than see you perish, and He cannot bear that anything should stand between your heart’s love and Himself.
He is jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in any mere human being. He weeps, seeing you cradle a broken jug, when His overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad, but when we transfer our dependence to another, relying on our own wisdom, or trusting in any works of our own, He is displeased. He will humble us so that He can bring us closer to Himself.
He is also jealous of our company. We should be in conversation with Jesus more than anyone else. True love is living with Him only; but to live primarily for selfish comforts, or to prefer even our fellow Christians to fellowship with Him, this is too pains our jealous Lord.
He urges us stay close to Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself. Many of the trials which He sends us are to wean our hearts from worldly things, and fixing us more closely on Himself. This jealousy, which He intends to keep us near to Christ, can also be a tremendous comfort to us, because if He cares about us and our love so much, we can be sure that He will do nothing to harm us, and will protect us from our enemies. I pray that we will keep our hearts pure for our beloved Lord alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the distractions of the world!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
My Journey 8/21 - 8/23/2010
God's insight to me:
Here are three devotionals by Adrian Rogers. This first one when I read it brought back an interview with Mother Teresa. She was asked that when she went to Heaven was there something she wanted to ask Jesus? Her answer was, "Why did so many have to suffer?" Adrian Rogers devotional I believe is right on. Even if we don't understand it, we chose what happened to us. If you didn't choose then maybe because of someone else' choice has caused you suffering. I truly believe that God does not want manor woman to suffer. As I read in the bible two verses stood out to me, Genesis 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the heavens, and to every creeper on the earth which has in it a living soul every green plant is for food; and it was so. Genesis 2:16 And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree in the garden. It was man's choice to change the structure of what we eat. So every since the fall of man and woman, when they were banished from the Garden of Eden, by their choice, enter sickness and problems. God did not create evil. God created man and gave him the ability to choose. God also gave us His Son, Jesus, who said in John 16:33 I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. How did Christ overcome the world, on the Cross. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Praise God!
This next devotional everyone should pay special attention to, Prayer is one our untapped resources. A personal conversation with God. Humans have a unique way of tuning each other out, but not God. He is always waiting to talk with us. Any minute, at any time, He is there, waiting on us. Each child of His has the Holy Spirit inside ready to intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Thank You, Holy Spirit.
This final devotional "In Christ Jesus", should be each Christians daily battle cry. As it is written in the bible, Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
*************************************************
August 21
Why Is there Suffering in the World?
By Adrian Rogers
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36
"If there is a God, and that God is a good God, then why is there suffering?"
"What kind of a God is it that has created evil?"
Ever heard those comments before? Ever made them yourself?
You're not alone. Many people have thought the same thing. But that's not straight thinking. Let me tell you the way it truly is.
God did not create evil. God created perfection. God made man perfectly free. The freedom He granted man meant that he had to be free to choose to love. Then in order to choose to love, we must be able to choose not to love. This freedom of choice gave rise to evil, for man's freedom meant he could make a wrong choice.
Which kind of love do you want from others? A forced love or a free love? Which sounds better, "I love you" or "I have to love you"?
*************************************************
August 22
Pray to Be Heard of God, Not Men
by Adrian Rogers
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Matthew 6:5
One time a young professional was waiting for a meeting when he heard someone walking down the hallway. Thinking that this might be a potential client for him, he picked up his telephone and pretended to be having a high-powered conversation.
Soon the footsteps stopped at his desk. Looking up he asked, "What may I do for you?" The man standing before him replied, "I'm from the telephone company. I've come to hook up your phone."
Prayer is the same way. The prayer that gets our Savior's attention comes from the heart and not from the head, "to be heard by men." Prayers to impress people are one-way conversations.
Find a quiet place in your home where you can be alone with the Lord every day for a special time of communion with the Him. He is waiting for you there.
*************************************************
August 23
To Be "in Christ Jesus"
By Adrian Rogers
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1
What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus?" First, think about what it was for Noah to be in the ark. The ark was waterproof. How do we know it was? Well, God told Noah, "put pitch on the inside and on the outside" (Genesis 6:14). The word "pitch" in the Hebrew is kapar, and it is exactly the same word translated as "atonement." You see, we are in Jesus as Noah was in that ark. Just as the storms of God's wrath beat upon that ark, the storms of God's wrath beat upon the Lord Jesus. But we are on the inside, and not one drop of judgment can come through.
Read Romans 8:35-39. Reflect on the things that Paul says will never separate you from God's love. Give glory to God that your sins have been atoned for by the righteous blood of the Savior.
Here are three devotionals by Adrian Rogers. This first one when I read it brought back an interview with Mother Teresa. She was asked that when she went to Heaven was there something she wanted to ask Jesus? Her answer was, "Why did so many have to suffer?" Adrian Rogers devotional I believe is right on. Even if we don't understand it, we chose what happened to us. If you didn't choose then maybe because of someone else' choice has caused you suffering. I truly believe that God does not want manor woman to suffer. As I read in the bible two verses stood out to me, Genesis 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the heavens, and to every creeper on the earth which has in it a living soul every green plant is for food; and it was so. Genesis 2:16 And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree in the garden. It was man's choice to change the structure of what we eat. So every since the fall of man and woman, when they were banished from the Garden of Eden, by their choice, enter sickness and problems. God did not create evil. God created man and gave him the ability to choose. God also gave us His Son, Jesus, who said in John 16:33 I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. How did Christ overcome the world, on the Cross. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Praise God!
This next devotional everyone should pay special attention to, Prayer is one our untapped resources. A personal conversation with God. Humans have a unique way of tuning each other out, but not God. He is always waiting to talk with us. Any minute, at any time, He is there, waiting on us. Each child of His has the Holy Spirit inside ready to intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Thank You, Holy Spirit.
This final devotional "In Christ Jesus", should be each Christians daily battle cry. As it is written in the bible, Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
*************************************************
August 21
Why Is there Suffering in the World?
By Adrian Rogers
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36
"If there is a God, and that God is a good God, then why is there suffering?"
"What kind of a God is it that has created evil?"
Ever heard those comments before? Ever made them yourself?
You're not alone. Many people have thought the same thing. But that's not straight thinking. Let me tell you the way it truly is.
God did not create evil. God created perfection. God made man perfectly free. The freedom He granted man meant that he had to be free to choose to love. Then in order to choose to love, we must be able to choose not to love. This freedom of choice gave rise to evil, for man's freedom meant he could make a wrong choice.
Which kind of love do you want from others? A forced love or a free love? Which sounds better, "I love you" or "I have to love you"?
*************************************************
August 22
Pray to Be Heard of God, Not Men
by Adrian Rogers
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Matthew 6:5
One time a young professional was waiting for a meeting when he heard someone walking down the hallway. Thinking that this might be a potential client for him, he picked up his telephone and pretended to be having a high-powered conversation.
Soon the footsteps stopped at his desk. Looking up he asked, "What may I do for you?" The man standing before him replied, "I'm from the telephone company. I've come to hook up your phone."
Prayer is the same way. The prayer that gets our Savior's attention comes from the heart and not from the head, "to be heard by men." Prayers to impress people are one-way conversations.
Find a quiet place in your home where you can be alone with the Lord every day for a special time of communion with the Him. He is waiting for you there.
*************************************************
August 23
To Be "in Christ Jesus"
By Adrian Rogers
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1
What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus?" First, think about what it was for Noah to be in the ark. The ark was waterproof. How do we know it was? Well, God told Noah, "put pitch on the inside and on the outside" (Genesis 6:14). The word "pitch" in the Hebrew is kapar, and it is exactly the same word translated as "atonement." You see, we are in Jesus as Noah was in that ark. Just as the storms of God's wrath beat upon that ark, the storms of God's wrath beat upon the Lord Jesus. But we are on the inside, and not one drop of judgment can come through.
Read Romans 8:35-39. Reflect on the things that Paul says will never separate you from God's love. Give glory to God that your sins have been atoned for by the righteous blood of the Savior.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
My Journey 8/17 - 8/20/2010
God's insight to me:
I like this devotional by Adrian Rogers for it really speaks about our lives today. Some people going to church on Sunday, giving God one hour of their time, and then going home and putting on "dirty clothes". The dirty clothes I am speaking of is their daily lifestyles. My friends a sin is a sin. One Sunday a week does not change that. To have a fellowship with God you must understand that. Once you ask Christ into your heart and ask Him to forgive you of your sins, it is a done deal. Does that mean you won't sin again? No, but you are less tempted to put on those dirty clothes. And if and when you do remember, He knows it. Ask Him to forgive you for that and again it is a done deal. What you find is your wanting to sin diminishes and being Christ-like increases. If that is what you want, it is your choice. It is mine.
The "Thanks Be To God" devotional is very well written. As we see our country and leaders turn away from God, we must prayerfully ask God to forgive us and guide us in His ways, the same ways that our founding fathers founded this great country on. The way hasn't changed from the beginning. God hasn't changed and never will change.
Dr. Stanley's devotional will bring fear to some people. Just think of what God's final exam for us is going to be like. So many I believe will be needing more time to learn, for they didn't spend their time wisely. Do you understand what the "truth" is? John 14:6, Jesus said, I am the truth, the way, and the life... Did you recognize when the "truth" was present? Did you tell others about the "truth"? One day we will all be in front of the greatest teacher of all and He will say, "The final exam begins now!" He already knows your answers!
Neil T. Anderson's devotional speaks volumes about God. I love this statement about how we are waiting for a sign form God, "Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself." I also found this to be very true, "I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God." I believe if you want to watch God work get done on your knees and ask Him to be control of your life, then look in the mirror and watch Him work.
The Face in the Mirror
I looked in the mirror
and what did I see,
the face of Jesus
looking back at me.
I said, “oh Lord ,
how can this be?
The things I’ve done
You can’t really want to be me!
You never sinned
or did any wrong,
How can I possibly think
being with You I belong?
Then within a moment
He spoke to my heart.
“The past is forgiven
let Me be your new start!
If you can say yes
and finally agree,
then the reflection in the mirror
will always be Me.”
E. P. Shagott
12/12/09
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
August 17
Is It Clean Enough?
by Adrian Rogers
"O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:31-32
A man was in the back bedroom of his home getting dressed while his wife was in the living room talking to a friend. He called out to his wife, "Darling, is this shirt clean enough for me to wear?"
Without hesitation she said, "No."
He said, "How did you know it wasn't clean enough to wear? You didn't even come back to look at it."
She answered, "If you had to ask, it wasn't clean enough!"
When it comes to the question of whether you should do something or not, if it's doubtful, it's dirty. Unfortunately, most of us don't give God the benefit of the doubt. We just go ahead and do it.
Are you in doubt about something today? If you have even the smallest doubt in your heart that it might be sin or lead to sin, be strong and choose to say "No." He will be your peace.
*************************************************
August 18
Thanks be to God
From Daily Disciples Devotionals
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100
Let us all be thankful for our freedom and for our founding fathers who laid the God-fearing foundation for this great nation. But above everything else, let us not forget the One who made us. We are God's people---we are His sheep and this nation is still His pasture. Take time today to give Him praise and thanksgiving for the true freedom that we have in His Son Jesus Christ. Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Pray for our nation today. As Christians, we should all be greatly concerned at how our lawmakers are turning away from God in their choices and decisions. God's mercy is everlasting but there is a day of judgment coming. Pray that our nation will turn back to the Lord. One by one, as Christians, we can make a difference. Let's start today.
*************************************************
The Final Exam
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Matthew 25:31-40
Pay attention because there will be a test later." Upon completing their schooling, most people are relieved not to have to hear those words anymore. Well, your testing days are not quite over, because God has a final exam for believers. Below is a brief "study guide" outlining what the Lord's faithful can expect at His judgment throne.
Questions. Examining each believer's life from the moment of salvation to death, God looks for answers to three questions:
1. How much truth did the person know?
2. How many opportunities did he or she have to use that truth?
3. What did the individual do with those opportunities?
So you see that we are actually preparing for the final exam right now. On judgment day, no excuses or arguments can stand, nor will anything unrighteous, selfish, or evil be permitted in God's holy presence. All we'll have to show is what we did in His name.
Rewards. Every person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior shares in the gift of eternal life. However, just as each one is judged by his or her own life, so are rewards given individually. Though the Bible is not specific about the nature of heavenly blessings, the promise of receiving them permeates its pages (Matt. 5:12, 6:4; 1 Cor. 3:8; Rev. 2:23).
