God's insight to me:
As I read the devotional from Streams in the Desert I thought of the many storms in my life, past, present and I know future. Like the flower I was also beaten down at times. Of course when this happens we all look for relief quickly. When we are going through the storm it appears that all we can do is sit there and take it, not knowing when it will pass or even will it pass. But as being a Christian and loving my Lord with all my heart, mind and soul, I know it will and I am not going through it alone. His Son-light is making me stronger from the storm. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me!"
Max Lucado's devotional made me smile. See, I am just an ordinary person, like everyone else. He has used me to touch the hearts of so many, all because of my love for Him.
Reading Adrian Roger's devotional touched me deeply. I understand exactly what he wrote about for I have never been more happier in my life now that through the Grace of God and the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross, I am now a sinner made righteous saved by Grace.
In Charles Stanley's devotional it brought back the memory when I first heard God's call to me. A teenager at the age of 15 years. But what was lacking for me at that time was the spiritual guidance and teaching's needed to help in my walk with Christ. So for almost 39+ years my journey was still seeking the Savior that was with me all the time.
Cheryl Davis's writing about Winter is truly how I feel in my senior years living in Buffalo, New York area. I search the sky like most for a glimpse of sunshine. The winter wind goes right through me no matter how many articles of clothing I am wearing. But like it has been written before, there is a season for everything. What winter does now for me is make me appreciate the Spring, Summer and Fall that much more.
As I read the devotional by Rick Warren I can relate for I have been experiencing pain and frustration which is a part of this life. I once received an email from a friend that on the bottom of it stated, "Be kind to those you meet today, for you do not know what they are going through today." How true, we don't but God does! Amen to that.
God’s Replacement Policy I thought was a good devotional. My friends once you give Him control,this is a choice that must be made, that Policy becomes an Eternal Policy. It was paid in full by Jesus on Calvary. "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do!"
The Son asked the Father
the Father agreed
now my friends
it's up to you and me!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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Seek Communion from Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert
"They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine" (Hosea 14:7).
The day closed with heavy showers. The plants in my garden were beaten down before the pelting storm, and I saw one flower that I had admired for its beauty and loved for its fragrance exposed to the pitiless storm. The flower fell, shut up its petals, dropped its head; and I saw that all its glory was gone. "I must wait till next year," I said, "before I see that beautiful thing again."
That night passed, and morning came; the sun shone again, and the morning brought strength to the flower. The light looked at it, and the flower looked at the light. There was contact and communion, and power passed into the flower. It held up its head, opened its petals, regained its glory, and seemed fairer than before. I wonder how it took place--this feeble thing coming into contact with the strong thing, and gaining strength!
I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know It is a fact.
Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial? Seek this communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer. "I will strengthen thee."
YESTERDAY'S GRIEF
The rain that fell a-yesterday is ruby on the roses,
Silver on the poplar leaf, and gold on willow stem;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday is silence that incloses
Holy loves when time and change shall never trouble them.
The rain that fell a-yesterday makes all the hillsides glisten,
Coral on the laurel and beryl on the grass;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday has taught the soul to listen
For whispers of eternity in all the winds that pass.
O faint-of-heart, storm-beaten, this rain will gleam tomorrow,
Flame within the columbine and jewels on the thorn,
Heaven in the forget-me-not; though sorrow now be sorrow,
Yet sorrow shall be, beauty in the magic of the morn.
--Katherine Lee Bates
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Five Stones By Max Lucado
“David took [the armor] all off. He took his stick in his hand and chose five smooth stones from a stream.” 1 Samuel 17:39-40
The king tried to give David some equipment. “What do you want, boy? Shield? Sword? . . .”
David had something else in mind. Five smooth stones and an ordinary leather sling.
The soldiers gasped. Saul sighed. Goliath jeered. David swung. And God made his point. “Anyone who underestimates what God can do with the ordinary has rocks in his head.”
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Happiness, the By-Product of Righteousness by Adrian Rogers
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6
Happiness is something you stumble over on your way to serving Jesus. When you are serving the Lord Jesus Christ, happiness is the by-product of righteousness. People who are trying to be happy are focusing their energy at the wrong target. If you will seek after righteousness, then you will be happy.
What you need is to drink of the Spirit.
It is to feed on the Word of God.
The deepest need of your heart will be met only in Jesus.
Ask the Lord to fill you with His presence, to fulfill the deepest need of your heart in Him and Him alone. Now trust Him to do it.
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May 10 by Dr. Charles Stanley
The Call of God
1 Samuel 3:2-18
As a young child, Samuel lived in the temple with his mentor, Eli the priest. One night, the boy heard his name called, so he ran to ask Eli what he wanted. The priest, however, hadn't spoken, so he sent the child back to bed. This happened two more times before Eli realized that the Lord was the one calling the boy. Then he instructed Samuel to respond by asking the Lord what He wanted.
Almighty God still speaks to us today. The first time we "hear" Him is when He calls us to salvation. The Holy Spirit makes us aware that something is missing in our life, and then He points us to Jesus Christ as the answer.
Without the Savior, we are lost and hopeless. Everyone is born with a sinful nature that's "bent" away from God. The Father, who's holy and perfect, cannot be in the presence of unholiness. Therefore, the penalty for sin is death—eternal separation from Him. But God loves us, so to correct that situation, Jesus came to earth, lived the perfect life, and died as a substitute for mankind. He took the penalty for our wrong.
Salvation is the greatest gift. To receive it, all we have to do is trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Then, He abides with us and continues to speak, guiding gently and encouraging us toward righteousness.
Have you felt God speaking to you? If so, don't delay. Ask Him to forgive your sin; then accept Christ's substitutionary sacrifice on your behalf, and choose to follow Him. Share your decision with a pastor or trusted Christian friend so that you can have guidance on this beautiful new journey.
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From a 365.org daily devotional
What a dark, dreary period this past winter was! It seemed even bleaker than usual. Record snowfall accumulated in many parts of the country. I am always keenly aware of the deepening darkness as winter approaches. The days drag on with familiar grayness, the nights long and cold. My spirit seems to sag as I long for that first hint of spring.
Then one day, without fanfare, but typical of God’s beauty and simplicity, I notice a bird’s clear and melodic song. Colorful crocuses push their way through the soil; the sunshine that seemed so elusive bathes the earth in warmth and light. This awakening takes place year after year, though I sometimes miss its significance. When I pay attention, I learn things in the darkness of winter that help me in the light of spring and summer, for it is in the darkness that I become more aware of the light.
Mary Fahy says it this way: “You have survived the winter because you are, and were, and always will be very much loved. For that small, deep place within you that remained unfrozen and open to Mystery, that is where I have made my dwelling."
Cheryl Davis
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God Knows Your Feelings and Frustrations
May 10th, 2010 by Rick Warren
"You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears." Psalm 56:6 (Good News)
"God sees the hurt in your heart like nobody else can."
You may think, "Nobody knows what I'm going through, nobody feels the pain I'm experiencing."
But God knows!
He knows your feelings and frustrations. He's seen the crisis in your soul. There's no hurt that goes unnoticed by God. Psalm 56:6 says, "You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears." (Good News)
Often when we're hurting, we feel very isolated and lonely. Maybe there's been a death in the family, a divorce, maybe we've gotten fired, and we start to think, "Nobody understands the way I feel; nobody can tell the way I feel; nobody feels the pain."
But God knows, and "The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him." Psalms 103:13,(NLT)
God not only sees, He cares!
He knows the causes, the reasons, the things that brought you to this point. He understands because he made you, and he sees the hurt in your heart like nobody else can.
Because God knows our frustrations and despair, we can give those feelings to God: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." 1 Peter 5:7, (NLT) Cast them all permanently on God, once and for all, and then, don't take them back.
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God’s Replacement Policy
May 10th, 2010 by Marilyn Ehle
“I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart…” Ezekiel 11:19 (New Living Translation)
After much research into which was most recommended, I purchased a small toaster oven. It cost a bit more than others, but was manufactured by a respected company and came with what I thought was an ironclad guarantee. It worked well for months. And then one day, the small door wouldn’t completely close. I gave it a forceful push and the door slipped into place. A few days later, however, the door again gaped open. This time nothing I did solved the problem. Perhaps a screw was loose in the door?
In our town is a small shop that specializes in the repair of such appliances so I shook out the crumbs, polished the surface and placed the oven in my car. My trusty repairman sadly shook his head when I explained the problem. “I’m sorry, but the manufacturer has made this oven in such a way that the door cannot be removed. You will have to send it back to the factory.”
“What about the replacement guarantee?” I asked. “Oh, that guarantee is very limited. It doesn’t apply to the door.”
God’s guarantees are not limited. He promises to replace our stony, stubborn hearts with those that are tender and responsive. The Apostle Paul wrote, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”
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Monday, May 10, 2010
My Journey - 5/9/2010
God's insight for me:
As I was reading this devotional for Mother's Day I reflected back to my mother who passed on to a better life with Jesus in 1991. As I minister to "God's wounded" in nursing homes I tell them if you would walk into my mother's house you would find her normally sitting at the kitchen table. In front of her was her bible, a crossword book, and a cup of black coffee. She enjoyed all three but "loved" her bible.
In the devotional below the woman writes about being a mother and what she wants for her children. Going back sixty years ago, my mom really wanted her three boys to have basically the same thing, "to reach their full potential in good values and with strong character". In her next sentence she explained how.
I now have been in the Lord's active ministry for 7 1/2 years. If my mother did not love the Lord, do you think I would have come to know Him? Well, the chances are greater that you will if you do love Him and show this in your daily life. My mother was a part of my life for 48 years. I never knew her to change or compromise her walk with Christ. She didn't push Jesus on you, she lived Him.
The author below makes a good point about noise in today's world. Distractions for children for sure. And parents are fighting that daily. These are worldly distractions. Have you noticed that every form of media is loaded with advertisement? Less and less viewing programs. Also the content of the viewing programs has changed drastically. Just think what would happen if all the channels would have scripture on them. For sure we would know a lot more of the Bible then we do now. But the one most important part of all this is "choice". See, my mother made her choice by reading her Bible daily. She prayed daily. She asked for the Lords guidance for raising her kids and being a good wife for her husband. My friends, the Lord answered her prayers. Because of her love for Him, I now love Him.
God Created “A Mom”
God gave her loving hands,
to grab and hold us tight.
God gave her a gentle heart,
to guide and make things right.
God gave her understanding,
for He knew with children she would need.
God gave her endurance and patience,
all needed to raise a family!
God gave her eyes to watch,
and ears to hear our cries.
God gave her many answers,
to all our many questions and why’s???
But what was most important,
was His love for each and everyone,
see God created “a mom”,
to see the job got done!
E. P. Shagott
5/10/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
May 9, 2010 A devotional from Daily Disciples Ministries
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 7-9; John 1:1-28
Today's Thoughts: Mother's Day
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
"Mom how was it in the olden days when you used to have to call the home phone to talk to your friend?" asked my teenage son. The world has definitely changed since the time my parents raised me. I would guess that the desires of a mother's heart have not changed as much.
So, what does the mother really want for Mother's Day? For me, I want my children to reach their full potential in good values and with strong character. I truly believe they can only achieve my goals for them if they walk with the Lord. Because my prayers do not have the power to force them into the desires of my heart, I pray that I might have the wisdom to lead them to the Lord.
Being a mother to children today is not easy. I continually need to remind myself that "I am the mother" as I am challenged to the core by children who have suddenly become taller, stronger and smarter than I. Repeating, "I am the mother!" aloud helps me stand my ground on many issues, as that answer is sufficient for any of their "whys?" Fortunately, I have noticed that these power struggles do not last long as their attention span changes with the next text message or Facebook update. One of the biggest challenges facing anyone to walk with the Lord today is all the stimuli competing for our concentration to pray and to listen to the Lord, as clearly displayed in the life of a teenager.
Teenagers love stimuli. Everything associated with them is loud, bright and fast. They text on their cell phone, email on Facebook, change their iPod tunes, sort through a homework schedule and then act as if they are listening to me. Children today prepare for a much different world since the days of roll down windows and rotary dial phones. Change has a new meaning in today's world.
Changes in the "things" are not my real concern for the next generation. I am concerned about the many things that compete for our children's attention. The world is loud in our ears and bright in our eyes. This way of life will only increase with advancing technology. I am NOT against change or technology; I am against constant, continual noise. If we are not proactive in protecting our minds from the noise, we are going to miss the things that matter most: a personal, walking talking relationship with the Lord.
