May the presence of God accompany you throughout this day as we move through the weekend of national Thanksgiving.
May our loving and beneficent God be pleased with the prayers of thanks that come before Him during this weekend as we remember of all His blessings upon us as a nation.
Many are troubled this year and rightly so, but let us not forget that nothing ever takes God by surprise. The troubles that surround are not beyond His control.
Already He has fortified us to move through these times by blessing us with His own personal presence through His abiding Holy Spirit who immediately came to abide within us the moment we received Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
Let us strongly affirm that He is God. It is He Who had made us, and we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Draw near Him this season and be comforted.
This will be my final devotional for some time, perhaps months, due to rotator cuff surgery on Monday which will keep me from being able to type until the surgeon releases me. Most patients my age need longer to recuperate. I am asking God to be help me cooperate with the doctors and therapists, and to be patient in waiting until the area is restored. Of course, I ask that you pray with me, please.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's season filled with the joy of the Lord.
As soon as possible I look forward to sharing with you again. Thanks for your friendship.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Nov.25, 2015
"Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Ps. 100:2
Wanna turn some heads today?
Let the gladness of being a Child of God be evident as you move through your day with gladness in your heart that from time to time just breaks out in joyful singing.
It's contagious when done with a smile on your face and joy in your voice.
Give it a try today as you make this your way of expressing thanks to God on the eve of Thanksgiving which officially begins the Christmas season TOMORROW!!
Help all those around you to experience the joy of this wonderful time by setting the tone through your gladness and singing.
And if they happen not to understand, what a terrific "open door" to share your love of God and your faith in Him.
As far as I know, there isn't yet a new edict that prohibits you showing your gladness and thanks by singing a song of thanks.
You might even find some others around you who will take joy and courage to join in singing with you.
Wanna turn some heads today?
Let the gladness of being a Child of God be evident as you move through your day with gladness in your heart that from time to time just breaks out in joyful singing.
It's contagious when done with a smile on your face and joy in your voice.
Give it a try today as you make this your way of expressing thanks to God on the eve of Thanksgiving which officially begins the Christmas season TOMORROW!!
Help all those around you to experience the joy of this wonderful time by setting the tone through your gladness and singing.
And if they happen not to understand, what a terrific "open door" to share your love of God and your faith in Him.
As far as I know, there isn't yet a new edict that prohibits you showing your gladness and thanks by singing a song of thanks.
You might even find some others around you who will take joy and courage to join in singing with you.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Nov. 24, 2014
That we may not miss the importance of this sacred week, let's take time to review some Biblical passages familiar to most, but for those just being introduced to the Word of God, let;s help them discover why this week is so meaningful to America.
Share with them, "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all your lands! Psalm 100:1
Not that we must shout to get God's attention, but that our excitement of being able to make this shout as we proclaim our faith in and thanks to God; a freedom still possible in a land so quickly turning from God to embrace teachings denying His very existence.
If we who believe are not careful and eager to let our trust in Him and thanks to Him be heard we will soon lose this privilege as a nation.
What a tragedy!
Wear your thanks on your sleeve.
Demonstrate your faith through your gratitude.
And include others who may not know why they should be doing so.
This week be unashamed to SAY you are thankful and give God the praise that you are!
Share with them, "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all your lands! Psalm 100:1
Not that we must shout to get God's attention, but that our excitement of being able to make this shout as we proclaim our faith in and thanks to God; a freedom still possible in a land so quickly turning from God to embrace teachings denying His very existence.
If we who believe are not careful and eager to let our trust in Him and thanks to Him be heard we will soon lose this privilege as a nation.
What a tragedy!
Wear your thanks on your sleeve.
Demonstrate your faith through your gratitude.
And include others who may not know why they should be doing so.
This week be unashamed to SAY you are thankful and give God the praise that you are!
Monday, November 23, 2015
Nov.23, 2015
"For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God." Rom. 8:12-13
Who's in control?
If you, according the the Bible, there's every reason to reconsider.
It says that the difference between being led by the flesh and by the Holy Spirit is life itself; abundant life now, and eternal life with God FOREVER!