Throughout life, our heavenly Father provides each of us with so many big and small ways to honor Him. Take my advice: Do not waste a single moment of preparation time! On the appointed day, you will want to stand before Him, certain that you used your opportunities to the fullest.
*************************************************
8/20
How God works
by Neil T. Anderson
Deuteronomy 8:6
You shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him
I believe in miracles, and I accept as fact every one recorded in the Bible. I believe that our entire Christian experience is a miracle. It simply cannot be explained by natural means. And God's power is seen in other miraculous ways today, but must He always prove Himself by stepping outside His created order? If God doesn't primarily guide us through His Word (which never changes) and take into account the fixed order of the universe, how can we ever have any stability? How can we make any plans if God doesn't reveal His ways and then stay consistent with them?
God is not capricious in His dealings with man. He has clearly established His ways and He is faithful to them. I believe God has revealed His ways and we are to walk in them. The question is, how does God work through human responsibility and the natural order of the universe to bring about His will? Somehow He works through a less-than-perfect church, orchestrating human affairs in such a way as to guarantee the outcome of the ages. What really impresses me is His timing, not His miraculous interventions.
Notice how Jesus responded to those who insisted on a sign: "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet" (Matthew 12:39). Satan wanted a sign too. He said, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down" (Matthew 4:6). To this Jesus responded, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (verse 7 NIV ). Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself.
I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Prayer: Lord, I want to be responsible to use the gifts You have given me and lay aside sin and fruitless activities.
I like this devotional by Adrian Rogers for it really speaks about our lives today. Some people going to church on Sunday, giving God one hour of their time, and then going home and putting on "dirty clothes". The dirty clothes I am speaking of is their daily lifestyles. My friends a sin is a sin. One Sunday a week does not change that. To have a fellowship with God you must understand that. Once you ask Christ into your heart and ask Him to forgive you of your sins, it is a done deal. Does that mean you won't sin again? No, but you are less tempted to put on those dirty clothes. And if and when you do remember, He knows it. Ask Him to forgive you for that and again it is a done deal. What you find is your wanting to sin diminishes and being Christ-like increases. If that is what you want, it is your choice. It is mine.
The "Thanks Be To God" devotional is very well written. As we see our country and leaders turn away from God, we must prayerfully ask God to forgive us and guide us in His ways, the same ways that our founding fathers founded this great country on. The way hasn't changed from the beginning. God hasn't changed and never will change.
Dr. Stanley's devotional will bring fear to some people. Just think of what God's final exam for us is going to be like. So many I believe will be needing more time to learn, for they didn't spend their time wisely. Do you understand what the "truth" is? John 14:6, Jesus said, I am the truth, the way, and the life... Did you recognize when the "truth" was present? Did you tell others about the "truth"? One day we will all be in front of the greatest teacher of all and He will say, "The final exam begins now!" He already knows your answers!
Neil T. Anderson's devotional speaks volumes about God. I love this statement about how we are waiting for a sign form God, "Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself." I also found this to be very true, "I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God." I believe if you want to watch God work get done on your knees and ask Him to be control of your life, then look in the mirror and watch Him work.
The Face in the Mirror
I looked in the mirror
and what did I see,
the face of Jesus
looking back at me.
I said, “oh Lord ,
how can this be?
The things I’ve done
You can’t really want to be me!
You never sinned
or did any wrong,
How can I possibly think
being with You I belong?
Then within a moment
He spoke to my heart.
“The past is forgiven
let Me be your new start!
If you can say yes
and finally agree,
then the reflection in the mirror
will always be Me.”
E. P. Shagott
12/12/09
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
August 17
Is It Clean Enough?
by Adrian Rogers
"O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:31-32
A man was in the back bedroom of his home getting dressed while his wife was in the living room talking to a friend. He called out to his wife, "Darling, is this shirt clean enough for me to wear?"
Without hesitation she said, "No."
He said, "How did you know it wasn't clean enough to wear? You didn't even come back to look at it."
She answered, "If you had to ask, it wasn't clean enough!"
When it comes to the question of whether you should do something or not, if it's doubtful, it's dirty. Unfortunately, most of us don't give God the benefit of the doubt. We just go ahead and do it.
Are you in doubt about something today? If you have even the smallest doubt in your heart that it might be sin or lead to sin, be strong and choose to say "No." He will be your peace.
*************************************************
August 18
Thanks be to God
From Daily Disciples Devotionals
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100
Let us all be thankful for our freedom and for our founding fathers who laid the God-fearing foundation for this great nation. But above everything else, let us not forget the One who made us. We are God's people---we are His sheep and this nation is still His pasture. Take time today to give Him praise and thanksgiving for the true freedom that we have in His Son Jesus Christ. Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Pray for our nation today. As Christians, we should all be greatly concerned at how our lawmakers are turning away from God in their choices and decisions. God's mercy is everlasting but there is a day of judgment coming. Pray that our nation will turn back to the Lord. One by one, as Christians, we can make a difference. Let's start today.
*************************************************
The Final Exam
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Matthew 25:31-40
Pay attention because there will be a test later." Upon completing their schooling, most people are relieved not to have to hear those words anymore. Well, your testing days are not quite over, because God has a final exam for believers. Below is a brief "study guide" outlining what the Lord's faithful can expect at His judgment throne.
Questions. Examining each believer's life from the moment of salvation to death, God looks for answers to three questions:
1. How much truth did the person know?
2. How many opportunities did he or she have to use that truth?
3. What did the individual do with those opportunities?
So you see that we are actually preparing for the final exam right now. On judgment day, no excuses or arguments can stand, nor will anything unrighteous, selfish, or evil be permitted in God's holy presence. All we'll have to show is what we did in His name.
Rewards. Every person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior shares in the gift of eternal life. However, just as each one is judged by his or her own life, so are rewards given individually. Though the Bible is not specific about the nature of heavenly blessings, the promise of receiving them permeates its pages (Matt. 5:12, 6:4; 1 Cor. 3:8; Rev. 2:23).
Throughout life, our heavenly Father provides each of us with so many big and small ways to honor Him. Take my advice: Do not waste a single moment of preparation time! On the appointed day, you will want to stand before Him, certain that you used your opportunities to the fullest.
*************************************************
8/20
How God works
by Neil T. Anderson
Deuteronomy 8:6
You shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him
I believe in miracles, and I accept as fact every one recorded in the Bible. I believe that our entire Christian experience is a miracle. It simply cannot be explained by natural means. And God's power is seen in other miraculous ways today, but must He always prove Himself by stepping outside His created order? If God doesn't primarily guide us through His Word (which never changes) and take into account the fixed order of the universe, how can we ever have any stability? How can we make any plans if God doesn't reveal His ways and then stay consistent with them?
God is not capricious in His dealings with man. He has clearly established His ways and He is faithful to them. I believe God has revealed His ways and we are to walk in them. The question is, how does God work through human responsibility and the natural order of the universe to bring about His will? Somehow He works through a less-than-perfect church, orchestrating human affairs in such a way as to guarantee the outcome of the ages. What really impresses me is His timing, not His miraculous interventions.
Notice how Jesus responded to those who insisted on a sign: "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet" (Matthew 12:39). Satan wanted a sign too. He said, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down" (Matthew 4:6). To this Jesus responded, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (verse 7 NIV ). Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself.
I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Prayer: Lord, I want to be responsible to use the gifts You have given me and lay aside sin and fruitless activities.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
My Journey 8/16/2010
God's insight to me:
Recently I read on Facebook of a person who lost a loved one. I also can relate to that for it is something you never get over, but learn to live with. I love what this devotional speaks about, praise and worship. See, it is easy to be singing God's praises when everything is going good, but when you are in the valley like this gentleman who lost his wife to cancer, not many want to praise God, but that is what life is about. God used this gentleman in his darkest hour to bring glory to Him. This is an excellent devotional with an excellent message, "Will you someday be able to look down from the "Edge of Heaven?" Several years ago I read a short story about Pastor Rick Warren's fathers last moments. He sat up in his hospital bed and said, "Got to save one more for Jesus, got to save one more for Jesus!" Then he went to be with the Lord.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there is something about that name!
Click here to listen to that song on YouTube.
After reading this devotional by John Fischer the Lord blessed me with this poem.
The Edge of Heaven
God walked over to the edge of Heaven,
and then looked down at me.
He said to His many angels,
see that one, he is special as can be.
Every time I look into his heart,
I see his love for me shining through.
Because he believes in My Son, Jesus
he also believes in me too.
So as all the angels looked down,
from the edge of Heaven above,
the Father gave them instructions
to protect me, and shower me with their love.
Steady him if he stumbles,
pick him up if he falls,
Holy Spirit listen to his prayers,
and tell Me when he calls.
Then from the edge of Heaven,
God looked down at all the rest.
Because of their love for my Son Jesus,
they truly will also be blessed.
E. P. Shagott
8/18/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/16
Edge of Heaven
by John Fischer
Rod Mayer has been the youth pastor at Capo Beach Calvary in Capistrano Beach, Calif., for 15 years, and many in the church credit he and his wife Janet for being an instrumental tool in their children’s faith journeys. Through Janet’s recent three-year struggle with cancer, she kept a positive outlook and was often the one who cheered others who were saddened by her condition.
The Sunday after she died, the church was treated with stories of how Rod and Janet, knowing the end was near, had spent a beautiful week together in Hawaii. We also heard how Rod had taken their two children’s favorite toys and put them in a paper bag out of sight. He told them that although they couldn’t touch their toys or play with them, they knew where they were, and it was going to be the same with their Mommy. They wouldn’t be able to touch her or play with her, but they would know she was in heaven.
Two days later, with Janet in heaven, a memorial service was held at the church. There was not enough room for everyone who came. There were stories about Janet from those who were closest to her. Some tried to laugh and bring lightness to the heavy emotions by recalling her sunny disposition. I imagined Rod on the front row, choked up by all this. I wondered if he might speak, but then, if it were me, I surmised I would not be able to.
Suddenly, Rod was up on the platform speaking. He told us how in her last few moments Janet stood up in bed, reached her hands up to heaven and spoke. When he asked her who she was talking to, she said, “Angels.” And then he and a friend laid her back down on the bed, and she died.
I thought it was pretty courageous of him to do this—to tell us these things—given his situation and the frailty of human emotions. But I was soon to be even more surprised when he strapped on a guitar and began leading us in songs of praise & worship. Let me tell you, that was an experience like no other. It was the closest I’ve ever come to worshiping with the saints in glory. Solid. True. There was such a sense of reality in knowing that Rod could not do this if he wasn’t looking out over the edge of heaven right then as he sang. This was not drummed-up praise. This was exuberant, from-the-bottom-of my-shoes praise. There was no lie in it.
Rod’s voice carried over everyone else’s, and there was something about it that was different. It had a strength and confidence that was mystical, if not eerie. It was almost as if he stepped over the edge of heaven for a moment and sang to us from there. I swear I heard a glorified voice.
And then, if that weren’t enough, he had us all bow our heads and he gave an invitation. Yep. I’m not making this up. He told everyone at his wife’s funeral that this would be a really good time to make sure they were ready to die, and then he told them what they needed to do to receive Christ. From the edge of heaven, he welcomed a number of people into the family of God.
Rod is not a big man. He’s not a tall man. He is slight in build and usually a little nervous around people. But let me tell you something: Rod is a huge man now in my eyes. Bigger than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m sure he will go through some long, lonely days. By the time you read this, they may be his longest ever. I don’t know, but I hear it’s the little things you miss—the coffee ready, the toothpaste squeezed in the middle, the sniffle during a touching scene on television, or simply turning around and forgetting for a split second, that there is no one there. Not to mention all the support you had the first few days that is now gone. Not anybody’s fault; it’s just that way. They have to get back to their lives, and you have to go back to yours, except yours will never be the same.
I know after that service I’ll never be the same, and I hope you won’t either, even just from reading this. And you know what else? If you don’t know what’s going to happen to you when you die, Rod would want you to do something about that. Right now. He would want you to make his loneliness worthwhile by meeting him someday, at the end of days, on the edge of heaven. You can do it right now.
Recently I read on Facebook of a person who lost a loved one. I also can relate to that for it is something you never get over, but learn to live with. I love what this devotional speaks about, praise and worship. See, it is easy to be singing God's praises when everything is going good, but when you are in the valley like this gentleman who lost his wife to cancer, not many want to praise God, but that is what life is about. God used this gentleman in his darkest hour to bring glory to Him. This is an excellent devotional with an excellent message, "Will you someday be able to look down from the "Edge of Heaven?" Several years ago I read a short story about Pastor Rick Warren's fathers last moments. He sat up in his hospital bed and said, "Got to save one more for Jesus, got to save one more for Jesus!" Then he went to be with the Lord.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there is something about that name!