As a new teenage believer, I heard God's voice the first time I read the Bible. I learned quickly that in seeking the Lord, my mind must be quiet, like developing a sixth sense. When we tone down our other senses, our awareness of God becomes more evident. A blind person depends more on their sense of hearing and a deaf person depends more on their sense of sight. When everything is shaking and moving, it is difficult to be in tune with your sixth sense of spirituality. If we do not develop ears to hear the Lord and eyes to see His perspective, we will diminish the greatest relationship we could ever have. Regardless of age or stage of life, spirituality is not a "sense" but a lifestyle.
Think about Jesus' lifestyle. He walked for miles without cell phones or iPods. He rose early to pray. He meditated and contemplated. As parents today, we need to foster an environment that provides the same opportunities, as we model the same behaviors in our lifestyle. Do we take the time to read the Bible or wake up early to pray? Do we know how to meditate and quiet our minds to sense the leading of the Lord?
A lifestyle with the Lord starts by praying to have an eternal perspective. Moses prayed it best in Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Moses understood that we live maybe 70 to 80 years on this earth (Psalm 90:10) but eternity is forever. Are we spending our time and giving our attention to what matters for eternity? Are we making a difference here that counts someday up there? Mothers are to teach, train and lead their children to have an understanding of that eternal perspective. We must cultivate it in our daily lives so that our children learn from our example.
A great Mother's Day gift? My child playing worship songs on their iPod.
As I was reading this devotional for Mother's Day I reflected back to my mother who passed on to a better life with Jesus in 1991. As I minister to "God's wounded" in nursing homes I tell them if you would walk into my mother's house you would find her normally sitting at the kitchen table. In front of her was her bible, a crossword book, and a cup of black coffee. She enjoyed all three but "loved" her bible.
In the devotional below the woman writes about being a mother and what she wants for her children. Going back sixty years ago, my mom really wanted her three boys to have basically the same thing, "to reach their full potential in good values and with strong character". In her next sentence she explained how.
I now have been in the Lord's active ministry for 7 1/2 years. If my mother did not love the Lord, do you think I would have come to know Him? Well, the chances are greater that you will if you do love Him and show this in your daily life. My mother was a part of my life for 48 years. I never knew her to change or compromise her walk with Christ. She didn't push Jesus on you, she lived Him.
The author below makes a good point about noise in today's world. Distractions for children for sure. And parents are fighting that daily. These are worldly distractions. Have you noticed that every form of media is loaded with advertisement? Less and less viewing programs. Also the content of the viewing programs has changed drastically. Just think what would happen if all the channels would have scripture on them. For sure we would know a lot more of the Bible then we do now. But the one most important part of all this is "choice". See, my mother made her choice by reading her Bible daily. She prayed daily. She asked for the Lords guidance for raising her kids and being a good wife for her husband. My friends, the Lord answered her prayers. Because of her love for Him, I now love Him.
God Created “A Mom”
God gave her loving hands,
to grab and hold us tight.
God gave her a gentle heart,
to guide and make things right.
God gave her understanding,
for He knew with children she would need.
God gave her endurance and patience,
all needed to raise a family!
God gave her eyes to watch,
and ears to hear our cries.
God gave her many answers,
to all our many questions and why’s???
But what was most important,
was His love for each and everyone,
see God created “a mom”,
to see the job got done!
E. P. Shagott
5/10/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
May 9, 2010 A devotional from Daily Disciples Ministries
Today's Reading: 2 Kings 7-9; John 1:1-28
Today's Thoughts: Mother's Day
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
"Mom how was it in the olden days when you used to have to call the home phone to talk to your friend?" asked my teenage son. The world has definitely changed since the time my parents raised me. I would guess that the desires of a mother's heart have not changed as much.
So, what does the mother really want for Mother's Day? For me, I want my children to reach their full potential in good values and with strong character. I truly believe they can only achieve my goals for them if they walk with the Lord. Because my prayers do not have the power to force them into the desires of my heart, I pray that I might have the wisdom to lead them to the Lord.
Being a mother to children today is not easy. I continually need to remind myself that "I am the mother" as I am challenged to the core by children who have suddenly become taller, stronger and smarter than I. Repeating, "I am the mother!" aloud helps me stand my ground on many issues, as that answer is sufficient for any of their "whys?" Fortunately, I have noticed that these power struggles do not last long as their attention span changes with the next text message or Facebook update. One of the biggest challenges facing anyone to walk with the Lord today is all the stimuli competing for our concentration to pray and to listen to the Lord, as clearly displayed in the life of a teenager.
Teenagers love stimuli. Everything associated with them is loud, bright and fast. They text on their cell phone, email on Facebook, change their iPod tunes, sort through a homework schedule and then act as if they are listening to me. Children today prepare for a much different world since the days of roll down windows and rotary dial phones. Change has a new meaning in today's world.
Changes in the "things" are not my real concern for the next generation. I am concerned about the many things that compete for our children's attention. The world is loud in our ears and bright in our eyes. This way of life will only increase with advancing technology. I am NOT against change or technology; I am against constant, continual noise. If we are not proactive in protecting our minds from the noise, we are going to miss the things that matter most: a personal, walking talking relationship with the Lord.
As a new teenage believer, I heard God's voice the first time I read the Bible. I learned quickly that in seeking the Lord, my mind must be quiet, like developing a sixth sense. When we tone down our other senses, our awareness of God becomes more evident. A blind person depends more on their sense of hearing and a deaf person depends more on their sense of sight. When everything is shaking and moving, it is difficult to be in tune with your sixth sense of spirituality. If we do not develop ears to hear the Lord and eyes to see His perspective, we will diminish the greatest relationship we could ever have. Regardless of age or stage of life, spirituality is not a "sense" but a lifestyle.
Think about Jesus' lifestyle. He walked for miles without cell phones or iPods. He rose early to pray. He meditated and contemplated. As parents today, we need to foster an environment that provides the same opportunities, as we model the same behaviors in our lifestyle. Do we take the time to read the Bible or wake up early to pray? Do we know how to meditate and quiet our minds to sense the leading of the Lord?
A lifestyle with the Lord starts by praying to have an eternal perspective. Moses prayed it best in Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Moses understood that we live maybe 70 to 80 years on this earth (Psalm 90:10) but eternity is forever. Are we spending our time and giving our attention to what matters for eternity? Are we making a difference here that counts someday up there? Mothers are to teach, train and lead their children to have an understanding of that eternal perspective. We must cultivate it in our daily lives so that our children learn from our example.
A great Mother's Day gift? My child playing worship songs on their iPod.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
My Journey - 4/28 thru 5/8/2010
It has been a busy time the last eleven days. With presenting the "God's Love" programs, church activities, and family life, the time has flown by. I want to share one special devotional for each of these days and how God has touched me as I was experiencing Him through this time. What I find with being busy, yes even busy for the Lord, I must be careful that I don't squeeze Him out of my 24 hour day.
God's insight to me:
As I read this line from Charles Stanley's devotional what stood out was two words, "to seek", "It is possible for believers to seek victory over life's Goliaths with wrong motives." We as believers can seek all we want, but if it is not for God's glory we will be doing a lot of seeking and waiting. Also how many times have you tried to bargain with God? I have and it doesn't work. Why, because it is for ourselves and not for Him!
What Max Lucado wrote in his 4/29 devotional hits right on the mark. I have found in this worldly life, family, friends, co-workers and yes, even church family will let you down or turn away now and then. But not God! He has never left me nor forsaked me. Thank You, Dear Father!!!
A. B. Simpson writes about a "Love believeth all things." In the last paragraph he writes the words, "mind and heart of Christ". My friends, that is what is being called Christ-like. As I strive each day for that, I find life more fullfilling and understandable. All because of Him!
In the Streams from the Desert devotional I loved the written words, "an echo from the throne and a whisper from the heart of God." As Christians aren't you excited that we have our prayers answered that way? I am. Daily I tell people, "Most people do not understand just how blessed I am." My friends, constantly with my walk with Christ, He is whispering to my heart. Do I deserve it? Not at all, but by His Grace and love He claimed and forgave me. Thank You Jesus!
As I read Adrian Rogers devotional about your Bible coming alive, I am constantly working on that. I remember last week my dog was having some problems. He wasn't sleeping which meant I wasn't sleeping. Being very attached to my little furry friend, I was worried about his well being. The Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Go to my Word!" I picked up my Bible and opened it to Psalm 1:1-2. It begins "Blessed is the man", God told me not to worry it will be alright for as I read the remainder of the verse, who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:2 But his delight is only in the Law of Jehovah; and in His Law he meditates day and night. Praise God!
In the Mighty Forest devotional by Vonette Bright it speaks of the Church. As our Pastor has stated several times, "we are not in this alone!" We are the Body of Christ. We are here to fulfill His purpose for us and bring glory to the Father. I can only speak for myself for I know my life became more fruitful once I got my eyes off myself and on to others. I will always remember the phrase, "I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw someone who had no feet!"
Adrian Rogers wrote, "God stepped from behind the curtain of nowhere and stood upon the platform of nothing and spoke a world into existence." If you can grasp that then you can understand what I tell the shut-ins at the various nursing homes, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Read Mr. Roger's last for sentences and as a believer what are you worried about? It's about Him, not us!!! Just give Him thanks for choosing us, way before we chose Him. Have you?
This is a good time to follow with Charles Spurgeon's devotional. He writes "If God be your God, and Christ your Christ, the Lord has a special, peculiar favour to you; you are the object of his choice, accepted in his beloved Son." I say Amen to that!!!
As I read F. B. Meyers devotional the 23rd Psalm verse 1 came to mind, "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want". My friends, with Him I have no wants.
Max Lucado's devotional about mercy brought to my mind the thought of this criminal that was hanging on a cross next to Jesus, Did he hear about Him before he was crucified for his crime? It was in his final moments on this earth that he finally understood who Jesus was. Do you understand? If you are not sure ask Jesus now to make Himself real to you. Your life will never be the same. Ask Jesus into your heart and you also will be in Paradise.
How fitting that this last devotional by Charles Stanley is about mom's! I am typing this on the morning of Mother's Day. Our Pastor has often spoke of his grandmother and how she would pray everyday, for everyone. Yep, everyone! A long prayer that must have been. But what an impact it made on him. I believe it was before he was a Christian, but his grandmother didn't wait for that. She knew the importance of prayer, like so many other mom's do! This being Mother's Day I want to close with a poem I wrote for my mom, after she had passed on. Oh, if only I could of read it to her before she went to her heavenly home. But I know she has heard me recite it many times, with Jesus at her side.
To My Mother
My mother was a special person,
who always gave from the heart.
She never asked for anything
even the day we had to part.
I always felt special when near her
for she always heard my cry.
And when I felt discouraged,
I had to only look in her eyes.
They had a way of saying
without me asking why
life is always worth living,
never give up and always try.
Besides being my mother
she was also my best friend.
My love for her is eternal
and I pray we'll meet again.
All my love,
Your son Ed
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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April 28th, 2010
The Importance of Right Motives Dr. Charles Stanley
1 Samuel 17:20-40
David found King Saul's hefty reward for Goliath's defeat interesting—in fact, he asked to have it repeated twice (vv. 26, 30). Money, freedom, and a pretty girl would make almost any teenage boy take notice! However, though David was young, he was not foolhardy. The reward was a nice perk, but it wasn't the young shepherd's motivation.
David's reason for standing against Goliath was to serve the Lord. The boy openly expressed his disdain for the giant: "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (1 Sam. 17:26). Challenging the chosen nation, Israel, was the same as defying the Lord Himself. David was prepared to defend Yahweh's holy name and His people, even against this fearsome warrior. A right and holy motive gives a person confidence to obey God, even if doing so defies human wisdom.
It is possible for believers to seek victory over life's Goliaths with wrong motives. A lot of reasons that sound good are actually selfish. I'm tired of being in this mess. Or Lord, I can't run away, so You'll have to remove this problem. Some people try to bargain their way out of tight spots: If I had more money, then I'd give more to the church. Those promises are rarely fulfilled.
The right motive for facing a problem is a desire to follow, serve, and honor God, no matter what. Life's Goliaths do not just tax our comfort or wellbeing; these challenges can impede our obedient walk with the Lord. He will give victory to those who stand strong in His name.
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April 29th, 2010
God is for You By Max Lucado
“God is the strength of my heart.” Psalm 73:26, NKJV
God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for Him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up. God is for you.
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April 30th, 2010
"Love believeth all things" (I. Cor. xiii. 7). by A. B. Simpson
Beautiful is the expression in the Book of Isaiah which reflects with exceeding sweetness the love of our dear Lord. He said, "They are My people, children that will not lie; so He was their Saviour." They did lie, but He would not believe it. At least He speaks as if He would not believe it in the greatness of His love, because they were His people.
