God's insight to me:
As I read Max Lucado's devotional I said to myself "thank You, Jesus, for prepaing the way for me. In today's world we are blessed to be able to go online and get instructions on how to go from point A to point B. A detailed list on which way to turn to get us to the final destination. Well, God also provides us with that, it is called the BIBLE! Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.
What interested me in the devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley was as he wrote about how our faith can influence other Christian believers. I understand that we are to share our faith with those that don't know the Lord but we shouldn't forget the "weak and the wayward, struggling in doubt". I will always remember when a woman thanked me for refreshing her faith again. She was a Christian but she needed to be refreshed and through the God's Love Outreach Ministry and my obedience to the Lord, "she was refreshed again", Praise be to God!
Max Lucado's second devotional reminded me of the saying, "Walk the talk". As Christians we are always being viewed by many to see if we are just "good sales people" or do we actually live what we say. I want people that when they look at me can say, "I want what he has". What I have is Jesus and I truly want to share Him. I pray all believers feel as I do. If your walk is not in line with your talk, ask God why and I know if you are sincere He will tell you.
In this last devotional this sentence says a lot, "It takes incredible faith to believe in a God you have never seen". My mind thought of the scripture 2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight; Our Christian life is based just on that. Thank God that we have His Word that was handed down through the ages that our eyes can read, so that our minds can interpret, through the Holy Spirit's guidance, so that we can store in our hearts forever.
When Faith Is No Longer Needed
When faith is no longer needed,
that day will one day come.
For one day many will be standing,
in the presence of the Son.
Everything you will ever need,
will always be there for you.
You will finally understand,
how your faith on earth got you through.
So thank You, Lord Jesus,
for preparing us the way.
Thank You, Holy Spirit,
for guiding us each and everyday.
Praise to You, Heavenly Father
for never giving up on us.
Faith the size of a mustard seed,
for all of us is a must!
E. P. Shagott
9/1/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/28
Heaven
By Max Lucado
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Remember, heaven was not foreign to Jesus. He is the only person to live on earth after he had lived in heaven . . . he knew heaven before he came to earth. He knew what awaited him upon his return. And knowing what awaited him in heaven enabled him to bear the shame on earth.
*************************************************
Aug. 28-29, 2010
The Influence of Faith
by Dr. Charles Stanley
1 Kings 18:37-40
In contemporary Christian culture, faith is often considered a possession that affects just its "owner." Because of our love for independence and self-sufficiency, we have, in many ways, lost the sense of community and outreach that the church is meant to embody. We live like little islands in our own "personal relationship with Christ." But in reality, God wants our faith to influence others, both within and outside the church.
Elijah's faith influenced the entire nation of Israel. By believing and delivering God's message, he was an example to them in word and deed. When he asked the Lord to reveal Himself as almighty God, fire fell from heaven, and the people believed.
His motive in the showdown at Mount Carmel was to draw the people back to the Lord. We usually think of "sharing our faith" with those who don't know Christ, but our confidence in God can also encourage weak or wayward believers. Likewise, those strong in faith can strengthen us when we are struggling with doubt.
The church is described as a body whose parts are all interconnected (1 Cor. 12:12). God never intended that we be autonomous, living in our own personal faith. We are not like a bag of marbles; rather, we're to be like a bunch of grapes whose juices blend in times of pressure.
Guard against living an isolated Christian life. Share your confidence in God's faithfulness. Your testimony could help others' faith to grow. If you're troubled by doubt or fear, let go of any pride or shame, and seek help from a strong believer. Mutual blessing awaits when we reach out to one another.
*************************************************
8/30
Live the Life
By Max Lucado
“I am a voice calling out in the desert.” John 1:23
John was a voice for Christ with more than his voice. His life matched his words. When a person’s ways and words are the same, the fusion is explosive. But when a person says one thing and lives another, the result is destructive. People will know we are Christians, not because we bear the name, but because we live the life.
*************************************************
8/31
Exercise Your Faith
from Daily Disciples devotional
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!" And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir." Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:1-6
When God gave Abram the promise that his descendants would be as countless as the stars in the heavens, Abram and Sarai were old and had no children. This promise was still several years away from fulfillment even as the Lord made this covenant with Abram. But despite the circumstances of the current situation, Abram "believed in the Lord" and all that He was telling him. God accounted him as righteous because of his great faith.
It takes incredible faith to believe in a God you have never seen. It takes even more faith to believe in His promises that will directly impact your life. Great faith comes from our resolve to believe in the Lord and who He is, not what we can prove or intellectualize about Him. As a matter of fact, faith can be downright silly in man's eyes, even foolish. Instead of being self-conscious or embarrassed we should all pray to be more foolish in our faith. Why not expect God to move mountains in our lives?
Where is your faith today? Faith is meant to be active, not passive. If we do not keep exercising our faith, we get weak and can be tossed to and fro when the enemy comes to strike. Get into the Word of God on a regular basis and ask the Lord to increase your faith. When you get that sense within your spirit that you need to move, do it…step out and go for it. Sometimes when the fear is the greatest, you have to ask yourself: who is trying to stop you and why? Fear is not of the Lord. So why is the enemy causing you to fear? He does not want you to succeed. Faith brings success.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
My Journey 8/27/2010
God's insight to me:
As I read this devotional this morning I said, "that's me!" Through the God's Love Outreach Ministry and my love for the Lord I bring a message of His love and grace to many shut-ins that are unable to seek out for themselves. His message is mainly given through a number of songs throughout a one hour period. The average program has about 15+ songs throughout it. So as I looked back at the data from the outreach ministry since January 2004 I have presented 1075 programs. This would equate to about 16,125 songs that I have sung. So like Heman in the scriptures I guess I am a singer. But what I tell people, I do not consider myself a singer, but more a messenger. The message is "God loves you!" As F. B. Meyer's wrote I do sing not just on Sundays praising Him with hymns and praise songs, along with our church congregation, but also throughout most of my days. Not just in the ministry but also throughout my everyday existence. So I will keep on singing to Him a new song, for in my heart there rings a melody, a melody of love.
I Sing
For I sing
because I'm happy.
I sing because I'm free.
I sing because my Savior,
on Calvary did die for me.
I sing as a way to praise Him.
I sing with prayers lifted above.
I sing to my Heavenly Father,
a song of gratitude and love.
I sing as a messenger for Him,
a song that others may hear.
I sing to the many that are lost
and live in constant fear.
The song I sing is always about Him,
it flows from His Spirit within.
If you listen with your heart my friends,
it is not me singing, but Him!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/27
Our Daily Homily
a devotional by F. B. Meyer
Heman the singer. 1 Chron. 6: 33.
THIS is a very brief record to put on a man's grave, but a very expressive one. To decipher that epitaph about Heman is to learn a good deal about him. From this clue we might almost construct his entire personality and character. And it would be well if it could be said of us that we had ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Lord.