Click here to listen to that song on YouTube.
After reading this devotional by John Fischer the Lord blessed me with this poem.
The Edge of Heaven
God walked over to the edge of Heaven,
and then looked down at me.
He said to His many angels,
see that one, he is special as can be.
Every time I look into his heart,
I see his love for me shining through.
Because he believes in My Son, Jesus
he also believes in me too.
So as all the angels looked down,
from the edge of Heaven above,
the Father gave them instructions
to protect me, and shower me with their love.
Steady him if he stumbles,
pick him up if he falls,
Holy Spirit listen to his prayers,
and tell Me when he calls.
Then from the edge of Heaven,
God looked down at all the rest.
Because of their love for my Son Jesus,
they truly will also be blessed.
E. P. Shagott
8/18/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/16
Edge of Heaven
by John Fischer
Rod Mayer has been the youth pastor at Capo Beach Calvary in Capistrano Beach, Calif., for 15 years, and many in the church credit he and his wife Janet for being an instrumental tool in their children’s faith journeys. Through Janet’s recent three-year struggle with cancer, she kept a positive outlook and was often the one who cheered others who were saddened by her condition.
The Sunday after she died, the church was treated with stories of how Rod and Janet, knowing the end was near, had spent a beautiful week together in Hawaii. We also heard how Rod had taken their two children’s favorite toys and put them in a paper bag out of sight. He told them that although they couldn’t touch their toys or play with them, they knew where they were, and it was going to be the same with their Mommy. They wouldn’t be able to touch her or play with her, but they would know she was in heaven.
Two days later, with Janet in heaven, a memorial service was held at the church. There was not enough room for everyone who came. There were stories about Janet from those who were closest to her. Some tried to laugh and bring lightness to the heavy emotions by recalling her sunny disposition. I imagined Rod on the front row, choked up by all this. I wondered if he might speak, but then, if it were me, I surmised I would not be able to.
Suddenly, Rod was up on the platform speaking. He told us how in her last few moments Janet stood up in bed, reached her hands up to heaven and spoke. When he asked her who she was talking to, she said, “Angels.” And then he and a friend laid her back down on the bed, and she died.
I thought it was pretty courageous of him to do this—to tell us these things—given his situation and the frailty of human emotions. But I was soon to be even more surprised when he strapped on a guitar and began leading us in songs of praise & worship. Let me tell you, that was an experience like no other. It was the closest I’ve ever come to worshiping with the saints in glory. Solid. True. There was such a sense of reality in knowing that Rod could not do this if he wasn’t looking out over the edge of heaven right then as he sang. This was not drummed-up praise. This was exuberant, from-the-bottom-of my-shoes praise. There was no lie in it.
Rod’s voice carried over everyone else’s, and there was something about it that was different. It had a strength and confidence that was mystical, if not eerie. It was almost as if he stepped over the edge of heaven for a moment and sang to us from there. I swear I heard a glorified voice.
And then, if that weren’t enough, he had us all bow our heads and he gave an invitation. Yep. I’m not making this up. He told everyone at his wife’s funeral that this would be a really good time to make sure they were ready to die, and then he told them what they needed to do to receive Christ. From the edge of heaven, he welcomed a number of people into the family of God.
Rod is not a big man. He’s not a tall man. He is slight in build and usually a little nervous around people. But let me tell you something: Rod is a huge man now in my eyes. Bigger than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m sure he will go through some long, lonely days. By the time you read this, they may be his longest ever. I don’t know, but I hear it’s the little things you miss—the coffee ready, the toothpaste squeezed in the middle, the sniffle during a touching scene on television, or simply turning around and forgetting for a split second, that there is no one there. Not to mention all the support you had the first few days that is now gone. Not anybody’s fault; it’s just that way. They have to get back to their lives, and you have to go back to yours, except yours will never be the same.
I know after that service I’ll never be the same, and I hope you won’t either, even just from reading this. And you know what else? If you don’t know what’s going to happen to you when you die, Rod would want you to do something about that. Right now. He would want you to make his loneliness worthwhile by meeting him someday, at the end of days, on the edge of heaven. You can do it right now.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
My Journey 8/14 - 8/15/2010
God's insight to me:
Three good devotionals with three good messages inside.
John Grant's writing brought back some of my memories of when my walk with Christ was more of 40+ years of stumbling. See, I didn't know back then that God had a plan for me. And truthfully now as I think back I wouldn't of been successful either for He was not my main priority. But God was patient and did not give up on me. When I think back of the many, many times I would drive 14+ miles not understanding what I was doing due to so much alcohol in my system. But God, through His love and grace protected me and all the innocent lives I could of harmed and changed. Now the fruits of God's love and faithfulness in me is unfolding through His wonderful plan in my life. Praise God!
Charles Spurgeon's devotional is a good one to follow John Grants. Because of my obedience to God's calling on my life I have and cherish my fellowship with the Father. It is because of my love for His Son, Jesus, that this fellowship is possible. As it is written in John 14:6-7, Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. And from now on you know Him and have seen Him. I am amazed that when I am presenting a song in the Seeds for Christ series I hear the Father speaking and fellowships with me. I can only pray that you also have this fellowship with Him. If not ask Him, with a sincere heart, that you may.
Katherine Kehler's devotional made me think how God has blessed me with the ability to bring His message of love and grace to His many wounded. As I share with the many residents that have viewed the God's Love Outreach Ministry programs, I am not a singer but God has blessed me with this ability. See, the driven force behind my life now, is a divine force. As the song is coming forth through me it is because of my love for Him that His message can be told. I love to tell the story of Jesus and His love.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/14
God has a Plan
by John Grant
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
Have you ever known someone who has had a near death experience and survived? Perhaps it was a serious disease or perhaps a narrow escape from death. Most people who have such an experience comment that they guess the Lord wasn’t finished with them yet and had something else in store for them to do.
I recalled such an experience at an early age, when recently I read about the tragic loss of life from a flash flood on the Caddo River in Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Dozens of campers were victims of a nighttime flash flood when the river rose at the rate of eight feet per hour. Many saved their lives by scaling up the steep embankments and unfortunately many did not survive.
It made me recall a time when I was a teenager and with five others drove to Colorado to camp there for a week and then camp the following week in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Shortly after arriving in Colorado one of our group became seriously ill and required medical treatment, causing us to spend the entire two weeks in Colorado. It was much to my disappointment, as I wanted so much to see Yellowstone, where we had campground reservations for months in advance.
It wasn’t until we were on the way back home when we found out about the big earthquake, so strong that it reversed the flow of a river and obliterated the campground where we had reservations. Dozens of campers perished and certainly we would have been among them but for the illness that kept us in Colorado.
I was not a practicing Christian at the time, but I remember wondering what kind of adult life I had ahead of me and what I would have missed if I had been camping at Yellowstone. It was a sobering thought that had a deep and early impression on my life.
Sometimes God saves our life in ways we never know about. Sometimes we do. I have a friend who was flying from Chicago to Detroit and got to the gate just as the plane pulled back. He was angry that he was going to miss a meeting he felt he could not miss. But, when he found out that the plane went down over Lake Michigan killing all aboard, suddenly his attitude changes from anger to thanks. He thought that the meeting wasn’t so important after all.
The truth is that every day we live and survive is through God’s mercy and grace. He saves our life daily so we can serve and praise Him tomorrow. Truly, our days are numbered and when we will begin eternity, we know not. But one thing we do know is that each day is a gift, to be lived for His glory and mission each day. Live today as if it were your last and then be thankful when you wake up tomorrow.
*************************************************
8/15
Silent Fellowship with the Father
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.
“At that time Jesus answered.” Matthew 11:25 (KJV)
This is a very particular, and peculiar, way to start a verse: “At that time Jesus answered.” If you will look at the context you will notice that no one asked Him a question. He wasn’t in conversation with any human being. Yet it is written, “Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father.” When a man answers, he answers the person who has been speaking to him. Who, then, had spoken to Christ? His Father. Yet there is no record of it; and this should teach us that Jesus had constant fellowship with His Father, and that God spoke into His heart so often, so continually, that it was not a circumstance of enough importance to be recorded.
It was the habit and life of Jesus to talk with God. Even as Jesus was -in this world- so are we. So let’s learn the lesson this simple statement teaches us about Him. May we likewise have silent fellowship with the Father, so that often we may answer Him, and though the world will not know whom we’re speaking to, we will be responding to that secret voice unheard of any other ear. Our own ear, opened by the Spirit of God, recognizes His voice with joy. God has spoken to us, let us speak to God, either to set our seal that God is true and faithful to His promise, or to confess the sin of which the Spirit of God has convinced us, or to acknowledge the mercy which God’s providence has given, or to express humble acceptance of the great truths which God the Holy Spirit has opened to our understanding.
What a privilege it is to have intimate communion with the Father! It is a secret hidden from the world, a joy with which even our nearest friends cannot share. If we want to hear the whispers of God’s love, our ear must be purged and fitted to listen to His voice. Today, may our hearts be in such a state that when God speaks to us, we, like Jesus, are be prepared at once to answer Him.
Question: Are you often in “intimate communion” with God? Would you like to be?
*************************************************
8/15
I want to know Him!
by Katherine Kehler
“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him.” Philippians 3:10
Lately, I have been thinking about Jerry McGrath. He was a marvelous singer who performed at many conferences. He had been in the secular entertainment industry when he was struck down with leukemia and was no longer able to sing. Then he yielded his life to the Lord, God touched and healed him. From then on, he used his amazing voice to serve God.
During every performance he told the story of his miraculous healing and then would sing:
“Lord, I want to know You. Deep within my soul, I want to know You more.”
When he finished the song, there was not a dry eye in the audience.
Jerry had experienced the power of Christ’s resurrection, but he had also experienced suffering. I wonder, sometimes, why we so often pray and sing for the Lord’s power, but abhor the suffering? We need both to make us be like Jesus. Sadly, we have bought into the philosophy that life should be soft and easy. Christ’s life certainly wasn’t.
Father, You know what cowards we are. We want the soft and easy road. Help us to get real, Lord. Enable us not to be surprised when troubles come our way. After all, Jesus did say that in this world we would have troubles. How quickly we forget, Lord! We need You to remind us. Amen.
Three good devotionals with three good messages inside.
John Grant's writing brought back some of my memories of when my walk with Christ was more of 40+ years of stumbling. See, I didn't know back then that God had a plan for me. And truthfully now as I think back I wouldn't of been successful either for He was not my main priority. But God was patient and did not give up on me. When I think back of the many, many times I would drive 14+ miles not understanding what I was doing due to so much alcohol in my system. But God, through His love and grace protected me and all the innocent lives I could of harmed and changed. Now the fruits of God's love and faithfulness in me is unfolding through His wonderful plan in my life. Praise God!
Charles Spurgeon's devotional is a good one to follow John Grants. Because of my obedience to God's calling on my life I have and cherish my fellowship with the Father. It is because of my love for His Son, Jesus, that this fellowship is possible. As it is written in John 14:6-7, Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. And from now on you know Him and have seen Him. I am amazed that when I am presenting a song in the Seeds for Christ series I hear the Father speaking and fellowships with me. I can only pray that you also have this fellowship with Him. If not ask Him, with a sincere heart, that you may.
Katherine Kehler's devotional made me think how God has blessed me with the ability to bring His message of love and grace to His many wounded. As I share with the many residents that have viewed the God's Love Outreach Ministry programs, I am not a singer but God has blessed me with this ability. See, the driven force behind my life now, is a divine force. As the song is coming forth through me it is because of my love for Him that His message can be told. I love to tell the story of Jesus and His love.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/14
God has a Plan
by John Grant
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
Have you ever known someone who has had a near death experience and survived? Perhaps it was a serious disease or perhaps a narrow escape from death. Most people who have such an experience comment that they guess the Lord wasn’t finished with them yet and had something else in store for them to do.
I recalled such an experience at an early age, when recently I read about the tragic loss of life from a flash flood on the Caddo River in Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Dozens of campers were victims of a nighttime flash flood when the river rose at the rate of eight feet per hour. Many saved their lives by scaling up the steep embankments and unfortunately many did not survive.