He has not seen iniquity in Jacob nor perversity in Israel. There is plenty of it to see, and the devil sees it all, and a good many people are only too glad to see it; but the dear Father will not see it. He covers it with His love and the precious blood of His dear atoning Son. Such a wonderful love ought surely to make us gentler to others, and more anxious to cause our Father less need to hide His loving eyes from our imperfections and faults.
If we have the mind and heart of Christ, we shall clothe even the world with those graces which faith can claim for them, and try our best to count them as if they were real, and by love and prayer we shall at length make them real. "Love believeth all things."
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May 1st, 2010
What Cannot Be Uttered from Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert
"Likewise also the Spirit helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what to pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. 8:26, 27).
This is the deep mystery of prayer. This is the delicate divine mechanism which words cannot interpret, and which theology cannot explain, but which the humblest believer knows even when he does not understand.
Oh, the burdens that we love to bear and cannot understand! Oh, the inarticulate out-reachings of our hearts for things we cannot comprehend! And yet we know they are an echo from the throne and a whisper from the heart of God. It is often a groan rather than a song, a burden rather than a buoyant wing. But it is a blessed burden, and it is a groan whose undertone is praise and unutterable joy. It is "a groaning which cannot be uttered." We could not ourselves express it always, and sometimes we do not understand any more than that God is praying in us, for something that needs His touch and that He understands.
And so we can just pour out the fullness of our heart, the burden of our spirit, the sorrow that crushes us, and know that He hears, He loves, He understands, He receives; and He separates from our prayer all that is imperfect, ignorant and wrong, and presents the rest, with the incense of the great High Priest, before the throne on high; and our prayer is heard, accepted and answered in His name. --A. B. Simpson
It is not necessary to be always speaking to God or always hearing from God, to have communion with Him; there is an inarticulate fellowship more sweet than words. The little child can sit all day long beside its busy mother and, although few words are spoken on either side, and both are busy, the one at his absorbing play, the other at her engrossing work, yet both are in perfect fellowship. He knows that she is there, and she knows that he is all right. So the saint and the Saviour can go on for hours in the silent fellowship of love, and he be busy about the most common things, and yet conscious that every little thing he does is touched with the complexion of His presence, and the sense of His approval and blessing.
And then, when pressed with burdens and troubles too complicated to put into words and too mysterious to tell or understand, how sweet it is to fall back into His blessed arms, and just sob out the sorrow that we cannot speak! --Selected
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May 2nd, 2010
Making Your Bible Come Alive by Adrian Rogers
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
Why is it that sometimes when we read the Bible we leave our common sense at the door? You don't just pick up a book, open it at random, and start reading in the middle of a paragraph. The book wouldn't make any sense.
In order to understand and get the full appreciation for the book, we read it sequentially and in paragraphs or units.
When you read the Bible, read for quality not quantity. Don't see how much of the Bible you can read. See how much of the Bible you can assimilate and apply! Maybe what you need to do is spend a week studying one verse.
In your Bible reading today, stop and ask yourself:
"What is God telling ME?"
Not "what does this say?"
But "what is God saying to me?"
Then seek to put that into practice today.
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May 3rd, 2010
Mighty Forest by Vonette Bright
“Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
The huge Sequoia trees of California tower as much as 300 feet above ground.
Some were alive when Jesus walked on the earth.
Strangely, these massive giants have unusually shallow root systems.
But you won’t find these redwoods standing alone.
They grow in clusters because high winds would otherwise quickly uproot them.
Their intertwining roots provide support against the storms.
Friend, in this world, you can expect the storms of life.
But as the Church, the Body of Christ, we must support one another through tough times.
Don’t be too proud to admit your need.
And when you try to go it alone, you are in the greatest danger of falling.
Yes, friend, the Church is a mighty forest only when you assist others through the storms.
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May 4th, 2010
God's Omnipotence in Creation by Adrian Rogers
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
An eloquent preacher said, "God stepped from behind the curtain of nowhere and stood upon the platform of nothing and spoke a world into existence." God is the creator of all that your hand can touch, your eye can see, your ears can hear, and your nose can smell. If you see a watch, I hope you assume there's a watchmaker. And if you see the precise atomic flux of the universe, I hope you don't believe that happened by chance. The evolutionists believe that if you take billions of years and add time plus chance, that you can turn frogs into princes. In school they call that fairy tales. In the laboratory they call it science.
God spoke your life into existence. His Word sustains your breath. His Word can silence your breath. Thank Him for your life today!
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May 5th, 2010
A devotional by Charles Spurgeon
“I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
- 2Co_6:16
What a sweet title: “My people!” What a cheering revelation: “Their God!” How much of meaning is couched in those two words, “My people!” Here is speciality. The whole world is God’s; the heaven, even the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s, and he reigneth among the children of men; but of those whom he hath chosen, whom he hath purchased to himself, he saith what he saith not of others-”My people.” In this word there is the idea of proprietorship. In a special manner the “Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.” All the nations upon earth are his; the whole world is in his power; yet are his people, his chosen, more especially his possession; for he has done more for them than others; he has bought them with his blood; he has brought them nigh to himself; he has set his great heart upon them; he has loved them with an everlasting love, a love which many waters cannot quench, and which the revolutions of time shall never suffice in the least degree to diminish. Dear friends, can you, by faith, see yourselves in that number? Can you look up to heaven and say, “My Lord and my God: mine by that sweet relationship which entitles me to call thee Father; mine by that hallowed fellowship which I delight to hold with thee when thou art pleased to manifest thyself unto me as thou dost not unto the world?” Canst thou read the Book of Inspiration, and find there the indentures of thy salvation? Canst thou read thy title writ in precious blood? Canst thou, by humble faith, lay hold of Jesus’ garments, and say, “My Christ”? If thou canst, then God saith of thee, and of others like thee, “My people;” for, if God be your God, and Christ your Christ, the Lord has a special, peculiar favour to you; you are the object of his choice, accepted in his beloved Son.
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May 6th, 2010
GOD'S PROVISION by F. B. Meyer
"Give us this day our daily bread."-- Mat_6:11.
IF YOU want daily bread, and would pray for it aright, you must ask as a child; and you must put first, before your own satisfaction, the Hallowing of God's Name, and the doing of His Will. Implicitly you suggest that if He gives you bread, you will use the strength it gives for His service.
Let us ever think of God as the bountiful and generous Giver. Too often He has been described as hard and austere, and as a result, men dread God, and only think of Him when they have done wrong. But we should describe Him as the All-Giver, who gives all things to all with the most royal generosity. He gives sunbeams and dewdrops, showers and rainbows, grace and glory, His beloved Son and His Spirit, human love and friendship, the daily spreading of our table, the provision of all that we need for life and godliness. Whether we wake or sleep, whether we are evil or good, whether we are pleasing to Him or not; to those who forget and blaspheme Him equally as to the saints and martyrs of the Church, God gives with both hands, pressed down and running over. We cannot buy, we do not merit, we cannot claim, but we may rely on Him to give. God is Love; and Love cannot refrain from giving, or it ceases to be Love.
Yet how low God stoops! He is so great, that His greatness is unsearchable. He dwells in the high and lofty place. His sun is ninety-seven millions of miles away from our earth; He has filled the heavens with countless constellations, for each of which He has a name. He puts the Himalaya into a scale, and the islands are as dust in His balances; but Jesus has taught us to say, "Our Father, give us bread!" When we get troubled about the immensity of heaven and the distances of the universe, let us come back to the discourse, of which this prayer is part, and which tells us that the great God thinks about the clothing of the lilies, the down on a butterfly's wings, the food of the young lions in the forest, the store of acorns that squirrels accumulate for their provision. It is wonderful to remember that from the first days of man's sojourn on earth, our Father has been laying up stores for us. Though we may be among the youngest children of Time, we come to a table as richly plenished and provided as those who first tasted of His bounty. "Fear not, it is your Father's good pleasure to give."
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, let me not be anxious about to-morrow's provision or path, but trust Thee to provide and lead for to-day. Open Thine hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing. AMEN.
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May 7th, 2010
Jesus Gives Mercy By Max Lucado
“Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
A condemned criminal was sent to his death by his country. In his final moments, he asked for mercy. Had he asked for mercy from the people, it would have been denied . . . But it wasn’t to these he turned for grace. He turned instead to the bloodied form of the One who hung on the cross next to his and pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus answered by saying, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
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May 8-9th, 2010
A Praying Mom by Charles Stanley
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah experienced great sorrow prior to the birth of her son Samuel. Through that difficult time, however, she demonstrated a strong love for God and a dependence on Him through prayer.
Samuel had a mother who loved the Lord deeply. In fact, Hannah saw herself as God's handmaiden, whose life was in service to Him (1 Sam. 1:11). Even when her misery was overwhelming, she acknowledged how important He was to her, and she modeled a godly lifestyle.
We are commanded to love the Lord with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) and to give Him first place in our lives (Deut. 5:7). If we love God, we will make sure our children know about Him and understand the importance of a relationship with Him through Christ. Our lives, though flawed, will reveal the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Samuel was blessed because Hannah was a woman of prayer. Her first recorded petition stemmed from misery, while the second came from a heart rejoicing over the Lord's answer to her cries. A praying mother gives high priority to bringing family concerns before God. I remember my mom kneeling with me by my bed to pray. I can still recall the phrases she used and the things she talked over with Him.
Children need committed parents who 1) demonstrate love toward both the family and God, and 2) help them experience the power and joy of prayer (James 5:16 niv). Even one parent can make a powerful difference when Christ is the center of the home. I know my mom did.
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God's insight to me:
As I read this line from Charles Stanley's devotional what stood out was two words, "to seek", "It is possible for believers to seek victory over life's Goliaths with wrong motives." We as believers can seek all we want, but if it is not for God's glory we will be doing a lot of seeking and waiting. Also how many times have you tried to bargain with God? I have and it doesn't work. Why, because it is for ourselves and not for Him!
What Max Lucado wrote in his 4/29 devotional hits right on the mark. I have found in this worldly life, family, friends, co-workers and yes, even church family will let you down or turn away now and then. But not God! He has never left me nor forsaked me. Thank You, Dear Father!!!
A. B. Simpson writes about a "Love believeth all things." In the last paragraph he writes the words, "mind and heart of Christ". My friends, that is what is being called Christ-like. As I strive each day for that, I find life more fullfilling and understandable. All because of Him!
In the Streams from the Desert devotional I loved the written words, "an echo from the throne and a whisper from the heart of God." As Christians aren't you excited that we have our prayers answered that way? I am. Daily I tell people, "Most people do not understand just how blessed I am." My friends, constantly with my walk with Christ, He is whispering to my heart. Do I deserve it? Not at all, but by His Grace and love He claimed and forgave me. Thank You Jesus!
As I read Adrian Rogers devotional about your Bible coming alive, I am constantly working on that. I remember last week my dog was having some problems. He wasn't sleeping which meant I wasn't sleeping. Being very attached to my little furry friend, I was worried about his well being. The Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Go to my Word!" I picked up my Bible and opened it to Psalm 1:1-2. It begins "Blessed is the man", God told me not to worry it will be alright for as I read the remainder of the verse, who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:2 But his delight is only in the Law of Jehovah; and in His Law he meditates day and night. Praise God!
In the Mighty Forest devotional by Vonette Bright it speaks of the Church. As our Pastor has stated several times, "we are not in this alone!" We are the Body of Christ. We are here to fulfill His purpose for us and bring glory to the Father. I can only speak for myself for I know my life became more fruitful once I got my eyes off myself and on to others. I will always remember the phrase, "I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw someone who had no feet!"
Adrian Rogers wrote, "God stepped from behind the curtain of nowhere and stood upon the platform of nothing and spoke a world into existence." If you can grasp that then you can understand what I tell the shut-ins at the various nursing homes, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Read Mr. Roger's last for sentences and as a believer what are you worried about? It's about Him, not us!!! Just give Him thanks for choosing us, way before we chose Him. Have you?
This is a good time to follow with Charles Spurgeon's devotional. He writes "If God be your God, and Christ your Christ, the Lord has a special, peculiar favour to you; you are the object of his choice, accepted in his beloved Son." I say Amen to that!!!
As I read F. B. Meyers devotional the 23rd Psalm verse 1 came to mind, "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want". My friends, with Him I have no wants.
Max Lucado's devotional about mercy brought to my mind the thought of this criminal that was hanging on a cross next to Jesus, Did he hear about Him before he was crucified for his crime? It was in his final moments on this earth that he finally understood who Jesus was. Do you understand? If you are not sure ask Jesus now to make Himself real to you. Your life will never be the same. Ask Jesus into your heart and you also will be in Paradise.