This absolutely does not mean that you give up the joys and wonders of life in the present.
To the contrary, those whose lives are committed to the Lordship of Jesus are far more content and filled with peace and joy than they ever experienced without Him as their Savior and dearest Friend.
Glance back at what Paul said in the verses printed above; "if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, YOU WILL LIVE."
Yes, you do have to experience it to believe it.
But, there is no other way.
Who's in control?
If you, according the the Bible, there's every reason to reconsider.
It says that the difference between being led by the flesh and by the Holy Spirit is life itself; abundant life now, and eternal life with God FOREVER!
This absolutely does not mean that you give up the joys and wonders of life in the present.
To the contrary, those whose lives are committed to the Lordship of Jesus are far more content and filled with peace and joy than they ever experienced without Him as their Savior and dearest Friend.
Glance back at what Paul said in the verses printed above; "if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, YOU WILL LIVE."
Yes, you do have to experience it to believe it.
But, there is no other way.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Nol. 20, 2015
"There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1
Let this truth from the lips of the apostle Paul saturate your heart and mind.
He told us how to live life to its fullest, BEGINNING with receiving Christ as Lord and Savior.
Then, moment by moment as we permit the Holy Spirit to be in control, or in "Lordship" of our life it becomes richer and richer.
Someone experiencing this Spirit-filled life has said that "inch by inch, it's a cinch. Mile by mile, it's a trial".
How true.
We exist physically breath by breath and heartbeat by heartbeat.
The Spirit-filled life is the same.
Jesus took us residence in our heart the moment we received Him as Savior.
Permit Him to be Lord, and the "deal is done!"
Let this truth from the lips of the apostle Paul saturate your heart and mind.
He told us how to live life to its fullest, BEGINNING with receiving Christ as Lord and Savior.
Then, moment by moment as we permit the Holy Spirit to be in control, or in "Lordship" of our life it becomes richer and richer.
Someone experiencing this Spirit-filled life has said that "inch by inch, it's a cinch. Mile by mile, it's a trial".
How true.
We exist physically breath by breath and heartbeat by heartbeat.
The Spirit-filled life is the same.
Jesus took us residence in our heart the moment we received Him as Savior.
Permit Him to be Lord, and the "deal is done!"
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Nov.. 19, 2015
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." I Tim. 6:6
This conclusion concerning life was an expression of the Apostle Paul to his young "son in the ministry, Timothy".
The origin of Paul's statement was part of the testimony of Job who stripped of this world's goods plus his own children said,"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job. 1:21
Without doubt, this is more than a philosophy.
It is the truth, but not easy to swallow.
One obtains this faith only through steadfastly focusing on God with the sincere belief that all things do work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
Every so often each of us needs to re-visit Job to get life in perspective.
Paul obviously did this, and the truth sustained him during many troubling times and trials.
We need a Rock to hold on to; The Rock of Ages.
This conclusion concerning life was an expression of the Apostle Paul to his young "son in the ministry, Timothy".
The origin of Paul's statement was part of the testimony of Job who stripped of this world's goods plus his own children said,"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job. 1:21
Without doubt, this is more than a philosophy.
It is the truth, but not easy to swallow.
One obtains this faith only through steadfastly focusing on God with the sincere belief that all things do work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
Every so often each of us needs to re-visit Job to get life in perspective.
Paul obviously did this, and the truth sustained him during many troubling times and trials.
We need a Rock to hold on to; The Rock of Ages.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Nov.18, 2015
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron." I Tim. 4:2-3
As the First Century moved nearer a close the Holy Spirit caused Paul to write Timothy the words of the Bible shown above.
Of course there has never been a season when some have not drifted away from God.
But without reservation you and I have never lived in a time when Paul's prophetic words were more relevant than this very day.
Take a look at statistics concerning Christianity in America.
Compare the most recent 75 years to see a drift that is nearing a flood tide of diminishing numbers of professing Christians and "out of business" churches in what 75 years ago was the Bible Belt where brand new churches were under construction to accomodate increasing numbers of people.
The proof is astounding.
Is it enough to wake up the sleeping church?