It made me recall a time when I was a teenager and with five others drove to Colorado to camp there for a week and then camp the following week in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Shortly after arriving in Colorado one of our group became seriously ill and required medical treatment, causing us to spend the entire two weeks in Colorado. It was much to my disappointment, as I wanted so much to see Yellowstone, where we had campground reservations for months in advance.
It wasn’t until we were on the way back home when we found out about the big earthquake, so strong that it reversed the flow of a river and obliterated the campground where we had reservations. Dozens of campers perished and certainly we would have been among them but for the illness that kept us in Colorado.
I was not a practicing Christian at the time, but I remember wondering what kind of adult life I had ahead of me and what I would have missed if I had been camping at Yellowstone. It was a sobering thought that had a deep and early impression on my life.
Sometimes God saves our life in ways we never know about. Sometimes we do. I have a friend who was flying from Chicago to Detroit and got to the gate just as the plane pulled back. He was angry that he was going to miss a meeting he felt he could not miss. But, when he found out that the plane went down over Lake Michigan killing all aboard, suddenly his attitude changes from anger to thanks. He thought that the meeting wasn’t so important after all.
The truth is that every day we live and survive is through God’s mercy and grace. He saves our life daily so we can serve and praise Him tomorrow. Truly, our days are numbered and when we will begin eternity, we know not. But one thing we do know is that each day is a gift, to be lived for His glory and mission each day. Live today as if it were your last and then be thankful when you wake up tomorrow.
*************************************************
8/15
Silent Fellowship with the Father
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.
“At that time Jesus answered.” Matthew 11:25 (KJV)
This is a very particular, and peculiar, way to start a verse: “At that time Jesus answered.” If you will look at the context you will notice that no one asked Him a question. He wasn’t in conversation with any human being. Yet it is written, “Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father.” When a man answers, he answers the person who has been speaking to him. Who, then, had spoken to Christ? His Father. Yet there is no record of it; and this should teach us that Jesus had constant fellowship with His Father, and that God spoke into His heart so often, so continually, that it was not a circumstance of enough importance to be recorded.
It was the habit and life of Jesus to talk with God. Even as Jesus was -in this world- so are we. So let’s learn the lesson this simple statement teaches us about Him. May we likewise have silent fellowship with the Father, so that often we may answer Him, and though the world will not know whom we’re speaking to, we will be responding to that secret voice unheard of any other ear. Our own ear, opened by the Spirit of God, recognizes His voice with joy. God has spoken to us, let us speak to God, either to set our seal that God is true and faithful to His promise, or to confess the sin of which the Spirit of God has convinced us, or to acknowledge the mercy which God’s providence has given, or to express humble acceptance of the great truths which God the Holy Spirit has opened to our understanding.
What a privilege it is to have intimate communion with the Father! It is a secret hidden from the world, a joy with which even our nearest friends cannot share. If we want to hear the whispers of God’s love, our ear must be purged and fitted to listen to His voice. Today, may our hearts be in such a state that when God speaks to us, we, like Jesus, are be prepared at once to answer Him.
Question: Are you often in “intimate communion” with God? Would you like to be?
*************************************************
8/15
I want to know Him!
by Katherine Kehler
“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him.” Philippians 3:10
Lately, I have been thinking about Jerry McGrath. He was a marvelous singer who performed at many conferences. He had been in the secular entertainment industry when he was struck down with leukemia and was no longer able to sing. Then he yielded his life to the Lord, God touched and healed him. From then on, he used his amazing voice to serve God.
During every performance he told the story of his miraculous healing and then would sing:
“Lord, I want to know You. Deep within my soul, I want to know You more.”
When he finished the song, there was not a dry eye in the audience.
Jerry had experienced the power of Christ’s resurrection, but he had also experienced suffering. I wonder, sometimes, why we so often pray and sing for the Lord’s power, but abhor the suffering? We need both to make us be like Jesus. Sadly, we have bought into the philosophy that life should be soft and easy. Christ’s life certainly wasn’t.
Father, You know what cowards we are. We want the soft and easy road. Help us to get real, Lord. Enable us not to be surprised when troubles come our way. After all, Jesus did say that in this world we would have troubles. How quickly we forget, Lord! We need You to remind us. Amen.
Friday, August 13, 2010
My Journey 8/11 - 8/13/2010
God's insight to me:
Three excellent articles from Daily Disciples devotionals. In the first one I can relate to what the author wrote about. Though it took me over 5 years to understand that the Lord called me into a ministry for Him, it is tough work. Being human we want to do what we want to do, not what God is asking us to do. It is sometimes easy to get discouraged and weary but the author stated two things to stay focused on; be faithful and realize we can't do it on our own. We are dependent daily on Christ!
As I read this second devotional my mind thought of the many in this world that don't know Christ. What I have found is from the time I open my eyes, till I close them in sleep, I can not make it in this world without Jesus. As our Pastor has said many times, "He is as close to you as you let Him be!" During this month presenting the "Seeds of Grace" program for the God's Love Outreach Ministry there is a song titled "Thank You for Your Grace". One line in the song states "You came into my life and made me new. A broken man discarded and hopeless." As I sing the lyrics I am saying to myself, "How true" Interesting is the fact that I was saved as a teenager 15 years of age, but I didn't realize what it was to be "new" until I walked through this worldly life for 40 years. I didn't understand what the scripture verse that the author stated meant, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. Everything you will ever need is in that verse. I do pray that for every set of eyes that read this insight understand that. If not I pray that "today is the day" that you can.
In the third devotional this sentence that the author wrote is very true, "we do not always appreciate the work of God because of the hardness of our own hearts." There is a saying I once read, "Many want to serve God but only as advisers!" I think also that is how many of us want to have a relationship with Him. Another couple great sentences in this devotional are "Jesus does not need us to do anything. He wants us to come to Him, listen to Him and enjoy His fellowship. God does not want our actions; He wants our hearts. When our hearts align with His, our actions will follow to please Him!" Amen to that.
I Want To
I don't have to but I want to,
give Him praise everyday.
I don't have to but I want to,
let Him be my light and guide today.
I don't have to but I want to,
listen to His Spirit as He speaks.
I don't have to but I want to,
tell others about Him that I meet.
I don't have to but I want to,
please Him in all I do.
I don't have to but I want to,
reach out to others that need Him too.
I want to, not that I have to,
love Him with all my heart.
I want to, not that I have to,
because He loved me first from the start!
E. P. Shagott
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/11
Ministry
A devotional from Daily Disciples
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.
2 Corinthians 4:1
Ministry is an interesting word. What defines a ministry? Is it a job in a church, a job outside of a church, or is everything in the Christian life somehow a form of "ministry"? Regardless of where or how ministry is conducted, one thing is true---it is a tough job. If we are not careful, we can become very weary and discouraged in doing the work of the ministry.
I have noticed in my own experience that I need to be reminded repeatedly that God does the work. I just need to be faithful to do what He has asked of me today, depending on Him for everything. Somewhere during the busyness, I can forget what dependency feels like and try to make sense of ministry in my own flesh instead of relying on His Spirit. A good saying is "Where God's finger points, there God's hand will make a way."
For those of you who are serving in a ministerial role, pray for the Lord to give you verses to anchor your ministry goals. While reading the scriptures, look for a verse that expresses how you feel or what your heart's desire is. Keep searching the scriptures and praying until you find at least one verse or one story that you can pray back and meditate on. Those verses will give you the strength to get through the trials as well as the focus to finish what you started. God will bring to your remembrance the scripture throughout the days ahead when the times get difficult. God wants us to count the cost and be responsible in whatever service we do but God takes us as His responsibility to get us through. And remember, we are all dealing with the same thoughts and struggles. You are not alone when serving the Lord.
*************************************************
8/12
Today is The Day
A devotional from Daily Disciples
O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. Psalm 86:7-8
Several months ago, I wrote the following letter to my sister. She had written to me with questions about the Lord. Where is He when she is hurting so much? I was reminded of this letter as my sisters and mother were visiting with me last week. We each described our hurts and struggles. There was comfort in being together, but the greatest comfort is in knowing the Lord. The words still hold true and, maybe today, you are in the same place or know someone who is struggling with the same issues. We pray that these words minister to your heart…
Jesus has been waiting for you your whole life. He knows exactly where you are and how you feel. He knows what it is to suffer and hurt. Hebrews 4:15 says that we have a great High Priest who understands our sufferings and pain because He, Himself, endured so much more. Our only hope is Jesus. He is the only one who can heal you. And He will heal you...that is why He died. He had to die or we would all be lost. His Holy Spirit is now moving on your heart, which is why you are asking these questions. Your questions are really directed towards Him. All He wants from you is your heart, nothing more. All you have to do is let Him in...you will have no peace until you do. The Bible has your answers but you will not understand what the Bible says until you have been saved by the very blood that was shed when Jesus died. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
He loves you and He wants you to be His child. You are precious in His sight. The Lord will give you answers but you must go through His Son, Jesus. John 14:6 says "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." So many people refuse to accept this truth but it is the truth. Jesus is the only way. I am going to give you the prayer to ask Him into your heart...pray it in your heart....
Dear Lord, I thank You for Jesus, whom You sent to the cross to die for me. I know, Lord, that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. Please cleanse me of them all and make me new today. Jesus, I ask that You come into my heart and save me. Please heal me and make me whole. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may understand Your word and live a new life in You. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for loving me. Help me to live for You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
It is that simple. All of the rest will come. You have a whole life ahead that God wants to use for His purposes. The enemy has held you down too long. The victory begins today in Jesus. God has a plan for your life. It is never too late.
*************************************************
8/13
Knowing Christ
From Daily Disciples devotional
But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. John 9:18
To open the eyes of the blind was a clear sign that Jesus was the Messiah. The religious leaders knew that no one could open the eyes of the blind. However, they did not believe that the man had really received his sight until his parents confirmed the fact that he had been born blind. Even after speaking to his parents, the Jews still did not want to believe that Jesus healed his sight.
Today, Jesus is still performing miracles as He gently touches us and others. He is still answering prayers and working among us on a daily basis. Nevertheless, like the Pharisees, we do not always appreciate the work of God because of the hardness of our own hearts. We personally want to tell God what He can and cannot do. We want to challenge the miracles and call them "coincidences" or deny that a miracle happened at all. We talk Christianity and try to exclude the "Christ."
I had a man say to me once that he tried that Christianity stuff and it did not work. He went on to tell me that he read the Bible, prayed and did good works within the church but it was only a phase. I then asked him the following questions: "Have you ever gotten down on your knees, begging God to cleanse you from your sins? Have you ever told the Lord that you only desired to live for Him, to serve Him and to follow Him wherever He wanted? Have you ever had such a hunger and thirst to read His words that He placed within His book just to get to know Him better? Did you ever want Jesus more than you wanted anything else and desired to please Him in everything you did?" He clearly and quickly answered, "NO." And I said, "Then don't think that you ever came to know Jesus, and without Jesus, there is no Christianity." Christianity without Christ is just a lot of wasted time and effort, doing some good things that do not really matter. Jesus does not need us to do anything. He wants us to come to Him, listen to Him and enjoy His fellowship.
There are many reasons why we may want to be religious. God does not want our actions; He wants our hearts. When our hearts align with His, our actions will follow to please Him. No one has to pretend or try to act like a Christian. As you believe in Him, He will change you. Pray that your heart will stay soft to recognize the works of God in your life. Pray that the miracles of Jesus make a difference in your day and affect the lives of others. Pray that you see Him moving in you, touching you and healing you from the depths of your heart today. Jesus wants to gently and quietly love on you. God does not need you to play Christianity. God wants you to know Christ.
Three excellent articles from Daily Disciples devotionals. In the first one I can relate to what the author wrote about. Though it took me over 5 years to understand that the Lord called me into a ministry for Him, it is tough work. Being human we want to do what we want to do, not what God is asking us to do. It is sometimes easy to get discouraged and weary but the author stated two things to stay focused on; be faithful and realize we can't do it on our own. We are dependent daily on Christ!
As I read this second devotional my mind thought of the many in this world that don't know Christ. What I have found is from the time I open my eyes, till I close them in sleep, I can not make it in this world without Jesus. As our Pastor has said many times, "He is as close to you as you let Him be!" During this month presenting the "Seeds of Grace" program for the God's Love Outreach Ministry there is a song titled "Thank You for Your Grace". One line in the song states "You came into my life and made me new. A broken man discarded and hopeless." As I sing the lyrics I am saying to myself, "How true" Interesting is the fact that I was saved as a teenager 15 years of age, but I didn't realize what it was to be "new" until I walked through this worldly life for 40 years. I didn't understand what the scripture verse that the author stated meant, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. Everything you will ever need is in that verse. I do pray that for every set of eyes that read this insight understand that. If not I pray that "today is the day" that you can.