How fitting that this last devotional by Charles Stanley is about mom's! I am typing this on the morning of Mother's Day. Our Pastor has often spoke of his grandmother and how she would pray everyday, for everyone. Yep, everyone! A long prayer that must have been. But what an impact it made on him. I believe it was before he was a Christian, but his grandmother didn't wait for that. She knew the importance of prayer, like so many other mom's do! This being Mother's Day I want to close with a poem I wrote for my mom, after she had passed on. Oh, if only I could of read it to her before she went to her heavenly home. But I know she has heard me recite it many times, with Jesus at her side.
To My Mother
My mother was a special person,
who always gave from the heart.
She never asked for anything
even the day we had to part.
I always felt special when near her
for she always heard my cry.
And when I felt discouraged,
I had to only look in her eyes.
They had a way of saying
without me asking why
life is always worth living,
never give up and always try.
Besides being my mother
she was also my best friend.
My love for her is eternal
and I pray we'll meet again.
All my love,
Your son Ed
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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April 28th, 2010
The Importance of Right Motives Dr. Charles Stanley
1 Samuel 17:20-40
David found King Saul's hefty reward for Goliath's defeat interesting—in fact, he asked to have it repeated twice (vv. 26, 30). Money, freedom, and a pretty girl would make almost any teenage boy take notice! However, though David was young, he was not foolhardy. The reward was a nice perk, but it wasn't the young shepherd's motivation.
David's reason for standing against Goliath was to serve the Lord. The boy openly expressed his disdain for the giant: "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (1 Sam. 17:26). Challenging the chosen nation, Israel, was the same as defying the Lord Himself. David was prepared to defend Yahweh's holy name and His people, even against this fearsome warrior. A right and holy motive gives a person confidence to obey God, even if doing so defies human wisdom.
It is possible for believers to seek victory over life's Goliaths with wrong motives. A lot of reasons that sound good are actually selfish. I'm tired of being in this mess. Or Lord, I can't run away, so You'll have to remove this problem. Some people try to bargain their way out of tight spots: If I had more money, then I'd give more to the church. Those promises are rarely fulfilled.
The right motive for facing a problem is a desire to follow, serve, and honor God, no matter what. Life's Goliaths do not just tax our comfort or wellbeing; these challenges can impede our obedient walk with the Lord. He will give victory to those who stand strong in His name.
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April 29th, 2010
God is for You By Max Lucado
“God is the strength of my heart.” Psalm 73:26, NKJV
God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for Him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up. God is for you.
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April 30th, 2010
"Love believeth all things" (I. Cor. xiii. 7). by A. B. Simpson
Beautiful is the expression in the Book of Isaiah which reflects with exceeding sweetness the love of our dear Lord. He said, "They are My people, children that will not lie; so He was their Saviour." They did lie, but He would not believe it. At least He speaks as if He would not believe it in the greatness of His love, because they were His people.
He has not seen iniquity in Jacob nor perversity in Israel. There is plenty of it to see, and the devil sees it all, and a good many people are only too glad to see it; but the dear Father will not see it. He covers it with His love and the precious blood of His dear atoning Son. Such a wonderful love ought surely to make us gentler to others, and more anxious to cause our Father less need to hide His loving eyes from our imperfections and faults.
If we have the mind and heart of Christ, we shall clothe even the world with those graces which faith can claim for them, and try our best to count them as if they were real, and by love and prayer we shall at length make them real. "Love believeth all things."
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May 1st, 2010
What Cannot Be Uttered from Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert
"Likewise also the Spirit helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what to pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. 8:26, 27).
This is the deep mystery of prayer. This is the delicate divine mechanism which words cannot interpret, and which theology cannot explain, but which the humblest believer knows even when he does not understand.
Oh, the burdens that we love to bear and cannot understand! Oh, the inarticulate out-reachings of our hearts for things we cannot comprehend! And yet we know they are an echo from the throne and a whisper from the heart of God. It is often a groan rather than a song, a burden rather than a buoyant wing. But it is a blessed burden, and it is a groan whose undertone is praise and unutterable joy. It is "a groaning which cannot be uttered." We could not ourselves express it always, and sometimes we do not understand any more than that God is praying in us, for something that needs His touch and that He understands.
And so we can just pour out the fullness of our heart, the burden of our spirit, the sorrow that crushes us, and know that He hears, He loves, He understands, He receives; and He separates from our prayer all that is imperfect, ignorant and wrong, and presents the rest, with the incense of the great High Priest, before the throne on high; and our prayer is heard, accepted and answered in His name. --A. B. Simpson
It is not necessary to be always speaking to God or always hearing from God, to have communion with Him; there is an inarticulate fellowship more sweet than words. The little child can sit all day long beside its busy mother and, although few words are spoken on either side, and both are busy, the one at his absorbing play, the other at her engrossing work, yet both are in perfect fellowship. He knows that she is there, and she knows that he is all right. So the saint and the Saviour can go on for hours in the silent fellowship of love, and he be busy about the most common things, and yet conscious that every little thing he does is touched with the complexion of His presence, and the sense of His approval and blessing.
And then, when pressed with burdens and troubles too complicated to put into words and too mysterious to tell or understand, how sweet it is to fall back into His blessed arms, and just sob out the sorrow that we cannot speak! --Selected
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May 2nd, 2010
Making Your Bible Come Alive by Adrian Rogers
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
Why is it that sometimes when we read the Bible we leave our common sense at the door? You don't just pick up a book, open it at random, and start reading in the middle of a paragraph. The book wouldn't make any sense.
In order to understand and get the full appreciation for the book, we read it sequentially and in paragraphs or units.
When you read the Bible, read for quality not quantity. Don't see how much of the Bible you can read. See how much of the Bible you can assimilate and apply! Maybe what you need to do is spend a week studying one verse.
In your Bible reading today, stop and ask yourself:
"What is God telling ME?"
Not "what does this say?"
But "what is God saying to me?"
Then seek to put that into practice today.
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May 3rd, 2010
Mighty Forest by Vonette Bright
“Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
The huge Sequoia trees of California tower as much as 300 feet above ground.
Some were alive when Jesus walked on the earth.
Strangely, these massive giants have unusually shallow root systems.
But you won’t find these redwoods standing alone.
They grow in clusters because high winds would otherwise quickly uproot them.
Their intertwining roots provide support against the storms.
Friend, in this world, you can expect the storms of life.
But as the Church, the Body of Christ, we must support one another through tough times.
Don’t be too proud to admit your need.
And when you try to go it alone, you are in the greatest danger of falling.
Yes, friend, the Church is a mighty forest only when you assist others through the storms.
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May 4th, 2010
God's Omnipotence in Creation by Adrian Rogers
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
An eloquent preacher said, "God stepped from behind the curtain of nowhere and stood upon the platform of nothing and spoke a world into existence." God is the creator of all that your hand can touch, your eye can see, your ears can hear, and your nose can smell. If you see a watch, I hope you assume there's a watchmaker. And if you see the precise atomic flux of the universe, I hope you don't believe that happened by chance. The evolutionists believe that if you take billions of years and add time plus chance, that you can turn frogs into princes. In school they call that fairy tales. In the laboratory they call it science.
God spoke your life into existence. His Word sustains your breath. His Word can silence your breath. Thank Him for your life today!
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May 5th, 2010
A devotional by Charles Spurgeon
“I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
- 2Co_6:16
What a sweet title: “My people!” What a cheering revelation: “Their God!” How much of meaning is couched in those two words, “My people!” Here is speciality. The whole world is God’s; the heaven, even the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s, and he reigneth among the children of men; but of those whom he hath chosen, whom he hath purchased to himself, he saith what he saith not of others-”My people.” In this word there is the idea of proprietorship. In a special manner the “Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.” All the nations upon earth are his; the whole world is in his power; yet are his people, his chosen, more especially his possession; for he has done more for them than others; he has bought them with his blood; he has brought them nigh to himself; he has set his great heart upon them; he has loved them with an everlasting love, a love which many waters cannot quench, and which the revolutions of time shall never suffice in the least degree to diminish. Dear friends, can you, by faith, see yourselves in that number? Can you look up to heaven and say, “My Lord and my God: mine by that sweet relationship which entitles me to call thee Father; mine by that hallowed fellowship which I delight to hold with thee when thou art pleased to manifest thyself unto me as thou dost not unto the world?” Canst thou read the Book of Inspiration, and find there the indentures of thy salvation? Canst thou read thy title writ in precious blood? Canst thou, by humble faith, lay hold of Jesus’ garments, and say, “My Christ”? If thou canst, then God saith of thee, and of others like thee, “My people;” for, if God be your God, and Christ your Christ, the Lord has a special, peculiar favour to you; you are the object of his choice, accepted in his beloved Son.
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May 6th, 2010
GOD'S PROVISION by F. B. Meyer
"Give us this day our daily bread."-- Mat_6:11.
IF YOU want daily bread, and would pray for it aright, you must ask as a child; and you must put first, before your own satisfaction, the Hallowing of God's Name, and the doing of His Will. Implicitly you suggest that if He gives you bread, you will use the strength it gives for His service.
Let us ever think of God as the bountiful and generous Giver. Too often He has been described as hard and austere, and as a result, men dread God, and only think of Him when they have done wrong. But we should describe Him as the All-Giver, who gives all things to all with the most royal generosity. He gives sunbeams and dewdrops, showers and rainbows, grace and glory, His beloved Son and His Spirit, human love and friendship, the daily spreading of our table, the provision of all that we need for life and godliness. Whether we wake or sleep, whether we are evil or good, whether we are pleasing to Him or not; to those who forget and blaspheme Him equally as to the saints and martyrs of the Church, God gives with both hands, pressed down and running over. We cannot buy, we do not merit, we cannot claim, but we may rely on Him to give. God is Love; and Love cannot refrain from giving, or it ceases to be Love.
Yet how low God stoops! He is so great, that His greatness is unsearchable. He dwells in the high and lofty place. His sun is ninety-seven millions of miles away from our earth; He has filled the heavens with countless constellations, for each of which He has a name. He puts the Himalaya into a scale, and the islands are as dust in His balances; but Jesus has taught us to say, "Our Father, give us bread!" When we get troubled about the immensity of heaven and the distances of the universe, let us come back to the discourse, of which this prayer is part, and which tells us that the great God thinks about the clothing of the lilies, the down on a butterfly's wings, the food of the young lions in the forest, the store of acorns that squirrels accumulate for their provision. It is wonderful to remember that from the first days of man's sojourn on earth, our Father has been laying up stores for us. Though we may be among the youngest children of Time, we come to a table as richly plenished and provided as those who first tasted of His bounty. "Fear not, it is your Father's good pleasure to give."
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, let me not be anxious about to-morrow's provision or path, but trust Thee to provide and lead for to-day. Open Thine hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing. AMEN.
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May 7th, 2010
Jesus Gives Mercy By Max Lucado
“Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
A condemned criminal was sent to his death by his country. In his final moments, he asked for mercy. Had he asked for mercy from the people, it would have been denied . . . But it wasn’t to these he turned for grace. He turned instead to the bloodied form of the One who hung on the cross next to his and pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus answered by saying, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
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May 8-9th, 2010
A Praying Mom by Charles Stanley
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah experienced great sorrow prior to the birth of her son Samuel. Through that difficult time, however, she demonstrated a strong love for God and a dependence on Him through prayer.
Samuel had a mother who loved the Lord deeply. In fact, Hannah saw herself as God's handmaiden, whose life was in service to Him (1 Sam. 1:11). Even when her misery was overwhelming, she acknowledged how important He was to her, and she modeled a godly lifestyle.
We are commanded to love the Lord with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) and to give Him first place in our lives (Deut. 5:7). If we love God, we will make sure our children know about Him and understand the importance of a relationship with Him through Christ. Our lives, though flawed, will reveal the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Samuel was blessed because Hannah was a woman of prayer. Her first recorded petition stemmed from misery, while the second came from a heart rejoicing over the Lord's answer to her cries. A praying mother gives high priority to bringing family concerns before God. I remember my mom kneeling with me by my bed to pray. I can still recall the phrases she used and the things she talked over with Him.
Children need committed parents who 1) demonstrate love toward both the family and God, and 2) help them experience the power and joy of prayer (James 5:16 niv). Even one parent can make a powerful difference when Christ is the center of the home. I know my mom did.
*************************************************
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday's Journey - 4/27/2010
God's insight for me:
Tuesday was a busy day for me for I had (2) programs to present, so I had less time to spend on my devotionals.