Would you be a singer not on Sundays only, but always; not with your voice only, but in your heart; not only when the sunshine pours into the open casement through the swaying boughs of honeysuckle, but when the shutters tell of bereavement and removal then remember these rules: (1st.) God must put the new song into your mouth; (2nd.) You must be fully consecrated to Him; for the song of the Lord only begins when the burnt offering is complete. (3rd.) You must not go into a strange land, for it is impossible to sing the Lord's song there.
Sing on, dear heart, sing on. There is nothing that scares off the devil so quickly as a hymn. Luther said, "Let us sing a hymn, and spite the devil." There is nothing that so well beguiles the pilgrim's step, and quickens his pace, when the miles are growing long and weary. There is nothing that brings so much of heaven into the heart. Singing makes every movement rhythmic, every service praise, every act thanksgiving. Sing when times are dark, you will make them bright; sing when the house of life is lonely, it will become peopled with unseen choristers; go down into the valley of shadow with a song, and you will find yourself singing the new song of Moses and the Lamb when you awake on the other side.
As I read this devotional this morning I said, "that's me!" Through the God's Love Outreach Ministry and my love for the Lord I bring a message of His love and grace to many shut-ins that are unable to seek out for themselves. His message is mainly given through a number of songs throughout a one hour period. The average program has about 15+ songs throughout it. So as I looked back at the data from the outreach ministry since January 2004 I have presented 1075 programs. This would equate to about 16,125 songs that I have sung. So like Heman in the scriptures I guess I am a singer. But what I tell people, I do not consider myself a singer, but more a messenger. The message is "God loves you!" As F. B. Meyer's wrote I do sing not just on Sundays praising Him with hymns and praise songs, along with our church congregation, but also throughout most of my days. Not just in the ministry but also throughout my everyday existence. So I will keep on singing to Him a new song, for in my heart there rings a melody, a melody of love.
I Sing
For I sing
because I'm happy.
I sing because I'm free.
I sing because my Savior,
on Calvary did die for me.
I sing as a way to praise Him.
I sing with prayers lifted above.
I sing to my Heavenly Father,
a song of gratitude and love.
I sing as a messenger for Him,
a song that others may hear.
I sing to the many that are lost
and live in constant fear.
The song I sing is always about Him,
it flows from His Spirit within.
If you listen with your heart my friends,
it is not me singing, but Him!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/27
Our Daily Homily
a devotional by F. B. Meyer
Heman the singer. 1 Chron. 6: 33.
THIS is a very brief record to put on a man's grave, but a very expressive one. To decipher that epitaph about Heman is to learn a good deal about him. From this clue we might almost construct his entire personality and character. And it would be well if it could be said of us that we had ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Lord.
Would you be a singer not on Sundays only, but always; not with your voice only, but in your heart; not only when the sunshine pours into the open casement through the swaying boughs of honeysuckle, but when the shutters tell of bereavement and removal then remember these rules: (1st.) God must put the new song into your mouth; (2nd.) You must be fully consecrated to Him; for the song of the Lord only begins when the burnt offering is complete. (3rd.) You must not go into a strange land, for it is impossible to sing the Lord's song there.
Sing on, dear heart, sing on. There is nothing that scares off the devil so quickly as a hymn. Luther said, "Let us sing a hymn, and spite the devil." There is nothing that so well beguiles the pilgrim's step, and quickens his pace, when the miles are growing long and weary. There is nothing that brings so much of heaven into the heart. Singing makes every movement rhythmic, every service praise, every act thanksgiving. Sing when times are dark, you will make them bright; sing when the house of life is lonely, it will become peopled with unseen choristers; go down into the valley of shadow with a song, and you will find yourself singing the new song of Moses and the Lamb when you awake on the other side.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
My Journey 8/26/2010
God's insight for me:
As I was reading my morning devotionals this one stood out and the Lord ministered to me through it. I now have a fire burning within me for Him that not many can understand, only those who have also released their lives to Him. From a day back in 1997 when I said, "Lord You take control of my life", a true UNION with God's holy silent Lamb became a new life for me. That day back in 1997 I experienced my soul's stillness as His Holy Spirit was free within me to do the Father's will. My prayer for today is that each set of eyes that read this devotional, and awesome poem by L. S. P., will set His Spirit free in themselves more can experience what life in Christ is all about.
Praise God!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
He Answered Nothing
Streams in the Desert - Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional
"He answered nothing" (Mark 15:3).
There is no spectacle in all the Bible so sublime as the silent Savior answering not a word to the men who were maligning Him, and whom He could have laid prostrate at His feet by one look of Divine power, or one word of fiery rebuke. But He let them say and do their worst, and He stood in THE POWER OF STILLNESS--God's holy silent Lamb.
There is a stillness that lets God work for us, and holds our peace; the stillness that ceases from its contriving and its self-vindication, and its expedients of wisdom and forethought, and lets God provide and answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.
How often we lose God's interposition by taking up our own cause, and striking for our defense. God give to us this silent power, this conquered spirit! And after the heat and strife of earth are over, men will remember us as we remember the morning dew, the gentle light and sunshine, the evening breeze, the Lamb of Calvary, and the gentle, holy heavenly Dove. --A. B. Simpson
The day when Jesus stood alone
And felt the hearts of men like stone,
And knew He came but to atone
That day "He held His peace."
They witnessed falsely to His word,
They bound Him with a cruel cord,
And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord;
"But Jesus held His peace."
They spat upon Him in the face,
They dragged Him on from place to place,
They heaped upon Him all disgrace;
"But Jesus held His peace."
My friend, have you for far much less,
With rage, which you called righteousness,
Resented slights with great distress?
Your Saviour "held His peace."
--L. S. P.
I remember once hearing Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as "The Apostle of the Indians," utter these beautiful words: "For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed." When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an easy-going tolerance, from passionate vindictiveness and everything that would mar or injure our testimony for Him who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. --W. H. Griffith Thomas
As I was reading my morning devotionals this one stood out and the Lord ministered to me through it. I now have a fire burning within me for Him that not many can understand, only those who have also released their lives to Him. From a day back in 1997 when I said, "Lord You take control of my life", a true UNION with God's holy silent Lamb became a new life for me. That day back in 1997 I experienced my soul's stillness as His Holy Spirit was free within me to do the Father's will. My prayer for today is that each set of eyes that read this devotional, and awesome poem by L. S. P., will set His Spirit free in themselves more can experience what life in Christ is all about.
Praise God!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
He Answered Nothing
Streams in the Desert - Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional
"He answered nothing" (Mark 15:3).
There is no spectacle in all the Bible so sublime as the silent Savior answering not a word to the men who were maligning Him, and whom He could have laid prostrate at His feet by one look of Divine power, or one word of fiery rebuke. But He let them say and do their worst, and He stood in THE POWER OF STILLNESS--God's holy silent Lamb.