In the third devotional this sentence that the author wrote is very true, "we do not always appreciate the work of God because of the hardness of our own hearts." There is a saying I once read, "Many want to serve God but only as advisers!" I think also that is how many of us want to have a relationship with Him. Another couple great sentences in this devotional are "Jesus does not need us to do anything. He wants us to come to Him, listen to Him and enjoy His fellowship. God does not want our actions; He wants our hearts. When our hearts align with His, our actions will follow to please Him!" Amen to that.
I Want To
I don't have to but I want to,
give Him praise everyday.
I don't have to but I want to,
let Him be my light and guide today.
I don't have to but I want to,
listen to His Spirit as He speaks.
I don't have to but I want to,
tell others about Him that I meet.
I don't have to but I want to,
please Him in all I do.
I don't have to but I want to,
reach out to others that need Him too.
I want to, not that I have to,
love Him with all my heart.
I want to, not that I have to,
because He loved me first from the start!
E. P. Shagott
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/11
Ministry
A devotional from Daily Disciples
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.
2 Corinthians 4:1
Ministry is an interesting word. What defines a ministry? Is it a job in a church, a job outside of a church, or is everything in the Christian life somehow a form of "ministry"? Regardless of where or how ministry is conducted, one thing is true---it is a tough job. If we are not careful, we can become very weary and discouraged in doing the work of the ministry.
I have noticed in my own experience that I need to be reminded repeatedly that God does the work. I just need to be faithful to do what He has asked of me today, depending on Him for everything. Somewhere during the busyness, I can forget what dependency feels like and try to make sense of ministry in my own flesh instead of relying on His Spirit. A good saying is "Where God's finger points, there God's hand will make a way."
For those of you who are serving in a ministerial role, pray for the Lord to give you verses to anchor your ministry goals. While reading the scriptures, look for a verse that expresses how you feel or what your heart's desire is. Keep searching the scriptures and praying until you find at least one verse or one story that you can pray back and meditate on. Those verses will give you the strength to get through the trials as well as the focus to finish what you started. God will bring to your remembrance the scripture throughout the days ahead when the times get difficult. God wants us to count the cost and be responsible in whatever service we do but God takes us as His responsibility to get us through. And remember, we are all dealing with the same thoughts and struggles. You are not alone when serving the Lord.
*************************************************
8/12
Today is The Day
A devotional from Daily Disciples
O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. Psalm 86:7-8
Several months ago, I wrote the following letter to my sister. She had written to me with questions about the Lord. Where is He when she is hurting so much? I was reminded of this letter as my sisters and mother were visiting with me last week. We each described our hurts and struggles. There was comfort in being together, but the greatest comfort is in knowing the Lord. The words still hold true and, maybe today, you are in the same place or know someone who is struggling with the same issues. We pray that these words minister to your heart…
Jesus has been waiting for you your whole life. He knows exactly where you are and how you feel. He knows what it is to suffer and hurt. Hebrews 4:15 says that we have a great High Priest who understands our sufferings and pain because He, Himself, endured so much more. Our only hope is Jesus. He is the only one who can heal you. And He will heal you...that is why He died. He had to die or we would all be lost. His Holy Spirit is now moving on your heart, which is why you are asking these questions. Your questions are really directed towards Him. All He wants from you is your heart, nothing more. All you have to do is let Him in...you will have no peace until you do. The Bible has your answers but you will not understand what the Bible says until you have been saved by the very blood that was shed when Jesus died. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
He loves you and He wants you to be His child. You are precious in His sight. The Lord will give you answers but you must go through His Son, Jesus. John 14:6 says "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." So many people refuse to accept this truth but it is the truth. Jesus is the only way. I am going to give you the prayer to ask Him into your heart...pray it in your heart....
Dear Lord, I thank You for Jesus, whom You sent to the cross to die for me. I know, Lord, that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. Please cleanse me of them all and make me new today. Jesus, I ask that You come into my heart and save me. Please heal me and make me whole. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may understand Your word and live a new life in You. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for loving me. Help me to live for You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
It is that simple. All of the rest will come. You have a whole life ahead that God wants to use for His purposes. The enemy has held you down too long. The victory begins today in Jesus. God has a plan for your life. It is never too late.
*************************************************
8/13
Knowing Christ
From Daily Disciples devotional
But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. John 9:18
To open the eyes of the blind was a clear sign that Jesus was the Messiah. The religious leaders knew that no one could open the eyes of the blind. However, they did not believe that the man had really received his sight until his parents confirmed the fact that he had been born blind. Even after speaking to his parents, the Jews still did not want to believe that Jesus healed his sight.
Today, Jesus is still performing miracles as He gently touches us and others. He is still answering prayers and working among us on a daily basis. Nevertheless, like the Pharisees, we do not always appreciate the work of God because of the hardness of our own hearts. We personally want to tell God what He can and cannot do. We want to challenge the miracles and call them "coincidences" or deny that a miracle happened at all. We talk Christianity and try to exclude the "Christ."
I had a man say to me once that he tried that Christianity stuff and it did not work. He went on to tell me that he read the Bible, prayed and did good works within the church but it was only a phase. I then asked him the following questions: "Have you ever gotten down on your knees, begging God to cleanse you from your sins? Have you ever told the Lord that you only desired to live for Him, to serve Him and to follow Him wherever He wanted? Have you ever had such a hunger and thirst to read His words that He placed within His book just to get to know Him better? Did you ever want Jesus more than you wanted anything else and desired to please Him in everything you did?" He clearly and quickly answered, "NO." And I said, "Then don't think that you ever came to know Jesus, and without Jesus, there is no Christianity." Christianity without Christ is just a lot of wasted time and effort, doing some good things that do not really matter. Jesus does not need us to do anything. He wants us to come to Him, listen to Him and enjoy His fellowship.
There are many reasons why we may want to be religious. God does not want our actions; He wants our hearts. When our hearts align with His, our actions will follow to please Him. No one has to pretend or try to act like a Christian. As you believe in Him, He will change you. Pray that your heart will stay soft to recognize the works of God in your life. Pray that the miracles of Jesus make a difference in your day and affect the lives of others. Pray that you see Him moving in you, touching you and healing you from the depths of your heart today. Jesus wants to gently and quietly love on you. God does not need you to play Christianity. God wants you to know Christ.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My Journey 8/10/2010
God's insight to me:
This is an excellent devotional. As I read it the main point that God brought out to me were these words by Mrs. Charles Cowman, "It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power." What ever you are going through or have already gone through, God has permitted that to happen. To answer why is in my last sentence and also this that was in the devotional, "He will give you a lesson that you will never forget", and also this, "You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has". Also in this devotional is a great poem.
As I read The next devotional by A. B. Simpson it compliments the one by Mrs. Charles Cowman. It speaks about the Holy Spirit that indwells in us once we accept Christ into our hearts. The Holy Spirit the third part of the Trinity and as it is written in this devotional is, the Executor of God's will, His Divine Messenger, who is jealously concerned in fulfilling in us all the Master's will. Praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/10
Making Straight the Crooked
from Streams in the Desert
Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional
"Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked" (Eccles. 7:13).
Often God seems to place His children in positions of profound difficulty, leading them into a wedge from which there is no escape; contriving a situation which no human judgment would have permitted, had it been previously consulted. The very cloud conducts them thither. You may be thus involved at this very hour.
It does seem perplexing and very serious to the last degree, but it is perfectly right. The issue will more than justify Him who has brought you hither. It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power.
He will not only deliver you; but in doing so, He will give you a lesson that you will never forget, and to which, in many a psalm and song, in after days, you will revert. You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has. --Selected
"We may wait till He explains,
Because we know that Jesus reigns."
It puzzles me; but, Lord, Thou understandest,
And wilt one day explain this crooked thing.
Meanwhile, I know that it has worked out Thy best--
Its very crookedness taught me to cling.
Thou hast fenced up my ways, made my paths crooked,
To keep my wand'ring eyes fixed on Thee;
To make me what I was not, humble, patient;
To draw my heart from earthly love to Thee.
So I will thank and praise Thee for this puzzle,
And trust where I cannot understand.
Rejoicing Thou dost hold me worth such testing,
I cling the closer to Thy guiding hand.
--F.E.M.I.
*************************************************
8/10
From Days in Heaven Upon Earth
A. B. Simpson devotional
"There is no spot in thee" (Song of Solomon iv. 7).
The blessed Holy Spirit who possesses the consecrated heart is intensely concerned for our highest life, and watches us with a sensitive, and even a jealous love. Very beautiful is the true translation of that ordinary passage in the Epistle of James, "The Spirit that dwelleth in us loveth us to jealousy."
The heart of the Holy Ghost is intensely concerned in preserving us from every stain and blemish, and bringing us into the very highest possibilities of the will of God.
The Heavenly Bridegroom would have His Church not only free from every spot, but also from "every wrinkle, or any such thing." The spot is the mark of sin, but the wrinkle is the sign of weakness, age, and decay, and He wants no such defacing touch upon the holy features of His Beloved; and so the Holy Ghost, who is the Executor of His will, and the Divine Messenger whom He sends to call, separate, and bring home His Bride, is jealously concerned in fulfilling in us all the Master's will.
Lord, take from me every blemish and mark of weakness and decay, and make me Thy spotless Bride.
This is an excellent devotional. As I read it the main point that God brought out to me were these words by Mrs. Charles Cowman, "It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power." What ever you are going through or have already gone through, God has permitted that to happen. To answer why is in my last sentence and also this that was in the devotional, "He will give you a lesson that you will never forget", and also this, "You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has". Also in this devotional is a great poem.
As I read The next devotional by A. B. Simpson it compliments the one by Mrs. Charles Cowman. It speaks about the Holy Spirit that indwells in us once we accept Christ into our hearts. The Holy Spirit the third part of the Trinity and as it is written in this devotional is, the Executor of God's will, His Divine Messenger, who is jealously concerned in fulfilling in us all the Master's will. Praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/10
Making Straight the Crooked
from Streams in the Desert
Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional
"Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked" (Eccles. 7:13).
Often God seems to place His children in positions of profound difficulty, leading them into a wedge from which there is no escape; contriving a situation which no human judgment would have permitted, had it been previously consulted. The very cloud conducts them thither. You may be thus involved at this very hour.
It does seem perplexing and very serious to the last degree, but it is perfectly right. The issue will more than justify Him who has brought you hither. It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power.
He will not only deliver you; but in doing so, He will give you a lesson that you will never forget, and to which, in many a psalm and song, in after days, you will revert. You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has. --Selected
"We may wait till He explains,
Because we know that Jesus reigns."
It puzzles me; but, Lord, Thou understandest,
And wilt one day explain this crooked thing.
Meanwhile, I know that it has worked out Thy best--
Its very crookedness taught me to cling.
Thou hast fenced up my ways, made my paths crooked,
To keep my wand'ring eyes fixed on Thee;
To make me what I was not, humble, patient;
To draw my heart from earthly love to Thee.
So I will thank and praise Thee for this puzzle,
And trust where I cannot understand.
Rejoicing Thou dost hold me worth such testing,
I cling the closer to Thy guiding hand.
--F.E.M.I.
*************************************************
8/10
From Days in Heaven Upon Earth
A. B. Simpson devotional
"There is no spot in thee" (Song of Solomon iv. 7).
The blessed Holy Spirit who possesses the consecrated heart is intensely concerned for our highest life, and watches us with a sensitive, and even a jealous love. Very beautiful is the true translation of that ordinary passage in the Epistle of James, "The Spirit that dwelleth in us loveth us to jealousy."
The heart of the Holy Ghost is intensely concerned in preserving us from every stain and blemish, and bringing us into the very highest possibilities of the will of God.
The Heavenly Bridegroom would have His Church not only free from every spot, but also from "every wrinkle, or any such thing." The spot is the mark of sin, but the wrinkle is the sign of weakness, age, and decay, and He wants no such defacing touch upon the holy features of His Beloved; and so the Holy Ghost, who is the Executor of His will, and the Divine Messenger whom He sends to call, separate, and bring home His Bride, is jealously concerned in fulfilling in us all the Master's will.
Lord, take from me every blemish and mark of weakness and decay, and make me Thy spotless Bride.