Charles Stanley spoke of our daily battles. We definitely have a lot of them. In the Bible, John 16:33 it states just that. People sometimes do not finish reading the complete verse for it also states, "fear not for Jesus has overcome the world". So there is the answer. Many Goliaths will come our way but Jesus is always with us. Mr. Stanley writes in this devotional how David, because of his strong relationship with God, that he knew he was a child of God and had access to the Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. My friends as children of God we have access to the same storehouses as David had.
Allison Gillaspie's writing spoke of listening. I must admit I have to work at that one. Not only because of some hearing loss but also paying attention to those speaking. I am always trying to listen to what Jesus is saying. Either through His Word or His Spirit in my heart. Also through individuals that He brings into my life.
"He does the work" devotional speaks volumes of the God's Love Outreach Ministry. Though I am the on standing there, singing, speaking and reaching out to the residents, it is Christ in me that is touching their lives. My friends, if you truly love the Lord and yield your life to Him, it is then Him working in you. The last sentence in Dr. Bright's devotional says it all!
This last devotional by Vonette Bright touched me deeply. Here is this man who was watching the woman he loved, slip away to cancer. When he stated,“The thought that she might enjoy sitting at Jesus’ feet in heaven was, frankly, of little delight to either of us. I deeply and dearly loved her.”, my heart twinged. For me that is where I long to be. But I did understand the strength of his love for his wife. The message for sure is in the "living for the joy of today". Yes, there is still joy even in the midst of heartbreak and uncertainty. Find it, embrace it and praise God for it.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
April 27
Defeating Our Goliaths by Charles Stanley
1 Samuel 17:45-47
Life's Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like Him, we can gain victory through God's power, though we may "suffer and bleed" on the battlefield.
Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1 Sam. 17:46). The shepherd's confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.
Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God's servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God's quiet voice. Even a giant's discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.
David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord's great faithfulness in past troubles.
I often encourage you to practice David's faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths.
*************************************************
From 365.org daily devotional
A baby is soothed by its mom’s voice from the day it is born. For nine months the baby has had a front row seat to that voice, and known it as a comfort. So that voice is the one they want to hear when they are tired, when they are hungry, or need to be cuddled. They have heard other voices too, like the father’s voice or a sibling, but none is more comforting than Momma’s voice. Babies learn other things from listening to a mom’s voice; they also learn about joy, danger, excitement, and sadness.
As Christians, we are told to listen to another voice for instruction. Jesus says, "My sheep listen to my voice..." Just like babies hear their mothers, sheep always listen for their shepherd’s voice because they know it will guide them to food, water, and other things they need. With Jesus as our Shepherd, we will always be on the right path if we listen to what He is saying. He will never lead us astray.
Find comfort and peace in following his voice. I know you will find the path is much easier when you listen.
Allison Gillaspie
*************************************************
He Does the Work
April 27th, 2010 by Dr. Bill Bright
"And I am sure the God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns" Philippians 1:6
Howard was adamant in his conviction. "I would never lead anyone to Christ that I could not personally follow up to be sure he matures and grows and becomes all that God wants him to be."
"Since when did you assume the responsibility of the Holy Spirit?" I asked.
Obviously, we are to do everything we can to help a new believer grow to maturity in Christ - by teaching him to trust God, study His word, pray, live a holy life, and share his faith with others. But no matter how much we do, it is the Holy Spirit who helps the new believer come to Christ, and who illumines his heart with the Word. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray and empowers us to witness. In fact, there would be no supernatural life apart from the Holy Spirit.
Paradoxically, you and I can be confident, yet humble, when we think of all that we are, and all that we have in Christ, and realize that we are not responsible for any of it, but it is something which God has given us according to His grace. My only boast is in God, His Son Jesus Christ and His indwelling Holy Spirit. How can I boast of my abilities and achievements, when it is the Giver alone who is worthy of all honor and praise? The apostle Paul had the strong conviction that the work God had begun in the believer would be permanent. All events that transpire in our lives, all influences, heartaches, testings and sorrows, as well as all of the blessings, are designed to conform us to the image of Christ.
*************************************************
Joy in the Journey
April 27th, 2010 By Vonette Bright
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5
Author James O’Donnell knew sadness. His wife Lizzie was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and then heart failure. She also was the mother of their three boys.
He said, “The thought that she might enjoy sitting at Jesus’ feet in heaven was, frankly, of little delight to either of us. I deeply and dearly loved her.”
So what was it like during the daily battle to try to save her life? Every day they were filled with joy! Nothing taught them as much about the value of life as the reality that they might not have another tomorrow here on earth. But holding onto life, amidst devastation, requires courage, love and a huge dose of God’s grace.
Friend, God promises to never leave you or forsake you, no matter where your journey takes you.
*************************************************
Tuesday was a busy day for me for I had (2) programs to present, so I had less time to spend on my devotionals.
Charles Stanley spoke of our daily battles. We definitely have a lot of them. In the Bible, John 16:33 it states just that. People sometimes do not finish reading the complete verse for it also states, "fear not for Jesus has overcome the world". So there is the answer. Many Goliaths will come our way but Jesus is always with us. Mr. Stanley writes in this devotional how David, because of his strong relationship with God, that he knew he was a child of God and had access to the Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. My friends as children of God we have access to the same storehouses as David had.
Allison Gillaspie's writing spoke of listening. I must admit I have to work at that one. Not only because of some hearing loss but also paying attention to those speaking. I am always trying to listen to what Jesus is saying. Either through His Word or His Spirit in my heart. Also through individuals that He brings into my life.
"He does the work" devotional speaks volumes of the God's Love Outreach Ministry. Though I am the on standing there, singing, speaking and reaching out to the residents, it is Christ in me that is touching their lives. My friends, if you truly love the Lord and yield your life to Him, it is then Him working in you. The last sentence in Dr. Bright's devotional says it all!
This last devotional by Vonette Bright touched me deeply. Here is this man who was watching the woman he loved, slip away to cancer. When he stated,“The thought that she might enjoy sitting at Jesus’ feet in heaven was, frankly, of little delight to either of us. I deeply and dearly loved her.”, my heart twinged. For me that is where I long to be. But I did understand the strength of his love for his wife. The message for sure is in the "living for the joy of today". Yes, there is still joy even in the midst of heartbreak and uncertainty. Find it, embrace it and praise God for it.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
April 27
Defeating Our Goliaths by Charles Stanley
1 Samuel 17:45-47
Life's Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like Him, we can gain victory through God's power, though we may "suffer and bleed" on the battlefield.
Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1 Sam. 17:46). The shepherd's confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.
Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God's servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God's quiet voice. Even a giant's discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.
David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord's great faithfulness in past troubles.
I often encourage you to practice David's faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths.
*************************************************
From 365.org daily devotional
A baby is soothed by its mom’s voice from the day it is born. For nine months the baby has had a front row seat to that voice, and known it as a comfort. So that voice is the one they want to hear when they are tired, when they are hungry, or need to be cuddled. They have heard other voices too, like the father’s voice or a sibling, but none is more comforting than Momma’s voice. Babies learn other things from listening to a mom’s voice; they also learn about joy, danger, excitement, and sadness.
As Christians, we are told to listen to another voice for instruction. Jesus says, "My sheep listen to my voice..." Just like babies hear their mothers, sheep always listen for their shepherd’s voice because they know it will guide them to food, water, and other things they need. With Jesus as our Shepherd, we will always be on the right path if we listen to what He is saying. He will never lead us astray.
Find comfort and peace in following his voice. I know you will find the path is much easier when you listen.
Allison Gillaspie
*************************************************
He Does the Work
April 27th, 2010 by Dr. Bill Bright
"And I am sure the God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns" Philippians 1:6
Howard was adamant in his conviction. "I would never lead anyone to Christ that I could not personally follow up to be sure he matures and grows and becomes all that God wants him to be."
"Since when did you assume the responsibility of the Holy Spirit?" I asked.
Obviously, we are to do everything we can to help a new believer grow to maturity in Christ - by teaching him to trust God, study His word, pray, live a holy life, and share his faith with others. But no matter how much we do, it is the Holy Spirit who helps the new believer come to Christ, and who illumines his heart with the Word. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray and empowers us to witness. In fact, there would be no supernatural life apart from the Holy Spirit.
Paradoxically, you and I can be confident, yet humble, when we think of all that we are, and all that we have in Christ, and realize that we are not responsible for any of it, but it is something which God has given us according to His grace. My only boast is in God, His Son Jesus Christ and His indwelling Holy Spirit. How can I boast of my abilities and achievements, when it is the Giver alone who is worthy of all honor and praise? The apostle Paul had the strong conviction that the work God had begun in the believer would be permanent. All events that transpire in our lives, all influences, heartaches, testings and sorrows, as well as all of the blessings, are designed to conform us to the image of Christ.
*************************************************
Joy in the Journey
April 27th, 2010 By Vonette Bright
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5
Author James O’Donnell knew sadness. His wife Lizzie was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and then heart failure. She also was the mother of their three boys.
He said, “The thought that she might enjoy sitting at Jesus’ feet in heaven was, frankly, of little delight to either of us. I deeply and dearly loved her.”
So what was it like during the daily battle to try to save her life? Every day they were filled with joy! Nothing taught them as much about the value of life as the reality that they might not have another tomorrow here on earth. But holding onto life, amidst devastation, requires courage, love and a huge dose of God’s grace.
Friend, God promises to never leave you or forsake you, no matter where your journey takes you.
*************************************************
Monday, April 26, 2010
My Journey - 4/26/2010
God's insight for me:
As I was reading today's devotional I thought back on the weekend when I was in the storm. I wish I could say I was rowing, but I will admit I was sitting still saying, "Please let these storm clouds pass!" What I should of done was "pick up the oar (the Bible) and start rowing, for that is the quickest way out from the storm. His disciples had Him with them, we have His Word and the Holy Spirit to interpret it for us.
George Matheson's words touched my heart. I was thinking of the hymn "In The Garden", which was one of my mother's favorites. "And He walks with me, (God and I) and He Talks with me, (God and I) and He tells me I am His own! Wow!
I loved Adrian Roger's devotional. As I was reading it I thought of a poem that the Lord blessed me with today as I was sitting in my vehicle having lunch before the God's Love 2 PM program. I hope it blesses you as it did me;
In The Shadow Of The Cross
In the shadow of the cross,
I stand with hands raised high.
I lift my voice to heaven,
"Praise God is my cry!"
It is in the shadow of the cross,
that I'll always remain free.
It is there I understand,
God's love and purpose for me.
Though I truly don't deserve to be there,
for it is not for what I said or done.
It's because of God's Grace,
and Jesus, His beloved Son.
There is room there for everyone,
for with Christ you can not lose.
God's Word tells us the truth,
all we have to do is choose.
E. P. Shagott
4/26/10
Charles Stanley's devotional complemented my poem above. It speaks of purpose that we find God has for us and we praise Him for it. I love presenting programs for the "God's Love Outreach Ministry" for it gives me an avenue of telling all I meet about God's love and grace. I loved in the bible where Mr. Stanley quoted Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." This is what I try to do to the best of my ability throughout the programs and my life now. Mr. Stanley also wrote about "look for daily evidence of His hand on your life." I was visiting a friend of mine today who is recovering from open heart surgery and stated how he saw God's hand through his personal ordeal.
Allison Gillaspie's writing to me speaks about our daily lives. Too busy that we don't take time to stop and listen to what God is telling us. Oh, we love the relationship with Him, when we can squeeze Him in. That is not what God calls a relationship.
The Keep Your Lips From Speaking Lies devotional is a good one to read slowly and understand. Years ago I had to make a covenant with God to stop lying, even if I thought it was to help someone. Trying not to hurt someones feeling, by not telling the truth. The Lord has brought me a long way in this matter. I will always remember a cartoon I saw one time about a person in church who saw this friend of his coming to him. He said, "Lord I pray for Bob, that He is OK", then as Bob walked up he said, "Hi Bob, I've been praying for you!"
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
We Row By Max Lucado
“He went into the hills to pray.” Mark 6:46
What does Jesus do while we are in the storm? You’ll love this. He prays for us . . .
So where does that leave us? While Jesus is praying and we are in the storm, what are we to do? Simple. We do what the disciples did. We row . . .
Much of life is spent rowing . . . Getting out of bed. Fixing lunches . . . More struggle than strut.
*************************************************
From Streams in the Desert Devotionals
My soul, practice being alone with Christ! It is written that when they were alone He expounded all things to His disciples. Do not wonder at the saying; it is true to thine experience. If thou wouldst understand thyself send the multitude away. Let them go out one by one till thou art left alone with Jesus. . . . Has thou ever pictured thyself the one remaining creature in the earth, the one remaining creature in all the starry worlds?