As the First Century moved nearer a close the Holy Spirit caused Paul to write Timothy the words of the Bible shown above.
Of course there has never been a season when some have not drifted away from God.
But without reservation you and I have never lived in a time when Paul's prophetic words were more relevant than this very day.
Take a look at statistics concerning Christianity in America.
Compare the most recent 75 years to see a drift that is nearing a flood tide of diminishing numbers of professing Christians and "out of business" churches in what 75 years ago was the Bible Belt where brand new churches were under construction to accomodate increasing numbers of people.
The proof is astounding.
Is it enough to wake up the sleeping church?
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Nov. 17, 2015
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us to do." Eph. 3:10
There is no question but that the resurrection of Jesus forever completed God's plan of salvation which was ordained before the foundation of the earth.
The birth, death, resurrection, ascension of Christ, AND HIS RETURN were all a "done deals" from before the foundation of the world. Nothing has caught God by surprise.
It is FINISHED; precisely as Jesus spoke from the cross.
Yes, He was speaking of His death, but included in His thinking was His coming again.
Our responsibility is to be aware of that "fact" and remain continually sensitive, as Christians, to the moving of His Holy Spirit in our heart.
We were created for this work.
We were equipped for it the day of our salvation when we were enabled through the indwelling Holy Spirit to accomplish what God has planned for us to do.
We, like Jesus, must be about our Father's "business".
There is no question but that the resurrection of Jesus forever completed God's plan of salvation which was ordained before the foundation of the earth.
The birth, death, resurrection, ascension of Christ, AND HIS RETURN were all a "done deals" from before the foundation of the world. Nothing has caught God by surprise.
It is FINISHED; precisely as Jesus spoke from the cross.
Yes, He was speaking of His death, but included in His thinking was His coming again.
Our responsibility is to be aware of that "fact" and remain continually sensitive, as Christians, to the moving of His Holy Spirit in our heart.
We were created for this work.
We were equipped for it the day of our salvation when we were enabled through the indwelling Holy Spirit to accomplish what God has planned for us to do.
We, like Jesus, must be about our Father's "business".
Monday, November 16, 2015
Nov. 16, 2015
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with My loving eye on you." Ps. 32:8
Former President Ronald Reagan is quoted in a book written about his life to have said, "Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all troubles man faces."
From his biography one can see that not always did the former president fully understand this truth. But after becoming the country's most powerful leader he soon realized how true were his very own words as more and more he depended upon God for wisdom to lead America, as well as to sustain himself in times of great personal stress and need for wisdom beyond his ability.
Today, let us pray that his tribe may increase as America drifts farther and farther away from the Word of God into a nation rapidly approaching spiritual deadness for lack of knowledge of what God has said.
When all else fails, the Bible will still be unchanged.
Count on it
"The B.I.B.L.E, yes, that's the Book for me.
I stand alone on the Word of God; the B.I.B.L.E!"
Former President Ronald Reagan is quoted in a book written about his life to have said, "Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all troubles man faces."
From his biography one can see that not always did the former president fully understand this truth. But after becoming the country's most powerful leader he soon realized how true were his very own words as more and more he depended upon God for wisdom to lead America, as well as to sustain himself in times of great personal stress and need for wisdom beyond his ability.
Today, let us pray that his tribe may increase as America drifts farther and farther away from the Word of God into a nation rapidly approaching spiritual deadness for lack of knowledge of what God has said.
When all else fails, the Bible will still be unchanged.
Count on it
"The B.I.B.L.E, yes, that's the Book for me.
I stand alone on the Word of God; the B.I.B.L.E!"
Friday, November 13, 2015
Nov. 13, 2010
"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jer. 31:25
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn is face toward you and give you peace." Lev. 6:25-26
In my youth a pastor dismissed our congregation with the benediction which was given by God Himself to Moses with instructions to Aaron and his sons to pass on as they pronounced the blessing upon the Israelites.
Today, I'd like to share with you the very same blessing in great hope that you will be blessed with thoughts of God's love for you as one of His children.
Satan has meddled and "mudded" things far too long.