Monday, August 9, 2010
My Journey 8/7 - 8/9/2010
God's insight to me:
As I was reading devotionals I found these three by Max Lucado that brought back some memories of an older poem and also prompted a new one for today. His first devotional speaks of the Coming of Jesus. I like how he mentioned the whole realm of people from all perspectives. All, now that is the key word,all will come before the Lord. Can you just imagine every heart that ever beat will be there? Hard for the human mind to vision, but not God. How could the creator of everything not have "all" in one place. This is a poem that the Lord blessed me with earlier this year.
Are You Ready
I heard a knock on my heart,
it was Jesus calling me.
He said, “Child of Mine, are you ready to come home
or do you want Me to let you be?
Do you still want to stay
in this world filled with sin?
Are you ready to come home My child,
Heaven is ready for you to enter in!”
I said, “Lord my bags are all packed
and with You I want to be,
but there is still so much to do here,
and so many longing to be free.
I have many friends and family,
that don’t know You like I do.
I want them to be in Heaven with me,
before their life on earth is through.
So whatever time You give me,
it will always be devoted to You.
Sharing Your love with others,
so they can be in Heaven too!
E. P. Shagott
2/11/10
Max Lucado's next devotional speaks about the heart of Christianity. Faith. 2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight; Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this sycamine tree, Be rooted up and be planted in the sea! And it would obey you. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. All of these are great scriptures to be embedded in your heart. Though your eyes do not see a way out of your problems, have faith for God does. So you think your problem is too big? Have faith, the size of a mustard seed, that faith is bigger than your problem. Each one of us has faith, the same measure was dealt to us, use it. Praise God for it.
Now this last devotional by Max Lucado prompted this poem. All this month the God's Love Outreach Ministry is presenting Seeds of Grace from the Seeds for Christ series. One of the songs that is presented is "Sinner Saved By Grace". Once Jesus becomes your Lord and Savior we are no longer sinners but saints. We are forever cleansed of our sins. We are joint heirs in Christ. Praise God!
When You Look At Me
When you look at my face,
what do you see?
Because I love Jesus,
it is Him really not me.
When I reach out to touch someone,
it is His hands that does.
They are reaching out to His lost
to be claimed for the Father above.
When my feet are carrying me,
to places to give Him praise,
these are really the feet of Christ,
that carried me all my days.
When my mouth opens with song,
praising His Holy Name,
it is His Holy Spirit flowing from me,
touching lives that will never be the same.
So when you look at me,
take a good look at what you see,
my old being is gone,
it’s now Jesus, not me!
8/9/2010
E. P. Shagott
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/7
Jesus is Coming
By Max Lucado
“Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see him.” Revelation 1:7
Every person who has ever lived will be present at the final gathering. Every heart that has ever beat. Every mouth that has ever spoken. On that day you will be surrounded by sea of people. Rich, poor. Famous, unknown. Kings, bums. Brilliant, demented. All will be present. And all will be looking in one direction. All will be looking at Him—the Son of Man. Wrapped in splendor. Shot through with radiance.
*************************************************
8/8
Through Faith
By Max Lucado
“A person is made right with God through faith.” Romans 3:28
Dare you stand before God and ask him to save you because of your suffering or your sacrifice or your tears or your study? . . .
Nor did Paul. It took him decades to discover what he wrote in only one sentence.
“A person is made right with God through faith.” Not through good works, suffering, or study. All those may be the result of salvation but they are not the cause of it.
*************************************************
8/9
Washed Away
By Max Lucado
“The blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin.” I John 1:7
The cleansing is not a promise for the future but a reality in the present. Let a speck of dust fall on the soul of a saint, and it is washed away. Let a spot of filth land on the heart of God’s child, and it is wiped away . . .
Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, “I can clean that if you want.”
As I was reading devotionals I found these three by Max Lucado that brought back some memories of an older poem and also prompted a new one for today. His first devotional speaks of the Coming of Jesus. I like how he mentioned the whole realm of people from all perspectives. All, now that is the key word,all will come before the Lord. Can you just imagine every heart that ever beat will be there? Hard for the human mind to vision, but not God. How could the creator of everything not have "all" in one place. This is a poem that the Lord blessed me with earlier this year.
Are You Ready
I heard a knock on my heart,
it was Jesus calling me.
He said, “Child of Mine, are you ready to come home
or do you want Me to let you be?
Do you still want to stay
in this world filled with sin?
Are you ready to come home My child,
Heaven is ready for you to enter in!”
I said, “Lord my bags are all packed
and with You I want to be,
but there is still so much to do here,
and so many longing to be free.
I have many friends and family,
that don’t know You like I do.
I want them to be in Heaven with me,
before their life on earth is through.
So whatever time You give me,
it will always be devoted to You.
Sharing Your love with others,
so they can be in Heaven too!
E. P. Shagott
2/11/10
Max Lucado's next devotional speaks about the heart of Christianity. Faith. 2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight; Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this sycamine tree, Be rooted up and be planted in the sea! And it would obey you. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. All of these are great scriptures to be embedded in your heart. Though your eyes do not see a way out of your problems, have faith for God does. So you think your problem is too big? Have faith, the size of a mustard seed, that faith is bigger than your problem. Each one of us has faith, the same measure was dealt to us, use it. Praise God for it.
Now this last devotional by Max Lucado prompted this poem. All this month the God's Love Outreach Ministry is presenting Seeds of Grace from the Seeds for Christ series. One of the songs that is presented is "Sinner Saved By Grace". Once Jesus becomes your Lord and Savior we are no longer sinners but saints. We are forever cleansed of our sins. We are joint heirs in Christ. Praise God!
When You Look At Me
When you look at my face,
what do you see?
Because I love Jesus,
it is Him really not me.
When I reach out to touch someone,
it is His hands that does.
They are reaching out to His lost
to be claimed for the Father above.
When my feet are carrying me,
to places to give Him praise,
these are really the feet of Christ,
that carried me all my days.
When my mouth opens with song,
praising His Holy Name,
it is His Holy Spirit flowing from me,
touching lives that will never be the same.
So when you look at me,
take a good look at what you see,
my old being is gone,
it’s now Jesus, not me!
8/9/2010
E. P. Shagott
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/7
Jesus is Coming
By Max Lucado
“Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see him.” Revelation 1:7
Every person who has ever lived will be present at the final gathering. Every heart that has ever beat. Every mouth that has ever spoken. On that day you will be surrounded by sea of people. Rich, poor. Famous, unknown. Kings, bums. Brilliant, demented. All will be present. And all will be looking in one direction. All will be looking at Him—the Son of Man. Wrapped in splendor. Shot through with radiance.
*************************************************
8/8
Through Faith
By Max Lucado
“A person is made right with God through faith.” Romans 3:28
Dare you stand before God and ask him to save you because of your suffering or your sacrifice or your tears or your study? . . .
Nor did Paul. It took him decades to discover what he wrote in only one sentence.
“A person is made right with God through faith.” Not through good works, suffering, or study. All those may be the result of salvation but they are not the cause of it.
*************************************************
8/9
Washed Away
By Max Lucado
“The blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin.” I John 1:7
The cleansing is not a promise for the future but a reality in the present. Let a speck of dust fall on the soul of a saint, and it is washed away. Let a spot of filth land on the heart of God’s child, and it is wiped away . . .
Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, “I can clean that if you want.”
Friday, August 6, 2010
My Journey 8/6/2010
God's insight to me:
Now here is a good evangelistic devotional. So many good sentences that touched my heart. This devotional speaks volumes of those that truly love the Lord. I believe many people go through life thinking of themselves as "inconspicuous", but not in God's eyes. I can not understand how if someone is doing the Lord's work that they can think of their lives as "mediocrity and insipidity". Now here is the icing on the cake as they say, "We are doing more good than we know, sowing seeds, starting streamlets, giving men true thoughts of Christ, to which they will refer one day as the first things that started them thinking of Him". As I go into nursing homes and senior residences I understand what I do is plant a seed. A sower for Christ. See I understand before you can have fruit, you must plant a seed. Before someone would want to come to Christ, they would want to see and hear from someone that has. This last sentence by George Matheson is what my life is about now, "He was a good man; he wrought no miracles, but he spake words about Christ, which led me to know Him for myself."
In the Shadows of Life
I stood in the shadows of life,
unnoticed to those passing by.
Just a plain, quiet person,
content to live and not question “why”?
I did what people asked me to,
never thinking of fortune or fame.
Content being in the shadows
is what my life became.
Then one day I heard of Christ,
from a person just like me,
they were always quiet too,
but Jesus just wouldn’t let them be.
See, once you learn of Jesus,
and accept Him into your heart,
He brings you out from the shadows,
into His light, where you’ll never to be apart!
E. P. Shagott
8/6/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/6
Hidden Workers
from Streams in the Desert devotional
"John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true" (John 10:41).
You may be very discontented with yourself. You are no genius, have no brilliant gifts, and are inconspicuous for any special faculty. Mediocrity is the law of your existence. Your days are remarkable for nothing but sameness and insipidity. Yet you may live a great life.
John did no miracle, but Jesus said that among those born of women there had not appeared a greater than he.
John's main business was to bear witness to the Light, and this may be yours and mine. John was content to be only a voice, if men would think of Christ.
Be willing to be only a voice, heard but not seen; a mirror whose surface is lost to view, because it reflects the dazzling glory of the sun; a breeze that springs up just before daylight, and says, "The dawn! the dawn!" and then dies away.
Do the commonest and smallest things as beneath His eye. If you must live with uncongenial people, set to their conquest by love. If you have made a great mistake in your life, do not let it becloud all of it; but, locking the secret in your breast, compel it to yield strength and sweetness.
We are doing more good than we know, sowing seeds, starting streamlets, giving men true thoughts of Christ, to which they will refer one day as the first things that started them thinking of Him; and, of my part, I shall be satisfied if no great mausoleum is raised over my grave, but that simple souls shall gather there when I am gone, and say,
"He was a good man; he wrought no miracles, but he spake words about Christ, which led me to know Him for myself." --George Matheson
Now here is a good evangelistic devotional. So many good sentences that touched my heart. This devotional speaks volumes of those that truly love the Lord. I believe many people go through life thinking of themselves as "inconspicuous", but not in God's eyes. I can not understand how if someone is doing the Lord's work that they can think of their lives as "mediocrity and insipidity". Now here is the icing on the cake as they say, "We are doing more good than we know, sowing seeds, starting streamlets, giving men true thoughts of Christ, to which they will refer one day as the first things that started them thinking of Him". As I go into nursing homes and senior residences I understand what I do is plant a seed. A sower for Christ. See I understand before you can have fruit, you must plant a seed. Before someone would want to come to Christ, they would want to see and hear from someone that has. This last sentence by George Matheson is what my life is about now, "He was a good man; he wrought no miracles, but he spake words about Christ, which led me to know Him for myself."
In the Shadows of Life
I stood in the shadows of life,
unnoticed to those passing by.
Just a plain, quiet person,
content to live and not question “why”?
I did what people asked me to,
never thinking of fortune or fame.
Content being in the shadows
is what my life became.
Then one day I heard of Christ,
from a person just like me,
they were always quiet too,
but Jesus just wouldn’t let them be.
See, once you learn of Jesus,
and accept Him into your heart,
He brings you out from the shadows,
into His light, where you’ll never to be apart!
E. P. Shagott
8/6/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/6
Hidden Workers
from Streams in the Desert devotional
"John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true" (John 10:41).
You may be very discontented with yourself. You are no genius, have no brilliant gifts, and are inconspicuous for any special faculty. Mediocrity is the law of your existence. Your days are remarkable for nothing but sameness and insipidity. Yet you may live a great life.
John did no miracle, but Jesus said that among those born of women there had not appeared a greater than he.
John's main business was to bear witness to the Light, and this may be yours and mine. John was content to be only a voice, if men would think of Christ.
Be willing to be only a voice, heard but not seen; a mirror whose surface is lost to view, because it reflects the dazzling glory of the sun; a breeze that springs up just before daylight, and says, "The dawn! the dawn!" and then dies away.
Do the commonest and smallest things as beneath His eye. If you must live with uncongenial people, set to their conquest by love. If you have made a great mistake in your life, do not let it becloud all of it; but, locking the secret in your breast, compel it to yield strength and sweetness.