In such a universe thine every thought would be "God and I! God and I!" And yet He is as near to thee as that--as near as if in the boundless spaces there throbbed no heart but His and thine. Practice that solitude, O my soul! Practice the expulsion of the crowd! Practice the stillness of thine own heart! Practice the solemn refrain "God and I! God and I!" Let none interpose between thee and thy wrestling angel! Thou shalt be both condemned and pardoned when thou shalt meet Jesus alone!
George Matheson
*************************************************
Handling the Sting of Criticism by Adrian Rogers
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
God loves you so much that Jesus Christ hung in agony and blood for you.
•You are precious to God.
•You are the object of God's love.
•The blood of Jesus Christ was poured out on Calvary for you.
Friend, if you know all that, then you can stand up against any criticism. What others say about you won't bother you. The cross sets you free.
He who died for you now lives in you. He gave Himself for you that He might give Himself to you.
When Jesus Christ died for you, He didn't just take away your sins, He took away yourself. You are crucified. So who can harm a dead man?
Have you felt the sting of criticism this week? Remove the stinger and bathe the wound with the balm of Jesus' love. Give your critic to the Lord. Then ask God to teach you from what happened.
*************************************************
A Special Purpose by Charles Stanley
Psalm 150
The Lord has made us a special people in order that we may fulfill a special purpose. Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." An integral part of worshiping the Lord is proclaiming His greatness.
To praise our Father is to applaud Him for who He is and what He has done. This involves the release of our emotions, which frees us to express unrestrained adoration of the Lord. When someone loves another person, the most natural response is to speak highly about the cherished one. In the same way, those who love Christ find that praise comes easily to their lips.
Praising the Lord is good for us. In our self-centered society, people are primarily interested in getting their own needs met. Sadly, this same attitude has infiltrated some churches. But God doesn't want us to come to church concerned only about ourselves. Praise lifts our eyes to Christ and fills our hearts with the contentment that eludes us when we focus exclusively on personal needs and problems.
Although praise and worship are usually associated with church services, they ought to characterize us wherever we are. Some of the most intimate and precious experiences of worship can happen during times spent alone with God.
If you find that your praise lacks vitality, tell the Lord you want to learn to extol Him with your whole heart. The focus of worship is the key. Remember how God has cared for you, and look for daily evidence of His hand on your life. Then tell Him how great He is.
*************************************************
A Devotional from 365.org
Kids seem to ask the same questions over and over. Even though you have already answered, they may not like the answer so they ask again. My five year old will do this on a daily basis. He continues to ask and to ask until one or both of us gets completely frustrated.
This is the scene here. The Jewish people continually asked Jesus if he was the Son of God. Each time He gave an answer, but it was not the answer they wanted. The people wanted Jesus to shout it from the rooftops that He was the Messiah, and he wanted them to watch and believe it for themselves. There were no miracles he could perform or sermons he could preach that were going to make some people listen. So they were frustrated and asked him to just tell them “plainly.”
Oftentimes we find ourselves praying the same questions continuously. We are so busy asking the question that we don’t stop to listen for the answer. God is going to answer our questions in a way God knows we can handle. Stop and listen today.
Allison Gillaspie
God, open my eyes and ears to the answers you surround me with daily. Help me to hear the answers you are offering, even when they do not satisfy me. Amen.
*************************************************
Keep Your Lips From Speaking Lies!
By Katherine Kehler
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies” Psalm 34:13
Have you noticed that lying has become acceptable in our culture? Or does it just seem that way to me? Every day, the newscasters have their own spin on stories; adults cheat on their spouses or income tax forms; students cheat in school; padding a person’s resume is normal. And there are gray areas like, “I like your shoes” or “I am sorry, but he is not available.” Not true.
Who are we taking our direction from? The Lord is the Truth. (John 14:5) Satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44)
Lying is wrong and does not please God. We cannot lie and be filled with His Spirit at the same time. Jesus said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
Being truthful pleases the Lord and He hates lies. “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:22).
How can we change our complacency about lying?
1. Ask God to search our hearts and confess the sins He points out. (1 John 1:9)
2. Be controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit
3. Read the Bible every day - fill your mind with Truth.
4. Obey the Lord. Ask Him to enable you to be Truthful.
5. Pray for others who have made a habit of lying
Father, lying has become a way of life for so many people, including many Christians. Cleanse our hearts, Oh Lord! Let nothing but the truth cross our lips. Let there be revival in our hearts and in Your church, Lord Jesus. Amen
As I was reading today's devotional I thought back on the weekend when I was in the storm. I wish I could say I was rowing, but I will admit I was sitting still saying, "Please let these storm clouds pass!" What I should of done was "pick up the oar (the Bible) and start rowing, for that is the quickest way out from the storm. His disciples had Him with them, we have His Word and the Holy Spirit to interpret it for us.
George Matheson's words touched my heart. I was thinking of the hymn "In The Garden", which was one of my mother's favorites. "And He walks with me, (God and I) and He Talks with me, (God and I) and He tells me I am His own! Wow!
I loved Adrian Roger's devotional. As I was reading it I thought of a poem that the Lord blessed me with today as I was sitting in my vehicle having lunch before the God's Love 2 PM program. I hope it blesses you as it did me;
In The Shadow Of The Cross
In the shadow of the cross,
I stand with hands raised high.
I lift my voice to heaven,
"Praise God is my cry!"
It is in the shadow of the cross,
that I'll always remain free.
It is there I understand,
God's love and purpose for me.
Though I truly don't deserve to be there,
for it is not for what I said or done.
It's because of God's Grace,
and Jesus, His beloved Son.
There is room there for everyone,
for with Christ you can not lose.
God's Word tells us the truth,
all we have to do is choose.
E. P. Shagott
4/26/10
Charles Stanley's devotional complemented my poem above. It speaks of purpose that we find God has for us and we praise Him for it. I love presenting programs for the "God's Love Outreach Ministry" for it gives me an avenue of telling all I meet about God's love and grace. I loved in the bible where Mr. Stanley quoted Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." This is what I try to do to the best of my ability throughout the programs and my life now. Mr. Stanley also wrote about "look for daily evidence of His hand on your life." I was visiting a friend of mine today who is recovering from open heart surgery and stated how he saw God's hand through his personal ordeal.
Allison Gillaspie's writing to me speaks about our daily lives. Too busy that we don't take time to stop and listen to what God is telling us. Oh, we love the relationship with Him, when we can squeeze Him in. That is not what God calls a relationship.
The Keep Your Lips From Speaking Lies devotional is a good one to read slowly and understand. Years ago I had to make a covenant with God to stop lying, even if I thought it was to help someone. Trying not to hurt someones feeling, by not telling the truth. The Lord has brought me a long way in this matter. I will always remember a cartoon I saw one time about a person in church who saw this friend of his coming to him. He said, "Lord I pray for Bob, that He is OK", then as Bob walked up he said, "Hi Bob, I've been praying for you!"
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
We Row By Max Lucado
“He went into the hills to pray.” Mark 6:46
What does Jesus do while we are in the storm? You’ll love this. He prays for us . . .
So where does that leave us? While Jesus is praying and we are in the storm, what are we to do? Simple. We do what the disciples did. We row . . .
Much of life is spent rowing . . . Getting out of bed. Fixing lunches . . . More struggle than strut.
*************************************************
From Streams in the Desert Devotionals
My soul, practice being alone with Christ! It is written that when they were alone He expounded all things to His disciples. Do not wonder at the saying; it is true to thine experience. If thou wouldst understand thyself send the multitude away. Let them go out one by one till thou art left alone with Jesus. . . . Has thou ever pictured thyself the one remaining creature in the earth, the one remaining creature in all the starry worlds?
In such a universe thine every thought would be "God and I! God and I!" And yet He is as near to thee as that--as near as if in the boundless spaces there throbbed no heart but His and thine. Practice that solitude, O my soul! Practice the expulsion of the crowd! Practice the stillness of thine own heart! Practice the solemn refrain "God and I! God and I!" Let none interpose between thee and thy wrestling angel! Thou shalt be both condemned and pardoned when thou shalt meet Jesus alone!
George Matheson
*************************************************
Handling the Sting of Criticism by Adrian Rogers
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
God loves you so much that Jesus Christ hung in agony and blood for you.
•You are precious to God.
•You are the object of God's love.
•The blood of Jesus Christ was poured out on Calvary for you.
Friend, if you know all that, then you can stand up against any criticism. What others say about you won't bother you. The cross sets you free.
He who died for you now lives in you. He gave Himself for you that He might give Himself to you.
When Jesus Christ died for you, He didn't just take away your sins, He took away yourself. You are crucified. So who can harm a dead man?
Have you felt the sting of criticism this week? Remove the stinger and bathe the wound with the balm of Jesus' love. Give your critic to the Lord. Then ask God to teach you from what happened.
*************************************************
A Special Purpose by Charles Stanley
Psalm 150
The Lord has made us a special people in order that we may fulfill a special purpose. Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." An integral part of worshiping the Lord is proclaiming His greatness.
To praise our Father is to applaud Him for who He is and what He has done. This involves the release of our emotions, which frees us to express unrestrained adoration of the Lord. When someone loves another person, the most natural response is to speak highly about the cherished one. In the same way, those who love Christ find that praise comes easily to their lips.
Praising the Lord is good for us. In our self-centered society, people are primarily interested in getting their own needs met. Sadly, this same attitude has infiltrated some churches. But God doesn't want us to come to church concerned only about ourselves. Praise lifts our eyes to Christ and fills our hearts with the contentment that eludes us when we focus exclusively on personal needs and problems.
Although praise and worship are usually associated with church services, they ought to characterize us wherever we are. Some of the most intimate and precious experiences of worship can happen during times spent alone with God.
If you find that your praise lacks vitality, tell the Lord you want to learn to extol Him with your whole heart. The focus of worship is the key. Remember how God has cared for you, and look for daily evidence of His hand on your life. Then tell Him how great He is.
*************************************************
A Devotional from 365.org
Kids seem to ask the same questions over and over. Even though you have already answered, they may not like the answer so they ask again. My five year old will do this on a daily basis. He continues to ask and to ask until one or both of us gets completely frustrated.
This is the scene here. The Jewish people continually asked Jesus if he was the Son of God. Each time He gave an answer, but it was not the answer they wanted. The people wanted Jesus to shout it from the rooftops that He was the Messiah, and he wanted them to watch and believe it for themselves. There were no miracles he could perform or sermons he could preach that were going to make some people listen. So they were frustrated and asked him to just tell them “plainly.”
Oftentimes we find ourselves praying the same questions continuously. We are so busy asking the question that we don’t stop to listen for the answer. God is going to answer our questions in a way God knows we can handle. Stop and listen today.
Allison Gillaspie
God, open my eyes and ears to the answers you surround me with daily. Help me to hear the answers you are offering, even when they do not satisfy me. Amen.
*************************************************
Keep Your Lips From Speaking Lies!
By Katherine Kehler
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies” Psalm 34:13
Have you noticed that lying has become acceptable in our culture? Or does it just seem that way to me? Every day, the newscasters have their own spin on stories; adults cheat on their spouses or income tax forms; students cheat in school; padding a person’s resume is normal. And there are gray areas like, “I like your shoes” or “I am sorry, but he is not available.” Not true.
Who are we taking our direction from? The Lord is the Truth. (John 14:5) Satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44)
Lying is wrong and does not please God. We cannot lie and be filled with His Spirit at the same time. Jesus said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
Being truthful pleases the Lord and He hates lies. “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:22).
How can we change our complacency about lying?
1. Ask God to search our hearts and confess the sins He points out. (1 John 1:9)
2. Be controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit
3. Read the Bible every day - fill your mind with Truth.
4. Obey the Lord. Ask Him to enable you to be Truthful.
5. Pray for others who have made a habit of lying
Father, lying has become a way of life for so many people, including many Christians. Cleanse our hearts, Oh Lord! Let nothing but the truth cross our lips. Let there be revival in our hearts and in Your church, Lord Jesus. Amen
Sunday, April 25, 2010
My Weekend Journey - 4/24 & 4/25/2010
God's insight for me:
This weekend I was definitely facing some storms in my life. But as Max Lucado stated if we look back to previous storms and the messages God gave us then, we can find the stability to get us through this storm. In Sunday School it was stated God does not change. He was the same 2000 years ago than He is today. A storm is a storm. He will always be there for us, He will never leave us or forsake us. The clouds that are hiding the sun today will be gone and the sun will be in view again!
Adrian Rogers writes about the Truth of the Bible. That is God's Words of life to us. As I read one time before, B=basic, I=instructions, B=before, L=leaving, E=earth!