There is a stillness that lets God work for us, and holds our peace; the stillness that ceases from its contriving and its self-vindication, and its expedients of wisdom and forethought, and lets God provide and answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.
How often we lose God's interposition by taking up our own cause, and striking for our defense. God give to us this silent power, this conquered spirit! And after the heat and strife of earth are over, men will remember us as we remember the morning dew, the gentle light and sunshine, the evening breeze, the Lamb of Calvary, and the gentle, holy heavenly Dove. --A. B. Simpson
The day when Jesus stood alone
And felt the hearts of men like stone,
And knew He came but to atone
That day "He held His peace."
They witnessed falsely to His word,
They bound Him with a cruel cord,
And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord;
"But Jesus held His peace."
They spat upon Him in the face,
They dragged Him on from place to place,
They heaped upon Him all disgrace;
"But Jesus held His peace."
My friend, have you for far much less,
With rage, which you called righteousness,
Resented slights with great distress?
Your Saviour "held His peace."
--L. S. P.
I remember once hearing Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as "The Apostle of the Indians," utter these beautiful words: "For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed." When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an easy-going tolerance, from passionate vindictiveness and everything that would mar or injure our testimony for Him who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. --W. H. Griffith Thomas
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
My Journey 8/24 - 8/25/2010
God's insight to me:
I loved this devotional because of the story which made me reflect back on the God's Love Outreach Ministry that I have been blessed to be called into. For 7 1/2 years I have met several residents in homes that sound like Gwen. Their lives have changed forever. Nothing is the same for them, family, friends and present surroundings are all different. They now rely on someone to help them get through the day. They are now living in the canyons of their lives, and to many it's a "Grand Canyon". Grand by meaning "big". As in Gwen's life, just ragged rocks. If there would be any green it would be weeds trying to poke through. But then I am also blessed when I meet some that make the best of what they now have. For the majority of these I can see Christ's Spirit living inside them. Though my calling is for the hurting and the lost I find an instant bond with the Christians I am brought into contact with. They are in the canyon but see more Spirit flowers than Gwen. For they have a closer walk with the Master.
I love this next devotional by Charles Spurgeon. I am so glad that God did choose me. My life has been so awesome since we are One. I pray that after reading my latest poem you would agree.
Christ Lives Within Me
Christ lives within me,
our lives are now as One.
He was the One who has chosen me,
ever since the world begun.
Ever since the Garden of Eden,
when He created Brother Adam and Sister Eve,
He knew I would also be special to Him,
all I had to do was just believe.
He is an awesome God,
Who reigns from the Heavens above.
A Father who keeps on giving,
all because of His gracious love.
So if you do not know Him,
but want to love Him like I do.
It all starts with the choice you make,
for He wants to live in you too!!
E. P. Shagott
8/25/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
August 24
Flowers in the Canyon
from Streams in the Desert devotionals
"For our profit" (Heb. 12:10).
In one of Ralph Connor's books he tells a story of Gwen. Gwen was a wild, wilful lassie and one who had always been accustomed to having her own way. Then one day she met with a terrible accident which crippled her for life. She became very rebellious and in the murmuring state she was visited by the Sky Pilot, as the missionary among the mountaineers was termed.
He told her the parable of the canyon. "At first there were no canyons, but only the broad, open prairie. One day the Master of the Prairie, walking over his great lawns, where were only grasses, asked the Prairie, 'Where are your flowers?' and the Prairie said, 'Master I have no seeds.'
"Then he spoke to the birds, and they carried seeds of every kind of flower and strewed them far and wide, and soon the prairie bloomed with crocuses and roses and buffalo beans and the yellow crowfoot and the wild sunflowers and the red lilies all summer long. Then the Master came and was well pleased; but he missed the flowers he loved best of all, and he said to the Prairie: 'Where are the clematis and the columbine, the sweet violets and wind-flowers, and all the ferns and flowering shrubs?'
"And again he spoke to the birds, and again they carried all the seeds and scattered them far and wide. But, again, when the Master came he could not find the flowers he loved best of all, and he said:
"'Where are those my sweetest flowers?' and the Prairie cried sorrowfully:
"'Oh, Master, I cannot keep the flowers, for the winds sweep fiercely, and the sun beats upon my breast, and they wither up and fly away.'
"Then the Master spoke to the Lightning, and with one swift blow the Lightning cleft the Prairie to the heart. And the Prairie rocked and groaned in agony, and for many a day moaned bitterly over the black, jagged, gaping wound.
"But the river poured its waters through the cleft, and carried down deep black mould, and once more the birds carried seeds and strewed them in the canyon. And after a long time the rough rocks were decked out with soft mosses and trailing vines, and all the nooks were hung with clematis and columbine, and great elms lifted their huge tops high up into the sunlight, and down about their feet clustered the low cedars and balsams, and everywhere the violets and wind-flower and maiden-hair grew and bloomed, till the canyon became the Master's favorite place for rest and peace and joy."
Then the Sky Pilot read to her: "The fruit--I'll read 'flowers'--of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness--and some of these grow only in the canyon."
"Which are the canyon flowers?" asked Gwen softly, and the Pilot answered: "Gentleness, meekness, longsuffering; but though the others, love, joy, peace, bloom in the open, yet never with so rich a bloom and so sweet a perfume as in the canyon."
For a long time Gwen lay quite still, and then said wistfully, while her lips trembled: "There are no flowers in my canyon, but only ragged rocks."
"Some day they will bloom, Gwen dear; the Master will find them, and we, too, shall see them."
Beloved, when you come to your canyon, remember!
*************************************************
8/25/2010
God Is Jealous
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008
“God is jealous.” Nahum 1:2
Your Lord is jealous of your love.
Did He choose you? Then He cannot bear that you would choose another.
Did He purchase you with His own blood? He cannot bear that you would live apart from Him, or that you would belong to this world.
He loved you with such a love that meant He would not stay in heaven without you; He would rather die than see you perish, and He cannot bear that anything should stand between your heart’s love and Himself.
He is jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in any mere human being. He weeps, seeing you cradle a broken jug, when His overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad, but when we transfer our dependence to another, relying on our own wisdom, or trusting in any works of our own, He is displeased. He will humble us so that He can bring us closer to Himself.
He is also jealous of our company. We should be in conversation with Jesus more than anyone else. True love is living with Him only; but to live primarily for selfish comforts, or to prefer even our fellow Christians to fellowship with Him, this is too pains our jealous Lord.
He urges us stay close to Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself. Many of the trials which He sends us are to wean our hearts from worldly things, and fixing us more closely on Himself. This jealousy, which He intends to keep us near to Christ, can also be a tremendous comfort to us, because if He cares about us and our love so much, we can be sure that He will do nothing to harm us, and will protect us from our enemies. I pray that we will keep our hearts pure for our beloved Lord alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the distractions of the world!