It is time to reclaim God's blessings and move forward in the strength of knowing He has not deserted us, but is calling us back to Himself that we may stand, and when we have stood as long as we can to call on Him for renewal.
He is God....and always will be.
Go....and have a blessed day.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn is face toward you and give you peace." Lev. 6:25-26
In my youth a pastor dismissed our congregation with the benediction which was given by God Himself to Moses with instructions to Aaron and his sons to pass on as they pronounced the blessing upon the Israelites.
Today, I'd like to share with you the very same blessing in great hope that you will be blessed with thoughts of God's love for you as one of His children.
Satan has meddled and "mudded" things far too long.
It is time to reclaim God's blessings and move forward in the strength of knowing He has not deserted us, but is calling us back to Himself that we may stand, and when we have stood as long as we can to call on Him for renewal.
He is God....and always will be.
Go....and have a blessed day.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
NOV.12, 2015
"Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, says the Lord". Zech. 4:6
In the midst of all that is "out of sorts" in this day and time what comfort it is to know that God is still in control.
The incessant attacks upon all that is holy and sacred would drive one into despondency except for the FACT that both history and the Word of God prove that in the end God rules.
It is surely not a laughing matter; the way man has defied Holy God these days.
But those who trust is in Him can take heart in knowing He has NEVER yet been overcome by evil.
HE NEVER WILL BE!
Check it out again.
NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, SAYS THE LORD!
In the midst of all that is "out of sorts" in this day and time what comfort it is to know that God is still in control.
The incessant attacks upon all that is holy and sacred would drive one into despondency except for the FACT that both history and the Word of God prove that in the end God rules.
It is surely not a laughing matter; the way man has defied Holy God these days.
But those who trust is in Him can take heart in knowing He has NEVER yet been overcome by evil.
HE NEVER WILL BE!
Check it out again.
NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, SAYS THE LORD!
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Nov. 11, 2015
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:17-18
What Paul the apostle wrote is not "jibberish", but the whole truth.
He was assuring us that "we can make it" in this life by embracing Christianity through our personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
Life is not a "cinch".
There are multiplied glitches.
But God knew this.
That is why, from before the foundation of the world, His plan was to send His only Son, Jesus, to remove the confusion and make His Father's way plain by giving His own life on the cross and rising victorious over death, Hell and the grave in resurrection power.
It is not a myth.
Instead, it is the truth, and personally receiving Christ as Savior guarantees your eternal life in heaven. Do not complicate what He made so plain when He and rose again to life to prove that God is greater than death and to give eternal life to whosoever will accept it.
What Paul the apostle wrote is not "jibberish", but the whole truth.
He was assuring us that "we can make it" in this life by embracing Christianity through our personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
Life is not a "cinch".
There are multiplied glitches.
But God knew this.
That is why, from before the foundation of the world, His plan was to send His only Son, Jesus, to remove the confusion and make His Father's way plain by giving His own life on the cross and rising victorious over death, Hell and the grave in resurrection power.
It is not a myth.
Instead, it is the truth, and personally receiving Christ as Savior guarantees your eternal life in heaven. Do not complicate what He made so plain when He and rose again to life to prove that God is greater than death and to give eternal life to whosoever will accept it.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Nov.10,2015
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." I Jh. 2:15, 17
In this brief passage is revealed the key to life everlasting with God.
Summed up it is "doing the will of God."
The Bible tells us it is not His will that any should perish, but that all have eternal life.
This is why He sent His only Son; to give His life as a sacrifice for our sin, that we may be cleared of all guilt as our sin that is washed away in His own blood as our name is written down in heaven.
It is a complete transaction all provided by God Who so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die as the "Just" for the "unjust"; you and me.
God's plan of salvation is perfect, therefore complete.
We have one responsibility.
To believe what He has said and prove it by turning from our sin and receiving Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Do not complicate His perfect plan. Just accept it!
In this brief passage is revealed the key to life everlasting with God.
Summed up it is "doing the will of God."
The Bible tells us it is not His will that any should perish, but that all have eternal life.
This is why He sent His only Son; to give His life as a sacrifice for our sin, that we may be cleared of all guilt as our sin that is washed away in His own blood as our name is written down in heaven.