As I was reading Charles Stanley's weekend devotional I was reminded of a book that a friend of mine asked me to read. It was "Who I Am In Christ", by Neil T. Anderson. As I read that book it made my Christianity become more aware to me. Christ is alive and living in me, Praise God!
Allison Gillaspie's writing was right on the money for me this weekend. I was hit by the 2x4. Normally being a happy person, which is each of our choices, I found my joy being harder to come by. My peace was being tested, but as Allison wrote the one constant for us as believers is Jesus. He is for me, for sure.
Squawking or singing? Now there was an interesting title for a devotional. As I read it I did agree as Christians we can draw people to us or drive them away. My friends, people are truly watching us. God is bringing hurting, lost, confused and those that do not know Him to us so we can lead them to Him. Which of the birds do you resemble? Lord, please always let me be singing your sweet praises.
Erasing doubt I thought was a good devotional. I think what it spoke to me was about choice. We have the choice to follow God's direction or not. I can tell you for a fact, when I gave Him control back in 1997, I became a new person. His life became my life.
Max Lucado's Sunday devotional appeared to be talking about me. Introvert, very quiet and shy. So what did God do with me? Put me in front of people singing His praises and let the Holy Spirit speak to them from my heart. I can't wait to meet all of God's children as we share our uncommon but God glorifying stories.
As I read Adrian Roger's Sunday devotional it surely reminded me of many times I could not understand why I was doing something I thought was good was bringing not so good results. The problem my friends lied in the "I". Was "I" doing something "I" thought was good or waiting for God to make good from what "He" wanted me to do to bring glory to "Him"!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
4/24/2010
It’s Still True By Max Lucado
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard.” Hebrews 2:1, NIV
Stability in the storm comes not from seeking a new message but from understanding an old one. The most reliable anchor points are not recent discoveries, but are time-tested truths that have held their ground against the winds of change. Truths like:
My life is not futile. My failures are not fatal. My death is not final.
*************************************************
The Enduring Beauty of the Word of God by Adrian Rogers
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:24-25
The Bible is the incontestable, incorruptible, indestructible, and indispensable Word of God.
•No one can argue with it.
•Nothing can corrupt it.
•Nothing can destroy it.
•Nothing can replace it as the source and wellspring of life.
The late Dr. Robert G. Lee, a great preacher of the last generation, had this to say about the Bible:
All of its enemies have not torn one hole in its holy vesture, or stolen one flower from its wonderful garden, nor diluted one drop of honey from its abundant hive, nor broken one string of its thousand-stringed harp, nor drowned one sweet word in infidel ink.
*************************************************
April 24-25
Special People by Charles Stanley
1 Peter 2:9-10
Whenever feelings of low self-worth threaten us with discouragement, we need to rely on the truth of God's Word rather than our emotions. Today we are going to examine four phrases that describe how the Lord sees every believer.
• A Chosen Race. God chose you and me to be part of His kingdom and family because He wanted us. No one who has been specially selected by almighty God is insignificant.
• A Royal Priesthood. As believers, we are children of God and, therefore, part of a royal family. In other words, we are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17). Just as Jesus fulfilled the roles of both king and priest, so God has also entrusted us with priestly responsibilities of worship and intercession for others.
• A Holy Nation. The church—or body of Christ—is a group of people who are holy, which means "set apart" for the purposes of God. Our lives are never meaningless, because living for the Lord is the greatest purpose one can have.
• A People for God's Own Possession. You and I are the personal possessions of God (Deut. 14:2; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). He so values each of us that He sent His Son to die in our place in order that we could be His.
Each of these descriptions shows the high value God places on you. Satan may whisper lies of condemnation and criticism, but he can't change who you really are. Begin today to demonstrate the truth of Scripture by remembering your real identity and living out your high calling from the Lord.
*************************************************
A devotional by 365.org
You fail a test. You break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Your parents tell you they are going to go through a separation. You just found out someone very close to you is very sick.
Difficult times happen every day. Sometimes you can see them coming, while other times you might feel like you have been hit over the head by a two-by-four.
Through all the ups and downs there is one constant - Jesus. More importantly, it is not just the fact that Jesus is there, it is the fact that he is leading us; he is helping us rest. He is giving us restoration. He is showing us comfort in time of sadness and fear.
There is no one or nothing that can make us crumble as long as we become like sheep and allow Jesus to be our Shepherd.
Allison Gillaspie
In times of trouble and times of joy, I want you to guide me, God. There is nothing sweeter than taking your hand and following where you want me to go through life. Amen.
*************************************************
Squawking or Singing?
April 24th, 2010 By Marilyn Ehle
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” Ephesians 4:29
“…speaking to one another in psalms and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord…” Ephesians 5:19
To squawk: to utter a harsh cry, to complain loudly, to say something shrilly
To sing: to make continuous musical sound
As I closed the car door in the supermarket parking lot, a flock of large birds flew overhead. While my eyes did not detect their presence, their shrill squawk assaulted my ears. I was happy when they swiftly flew into the distance, their high-pitched, penetrating sound now just an echo.
In contrast, another bird sound makes me smile, quickens my step and brightens my day. This is the singing of those birds that arrive in our yard when the spring days turn warm. Seemingly bursting with the joy of new life and abundant food, they sit in the budding trees or greening bushes. They flit from one branch to another, with a song that seems to bubble without interruption. Even on those days when the temperature unexplainably drops and it looks as though winter may be returning, I have seen these birds and heard their song.
Birds are programmed to sing or squawk, but we have a choice as to whether the sounds coming from our mouths are melodic. People are either drawn to the voice of God through our words and the tone of our voices, or they want to turn away. Even without natural talent or formal musical training, we can sing joy to the world.
Lord, please remind me—and even use others to remind me—when what comes from my lips is not pleasing to you.
*************************************************
Erasing Doubt
April 25th, 2010 by Vonette Bright
Stephanie’s dream was to be an author, but family obligations took priority.
When she was forty, however, the urge to write hit again.
She wondered if it was from God.
Friend, you might be wondering about your dream. Is it God’s best for your life?
Well, at first Stephanie’s prayers were filled with doubt.
Then she heard Charles Stanley speak about prayer and fasting.
So she abstained from eating while the family was away. It left her with more time for God.
As she prayed and released her dream to God, His Word spoke to her heart.
Her dream was confirmed. Writing was God’s will for her!
Jesus then took Stephanie Reed with her God-given ability to write and used her for His glory.
And, dear one, God can do the same for you. Give Him your dream today!
*************************************************
4/25/2010
Uncommon Use By Max Lucado
“He gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Heaven may have a shrine to honor God’s uncommon use of the common.
It’s a place you won’t want to miss. Stroll through and see Rahab’s rope, Paul’s bucket, David’s sling, and Samson’s jawbone. Wrap your hand around the staff that split the sea and smote the rock. Sniff the ointment that soothed Jesus’ skin and lifted his heart . . .
I don’t know if these items will be there. But I am sure of one thing—the people who used them will.
*************************************************
All Things Work Together for Good by Adrian Rogers
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
I read about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn.
He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest.
When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it.
Finally, the little bird gave up.
I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, "I just don't know why all our good plans of building a home are not working."
Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.
Read Romans 8:28 again. Notice that the verse doesn't say all things are good. All things are not good. There are some terrible things in this world. The point is that only God is good! He alone can work all things together for your good.
*************************************************
This weekend I was definitely facing some storms in my life. But as Max Lucado stated if we look back to previous storms and the messages God gave us then, we can find the stability to get us through this storm. In Sunday School it was stated God does not change. He was the same 2000 years ago than He is today. A storm is a storm. He will always be there for us, He will never leave us or forsake us. The clouds that are hiding the sun today will be gone and the sun will be in view again!
Adrian Rogers writes about the Truth of the Bible. That is God's Words of life to us. As I read one time before, B=basic, I=instructions, B=before, L=leaving, E=earth!
As I was reading Charles Stanley's weekend devotional I was reminded of a book that a friend of mine asked me to read. It was "Who I Am In Christ", by Neil T. Anderson. As I read that book it made my Christianity become more aware to me. Christ is alive and living in me, Praise God!
Allison Gillaspie's writing was right on the money for me this weekend. I was hit by the 2x4. Normally being a happy person, which is each of our choices, I found my joy being harder to come by. My peace was being tested, but as Allison wrote the one constant for us as believers is Jesus. He is for me, for sure.
Squawking or singing? Now there was an interesting title for a devotional. As I read it I did agree as Christians we can draw people to us or drive them away. My friends, people are truly watching us. God is bringing hurting, lost, confused and those that do not know Him to us so we can lead them to Him. Which of the birds do you resemble? Lord, please always let me be singing your sweet praises.
Erasing doubt I thought was a good devotional. I think what it spoke to me was about choice. We have the choice to follow God's direction or not. I can tell you for a fact, when I gave Him control back in 1997, I became a new person. His life became my life.
Max Lucado's Sunday devotional appeared to be talking about me. Introvert, very quiet and shy. So what did God do with me? Put me in front of people singing His praises and let the Holy Spirit speak to them from my heart. I can't wait to meet all of God's children as we share our uncommon but God glorifying stories.
As I read Adrian Roger's Sunday devotional it surely reminded me of many times I could not understand why I was doing something I thought was good was bringing not so good results. The problem my friends lied in the "I". Was "I" doing something "I" thought was good or waiting for God to make good from what "He" wanted me to do to bring glory to "Him"!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
4/24/2010
It’s Still True By Max Lucado
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard.” Hebrews 2:1, NIV
Stability in the storm comes not from seeking a new message but from understanding an old one. The most reliable anchor points are not recent discoveries, but are time-tested truths that have held their ground against the winds of change. Truths like:
My life is not futile. My failures are not fatal. My death is not final.
*************************************************
The Enduring Beauty of the Word of God by Adrian Rogers
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:24-25
The Bible is the incontestable, incorruptible, indestructible, and indispensable Word of God.
•No one can argue with it.
•Nothing can corrupt it.
•Nothing can destroy it.
•Nothing can replace it as the source and wellspring of life.
The late Dr. Robert G. Lee, a great preacher of the last generation, had this to say about the Bible:
All of its enemies have not torn one hole in its holy vesture, or stolen one flower from its wonderful garden, nor diluted one drop of honey from its abundant hive, nor broken one string of its thousand-stringed harp, nor drowned one sweet word in infidel ink.
*************************************************
April 24-25
Special People by Charles Stanley
1 Peter 2:9-10
Whenever feelings of low self-worth threaten us with discouragement, we need to rely on the truth of God's Word rather than our emotions. Today we are going to examine four phrases that describe how the Lord sees every believer.
• A Chosen Race. God chose you and me to be part of His kingdom and family because He wanted us. No one who has been specially selected by almighty God is insignificant.
• A Royal Priesthood. As believers, we are children of God and, therefore, part of a royal family. In other words, we are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17). Just as Jesus fulfilled the roles of both king and priest, so God has also entrusted us with priestly responsibilities of worship and intercession for others.
• A Holy Nation. The church—or body of Christ—is a group of people who are holy, which means "set apart" for the purposes of God. Our lives are never meaningless, because living for the Lord is the greatest purpose one can have.
• A People for God's Own Possession. You and I are the personal possessions of God (Deut. 14:2; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). He so values each of us that He sent His Son to die in our place in order that we could be His.
Each of these descriptions shows the high value God places on you. Satan may whisper lies of condemnation and criticism, but he can't change who you really are. Begin today to demonstrate the truth of Scripture by remembering your real identity and living out your high calling from the Lord.
*************************************************
A devotional by 365.org
You fail a test. You break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Your parents tell you they are going to go through a separation. You just found out someone very close to you is very sick.
Difficult times happen every day. Sometimes you can see them coming, while other times you might feel like you have been hit over the head by a two-by-four.
Through all the ups and downs there is one constant - Jesus. More importantly, it is not just the fact that Jesus is there, it is the fact that he is leading us; he is helping us rest. He is giving us restoration. He is showing us comfort in time of sadness and fear.
There is no one or nothing that can make us crumble as long as we become like sheep and allow Jesus to be our Shepherd.
Allison Gillaspie
In times of trouble and times of joy, I want you to guide me, God. There is nothing sweeter than taking your hand and following where you want me to go through life. Amen.
*************************************************
Squawking or Singing?
April 24th, 2010 By Marilyn Ehle
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” Ephesians 4:29
“…speaking to one another in psalms and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord…” Ephesians 5:19
To squawk: to utter a harsh cry, to complain loudly, to say something shrilly
To sing: to make continuous musical sound
As I closed the car door in the supermarket parking lot, a flock of large birds flew overhead. While my eyes did not detect their presence, their shrill squawk assaulted my ears. I was happy when they swiftly flew into the distance, their high-pitched, penetrating sound now just an echo.
