YET MORNING CAME!

 

Saturday, August 31, 2024

 

YET MORNING CAME!

 

Acts 27:27-29

27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some [as yet unknown] country; 28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: [about 120 feet] and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. [about 90 feet deep]

29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, [back of the ship] and wished for the day.

 

          Paul and others on the wooden vessel were in the midst of a “named” storm [Euroclydon]. They thought they might be near land, so they sounded the depths. They were, indeed, getting closer to shore but the unsuspected storm caught them completely unprepared. So do most of life’s storms.

 

          Anchors are important during times of great churning stress! Look around you and find your strong points. Hold on tight to what does not change nor give way during trouble. God, Jesus, Church, and the right kind of friends are four strong anchors. Hang on!

 

          Hope is always preferred over despair. They “wished for the day.” Everything looks better in the light – even a shipwreck!

 

Ps 30:5

weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the light of morning and the hope of a brighter day. AMEN

 

HUMBLE SERVICE TO A MIGHTY KING!

 

Friday, August 30, 2024

 

HUMBLE SERVICE TO A MIGHTY KING!

 

Rom 1:1

1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

 

James 1:1

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

 

2 Peter 1:1

1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ,

 

Jude 1

1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

 

At the beginning of their Epistles, Paul, James, Peter, and Jude, use, indiscriminately, the expressions -- "servant of God," and "servant of Christ," as if they were synonymous. It is one of the unintended and therefore strongest arguments for the Deity of Christ. James combines the two. And in every case each apostle places it first as his highest title -- above his apostleship.

 

Seventy-three (73) times in the Old and New Testaments God refers to His own as “my servant.” We read my servant Moses, my servant David and my servant Jacob. Each had different tasks assigned and some are more highly regarded by their brethren, but God views them all the same. They were His servants.

 

"If two angels were to receive at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule earth's grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell to his lot, the post of ruler or the post of scavenger; for the joy of the angels lies only in obedience to God's will, and with equal joy they would lift a Lazarus in his rags to Abraham's bosom, or be a chariot of fire to carry an Elijah home." — John Newton

 

We seek our honor in the tasks we are assigned, as if God has wisely chosen greater or lesser servants. We think that God looks out over the sea of available servants and chooses a great leader and then he spies a street sweeper. We honor one and think little of the other – but God honors BOTH who faithfully serve.

 

John 12:26

26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

 

Thank you, Lord, that today I may be one of your servants. Keep me from both pride and disappointment in my assignment for I am privileged to be a servant of a Great Master and not necessarily a servant with a great task. AMEN

 

THE WAR BETWEEN FLESH AND SPIRIT!

 

Thursday, August 29, 2024

 

THE WAR BETWEEN FLESH AND SPIRIT!

 

(Scripture Reading: Romans 8:1 – 15)

 

Rom 8:1-2

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

          True believers feel the constant push and pull between the Flesh and the Spirit. This entire eighth chapter of Romans deals with the particulars of it. This conflict is a recurring theme in Paul’s writings, and he mentions it once again when writing to the Galatians.

 

Gal 5:17

17 For the flesh lusteth against [has different desires and interests than] the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary [are in opposition] the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [because of the conflict]

 

          The “flesh” would include not only our physical bodies which have natural urgings that demand to be satisfied. It also refers to the thoughts of the mind that does not properly respond to God. Spiritual rebirth through salvation does not replace the flesh but places another spirit alongside it. The battle thus begins and continues throughout life. We vacillate in our allegiance to either the flesh or the spirit. At one time we are carnal and at other times spiritual. Paul acknowledges this in agonizing detail in Romans chapter 7.

 

Rom 7:19

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

 

          In Romans 8:3 Paul explains that the Law could not produce righteousness because it was “weak through the flesh.” In other words, the law prescribed rules which the weak flesh was incapable of fulfilling. Christ, total Spirit, perfectly fulfilled these requirements on our behalf while he was in the flesh.

 

          So, how can we enjoy victory in this cosmic conflict? The secret is in surrender. Did you know that even after the second atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, conventional bombing runs continued for days later? Why? Because the Japanese refused to surrender! The conflict did not cease until there was surrender.

 

Dear Lord, I surrender today to Thy Spirit and ask that you completely vanquish the enemy within me. AMEN

 

KINDNESS

 

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

 

KINDNESS

 

Eph 4:31-32

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

 

          Kindness is so rare these days that when we see it or experience it we are brought to tears. The word in the Greek is chrestos which basically means “to be usefully employed; gracious and good.”