We are doing more good than we know, sowing seeds, starting streamlets, giving men true thoughts of Christ, to which they will refer one day as the first things that started them thinking of Him; and, of my part, I shall be satisfied if no great mausoleum is raised over my grave, but that simple souls shall gather there when I am gone, and say,
"He was a good man; he wrought no miracles, but he spake words about Christ, which led me to know Him for myself." --George Matheson
Thursday, August 5, 2010
My Journey 8/4 - 8/5/2010
God's insight to me:
This devotional from Daily Disciples I thought describes it well how many feel about religion. Many people I have spoken to over the years have told me they don't believe in it. Why? I think because of the laws that come with it. The do's and don'ts in a world of, "Go ahead, do it, why not!" But if you can just understand and believe in the relationship with Jesus Christ then you have religion. Another important point I thought the author of this devotional pointed out was the word, "choice"! I believe to have any relationship it starts with that. From the smallest decision you make, like, "what shall I eat today?", to the most important one, "If I die today where is my soul going?", it is a choice you make. A lot of people have told me that they believe in God, well, so does the devil. I also believe that many, many people think of God as an end of life thought. Well, to me He is a every moment thought. My prayer for each set of eyes that read this insight is that as Max Lucado's next devotional states, "Don't Miss the Point!" Jesus loves you, He wants to be your life. He is mine!
In John 3:36 it is written, "He that believeth on the Son (Jesus) hath everlasting life" And in Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved..."
Here is a prayer you can pray if you make the choice to believe and want a relationship with Jesus;
"Dear Lord Jesus, please have mercy on me, and forgive my sins. I repent. I trust in You Lord Jesus to cleanse me from all of my sins by your blood. Please give me the free gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your promise to take me to Heaven when I die and for saving me, Amen."
Here is a song by Karen Wheaton I found on YouTube titled, "Just Be There". It was written for her daughters; click here to view it.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/4
Relationship Over Religion
from Daily Disciples Devotionals
Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19
Religion says that we must follow rules and laws. Relationship says that we just be, not do. Jesus just wants us to be with Him. You ask, "How can I be with someone I cannot see or touch?" Have you ever talked with someone over the phone and felt as though you were right there with them? And even with emails or letters, we can express and share love and support without touching or seeing the person on the other side. Why? Because we have a relationship with that person. We know them. We love them. We know they love us. Whatever the case may be, we have a personal connection. Do you know someone that you like to just be with? A true friendship does not require rules and guidelines. A true friendship requires time, attention, forgiveness, communication, openness, honesty, unselfishness---and most of all, love. Jesus wants more than just a relationship with us; He wants our friendship. Why is this relationship so important?
When Adam and Eve sinned, all of mankind was doomed to death. One sin brought down every human being who would ever be born. From that moment on, we would all be born of sin, and death would be our destination. One sin is all it took to separate us from God. When Jesus died for us, His one act of sacrifice on the cross was all it took to restore us back to God. Through one man death entered; through one Man life was restored. We had no choice in being born. We had no choice in the condemnation of sin that is within each one of us. But we have a merciful God who by His grace has given us a choice today. We have a choice to believe in His Son. We have a choice to accept His free gift of eternal life. We have choice for total and complete restoration back to our heavenly Father. We cannot change what happened through Adam, but Jesus changed the outcome that awaits each of us. And not only has Jesus given us life eternal, but He has given us His peace. There is no need to work or to try to earn His favor. His grace promises us unmerited favor and mercies that are new each morning, not through religion but through a relationship with Him.
Spend some time today just being with Jesus. Talk to Him. Walk with Him. Sit at His feet. He will meet you no matter where you are. Stop working, stressing, trying, striving---just rest. Turn off the noise and listen. Think of Jesus as you would your best friend. He will help you get to know Him better. Pray to have the relationship with Jesus that He wants to have with you.
*************************************************
8/5
Don’t Miss the Point
By Max Lucado
“Lord, you bless those who do what is right.” Psalm 5:12
The trip from Egypt to the promised land can be made in nine days (Deuteronomy 1:2). It took the Israelites thirty-eight years.
What they should have done, they didn’t . . . So God decided they needed some time to rethink a few things.
Maybe God is wanting to teach you a few things. Pay attention. You don’t want to spend thirty-eight years missing the point.
This devotional from Daily Disciples I thought describes it well how many feel about religion. Many people I have spoken to over the years have told me they don't believe in it. Why? I think because of the laws that come with it. The do's and don'ts in a world of, "Go ahead, do it, why not!" But if you can just understand and believe in the relationship with Jesus Christ then you have religion. Another important point I thought the author of this devotional pointed out was the word, "choice"! I believe to have any relationship it starts with that. From the smallest decision you make, like, "what shall I eat today?", to the most important one, "If I die today where is my soul going?", it is a choice you make. A lot of people have told me that they believe in God, well, so does the devil. I also believe that many, many people think of God as an end of life thought. Well, to me He is a every moment thought. My prayer for each set of eyes that read this insight is that as Max Lucado's next devotional states, "Don't Miss the Point!" Jesus loves you, He wants to be your life. He is mine!
In John 3:36 it is written, "He that believeth on the Son (Jesus) hath everlasting life" And in Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved..."
Here is a prayer you can pray if you make the choice to believe and want a relationship with Jesus;
"Dear Lord Jesus, please have mercy on me, and forgive my sins. I repent. I trust in You Lord Jesus to cleanse me from all of my sins by your blood. Please give me the free gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your promise to take me to Heaven when I die and for saving me, Amen."
Here is a song by Karen Wheaton I found on YouTube titled, "Just Be There". It was written for her daughters; click here to view it.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/4
Relationship Over Religion
from Daily Disciples Devotionals
Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19
Religion says that we must follow rules and laws. Relationship says that we just be, not do. Jesus just wants us to be with Him. You ask, "How can I be with someone I cannot see or touch?" Have you ever talked with someone over the phone and felt as though you were right there with them? And even with emails or letters, we can express and share love and support without touching or seeing the person on the other side. Why? Because we have a relationship with that person. We know them. We love them. We know they love us. Whatever the case may be, we have a personal connection. Do you know someone that you like to just be with? A true friendship does not require rules and guidelines. A true friendship requires time, attention, forgiveness, communication, openness, honesty, unselfishness---and most of all, love. Jesus wants more than just a relationship with us; He wants our friendship. Why is this relationship so important?
When Adam and Eve sinned, all of mankind was doomed to death. One sin brought down every human being who would ever be born. From that moment on, we would all be born of sin, and death would be our destination. One sin is all it took to separate us from God. When Jesus died for us, His one act of sacrifice on the cross was all it took to restore us back to God. Through one man death entered; through one Man life was restored. We had no choice in being born. We had no choice in the condemnation of sin that is within each one of us. But we have a merciful God who by His grace has given us a choice today. We have a choice to believe in His Son. We have a choice to accept His free gift of eternal life. We have choice for total and complete restoration back to our heavenly Father. We cannot change what happened through Adam, but Jesus changed the outcome that awaits each of us. And not only has Jesus given us life eternal, but He has given us His peace. There is no need to work or to try to earn His favor. His grace promises us unmerited favor and mercies that are new each morning, not through religion but through a relationship with Him.
Spend some time today just being with Jesus. Talk to Him. Walk with Him. Sit at His feet. He will meet you no matter where you are. Stop working, stressing, trying, striving---just rest. Turn off the noise and listen. Think of Jesus as you would your best friend. He will help you get to know Him better. Pray to have the relationship with Jesus that He wants to have with you.
*************************************************
8/5
Don’t Miss the Point
By Max Lucado
“Lord, you bless those who do what is right.” Psalm 5:12
The trip from Egypt to the promised land can be made in nine days (Deuteronomy 1:2). It took the Israelites thirty-eight years.
What they should have done, they didn’t . . . So God decided they needed some time to rethink a few things.
Maybe God is wanting to teach you a few things. Pay attention. You don’t want to spend thirty-eight years missing the point.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
My Journey 8/1 - 8/3/2010
God's insight to me:
I love this devotional about being pruned. I will be the first to admit, "it hurts sometimes", but it is for our own good. I know if I look at my own yard I have some bushes that because of my lack of pruning, either because of time consuming or knowledge of doing it, the bush produces less and less flowers and grows aimlessly. Well praise God that He is the Master pruner in my life and all others who will let Him. Annie Johnson Flint wrote a good poem about this.
A. B. Simpson's devotional I titled "Some Day". For one day my friends, we do not know when, but Christ is coming back. The Gaither's had a song called "The King Is Coming" that I have performed during some of the God's Love Outreach Ministry. I mainly present it in the Seeds of Salvation program at Easter time. Every time I do I think of a friend of mine who said to me, "they just don't preach that enough from the pulpit". To listen to this song on YouTube click here. Here is a poem the Lord blessed me with over a year ago;
It’s Jesus!
It was just another day,
my thoughts were of family and friends.
I was thinking of what I was going to do,
not thinking today this life on earth would truly end
It was like so many other days
the sunshine filled the sky.
But all of sudden it was the brightest day ever,
I looked up and said, it’s Jesus, He said, “Yes, it is I!”
As I looked around I saw neighbors,
family, friends and even some people I did not know.
Jesus looked at each one
but to certain ones He said, “come its time to go home.”
I just stood there crying
then Jesus came to me.
He said, “as a young boy you asked Me into your heart,
what are you crying about, what can it be?”
I said my Lord, the tears are not for me
but for so many that would not let go.
Theirs lives were consumed by the many worldly lies,
even though you loved them so.
Jesus smiled and wiped my tears
and said, “come, life now truly begins!”
As it was written in My Word,
blessed are the believers, for they are the ones that win!
E. P. Shagott
6/5/09
The second devotional by A. B. Simpson speaks about the Holy Spirit. Mr. Simpson describes Him with these characteristics, gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness, and forbearance. As I was reading this devotional I saw most if not all these in myself. The more my walk with Christ strengthens is more of them. It is because I want to be "Christ-like!" How awesome it was as I was reading my devotionals the other devotional on the 8/2 by Mrs. Charles Cowman, "Victorious Living is Possible", I thought goes along perfectly with Mr. Simpson's. See, without the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life you will be fighting a losing battle!
In this last devotional it also goes along with the others. I have found in my own life to have a victorious life, it comes with patience. Where does that patience come from? It is one of the gifts of the Spirit. Mrs. Charles Cowman's devotional explains it very well, "He knows your need better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to bring more glory out of it all. Patience takes away self-works." The glory goes to God, always!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/1
A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman
Pruned to Yield Fruit
"And every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (John 15:2).
A child of God was dazed by the variety of afflictions which seemed to make her their target. Walking past a vineyard in the rich autumnal glow she noticed the untrimmed appearance and the luxuriant wealth of leaves on the vines, that the ground was given over to a tangle of weeds and grass, and that the whole place looked utterly uncared for; and as she pondered, the Heavenly Gardener whispered so precious a message that she would fain pass it on:
"My dear child, are you wondering at the sequence of trials in your life? Behold that vineyard and learn of it. The gardener ceases to prune, to trim, to harrow, or to pluck the ripe fruit only when he expects nothing more from the vine during that season. It is left to itself, because the season of fruit is past and further effort for the present would yield no profit. Comparative uselessness is the condition of freedom from suffering. Do you then wish me to cease pruning your life? Shall I leave you alone?" And the comforted heart cried, "No!"
--Homera Homer-Dixon
It is the branch that bears the fruit,
That feels the knife,
To prune it for a larger growth,
A fuller life.
Though every budding twig be lopped,
And every grace
Of swaying tendril, springing leaf,
Be lost a space.
O thou whose life of joy seems reft,
Of beauty shorn;
Whose aspirations lie in dust,
All bruised and torn,
Rejoice, tho' each desire, each dream,
Each hope of thine
Shall fall and fade; it is the hand
Of Love Divine
That holds the knife, that cuts and breaks
With tenderest touch,
That thou, whose life has borne some fruit
May'st now bear much.
--Annie Johnson Flint
*************************************************
8/1
A devotional from Days of Heaven Upon Earth
by A. B. Simpson
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done" (II Cor. v. 10).
It will not always be the day of toil and trial. Some day, we shall hear our names announced before the universe, and the record read of things that we had long forgotten.
How our hearts will thrill, and our heads will bow, as we shall hear our own names called, and then the Master shall recount the triumph and the services which we had ourselves forgotten! And, perhaps, from the ranks of the saved He shall call forward the souls that we have won for Christ and the souls that they in turn had won, and as we see the issue of things that have, perhaps, seemed but trifling at the time, we shall fall before the throne, and say, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory!"
Beloved, the pages are going up every day, for the record of our life. We are setting the type ourselves, by every moment's action. Hands unseen are stereotyping the plates, and soon the record will be registered, and read before the audience of the universe. and amid the issues of eternity.