I loved this devotional because of the story which made me reflect back on the God's Love Outreach Ministry that I have been blessed to be called into. For 7 1/2 years I have met several residents in homes that sound like Gwen. Their lives have changed forever. Nothing is the same for them, family, friends and present surroundings are all different. They now rely on someone to help them get through the day. They are now living in the canyons of their lives, and to many it's a "Grand Canyon". Grand by meaning "big". As in Gwen's life, just ragged rocks. If there would be any green it would be weeds trying to poke through. But then I am also blessed when I meet some that make the best of what they now have. For the majority of these I can see Christ's Spirit living inside them. Though my calling is for the hurting and the lost I find an instant bond with the Christians I am brought into contact with. They are in the canyon but see more Spirit flowers than Gwen. For they have a closer walk with the Master.
I love this next devotional by Charles Spurgeon. I am so glad that God did choose me. My life has been so awesome since we are One. I pray that after reading my latest poem you would agree.
Christ Lives Within Me
Christ lives within me,
our lives are now as One.
He was the One who has chosen me,
ever since the world begun.
Ever since the Garden of Eden,
when He created Brother Adam and Sister Eve,
He knew I would also be special to Him,
all I had to do was just believe.
He is an awesome God,
Who reigns from the Heavens above.
A Father who keeps on giving,
all because of His gracious love.
So if you do not know Him,
but want to love Him like I do.
It all starts with the choice you make,
for He wants to live in you too!!
E. P. Shagott
8/25/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
August 24
Flowers in the Canyon
from Streams in the Desert devotionals
"For our profit" (Heb. 12:10).
In one of Ralph Connor's books he tells a story of Gwen. Gwen was a wild, wilful lassie and one who had always been accustomed to having her own way. Then one day she met with a terrible accident which crippled her for life. She became very rebellious and in the murmuring state she was visited by the Sky Pilot, as the missionary among the mountaineers was termed.
He told her the parable of the canyon. "At first there were no canyons, but only the broad, open prairie. One day the Master of the Prairie, walking over his great lawns, where were only grasses, asked the Prairie, 'Where are your flowers?' and the Prairie said, 'Master I have no seeds.'
"Then he spoke to the birds, and they carried seeds of every kind of flower and strewed them far and wide, and soon the prairie bloomed with crocuses and roses and buffalo beans and the yellow crowfoot and the wild sunflowers and the red lilies all summer long. Then the Master came and was well pleased; but he missed the flowers he loved best of all, and he said to the Prairie: 'Where are the clematis and the columbine, the sweet violets and wind-flowers, and all the ferns and flowering shrubs?'
"And again he spoke to the birds, and again they carried all the seeds and scattered them far and wide. But, again, when the Master came he could not find the flowers he loved best of all, and he said:
"'Where are those my sweetest flowers?' and the Prairie cried sorrowfully:
"'Oh, Master, I cannot keep the flowers, for the winds sweep fiercely, and the sun beats upon my breast, and they wither up and fly away.'
"Then the Master spoke to the Lightning, and with one swift blow the Lightning cleft the Prairie to the heart. And the Prairie rocked and groaned in agony, and for many a day moaned bitterly over the black, jagged, gaping wound.
"But the river poured its waters through the cleft, and carried down deep black mould, and once more the birds carried seeds and strewed them in the canyon. And after a long time the rough rocks were decked out with soft mosses and trailing vines, and all the nooks were hung with clematis and columbine, and great elms lifted their huge tops high up into the sunlight, and down about their feet clustered the low cedars and balsams, and everywhere the violets and wind-flower and maiden-hair grew and bloomed, till the canyon became the Master's favorite place for rest and peace and joy."
Then the Sky Pilot read to her: "The fruit--I'll read 'flowers'--of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness--and some of these grow only in the canyon."
"Which are the canyon flowers?" asked Gwen softly, and the Pilot answered: "Gentleness, meekness, longsuffering; but though the others, love, joy, peace, bloom in the open, yet never with so rich a bloom and so sweet a perfume as in the canyon."
For a long time Gwen lay quite still, and then said wistfully, while her lips trembled: "There are no flowers in my canyon, but only ragged rocks."
"Some day they will bloom, Gwen dear; the Master will find them, and we, too, shall see them."
Beloved, when you come to your canyon, remember!
*************************************************
8/25/2010
God Is Jealous
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008
“God is jealous.” Nahum 1:2
Your Lord is jealous of your love.
Did He choose you? Then He cannot bear that you would choose another.
Did He purchase you with His own blood? He cannot bear that you would live apart from Him, or that you would belong to this world.
He loved you with such a love that meant He would not stay in heaven without you; He would rather die than see you perish, and He cannot bear that anything should stand between your heart’s love and Himself.
He is jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in any mere human being. He weeps, seeing you cradle a broken jug, when His overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad, but when we transfer our dependence to another, relying on our own wisdom, or trusting in any works of our own, He is displeased. He will humble us so that He can bring us closer to Himself.
He is also jealous of our company. We should be in conversation with Jesus more than anyone else. True love is living with Him only; but to live primarily for selfish comforts, or to prefer even our fellow Christians to fellowship with Him, this is too pains our jealous Lord.
He urges us stay close to Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself. Many of the trials which He sends us are to wean our hearts from worldly things, and fixing us more closely on Himself. This jealousy, which He intends to keep us near to Christ, can also be a tremendous comfort to us, because if He cares about us and our love so much, we can be sure that He will do nothing to harm us, and will protect us from our enemies. I pray that we will keep our hearts pure for our beloved Lord alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the distractions of the world!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
My Journey 8/21 - 8/23/2010
God's insight to me:
Here are three devotionals by Adrian Rogers. This first one when I read it brought back an interview with Mother Teresa. She was asked that when she went to Heaven was there something she wanted to ask Jesus? Her answer was, "Why did so many have to suffer?" Adrian Rogers devotional I believe is right on. Even if we don't understand it, we chose what happened to us. If you didn't choose then maybe because of someone else' choice has caused you suffering. I truly believe that God does not want manor woman to suffer. As I read in the bible two verses stood out to me, Genesis 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the heavens, and to every creeper on the earth which has in it a living soul every green plant is for food; and it was so. Genesis 2:16 And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree in the garden. It was man's choice to change the structure of what we eat. So every since the fall of man and woman, when they were banished from the Garden of Eden, by their choice, enter sickness and problems. God did not create evil. God created man and gave him the ability to choose. God also gave us His Son, Jesus, who said in John 16:33 I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. How did Christ overcome the world, on the Cross. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Praise God!
This next devotional everyone should pay special attention to, Prayer is one our untapped resources. A personal conversation with God. Humans have a unique way of tuning each other out, but not God. He is always waiting to talk with us. Any minute, at any time, He is there, waiting on us. Each child of His has the Holy Spirit inside ready to intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Thank You, Holy Spirit.
