In Christ

A few years back I got a call from a friend, my ex-pastor in Texas. Since I live in New York we keep in touch sometimes monthly to check on each other. On this day all he said was, “Eddy, I want you to go and buy a book titled “Who I Am in Christ” by Neil T. Anderson. That was the end of our conversation. It was quick and to the point. Well, I did just as my friend asked and what a blessing it was. As I read the book it was like a missing link in my walk with Christ.

As I read today’s devotional by A. B. Simpson he talks about this, “being in Christ”. My friends I lost “one’s self” as he puts it, back in 1997. I am totally free. As you read this devotional ask yourself, “Do I want this freedom?” I pray you will answer truthfully, “yes!” This world we live in is encased with trouble and burdens. Some it seems experience more than others. What I have found in Christ my self-consciousness is now dropped and I am focused on others. When a burden comes into my life, I look up and Jesus says to me, “I got it Ed, keep doing my will and care for those that don’t know or understand!”

[A devotional by A. B. Simpson]

"I know a man in Christ" (II. Corinthians. xii. 2).

[It is a great deliverance to lose one's self. There is no heavier millstone that one can be compelled to carry than self-consciousness. It is so easy to get introverted and coiled round one's self in our spiritual consciousness. There is nothing that is so easy to fasten on as our misery; there is nothing that is more apt to produce self-consciousness than suffering, until it becomes almost a settled habit to hold on to our burden, and pray it unceasingly into the very face of God, until our very prayer saturates us with our own misery, instead of asking for power to drop ourselves altogether, and leave ourselves in His loving hands and know that we are free, and then rise into the blessed liberty of His higher thoughts and will, and His love and care for others.

The very act of letting go of ourselves really lifts us into a higher plane, and relieves us from the thing that is hurting. This habit of prayer for others, and especially for the world, brings its own recompense, and leaves upon our hearts a blessing like the fertility which the Nile deposits upon the soil of Egypt, as it flows through to its distant goal.]

New Through Christ

Ever since the day I was born
my life was not my own.
It had a purpose to fulfill
until He calls me home.

But what is always most troubling
as each day I strive to live,
is understanding it is not about me
but to all the others that I must give.

It is not about my accomplishments,
but instead what Christ has done for me.
I am no longer of myself,
because Jesus set me free.

He freed me from this worldly sin,
which is upon us day and night.
As His sinless body hung nailed to the Cross,
that made me special in the Father’s sight.

My days are all for Him now,
my burdens are oh so few.
I am this righteous child of God
through Christ I am brand new.

E. P. Shagott
1/23/10

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

God Is Looking

"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him"

(2 Chronicles 16:9).

This is a very inspiring devotional that I read this morning and wanted to share. In my own life now I find myself asking God, "show me more of Yourself". I love in the 2nd part of this devotional when it was describing George Mueller how he was listing all that he loved now being lost. I now can relate to his words that were spoken so long ago. This is an awesome statement that he made, "God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else." My friends each day of my life now, this is my goal.

[A devotional Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert]

[God is looking for a man, or woman, whose heart will be always set on Him, and who will trust Him for all He desires to do. God is eager to work more mightily now than He ever has through any soul. The clock of the centuries points to the eleventh hour.

"The world is waiting yet to see what God can do through a consecrated soul." Not the world alone, but God Himself is waiting for one, who will be more fully devoted to Him than any who have ever lived; who will be willing to be nothing that Christ may be all; who will grasp God's own purposes; and taking His humility and His faith, His love and His power, will, without hindering, continue to let God do exploits. --C. H. P.

"There is no limit to what God can do with a man, providing he will not touch the glory."

In an address given to ministers and workers after his ninetieth birthday, George Mueller spoke thus of himself: "I was converted in November, 1825, but I only came into the full surrender of the heart four years later, in July, 1829. The love of money was gone, the love of place was gone, the love of position was gone, the love of worldly pleasures and engagements was gone. God, God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else. And by the grace of God this has remained, and has made me a happy man, an exceedingly happy man, and it led me to care only about the things of God. I ask affectionately, my beloved brethren, have you fully surrendered the heart to God, or is there this thing or that thing with which you are taken up irrespective of God? I read a little of the Scriptures before, but preferred other books; but since that time the revelation He has made of Himself has become unspeakably blessed to me, and I can say from my heart, God is an infinitely lovely Being. Oh, be not satisfied until in your own inmost soul you can say, God is an infinitely lovely Being!' --Selected

I pray to God this day to make me an extraordinary Christian. --Whitefield.]