*************************************************
8/2
A devotional from Days of Heaven Upon Earth
by A. B. Simpson
"Thy gentleness hath made me great" (Ps. xviii. 35).
The blessed Comforter is gentle, tender, and full of patience and love. How gentle are God's dealings even with sinners! How patient His forbearance! How tender His discipline, with His own erring children! How He led Jacob, Joseph, Israel, David, Elijah, and all His ancient servants, until they could truly say, "Thy gentleness hath made me great."
The heart in which the Holy Spirit dwells will always be characterized by gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness, and forbearance. The rude, sarcastic spirit, the brusque manner, the sharp retort, the unkind cut--all these belong to the flesh, but they have nothing in common with the gentle teaching of the Comforter.
The Holy Dove shrinks from the noisy, tumultuous, excited, and vindictive spirit, and finds His home in the lowly breast of the peaceful soul. "The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness, meekness."
Lord, make me gentle. Hush my spirit. Refine my manner. Let me have Christ in my bearing and my very tones as well as in my heart.
*************************************************
8/2
A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman
Victorious Living is Possible
"Nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20).
It is possible, for those who really are willing to reckon on the power of the Lord for keeping and victory, to lead a life in which His promises are taken as they stand and are found to be true.
It is possible to cast all our care upon Him daily and to enjoy deep peace in doing it.
It is possible to have the thoughts and imaginations of our hearts purified, in the deepest meaning of the word.
It is possible to see the will of God in everything, and to receive it, not with sighing, but with singing.
It is possible by taking complete refuge in Divine power to become strong through and through; and, where previously our greatest weakness lay, to find that things which formerly upset all our resolves to be patient, or pure, or humble, furnish today an opportunity--through Him who loved us, and works in us an agreement with His will and a blessed sense of His presence and His power--to make sin powerless over us.
These things are DIVINE POSSIBILITIES, and because they are His work, the true experience of them will always cause us to bow lower at His feet and to learn to thirst and long for more.
We cannot possibly be satisfied with anything less--each day, each hour, each moment, in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit--than to WALK WITH GOD. --H. C. G. Moule
We may have as much of God as we will. Christ puts the key of the treasure-chamber into our hand, and bids us take all that we want. If a man is admitted into the bullion vault of a bank, and told to help himself, and comes out with one cent, whose fault is it that he is poor? Whose fault is it that Christian people generally have such scanty portions of the free riches of God? --McLaren.
*************************************************
8/3
A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman
Wait With Patience
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him" (Ps. 37:7).
Have you prayed and prayed and waited and waited, and still there is no manifestation?
Are you tired of seeing nothing move? Are you just at the point of giving it all up? Perhaps you have not waited in the right way? This would take you out of the right place the place where He can meet you.
"With patience wait" (Rom. 8:25). Patience takes away worry. He said He would come, and His promise is equal to His presence. Patience takes away your weeping. Why feel sad and despondent? He knows your need better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to bring more glory out of it all. Patience takes away self-works. The work He desires is that you "believe" (John 6:29), and when you believe, you may then know that all is well. Patience takes away all want. Your desire for the thing you wish is perhaps stronger than your desire for the will of God to be fulfilled in its arrival.
Patience takes away all weakening. Instead of having the delaying time, a time of letting go, know that God is getting a larger supply ready and must get you ready too. Patience takes away all wobbling. "Make me stand upon my standing" (Daniel 8:18, margin). God's foundations are steady; and when His patience is within, we are steady while we wait. Patience gives worship. A praiseful patience sometimes "long-suffering with joyfulness" (Col. 1:11) is the best part of it all. "Let (all these phases of) patience have her perfect work" (James 1:4), while you wait, and you will find great enrichment. --C. H. P.
Hold steady when the fires burn,
When inner lessons come to learn,
And from this path there seems no turn
"Let patience have her perfect work."
--L.S.P.
I love this devotional about being pruned. I will be the first to admit, "it hurts sometimes", but it is for our own good. I know if I look at my own yard I have some bushes that because of my lack of pruning, either because of time consuming or knowledge of doing it, the bush produces less and less flowers and grows aimlessly. Well praise God that He is the Master pruner in my life and all others who will let Him. Annie Johnson Flint wrote a good poem about this.
A. B. Simpson's devotional I titled "Some Day". For one day my friends, we do not know when, but Christ is coming back. The Gaither's had a song called "The King Is Coming" that I have performed during some of the God's Love Outreach Ministry. I mainly present it in the Seeds of Salvation program at Easter time. Every time I do I think of a friend of mine who said to me, "they just don't preach that enough from the pulpit". To listen to this song on YouTube click here. Here is a poem the Lord blessed me with over a year ago;
It’s Jesus!
It was just another day,
my thoughts were of family and friends.
I was thinking of what I was going to do,
not thinking today this life on earth would truly end
It was like so many other days
the sunshine filled the sky.
But all of sudden it was the brightest day ever,
I looked up and said, it’s Jesus, He said, “Yes, it is I!”
As I looked around I saw neighbors,
family, friends and even some people I did not know.
Jesus looked at each one
but to certain ones He said, “come its time to go home.”
I just stood there crying
then Jesus came to me.
He said, “as a young boy you asked Me into your heart,
what are you crying about, what can it be?”
I said my Lord, the tears are not for me
but for so many that would not let go.
Theirs lives were consumed by the many worldly lies,
even though you loved them so.
Jesus smiled and wiped my tears
and said, “come, life now truly begins!”
As it was written in My Word,
blessed are the believers, for they are the ones that win!
E. P. Shagott
6/5/09
The second devotional by A. B. Simpson speaks about the Holy Spirit. Mr. Simpson describes Him with these characteristics, gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness, and forbearance. As I was reading this devotional I saw most if not all these in myself. The more my walk with Christ strengthens is more of them. It is because I want to be "Christ-like!" How awesome it was as I was reading my devotionals the other devotional on the 8/2 by Mrs. Charles Cowman, "Victorious Living is Possible", I thought goes along perfectly with Mr. Simpson's. See, without the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life you will be fighting a losing battle!
In this last devotional it also goes along with the others. I have found in my own life to have a victorious life, it comes with patience. Where does that patience come from? It is one of the gifts of the Spirit. Mrs. Charles Cowman's devotional explains it very well, "He knows your need better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to bring more glory out of it all. Patience takes away self-works." The glory goes to God, always!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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8/1
A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman
Pruned to Yield Fruit
"And every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (John 15:2).
A child of God was dazed by the variety of afflictions which seemed to make her their target. Walking past a vineyard in the rich autumnal glow she noticed the untrimmed appearance and the luxuriant wealth of leaves on the vines, that the ground was given over to a tangle of weeds and grass, and that the whole place looked utterly uncared for; and as she pondered, the Heavenly Gardener whispered so precious a message that she would fain pass it on:
"My dear child, are you wondering at the sequence of trials in your life? Behold that vineyard and learn of it. The gardener ceases to prune, to trim, to harrow, or to pluck the ripe fruit only when he expects nothing more from the vine during that season. It is left to itself, because the season of fruit is past and further effort for the present would yield no profit. Comparative uselessness is the condition of freedom from suffering. Do you then wish me to cease pruning your life? Shall I leave you alone?" And the comforted heart cried, "No!"
--Homera Homer-Dixon
It is the branch that bears the fruit,
That feels the knife,
To prune it for a larger growth,
A fuller life.
Though every budding twig be lopped,
And every grace
Of swaying tendril, springing leaf,
Be lost a space.
O thou whose life of joy seems reft,
Of beauty shorn;
Whose aspirations lie in dust,
All bruised and torn,
Rejoice, tho' each desire, each dream,
Each hope of thine
Shall fall and fade; it is the hand
Of Love Divine
That holds the knife, that cuts and breaks
With tenderest touch,
That thou, whose life has borne some fruit
May'st now bear much.
--Annie Johnson Flint
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8/1
A devotional from Days of Heaven Upon Earth
by A. B. Simpson
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done" (II Cor. v. 10).
It will not always be the day of toil and trial. Some day, we shall hear our names announced before the universe, and the record read of things that we had long forgotten.
How our hearts will thrill, and our heads will bow, as we shall hear our own names called, and then the Master shall recount the triumph and the services which we had ourselves forgotten! And, perhaps, from the ranks of the saved He shall call forward the souls that we have won for Christ and the souls that they in turn had won, and as we see the issue of things that have, perhaps, seemed but trifling at the time, we shall fall before the throne, and say, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory!"
Beloved, the pages are going up every day, for the record of our life. We are setting the type ourselves, by every moment's action. Hands unseen are stereotyping the plates, and soon the record will be registered, and read before the audience of the universe. and amid the issues of eternity.
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8/2
A devotional from Days of Heaven Upon Earth
by A. B. Simpson
"Thy gentleness hath made me great" (Ps. xviii. 35).
The blessed Comforter is gentle, tender, and full of patience and love. How gentle are God's dealings even with sinners! How patient His forbearance! How tender His discipline, with His own erring children! How He led Jacob, Joseph, Israel, David, Elijah, and all His ancient servants, until they could truly say, "Thy gentleness hath made me great."
The heart in which the Holy Spirit dwells will always be characterized by gentleness, lowliness, quietness, meekness, and forbearance. The rude, sarcastic spirit, the brusque manner, the sharp retort, the unkind cut--all these belong to the flesh, but they have nothing in common with the gentle teaching of the Comforter.
The Holy Dove shrinks from the noisy, tumultuous, excited, and vindictive spirit, and finds His home in the lowly breast of the peaceful soul. "The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness, meekness."
Lord, make me gentle. Hush my spirit. Refine my manner. Let me have Christ in my bearing and my very tones as well as in my heart.
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8/2
A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman
Victorious Living is Possible
"Nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20).
It is possible, for those who really are willing to reckon on the power of the Lord for keeping and victory, to lead a life in which His promises are taken as they stand and are found to be true.
It is possible to cast all our care upon Him daily and to enjoy deep peace in doing it.
It is possible to have the thoughts and imaginations of our hearts purified, in the deepest meaning of the word.
It is possible to see the will of God in everything, and to receive it, not with sighing, but with singing.
It is possible by taking complete refuge in Divine power to become strong through and through; and, where previously our greatest weakness lay, to find that things which formerly upset all our resolves to be patient, or pure, or humble, furnish today an opportunity--through Him who loved us, and works in us an agreement with His will and a blessed sense of His presence and His power--to make sin powerless over us.
These things are DIVINE POSSIBILITIES, and because they are His work, the true experience of them will always cause us to bow lower at His feet and to learn to thirst and long for more.
We cannot possibly be satisfied with anything less--each day, each hour, each moment, in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit--than to WALK WITH GOD. --H. C. G. Moule
We may have as much of God as we will. Christ puts the key of the treasure-chamber into our hand, and bids us take all that we want. If a man is admitted into the bullion vault of a bank, and told to help himself, and comes out with one cent, whose fault is it that he is poor? Whose fault is it that Christian people generally have such scanty portions of the free riches of God? --McLaren.
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8/3
A devotional from Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman
Wait With Patience
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him" (Ps. 37:7).
Have you prayed and prayed and waited and waited, and still there is no manifestation?
Are you tired of seeing nothing move? Are you just at the point of giving it all up? Perhaps you have not waited in the right way? This would take you out of the right place the place where He can meet you.
"With patience wait" (Rom. 8:25). Patience takes away worry. He said He would come, and His promise is equal to His presence. Patience takes away your weeping. Why feel sad and despondent? He knows your need better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to bring more glory out of it all. Patience takes away self-works. The work He desires is that you "believe" (John 6:29), and when you believe, you may then know that all is well. Patience takes away all want. Your desire for the thing you wish is perhaps stronger than your desire for the will of God to be fulfilled in its arrival.
Patience takes away all weakening. Instead of having the delaying time, a time of letting go, know that God is getting a larger supply ready and must get you ready too. Patience takes away all wobbling. "Make me stand upon my standing" (Daniel 8:18, margin). God's foundations are steady; and when His patience is within, we are steady while we wait. Patience gives worship. A praiseful patience sometimes "long-suffering with joyfulness" (Col. 1:11) is the best part of it all. "Let (all these phases of) patience have her perfect work" (James 1:4), while you wait, and you will find great enrichment. --C. H. P.
Hold steady when the fires burn,
When inner lessons come to learn,
And from this path there seems no turn
"Let patience have her perfect work."
--L.S.P.
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