This final devotional "In Christ Jesus", should be each Christians daily battle cry. As it is written in the bible, Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
*************************************************
August 21
Why Is there Suffering in the World?
By Adrian Rogers
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36
"If there is a God, and that God is a good God, then why is there suffering?"
"What kind of a God is it that has created evil?"
Ever heard those comments before? Ever made them yourself?
You're not alone. Many people have thought the same thing. But that's not straight thinking. Let me tell you the way it truly is.
God did not create evil. God created perfection. God made man perfectly free. The freedom He granted man meant that he had to be free to choose to love. Then in order to choose to love, we must be able to choose not to love. This freedom of choice gave rise to evil, for man's freedom meant he could make a wrong choice.
Which kind of love do you want from others? A forced love or a free love? Which sounds better, "I love you" or "I have to love you"?
*************************************************
August 22
Pray to Be Heard of God, Not Men
by Adrian Rogers
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Matthew 6:5
One time a young professional was waiting for a meeting when he heard someone walking down the hallway. Thinking that this might be a potential client for him, he picked up his telephone and pretended to be having a high-powered conversation.
Soon the footsteps stopped at his desk. Looking up he asked, "What may I do for you?" The man standing before him replied, "I'm from the telephone company. I've come to hook up your phone."
Prayer is the same way. The prayer that gets our Savior's attention comes from the heart and not from the head, "to be heard by men." Prayers to impress people are one-way conversations.
Find a quiet place in your home where you can be alone with the Lord every day for a special time of communion with the Him. He is waiting for you there.
*************************************************
August 23
To Be "in Christ Jesus"
By Adrian Rogers
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1
What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus?" First, think about what it was for Noah to be in the ark. The ark was waterproof. How do we know it was? Well, God told Noah, "put pitch on the inside and on the outside" (Genesis 6:14). The word "pitch" in the Hebrew is kapar, and it is exactly the same word translated as "atonement." You see, we are in Jesus as Noah was in that ark. Just as the storms of God's wrath beat upon that ark, the storms of God's wrath beat upon the Lord Jesus. But we are on the inside, and not one drop of judgment can come through.
Read Romans 8:35-39. Reflect on the things that Paul says will never separate you from God's love. Give glory to God that your sins have been atoned for by the righteous blood of the Savior.
Here are three devotionals by Adrian Rogers. This first one when I read it brought back an interview with Mother Teresa. She was asked that when she went to Heaven was there something she wanted to ask Jesus? Her answer was, "Why did so many have to suffer?" Adrian Rogers devotional I believe is right on. Even if we don't understand it, we chose what happened to us. If you didn't choose then maybe because of someone else' choice has caused you suffering. I truly believe that God does not want manor woman to suffer. As I read in the bible two verses stood out to me, Genesis 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the heavens, and to every creeper on the earth which has in it a living soul every green plant is for food; and it was so. Genesis 2:16 And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree in the garden. It was man's choice to change the structure of what we eat. So every since the fall of man and woman, when they were banished from the Garden of Eden, by their choice, enter sickness and problems. God did not create evil. God created man and gave him the ability to choose. God also gave us His Son, Jesus, who said in John 16:33 I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. How did Christ overcome the world, on the Cross. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Praise God!
This next devotional everyone should pay special attention to, Prayer is one our untapped resources. A personal conversation with God. Humans have a unique way of tuning each other out, but not God. He is always waiting to talk with us. Any minute, at any time, He is there, waiting on us. Each child of His has the Holy Spirit inside ready to intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Thank You, Holy Spirit.
This final devotional "In Christ Jesus", should be each Christians daily battle cry. As it is written in the bible, Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
*************************************************
August 21
Why Is there Suffering in the World?
By Adrian Rogers
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36
"If there is a God, and that God is a good God, then why is there suffering?"
"What kind of a God is it that has created evil?"
Ever heard those comments before? Ever made them yourself?
You're not alone. Many people have thought the same thing. But that's not straight thinking. Let me tell you the way it truly is.
God did not create evil. God created perfection. God made man perfectly free. The freedom He granted man meant that he had to be free to choose to love. Then in order to choose to love, we must be able to choose not to love. This freedom of choice gave rise to evil, for man's freedom meant he could make a wrong choice.
Which kind of love do you want from others? A forced love or a free love? Which sounds better, "I love you" or "I have to love you"?
*************************************************
August 22
Pray to Be Heard of God, Not Men
by Adrian Rogers
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Matthew 6:5
One time a young professional was waiting for a meeting when he heard someone walking down the hallway. Thinking that this might be a potential client for him, he picked up his telephone and pretended to be having a high-powered conversation.
Soon the footsteps stopped at his desk. Looking up he asked, "What may I do for you?" The man standing before him replied, "I'm from the telephone company. I've come to hook up your phone."
Prayer is the same way. The prayer that gets our Savior's attention comes from the heart and not from the head, "to be heard by men." Prayers to impress people are one-way conversations.
Find a quiet place in your home where you can be alone with the Lord every day for a special time of communion with the Him. He is waiting for you there.
*************************************************
August 23
To Be "in Christ Jesus"
By Adrian Rogers
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1
What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus?" First, think about what it was for Noah to be in the ark. The ark was waterproof. How do we know it was? Well, God told Noah, "put pitch on the inside and on the outside" (Genesis 6:14). The word "pitch" in the Hebrew is kapar, and it is exactly the same word translated as "atonement." You see, we are in Jesus as Noah was in that ark. Just as the storms of God's wrath beat upon that ark, the storms of God's wrath beat upon the Lord Jesus. But we are on the inside, and not one drop of judgment can come through.
Read Romans 8:35-39. Reflect on the things that Paul says will never separate you from God's love. Give glory to God that your sins have been atoned for by the righteous blood of the Savior.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
My Journey 8/17 - 8/20/2010
God's insight to me:
I like this devotional by Adrian Rogers for it really speaks about our lives today. Some people going to church on Sunday, giving God one hour of their time, and then going home and putting on "dirty clothes". The dirty clothes I am speaking of is their daily lifestyles. My friends a sin is a sin. One Sunday a week does not change that. To have a fellowship with God you must understand that. Once you ask Christ into your heart and ask Him to forgive you of your sins, it is a done deal. Does that mean you won't sin again? No, but you are less tempted to put on those dirty clothes. And if and when you do remember, He knows it. Ask Him to forgive you for that and again it is a done deal. What you find is your wanting to sin diminishes and being Christ-like increases. If that is what you want, it is your choice. It is mine.
The "Thanks Be To God" devotional is very well written. As we see our country and leaders turn away from God, we must prayerfully ask God to forgive us and guide us in His ways, the same ways that our founding fathers founded this great country on. The way hasn't changed from the beginning. God hasn't changed and never will change.