Another awesome statement from today's devotional is "There is no limit to what God can do with a man, providing he will not touch the glory." That is the fine line of ministry. See, as God is working in and through us we see His wonders and it is with us that He is accomplishing these wonders but we can not, not for one second think it is ourselves, for if we do then the glory can not be on God, and it must! God is always looking for good men and women. Are you ready or have you already said, "Here I am Lord!"

I‘m Talking To You

Why are you so down?
What can it be?
I raised my eyes above and asked
“God, are You talking to me?”

He said, “Everything that is,
and all you see,
was made just for you
and it all comes from Me!

The blood I shed,
the tears I cry,
is all for you
and still you doubt, why?

All I ask,
since you don’t seem to see,
is that someday you will choose
to believe in Me!

My Word was left
so you would know,
I am always here
and love you so!

So don’t be so down
and to My name always be true,
Yes, my child
I’m talking to You!”

E. P. Shagott

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

That's me!

"Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of" (Luke ix. 55).

After reading this devotional this morning, the title jumped out at me. As I was reading these words almost fit me to a "T" as they say;

* simple - probably my wife could explain that one best
* tender - goes with that big heart of mine
* tolerant - yep, it takes a lot before something gets to me
* considerate of others - that is a very strong trait of mine
* like a little child - that one is important for it is written in the Bible, Matthew 18:3 and said, Truly I say to you, Unless you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

[A devotional by A. B. Simpson]

[Some one has said that the most spiritual people are the easiest to get along with. When one has a little of the Holy Ghost it is like "a little learning, a dangerous thing"; but a full baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a really disciplined, stablished and tested spiritual life, makes one simple, tender, tolerant, considerate of others, and like a little child.

James and John, in their early zeal, wanted to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans. But John, the aged, allowed Demetrius to exclude him from the church, and suffered in Patmos for the kingdom and with the patience of Jesus. And aged Paul was willing to take back even Mark, whom he had refused as a companion in his early ministry, and to acknowledge that he was profitable to him for the ministry.

I want the love that cannot help but love;
Loving, like God, for very sake of love.
A spring so full that it must overflow,
A fountain flowing from the throne above.

"Now abideth faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love."]

I Am Someone Special

I am someone special
for all the world to see,
but when you look upon my face,
you are not really seeing me.

The face that you are seeing,
is the person I want to be.
I want to be like Jesus,
for my Lord and Savior is He.

So when you look into my eyes,
may they reflect His love indeed.
May my mouth speak His Words of love,
that have set so many free.

May my ears be always listening
for those worse off than me.
May my hands reach out as Jesus would,
to help all those in need.

May each person that I meet
as I travel on my way,
tell someone in their lives,
“I think I just saw Jesus today!”

E. P. Shagott
1/17/10

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

His standard does not change!

"Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ"
(Eph. iv. 13).

[A devotional by A. B. Simpson]

[God loves us so well that He will not suffer us to take less than His highest will. Some day we shall bless our faithful teacher, who kept the standard inflexibly rigid, and then gave us the strength and grace to reach it, and would not excuse us until we had accomplished all His glorious will.]

Now there is an opening for a good devotional. What an awesome Father He is. How often as I look back with my children, that it was easy to take the lesser way than stick to what we know is best for them. Easy to let the chores slip rather than be firm that they must get done. It really wasn't about the chore but completing the task ahead of you. It is that final goal for us Christians, Heaven, and in this life accomplishing God's will for our lives. Right now that is the task ahead of you, don't let it slip by.

[Let us be inexorable with ourselves. Let us mean exactly what God means, and have no discounts upon His promises or commandments. Let us keep the standard up, and never rest until we reach it. "Let God be true and every man a liar." If we fail a hundred times don't let us accommodate God's ideal to our realization, but like the brave ensign who stood in front of his company waving the banner, and when the soldiers called him back he only waved it higher, and cried, "Don't bring the standard back to the regiment, but bring the regiment up to the colors."]

Sometimes it appears the easiest way is to do nothing. Maybe to do a little but not give it your all. This is not what the Father wants from His children. His instructions to us is clear. Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. Matthew 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. Jesus also said to Mark 16:15And He said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation. We should not wait for the world to come to us but "Go", "proclaim", "to all"! My friends the world is outside the four or five walls that contain you.