It is a complete transaction all provided by God Who so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die as the "Just" for the "unjust"; you and me.
God's plan of salvation is perfect, therefore complete.
We have one responsibility.
To believe what He has said and prove it by turning from our sin and receiving Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Do not complicate His perfect plan. Just accept it!
Monday, November 9, 2015
Nov. 9, 2015
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but for the interests of others." Phil. 2:4
Paul was not encouraging "busy-bodiness".
Each is entitled to his or her own private interests and desires.
Instead, the man of God was expressing compassion one for the other.
This is what brotherly love is about; when one willingly sacrifices in order to meet another's need.
This is what Jesus did when He gave His life on the cross to satisfy God's requirement for a perfect sacrifice to obtain forgiveness and eternal life in heaven.
Few are called on to make the ultimate sacrifice, but each of us does face the possibility of laying aside our own interest in the best interest of a friend in need.
As we rapidly approach the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, the door of opportunity may open for you to experience sacrifice by giving that needs of others may be met.
Do it as unto the Lord.
Paul was not encouraging "busy-bodiness".
Each is entitled to his or her own private interests and desires.
Instead, the man of God was expressing compassion one for the other.
This is what brotherly love is about; when one willingly sacrifices in order to meet another's need.
This is what Jesus did when He gave His life on the cross to satisfy God's requirement for a perfect sacrifice to obtain forgiveness and eternal life in heaven.
Few are called on to make the ultimate sacrifice, but each of us does face the possibility of laying aside our own interest in the best interest of a friend in need.
As we rapidly approach the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, the door of opportunity may open for you to experience sacrifice by giving that needs of others may be met.
Do it as unto the Lord.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Nov. 6, 2015
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." I Jh. 2:15,17
Few are the things said that have ever been more clearly understandable than these words spoken by the Apostle John.
Why would any logical person place his trust and confidence in something guaranteed not to last?
But it occurs every time anyone rejects Jesus Christ and chooses anything offered by this world as security for his future.
As clearly as He could state it the Holy Spirit spoke through John, the "disciple of love" who said that this world and all its desires will one day be no more, but that those who seek to live according to the will of God will live forever.
Yes, you can take the Bible literally.
Not to do so is foolishness.
Do a personal inventory.
What of that in which you are invested will remain when death occurs or Jesus returns?
Few are the things said that have ever been more clearly understandable than these words spoken by the Apostle John.
Why would any logical person place his trust and confidence in something guaranteed not to last?
But it occurs every time anyone rejects Jesus Christ and chooses anything offered by this world as security for his future.
As clearly as He could state it the Holy Spirit spoke through John, the "disciple of love" who said that this world and all its desires will one day be no more, but that those who seek to live according to the will of God will live forever.
Yes, you can take the Bible literally.
Not to do so is foolishness.
Do a personal inventory.
What of that in which you are invested will remain when death occurs or Jesus returns?
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Nov. 5.2015
"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." Rom. 8:6
Get a grip on the fact that Jesus came to change man's destiny; the ONLY PERSON who has this power.
The writer of Hebrews said in chapter 9:27 that man was destined to die once and then face judgment.
The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross changed all that and made eternal LIFE man's gift as in His resurrection He overcame death, Hell and the grave.
As we move toward Christmas, let us pause during this Thanksgiving Season to praise and thank God for turning eternal death into eternal life and committing ourself to share this good news with each unsaved friend we have.
The most meaningful thanks we can give God is to extend a loving hand to friends who do not know Christ personally and assist them in discovering Him in time to truly celebrate this coming Christmas as the best they have ever known!
To accomplish this,"set your mind" on Him.
He will lead you the rest of the way.
Get a grip on the fact that Jesus came to change man's destiny; the ONLY PERSON who has this power.
The writer of Hebrews said in chapter 9:27 that man was destined to die once and then face judgment.
The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross changed all that and made eternal LIFE man's gift as in His resurrection He overcame death, Hell and the grave.
As we move toward Christmas, let us pause during this Thanksgiving Season to praise and thank God for turning eternal death into eternal life and committing ourself to share this good news with each unsaved friend we have.