Dr. Stanley's devotional will bring fear to some people. Just think of what God's final exam for us is going to be like. So many I believe will be needing more time to learn, for they didn't spend their time wisely. Do you understand what the "truth" is? John 14:6, Jesus said, I am the truth, the way, and the life... Did you recognize when the "truth" was present? Did you tell others about the "truth"? One day we will all be in front of the greatest teacher of all and He will say, "The final exam begins now!" He already knows your answers!
Neil T. Anderson's devotional speaks volumes about God. I love this statement about how we are waiting for a sign form God, "Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself." I also found this to be very true, "I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God." I believe if you want to watch God work get done on your knees and ask Him to be control of your life, then look in the mirror and watch Him work.
The Face in the Mirror
I looked in the mirror
and what did I see,
the face of Jesus
looking back at me.
I said, “oh Lord ,
how can this be?
The things I’ve done
You can’t really want to be me!
You never sinned
or did any wrong,
How can I possibly think
being with You I belong?
Then within a moment
He spoke to my heart.
“The past is forgiven
let Me be your new start!
If you can say yes
and finally agree,
then the reflection in the mirror
will always be Me.”
E. P. Shagott
12/12/09
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
August 17
Is It Clean Enough?
by Adrian Rogers
"O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:31-32
A man was in the back bedroom of his home getting dressed while his wife was in the living room talking to a friend. He called out to his wife, "Darling, is this shirt clean enough for me to wear?"
Without hesitation she said, "No."
He said, "How did you know it wasn't clean enough to wear? You didn't even come back to look at it."
She answered, "If you had to ask, it wasn't clean enough!"
When it comes to the question of whether you should do something or not, if it's doubtful, it's dirty. Unfortunately, most of us don't give God the benefit of the doubt. We just go ahead and do it.
Are you in doubt about something today? If you have even the smallest doubt in your heart that it might be sin or lead to sin, be strong and choose to say "No." He will be your peace.
*************************************************
August 18
Thanks be to God
From Daily Disciples Devotionals
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100
Let us all be thankful for our freedom and for our founding fathers who laid the God-fearing foundation for this great nation. But above everything else, let us not forget the One who made us. We are God's people---we are His sheep and this nation is still His pasture. Take time today to give Him praise and thanksgiving for the true freedom that we have in His Son Jesus Christ. Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Pray for our nation today. As Christians, we should all be greatly concerned at how our lawmakers are turning away from God in their choices and decisions. God's mercy is everlasting but there is a day of judgment coming. Pray that our nation will turn back to the Lord. One by one, as Christians, we can make a difference. Let's start today.
*************************************************
The Final Exam
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Matthew 25:31-40
Pay attention because there will be a test later." Upon completing their schooling, most people are relieved not to have to hear those words anymore. Well, your testing days are not quite over, because God has a final exam for believers. Below is a brief "study guide" outlining what the Lord's faithful can expect at His judgment throne.
Questions. Examining each believer's life from the moment of salvation to death, God looks for answers to three questions:
1. How much truth did the person know?
2. How many opportunities did he or she have to use that truth?
3. What did the individual do with those opportunities?
So you see that we are actually preparing for the final exam right now. On judgment day, no excuses or arguments can stand, nor will anything unrighteous, selfish, or evil be permitted in God's holy presence. All we'll have to show is what we did in His name.
Rewards. Every person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior shares in the gift of eternal life. However, just as each one is judged by his or her own life, so are rewards given individually. Though the Bible is not specific about the nature of heavenly blessings, the promise of receiving them permeates its pages (Matt. 5:12, 6:4; 1 Cor. 3:8; Rev. 2:23).
Throughout life, our heavenly Father provides each of us with so many big and small ways to honor Him. Take my advice: Do not waste a single moment of preparation time! On the appointed day, you will want to stand before Him, certain that you used your opportunities to the fullest.
*************************************************
8/20
How God works
by Neil T. Anderson
Deuteronomy 8:6
You shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him
I believe in miracles, and I accept as fact every one recorded in the Bible. I believe that our entire Christian experience is a miracle. It simply cannot be explained by natural means. And God's power is seen in other miraculous ways today, but must He always prove Himself by stepping outside His created order? If God doesn't primarily guide us through His Word (which never changes) and take into account the fixed order of the universe, how can we ever have any stability? How can we make any plans if God doesn't reveal His ways and then stay consistent with them?
God is not capricious in His dealings with man. He has clearly established His ways and He is faithful to them. I believe God has revealed His ways and we are to walk in them. The question is, how does God work through human responsibility and the natural order of the universe to bring about His will? Somehow He works through a less-than-perfect church, orchestrating human affairs in such a way as to guarantee the outcome of the ages. What really impresses me is His timing, not His miraculous interventions.
Notice how Jesus responded to those who insisted on a sign: "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet" (Matthew 12:39). Satan wanted a sign too. He said, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down" (Matthew 4:6). To this Jesus responded, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (verse 7 NIV ). Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself.
I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Prayer: Lord, I want to be responsible to use the gifts You have given me and lay aside sin and fruitless activities.
I like this devotional by Adrian Rogers for it really speaks about our lives today. Some people going to church on Sunday, giving God one hour of their time, and then going home and putting on "dirty clothes". The dirty clothes I am speaking of is their daily lifestyles. My friends a sin is a sin. One Sunday a week does not change that. To have a fellowship with God you must understand that. Once you ask Christ into your heart and ask Him to forgive you of your sins, it is a done deal. Does that mean you won't sin again? No, but you are less tempted to put on those dirty clothes. And if and when you do remember, He knows it. Ask Him to forgive you for that and again it is a done deal. What you find is your wanting to sin diminishes and being Christ-like increases. If that is what you want, it is your choice. It is mine.
The "Thanks Be To God" devotional is very well written. As we see our country and leaders turn away from God, we must prayerfully ask God to forgive us and guide us in His ways, the same ways that our founding fathers founded this great country on. The way hasn't changed from the beginning. God hasn't changed and never will change.
Dr. Stanley's devotional will bring fear to some people. Just think of what God's final exam for us is going to be like. So many I believe will be needing more time to learn, for they didn't spend their time wisely. Do you understand what the "truth" is? John 14:6, Jesus said, I am the truth, the way, and the life... Did you recognize when the "truth" was present? Did you tell others about the "truth"? One day we will all be in front of the greatest teacher of all and He will say, "The final exam begins now!" He already knows your answers!
Neil T. Anderson's devotional speaks volumes about God. I love this statement about how we are waiting for a sign form God, "Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself." I also found this to be very true, "I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God." I believe if you want to watch God work get done on your knees and ask Him to be control of your life, then look in the mirror and watch Him work.
The Face in the Mirror
I looked in the mirror
and what did I see,
the face of Jesus
looking back at me.
I said, “oh Lord ,
how can this be?
The things I’ve done
You can’t really want to be me!
You never sinned
or did any wrong,
How can I possibly think
being with You I belong?
Then within a moment
He spoke to my heart.
“The past is forgiven
let Me be your new start!
If you can say yes
and finally agree,
then the reflection in the mirror
will always be Me.”