In contrast, another bird sound makes me smile, quickens my step and brightens my day. This is the singing of those birds that arrive in our yard when the spring days turn warm. Seemingly bursting with the joy of new life and abundant food, they sit in the budding trees or greening bushes. They flit from one branch to another, with a song that seems to bubble without interruption. Even on those days when the temperature unexplainably drops and it looks as though winter may be returning, I have seen these birds and heard their song.
Birds are programmed to sing or squawk, but we have a choice as to whether the sounds coming from our mouths are melodic. People are either drawn to the voice of God through our words and the tone of our voices, or they want to turn away. Even without natural talent or formal musical training, we can sing joy to the world.
Lord, please remind me—and even use others to remind me—when what comes from my lips is not pleasing to you.
*************************************************
Erasing Doubt
April 25th, 2010 by Vonette Bright
Stephanie’s dream was to be an author, but family obligations took priority.
When she was forty, however, the urge to write hit again.
She wondered if it was from God.
Friend, you might be wondering about your dream. Is it God’s best for your life?
Well, at first Stephanie’s prayers were filled with doubt.
Then she heard Charles Stanley speak about prayer and fasting.
So she abstained from eating while the family was away. It left her with more time for God.
As she prayed and released her dream to God, His Word spoke to her heart.
Her dream was confirmed. Writing was God’s will for her!
Jesus then took Stephanie Reed with her God-given ability to write and used her for His glory.
And, dear one, God can do the same for you. Give Him your dream today!
*************************************************
4/25/2010
Uncommon Use By Max Lucado
“He gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Heaven may have a shrine to honor God’s uncommon use of the common.
It’s a place you won’t want to miss. Stroll through and see Rahab’s rope, Paul’s bucket, David’s sling, and Samson’s jawbone. Wrap your hand around the staff that split the sea and smote the rock. Sniff the ointment that soothed Jesus’ skin and lifted his heart . . .
I don’t know if these items will be there. But I am sure of one thing—the people who used them will.
*************************************************
All Things Work Together for Good by Adrian Rogers
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
I read about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn.
He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest.
When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it.
Finally, the little bird gave up.
I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, "I just don't know why all our good plans of building a home are not working."
Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.
Read Romans 8:28 again. Notice that the verse doesn't say all things are good. All things are not good. There are some terrible things in this world. The point is that only God is good! He alone can work all things together for your good.
*************************************************
Friday, April 23, 2010
My Journey - 4/23/2010
God's Insight for me:
In Max Lucado's devotional today I like his opening sentence, "We owe God a perfect life". Yes we do. I have made a commitment to try to the best of my ability, with His help to do just that. Oh, I may slip here and there but as I keep my focus on Christ I slip less and less.
It is amazing how Adrian Rogers devotional goes along with Max Lucado's. As you commit your life to Christ you then reap the rewards "abundantly!" I definitely have more positives now in my life than any other time. Thank You, Jesus!
What Charles Stanley wrote about is what the God's Love Outreach Ministry is all about. Giving of ones self to benefit someone else. See when you are doing something for someone Else you are not thinking of your own problems. Its a win, win situation. Good for you and good for the other person.
In Aleesa Naish's devotional she writes about the elderly. In the past 7 1/2 years presenting programs to senior citizens, I understand what her devotional was about. I have seen so many of "God's wounded" in various stages of their lives. So many with mental, physical and just plain aging problems. One thing that they all have in common is that they are still human beings trying to cope with their own situation.
In this last devotional Vonette Bright writes about our usefulness to God. As I tell many of the residents that I am called to minister to, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!" I am living proof of that.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
His Public Offer By Max Lucado
“All of us became part of Christ when we were baptized.” Romans 6:3
We owe God a perfect life. Perfect obedience to every command. Not just the command of baptism, but the commands of humility, honesty, integrity. We can’t deliver. Might as well charge us for the property of Manhattan. But Christ can and he did. His plunge into the Jordan is a picture of his plunge into our sin. His baptism announces, “Let me pay.”
Your baptism responds, “You bet I will.” He publicly offers. We publicly accept.
*************************************************
Experience the Abundant Life by Adrian Rogers
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
Do you know what is wrong with many of us? We are trying to get out of trouble rather than get into righteousness.
We are so focused on the defensive side of Christianity that we forget about offensive, positive approach.
•Wouldn't you like to get up and stay up?
•Wouldn't you like to experience the abundant life our Lord talks about?
Jesus came to give us eternal life. He came to give us the abundant life. We need to do like the old song says and "Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative."
Why don't you determine today that you are going to get right with God and stay right with God? Determine that you're going to take steps that lead to a life of obedience.
*************************************************
God Has Time for You by Charles Stanley
Mark 10:46-52
Because time is such a precious commodity in our fast-paced culture, it is also a tremendously valuable gift we can give someone else. Jesus was the ultimate model of balanced time management. He demonstrated His love for mankind by being available.
Did you ever notice that there are no biblical accounts of our Lord hurrying? You will never come across a verse saying that He "ran to Bethany" or "rushed back to Galilee." Wherever the Savior went, He was sensitive to the needs of the people around Him and reached out in love to help. He wasn't so busy that He could not be interrupted.
Right before He went to the cross to accomplish the most important work of His life, Jesus stopped to help a poor blind beggar, who was a nobody in the eyes of society. Although the redemption of mankind was vitally important, the Lord cared enough about the suffering of one lowly individual to stop and do what He could to relieve the man's suffering.
If the Lord allowed Himself to be interrupted on the way to the cross, will He not also stop and listen when you call out to Him in your distress? He is never too busy governing the universe to hear His beloved child's cry for help.
In order to follow in Christ's footsteps, we have to ask ourselves, Am I willing to be interrupted? We are stewards of all God gives us, including our time. Consider this precious commodity a resource to be used when reaching out in love as Christ did. Give someone your time today.
*************************************************
A devotional from 365.org
Can you imagine your parents as teenagers? What about your grandparents? That could really make me laugh. My grandparents as teenagers? What about your pastor or your favorite teacher? Do you think they got in trouble, or were they the person that sat in the front of the class doing exactly what was expected of them?
Now, picture yourself as an elderly person. Are you able to walk by yourself? Are you able to feed yourself? Are you given choices, or do you have to go where the bus at the nursing home takes you? It is very difficult to picture what we will be like when we are older. Hopefully that day will come.
The next time you have a chance to visit with someone who is elderly, take it. Through them, you will have the opportunity to see Jesus in a whole new way. They will be able to share with you the rejoicing that comes at the birth of a child or the mourning that comes from the loss of a spouse; the strength they gathered from their faith when they thought their faith was all but gone, and the acceptance that comes from the failure of their own body. Look into their eyes and you will see the face of Jesus. If you listen closely, you may even hear him speak to you.
Merciful Lord, give me the opportunity to see you in the faces of those who have lived through times that I can’t even imagine. Help me to see you wherever you appear. Amen.
Aleesa Naish
*************************************************
All You Can Do by Vonette Bright
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Charlie lost both legs, his left arm,
and all but a finger and thumb on his right hand from a terrible crash.
At first Charlie thought he could no longer do anything for God.
Painfully, he could still write.
Could God use his limited ability? Absolutely, yes!
Charlie wrote letters to prisoners.
Because he couldn’t include his return address, the inmates had no way to respond.
Charlie was tempted to give up.
Then he was told a prisoner had requested that Charlie use the best paper possible.
The inmate said, “Charlie's letters are passed from cell to cell until they literally fall to pieces.”
Friend, when you think you have nothing left to give God, you’re wrong.
Use your God-given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement to minister to others.
In Max Lucado's devotional today I like his opening sentence, "We owe God a perfect life". Yes we do. I have made a commitment to try to the best of my ability, with His help to do just that. Oh, I may slip here and there but as I keep my focus on Christ I slip less and less.
It is amazing how Adrian Rogers devotional goes along with Max Lucado's. As you commit your life to Christ you then reap the rewards "abundantly!" I definitely have more positives now in my life than any other time. Thank You, Jesus!
What Charles Stanley wrote about is what the God's Love Outreach Ministry is all about. Giving of ones self to benefit someone else. See when you are doing something for someone Else you are not thinking of your own problems. Its a win, win situation. Good for you and good for the other person.
In Aleesa Naish's devotional she writes about the elderly. In the past 7 1/2 years presenting programs to senior citizens, I understand what her devotional was about. I have seen so many of "God's wounded" in various stages of their lives. So many with mental, physical and just plain aging problems. One thing that they all have in common is that they are still human beings trying to cope with their own situation.
In this last devotional Vonette Bright writes about our usefulness to God. As I tell many of the residents that I am called to minister to, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!" I am living proof of that.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
His Public Offer By Max Lucado
“All of us became part of Christ when we were baptized.” Romans 6:3
We owe God a perfect life. Perfect obedience to every command. Not just the command of baptism, but the commands of humility, honesty, integrity. We can’t deliver. Might as well charge us for the property of Manhattan. But Christ can and he did. His plunge into the Jordan is a picture of his plunge into our sin. His baptism announces, “Let me pay.”
Your baptism responds, “You bet I will.” He publicly offers. We publicly accept.
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Experience the Abundant Life by Adrian Rogers
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
Do you know what is wrong with many of us? We are trying to get out of trouble rather than get into righteousness.
We are so focused on the defensive side of Christianity that we forget about offensive, positive approach.
•Wouldn't you like to get up and stay up?
•Wouldn't you like to experience the abundant life our Lord talks about?
Jesus came to give us eternal life. He came to give us the abundant life. We need to do like the old song says and "Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative."
Why don't you determine today that you are going to get right with God and stay right with God? Determine that you're going to take steps that lead to a life of obedience.
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God Has Time for You by Charles Stanley
Mark 10:46-52
Because time is such a precious commodity in our fast-paced culture, it is also a tremendously valuable gift we can give someone else. Jesus was the ultimate model of balanced time management. He demonstrated His love for mankind by being available.
Did you ever notice that there are no biblical accounts of our Lord hurrying? You will never come across a verse saying that He "ran to Bethany" or "rushed back to Galilee." Wherever the Savior went, He was sensitive to the needs of the people around Him and reached out in love to help. He wasn't so busy that He could not be interrupted.
Right before He went to the cross to accomplish the most important work of His life, Jesus stopped to help a poor blind beggar, who was a nobody in the eyes of society. Although the redemption of mankind was vitally important, the Lord cared enough about the suffering of one lowly individual to stop and do what He could to relieve the man's suffering.
If the Lord allowed Himself to be interrupted on the way to the cross, will He not also stop and listen when you call out to Him in your distress? He is never too busy governing the universe to hear His beloved child's cry for help.
In order to follow in Christ's footsteps, we have to ask ourselves, Am I willing to be interrupted? We are stewards of all God gives us, including our time. Consider this precious commodity a resource to be used when reaching out in love as Christ did. Give someone your time today.
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A devotional from 365.org
Can you imagine your parents as teenagers? What about your grandparents? That could really make me laugh. My grandparents as teenagers? What about your pastor or your favorite teacher? Do you think they got in trouble, or were they the person that sat in the front of the class doing exactly what was expected of them?
Now, picture yourself as an elderly person. Are you able to walk by yourself? Are you able to feed yourself? Are you given choices, or do you have to go where the bus at the nursing home takes you? It is very difficult to picture what we will be like when we are older. Hopefully that day will come.
The next time you have a chance to visit with someone who is elderly, take it. Through them, you will have the opportunity to see Jesus in a whole new way. They will be able to share with you the rejoicing that comes at the birth of a child or the mourning that comes from the loss of a spouse; the strength they gathered from their faith when they thought their faith was all but gone, and the acceptance that comes from the failure of their own body. Look into their eyes and you will see the face of Jesus. If you listen closely, you may even hear him speak to you.
Merciful Lord, give me the opportunity to see you in the faces of those who have lived through times that I can’t even imagine. Help me to see you wherever you appear. Amen.
Aleesa Naish
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All You Can Do by Vonette Bright
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Charlie lost both legs, his left arm,
and all but a finger and thumb on his right hand from a terrible crash.
At first Charlie thought he could no longer do anything for God.
Painfully, he could still write.
Could God use his limited ability? Absolutely, yes!
Charlie wrote letters to prisoners.
Because he couldn’t include his return address, the inmates had no way to respond.
Charlie was tempted to give up.
Then he was told a prisoner had requested that Charlie use the best paper possible.
The inmate said, “Charlie's letters are passed from cell to cell until they literally fall to pieces.”
Friend, when you think you have nothing left to give God, you’re wrong.
Use your God-given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement to minister to others.
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