The most meaningful thanks we can give God is to extend a loving hand to friends who do not know Christ personally and assist them in discovering Him in time to truly celebrate this coming Christmas as the best they have ever known!
To accomplish this,"set your mind" on Him.
He will lead you the rest of the way.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Nov. 4, 2015
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know He hears us--whatever we ask we know that we will have what we asked of Him." I Jh. 5:15
About what are you praying?
Without doubt are you certain your petition is according to God's will?
Nothing is more important concerning the fulfillment of your request than knowing that the answer will also result in honor to God.
In the Model prayer note carefully that Jesus taught his disciples to prayer; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Will God's response to my prayer bring honor to Him?
That's the question.
Settle this matter first.
Then pray with all your heart, and with absolute confidence that it will come to pass in His time.
About what are you praying?
Without doubt are you certain your petition is according to God's will?
Nothing is more important concerning the fulfillment of your request than knowing that the answer will also result in honor to God.
In the Model prayer note carefully that Jesus taught his disciples to prayer; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Will God's response to my prayer bring honor to Him?
That's the question.
Settle this matter first.
Then pray with all your heart, and with absolute confidence that it will come to pass in His time.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Nov.3, 2015
"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap, if we do not lose heart." Gal. 6:9
Yes, you are right. You read the same Scripture yesterday as today, and the reason has to do with a memory of one of the dearest and most compassionate friends my wife and our family ever knew.
I thought of her immediately when recently I read an account of the baptism of a man who at age 15 heard the sermon of an evangelist who had chosen I Corinthians 16:22 as his text; If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed, O Lord come."
It took 85 years for the spoken word to bear fruit in this man's life, but it did as he was baptized at age 100.
Do not be dismayed if you feel that your witness for Christ does not result in an immediate response from the one with whom you have shared it.
It took 85 years for the fifteen year old to realize he needed to follow through on the message of the evangelist, but he did.
"Due season".
Only God knows how long that may be.
But He does!
Yes, you are right. You read the same Scripture yesterday as today, and the reason has to do with a memory of one of the dearest and most compassionate friends my wife and our family ever knew.
I thought of her immediately when recently I read an account of the baptism of a man who at age 15 heard the sermon of an evangelist who had chosen I Corinthians 16:22 as his text; If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed, O Lord come."
It took 85 years for the spoken word to bear fruit in this man's life, but it did as he was baptized at age 100.
Do not be dismayed if you feel that your witness for Christ does not result in an immediate response from the one with whom you have shared it.
It took 85 years for the fifteen year old to realize he needed to follow through on the message of the evangelist, but he did.
"Due season".
Only God knows how long that may be.
But He does!
Monday, November 2, 2015
Nov. 2, 2015
"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lost heart." Gal. 6:9
We way may be in that "due season" spoken of by Paul in this word of encouragement to the church in Galatia.
As statistics reveal rapidly decreasing attendance and financial support through entire denominations it would be tempting to "throw in the towel" and consider all that has been accomplished in the past as a "lost cause".
But not so!!
In our lifetime there has not been a greater time to be faithful and loyal to God and let our lights so shine before men that they may see our good works....AND GLORIFY THE FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.
Good works do not amount to the proverbial "Hill of Beans" UNLESS God is glorified anyway.
So, do not be discouraged.
The darker the world the brighter the light of Christianity, provided we who are named by His name remain faithful.
Stay the course. Stand up, stand up for JESUS!
We way may be in that "due season" spoken of by Paul in this word of encouragement to the church in Galatia.
As statistics reveal rapidly decreasing attendance and financial support through entire denominations it would be tempting to "throw in the towel" and consider all that has been accomplished in the past as a "lost cause".
But not so!!
In our lifetime there has not been a greater time to be faithful and loyal to God and let our lights so shine before men that they may see our good works....AND GLORIFY THE FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.
Good works do not amount to the proverbial "Hill of Beans" UNLESS God is glorified anyway.
So, do not be discouraged.
The darker the world the brighter the light of Christianity, provided we who are named by His name remain faithful.
Stay the course. Stand up, stand up for JESUS!
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