E. P. Shagott
12/12/09
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
August 17
Is It Clean Enough?
by Adrian Rogers
"O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:31-32
A man was in the back bedroom of his home getting dressed while his wife was in the living room talking to a friend. He called out to his wife, "Darling, is this shirt clean enough for me to wear?"
Without hesitation she said, "No."
He said, "How did you know it wasn't clean enough to wear? You didn't even come back to look at it."
She answered, "If you had to ask, it wasn't clean enough!"
When it comes to the question of whether you should do something or not, if it's doubtful, it's dirty. Unfortunately, most of us don't give God the benefit of the doubt. We just go ahead and do it.
Are you in doubt about something today? If you have even the smallest doubt in your heart that it might be sin or lead to sin, be strong and choose to say "No." He will be your peace.
*************************************************
August 18
Thanks be to God
From Daily Disciples Devotionals
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100
Let us all be thankful for our freedom and for our founding fathers who laid the God-fearing foundation for this great nation. But above everything else, let us not forget the One who made us. We are God's people---we are His sheep and this nation is still His pasture. Take time today to give Him praise and thanksgiving for the true freedom that we have in His Son Jesus Christ. Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Pray for our nation today. As Christians, we should all be greatly concerned at how our lawmakers are turning away from God in their choices and decisions. God's mercy is everlasting but there is a day of judgment coming. Pray that our nation will turn back to the Lord. One by one, as Christians, we can make a difference. Let's start today.
*************************************************
The Final Exam
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Matthew 25:31-40
Pay attention because there will be a test later." Upon completing their schooling, most people are relieved not to have to hear those words anymore. Well, your testing days are not quite over, because God has a final exam for believers. Below is a brief "study guide" outlining what the Lord's faithful can expect at His judgment throne.
Questions. Examining each believer's life from the moment of salvation to death, God looks for answers to three questions:
1. How much truth did the person know?
2. How many opportunities did he or she have to use that truth?
3. What did the individual do with those opportunities?
So you see that we are actually preparing for the final exam right now. On judgment day, no excuses or arguments can stand, nor will anything unrighteous, selfish, or evil be permitted in God's holy presence. All we'll have to show is what we did in His name.
Rewards. Every person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior shares in the gift of eternal life. However, just as each one is judged by his or her own life, so are rewards given individually. Though the Bible is not specific about the nature of heavenly blessings, the promise of receiving them permeates its pages (Matt. 5:12, 6:4; 1 Cor. 3:8; Rev. 2:23).
Throughout life, our heavenly Father provides each of us with so many big and small ways to honor Him. Take my advice: Do not waste a single moment of preparation time! On the appointed day, you will want to stand before Him, certain that you used your opportunities to the fullest.
*************************************************
8/20
How God works
by Neil T. Anderson
Deuteronomy 8:6
You shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him
I believe in miracles, and I accept as fact every one recorded in the Bible. I believe that our entire Christian experience is a miracle. It simply cannot be explained by natural means. And God's power is seen in other miraculous ways today, but must He always prove Himself by stepping outside His created order? If God doesn't primarily guide us through His Word (which never changes) and take into account the fixed order of the universe, how can we ever have any stability? How can we make any plans if God doesn't reveal His ways and then stay consistent with them?
God is not capricious in His dealings with man. He has clearly established His ways and He is faithful to them. I believe God has revealed His ways and we are to walk in them. The question is, how does God work through human responsibility and the natural order of the universe to bring about His will? Somehow He works through a less-than-perfect church, orchestrating human affairs in such a way as to guarantee the outcome of the ages. What really impresses me is His timing, not His miraculous interventions.
Notice how Jesus responded to those who insisted on a sign: "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet" (Matthew 12:39). Satan wanted a sign too. He said, "If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down" (Matthew 4:6). To this Jesus responded, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (verse 7 NIV ). Jesus was saying that the sign we need is the Word of God, and we are to use the Word to guard against Satan's temptations to force the Lord to prove Himself.
I think it is better to prove ourselves to God rather than demand He prove Himself to us. We are the ones being tested, not God. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Prayer: Lord, I want to be responsible to use the gifts You have given me and lay aside sin and fruitless activities.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
My Journey 8/16/2010
God's insight to me:
Recently I read on Facebook of a person who lost a loved one. I also can relate to that for it is something you never get over, but learn to live with. I love what this devotional speaks about, praise and worship. See, it is easy to be singing God's praises when everything is going good, but when you are in the valley like this gentleman who lost his wife to cancer, not many want to praise God, but that is what life is about. God used this gentleman in his darkest hour to bring glory to Him. This is an excellent devotional with an excellent message, "Will you someday be able to look down from the "Edge of Heaven?" Several years ago I read a short story about Pastor Rick Warren's fathers last moments. He sat up in his hospital bed and said, "Got to save one more for Jesus, got to save one more for Jesus!" Then he went to be with the Lord.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there is something about that name!
Click here to listen to that song on YouTube.
After reading this devotional by John Fischer the Lord blessed me with this poem.
The Edge of Heaven
God walked over to the edge of Heaven,
and then looked down at me.
He said to His many angels,
see that one, he is special as can be.
Every time I look into his heart,
I see his love for me shining through.
Because he believes in My Son, Jesus
he also believes in me too.
So as all the angels looked down,
from the edge of Heaven above,
the Father gave them instructions
to protect me, and shower me with their love.
Steady him if he stumbles,
pick him up if he falls,
Holy Spirit listen to his prayers,
and tell Me when he calls.
Then from the edge of Heaven,
God looked down at all the rest.
Because of their love for my Son Jesus,
they truly will also be blessed.
E. P. Shagott
8/18/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/16
Edge of Heaven
by John Fischer
Rod Mayer has been the youth pastor at Capo Beach Calvary in Capistrano Beach, Calif., for 15 years, and many in the church credit he and his wife Janet for being an instrumental tool in their children’s faith journeys. Through Janet’s recent three-year struggle with cancer, she kept a positive outlook and was often the one who cheered others who were saddened by her condition.
The Sunday after she died, the church was treated with stories of how Rod and Janet, knowing the end was near, had spent a beautiful week together in Hawaii. We also heard how Rod had taken their two children’s favorite toys and put them in a paper bag out of sight. He told them that although they couldn’t touch their toys or play with them, they knew where they were, and it was going to be the same with their Mommy. They wouldn’t be able to touch her or play with her, but they would know she was in heaven.
Two days later, with Janet in heaven, a memorial service was held at the church. There was not enough room for everyone who came. There were stories about Janet from those who were closest to her. Some tried to laugh and bring lightness to the heavy emotions by recalling her sunny disposition. I imagined Rod on the front row, choked up by all this. I wondered if he might speak, but then, if it were me, I surmised I would not be able to.