[Forward, forward, leave the past behind thee,
Reaching forth unto the things before;
All the Land of Promise lies before thee,
God has greater blessings yet in store.]

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

Use what He gave you!

“I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.”
- Job 36:2

[A devotional by Charles Spurgeon]

A very good devotional for Christians. I thought it would be interesting to read this and comment on it a few sentences at a time. First I thought how Christianity hasn't changed over the years. From the days of Charles Spurgeon, to the days of Ed Shagott, what is important is to get your eyes off yourself and on God for the good of others. "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine! Hide it under a bushel no!

[We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a village in a valley, but “a city set upon a hill;” he is not to be a candle under a bushel, but a candle in a candlestick, giving light to all.]

Now this next few sentences Charles Spurgeon mentions retirement. This is something I can relate to and also what he says we should do, I do! I do it for Christ. My friends, I have retired in Him!

[Retirement may be lovely in its season, and to hide one’s self is doubtless modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified, and the keeping back of truth which is precious to ourselves is a sin against others and an offence against God. If you are of a nervous temperament and of retiring disposition, take care that you do not too much indulge this trembling propensity, lest you should be useless to the church. Seek in the name of him who was not ashamed of you to do some little violence to your feelings, and tell to others what Christ has told to you.]

The other day I, and a few church family, men of God, got together for breakfast. I was not aware that one of the true reasons we were there was to talk about "Evangelism". But let me say right now, maybe my tongue is not like a trumpet, but more like a beating drum. My words, deeds, my being is about Jesus!

[If thou canst not speak with trumpet tongue, use the still small voice. If the pulpit must not be thy tribune, if the press may not carry on its wings thy words, yet say with Peter and John, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee.” By Sychar’s well talk to the Samaritan woman, if thou canst not on the mountain preach a sermon; utter the praises of Jesus in the house, if not in the temple; in the field, if not upon the exchange; in the midst of thine own household, if thou canst not in the midst of the great family of man. From the hidden springs within let sweetly flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every passer-by.]

For many years I didn't realize I had any talents. It was not until I released my life to Him, that I understood He was molding these talents within me, that now come pouring out for Him, almost uncontrollably. Yes, it is the Lord that releases our tongues so the Holy Spirit can talk for us.

[Hide not thy talent; trade with it; and thou shalt bring in good interest to thy Lord and Master. To speak for God will be refreshing to ourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honouring to the Saviour. Dumb children are an affliction to their parents. Lord, unloose all thy children’s tongue.]

Talent

A talent is something each of us has,
but to discover it is the trick.
Don't be afraid to try something new
for this might be what it is.

And once you realize you have it,
not to use it is a shame.
The good Lord has a reason for giving us this,
that only he will be able to explain.

So when we meet our maker
and he asks how we did,
he'll also ask if we used what he gave us
for a talent is a special gift.

Be grateful when you find it
and use it the best each day.
Remember to thank the Lord above,
making you special in this way.

E. P. Shagott

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

It is there for the taking!

"Ask and it shall be given you" (Matt. vii. 7).

I thought before I would comment, it would be best to read this mornings devotional first.

[A devotional by A. B. Simpson]

[We must receive, as well as ask. We must take the place of believing, and recognize ourselves as in it. A friend was saying, "I want to get into the will of God," and this was the answer: "Will you step into the will of God? And now, are you in the will of God?" The question aroused a thought that had not come before.

The gentleman saw that he had been straining after, but not receiving the blessing he sought.

Jesus has said, "Ask and ye shall receive." The very strain keeps back the blessing. The intense tension of all your spiritual nature so binds you that you are not open to the blessing which God is waiting to give you. "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

He tells me there is cleansing
From every secret sin,
And a great and full salvation
To keep the heart within.
And I take Him in His fulness,
With all His glorious grace,
For He says it is mine by taking,
And I take just what He says.]


The amazing thing about the Gospel is how real it is today as it was when God spoke, "Let there be light." Sometimes we can hear or read and even say how precious that freely given grace to each of us is, but yet some can't grasp it. As I read devotionals like this one I am excited as when God first made them real to me. Maybe that is why He has encouraged me to put His words, that He speaks to others and now to me, open so all can hear or read.

Once I opened my heart to Him and freely gave Him my life, then His Word and others that He has touched, brings me to a closer understanding of His Will. This life no longer becomes mine, but His. Does this mean problems disappear, no, not at all. Maybe in some ways they may increase, for there are many that still have not, and maybe will not accept His marvelous gift, that it is hard for them to understand my joy with Him. Maybe this could fall into that saying, "misery loves company?"