Suddenly, Rod was up on the platform speaking. He told us how in her last few moments Janet stood up in bed, reached her hands up to heaven and spoke. When he asked her who she was talking to, she said, “Angels.” And then he and a friend laid her back down on the bed, and she died.
I thought it was pretty courageous of him to do this—to tell us these things—given his situation and the frailty of human emotions. But I was soon to be even more surprised when he strapped on a guitar and began leading us in songs of praise & worship. Let me tell you, that was an experience like no other. It was the closest I’ve ever come to worshiping with the saints in glory. Solid. True. There was such a sense of reality in knowing that Rod could not do this if he wasn’t looking out over the edge of heaven right then as he sang. This was not drummed-up praise. This was exuberant, from-the-bottom-of my-shoes praise. There was no lie in it.
Rod’s voice carried over everyone else’s, and there was something about it that was different. It had a strength and confidence that was mystical, if not eerie. It was almost as if he stepped over the edge of heaven for a moment and sang to us from there. I swear I heard a glorified voice.
And then, if that weren’t enough, he had us all bow our heads and he gave an invitation. Yep. I’m not making this up. He told everyone at his wife’s funeral that this would be a really good time to make sure they were ready to die, and then he told them what they needed to do to receive Christ. From the edge of heaven, he welcomed a number of people into the family of God.
Rod is not a big man. He’s not a tall man. He is slight in build and usually a little nervous around people. But let me tell you something: Rod is a huge man now in my eyes. Bigger than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m sure he will go through some long, lonely days. By the time you read this, they may be his longest ever. I don’t know, but I hear it’s the little things you miss—the coffee ready, the toothpaste squeezed in the middle, the sniffle during a touching scene on television, or simply turning around and forgetting for a split second, that there is no one there. Not to mention all the support you had the first few days that is now gone. Not anybody’s fault; it’s just that way. They have to get back to their lives, and you have to go back to yours, except yours will never be the same.
I know after that service I’ll never be the same, and I hope you won’t either, even just from reading this. And you know what else? If you don’t know what’s going to happen to you when you die, Rod would want you to do something about that. Right now. He would want you to make his loneliness worthwhile by meeting him someday, at the end of days, on the edge of heaven. You can do it right now.
Recently I read on Facebook of a person who lost a loved one. I also can relate to that for it is something you never get over, but learn to live with. I love what this devotional speaks about, praise and worship. See, it is easy to be singing God's praises when everything is going good, but when you are in the valley like this gentleman who lost his wife to cancer, not many want to praise God, but that is what life is about. God used this gentleman in his darkest hour to bring glory to Him. This is an excellent devotional with an excellent message, "Will you someday be able to look down from the "Edge of Heaven?" Several years ago I read a short story about Pastor Rick Warren's fathers last moments. He sat up in his hospital bed and said, "Got to save one more for Jesus, got to save one more for Jesus!" Then he went to be with the Lord.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there is something about that name!
Click here to listen to that song on YouTube.
After reading this devotional by John Fischer the Lord blessed me with this poem.
The Edge of Heaven
God walked over to the edge of Heaven,
and then looked down at me.
He said to His many angels,
see that one, he is special as can be.
Every time I look into his heart,
I see his love for me shining through.
Because he believes in My Son, Jesus
he also believes in me too.
So as all the angels looked down,
from the edge of Heaven above,
the Father gave them instructions
to protect me, and shower me with their love.
Steady him if he stumbles,
pick him up if he falls,
Holy Spirit listen to his prayers,
and tell Me when he calls.
Then from the edge of Heaven,
God looked down at all the rest.
Because of their love for my Son Jesus,
they truly will also be blessed.
E. P. Shagott
8/18/2010
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
8/16
Edge of Heaven
by John Fischer
Rod Mayer has been the youth pastor at Capo Beach Calvary in Capistrano Beach, Calif., for 15 years, and many in the church credit he and his wife Janet for being an instrumental tool in their children’s faith journeys. Through Janet’s recent three-year struggle with cancer, she kept a positive outlook and was often the one who cheered others who were saddened by her condition.
The Sunday after she died, the church was treated with stories of how Rod and Janet, knowing the end was near, had spent a beautiful week together in Hawaii. We also heard how Rod had taken their two children’s favorite toys and put them in a paper bag out of sight. He told them that although they couldn’t touch their toys or play with them, they knew where they were, and it was going to be the same with their Mommy. They wouldn’t be able to touch her or play with her, but they would know she was in heaven.
Two days later, with Janet in heaven, a memorial service was held at the church. There was not enough room for everyone who came. There were stories about Janet from those who were closest to her. Some tried to laugh and bring lightness to the heavy emotions by recalling her sunny disposition. I imagined Rod on the front row, choked up by all this. I wondered if he might speak, but then, if it were me, I surmised I would not be able to.
Suddenly, Rod was up on the platform speaking. He told us how in her last few moments Janet stood up in bed, reached her hands up to heaven and spoke. When he asked her who she was talking to, she said, “Angels.” And then he and a friend laid her back down on the bed, and she died.
I thought it was pretty courageous of him to do this—to tell us these things—given his situation and the frailty of human emotions. But I was soon to be even more surprised when he strapped on a guitar and began leading us in songs of praise & worship. Let me tell you, that was an experience like no other. It was the closest I’ve ever come to worshiping with the saints in glory. Solid. True. There was such a sense of reality in knowing that Rod could not do this if he wasn’t looking out over the edge of heaven right then as he sang. This was not drummed-up praise. This was exuberant, from-the-bottom-of my-shoes praise. There was no lie in it.
Rod’s voice carried over everyone else’s, and there was something about it that was different. It had a strength and confidence that was mystical, if not eerie. It was almost as if he stepped over the edge of heaven for a moment and sang to us from there. I swear I heard a glorified voice.
And then, if that weren’t enough, he had us all bow our heads and he gave an invitation. Yep. I’m not making this up. He told everyone at his wife’s funeral that this would be a really good time to make sure they were ready to die, and then he told them what they needed to do to receive Christ. From the edge of heaven, he welcomed a number of people into the family of God.
Rod is not a big man. He’s not a tall man. He is slight in build and usually a little nervous around people. But let me tell you something: Rod is a huge man now in my eyes. Bigger than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m sure he will go through some long, lonely days. By the time you read this, they may be his longest ever. I don’t know, but I hear it’s the little things you miss—the coffee ready, the toothpaste squeezed in the middle, the sniffle during a touching scene on television, or simply turning around and forgetting for a split second, that there is no one there. Not to mention all the support you had the first few days that is now gone. Not anybody’s fault; it’s just that way. They have to get back to their lives, and you have to go back to yours, except yours will never be the same.
I know after that service I’ll never be the same, and I hope you won’t either, even just from reading this. And you know what else? If you don’t know what’s going to happen to you when you die, Rod would want you to do something about that. Right now. He would want you to make his loneliness worthwhile by meeting him someday, at the end of days, on the edge of heaven. You can do it right now.
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