Once you receive the blessings then you want to show your happiness. Even before asking and receiving the important part is the "knowing" that it will be. Read that scripture above again, see it is a done deal. It is written! It is God's Word. It will not and can not change. Accept it, take it, live it, for it is God's will!

Jesus Is Hope!

Jesus is hope
when all is gone,
He is there,
when life seems wrong.

Jesus will be
what you will need,
He is the light,
when dark you see.

Jesus will take
away the pain,
and give you back
that hope again.

Is there any hope,
is what you ask?
Remember Jesus is the first,
and never the last.

So in this life
there will be pain,
I pray you understand
In Jesus name.

12/15/09
E. P. Shagott


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

The Seed is Christ!

Luke 8:13 Those on the rock are the ones who, when they hear, receive the Word with joy. And these have no root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

[A morning devotional by Charles spurgeon]

This is a good lesson to be learned. For a long time I would walk into church and shortly forget what the Lord was speaking to me about. Charles Spurgeon talks about how important it is to receive Jesus into your soul for without Him earnestly that all feelings and impressions cast our way, would soon fade away like seeds planted on rocky ground. See though my intentions were good, going to church, it was my commitment to Jesus, saying You are Lord, You are Master of my life, then the Word became real. Then the Seed of Christ began to grow inside me. Then the Seed began to show on the outside, this is the fruit from the seed.

Interesting is how through this sinful world satan, (not capitalized on purpose), will do everything in his power to weaken me, the Seed for Christ remains strong and it's fruitful purpose sprouts outward.

On Christ the rock I stand, all others is sinking sand!

[My soul, examine thyself this morning by the light of this text. Thou hast received the word with joy; thy feelings have been stirred and a lively impression has been made; but, remember, that to receive the word in the ear is one thing, and to receive Jesus into thy very soul is quite another; superficial feeling is often joined to inward hardness of heart, and a lively impression of the word is not always a lasting one.]

I believe churches today are trying various approaches to bring in people so they can find and experience God there. If the heart of the church is Jesus, you don't need an approach, you just have to be sincere in what you are portraying to those entering the house of God. I also believe the heart of the individual is already prepared by God before entering the doors of the church. What the individual needs is Jesus! Once that has happened the church then becomes a nourishment of His seed. Read on as Charles Spurgeon writes about this.

[In the parable, the seed in one case fell upon ground having a rocky bottom, covered over with a thin layer of earth; when the seed began to take root, its downward growth was hindered by the hard stone and therefore it spent its strength in pushing its green shoot aloft as high as it could, but having no inward moisture derived from root nourishment, it withered away. Is this my case? Have I been making a fair show in the flesh without having a corresponding inner life? Good growth takes place upwards and downwards at the same time. Am I rooted in sincere fidelity and love to Jesus? If my heart remains unsoftened and unfertilized by grace, the good seed may germinate for a season, but it must ultimately wither, for it cannot flourish on a rocky, unbroken, unsanctified heart. Let me dread a godliness as rapid in growth and as wanting in endurance as Jonah’s gourd; let me count the cost of being a follower of Jesus, above all let me feel the energy of his Holy Spirit, and then I shall possess an abiding and enduring seed in my soul. If my mind remains as obdurate as it was by nature, the sun of trial will scorch, and my hard heart will help to cast the heat the more terribly upon the ill-covered seed, and my religion will soon die, and my despair will be terrible; therefore, O heavenly Sower, plough me first, and then cast the truth into me, and let me yield thee a bounteous harvest.]

How important it is for us that understand and yield Christ's bounty, to share with those that still through their choice have not come to let the Father ploughing turn and prepare their hearts to receive Christ's heavenly seed of love.

Planting Seeds

I am His little gardener,
whom God chose me to be.
He said, “Little gardener of Mine
go plant these love seeds for Me”

I said, “Lord where do I plant,
these seeds of Your love?”
God said, “Just listen to your heart,
as I speak to you from above.

Do not be surprised
if rejected now and then,
these seeds are the beginning
that will spiritually nourish them to the end.

So I reached deep into my heart,
and grabbed one of His special love seeds.
From my mouth they were planted as I said,
“This is from God’s love, and also they are from me!”

E. P. Shagott
12/28/09


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