 

          Naomi rejoiced when Ruth told her of the kindness of Boaz who ordered his harvesters to drop “handfuls of grain intentionally” so that Ruth might gather an apron full. You can read it for yourself in Ruth 2:20.

 

          Kindness is doing the unexpected, good thing. It is the much-maligned police officer who, in the morning hours, finishes his shift by buying a homeless woman a breakfast at a fast-food drive through. Kindness is the fast-food clerk who refuses to allow that same officer to pay for the food. Kindness is sitting with that homeless lady while she sits eating her food. He talks with her as if she were “normal” and not homeless. Kindness is driving her to a homeless shelter and bidding her good fortune.

 

Let me be a little kinder

Let me be a little blinder

To the faults of those about me

Let me praise a little more

Let me be when I am weary

Just a little bit more cheery

Think a little more of others

And a little less of me

Glen Campbell

 

Prov 3:26

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

 

Lord, while others are cursing the darkness, let me shine a light. AMEN

 

WORDLESS PRAYERS

 

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

 

WORDLESS PRAYERS

 

Rom 8:24-26

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

 

          I awoke this morning very early with a cyclone of random and troubling thoughts. This is more normal for me than uncommon. I generally take it as a prompting from God to meet with him in prayer and meditation. Often that is better than sleep. However, when this happens, I can seldom express myself with words. That is when the Spirit grabs the other end of my burden.

 

          The word “helpeth” in the Greek is sunantilambanomai which means “to take hold of together; to co-operate; to assist.” I find that much more expressive, and I am encouraged by remembering the words of the Psalmist.

 

Ps 121:3-4

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

 

          The Hebrew word for “keepeth” is shamar and means “to hedge about with thorns.” It commonly is used to refer to one on guard duty. My God never sleeps on guard duty so, when I awake sleepy-eyed, He is fully awake, alert, and aware of my thoughts.

 

          Subtle desires which have not yet reached complete thoughts are carried to the throne room of heaven by the Holy Spirit along with their interpretation. In fact our inward groans are given a language and becomes a prayer which God fully understands.

 

Ps 55:1-2

55 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

 

Dear Lord, help those of us who cannot find adequate language to express ourselves. Please carry those incomplete and inadequate prayers to the Father. AMEN

 

THE GOD OF HOPE!

 

Monday, August 26, 2024

 

THE GOD OF HOPE!

 

Rom 15:13

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

 

          Paul, writing to the Romans, offers multiple views of God. In Romans 15:5, He is the God of patience and consolation. The patience is His and the consolation is ours! Here the word “consolation” is paraklesis and is the same word that is translated “comforter” when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit in John 14:16. The word is made more powerful by the use of a definite article making it “THE consolation.” Consolation is in the person of Jesus Christ.

 

          He is the God of peace in Romans 15:33 and the word “peace” is eirene and indicates both quietness and prosperity. It also is preceded by a definite article which makes it “THE peace.” Peace, both quietness and prosperity, is in the person of Jesus Christ.

 

          In our text this morning, He is the God of hope. Here hope is elpis (el-pece’) and means both expectation and confidence. Once again it is forcefully preceded by a definite article. The hope that we have in eternity is an expectant hope. It is like an “expectant” mother large with child. She is confident of delivery but uncertain of the date! Many signs, both visible and known only to her, assure her that her hope is well founded.

 

Dear Father, all around we see signs and evidence of your soon coming. Inside us there is also a confidence that our hope is well founded. Thank you, Lord, that our hope, our peace and our consolation is firmly grounded in your person. AMEN

 

HOW TO AVOID CYNICISM

 

Sunday, August 25, 2024

 

HOW TO AVOID CYNICISM

 

Eccl 1:14-15

14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

 

Fourteen times in the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon concludes that “all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Solomon looked around and concluded that everything was futile and empty, a chasing after the wind. He doesn’t sound like the kind of guy you would want to be around!

 

Solomon said that which is crooked could not be made straight and the things that are broken could not be numbered. Cynicism may have good cause these days, but it is a carrier of spiritual paralysis. The cynic soon becomes ineffective at ministering to others because he has lost hope and has become self-focused. He has become a bitter and brittle gripe who is always finding a fly in his soup. He feels short-changed, exploited and passed over. 

 

So how can we avoid the cancer of cynicism in our life? Let me offer a few suggestions.

 

Ø Become involved in ministering to others. This will change your focus away from yourself and give you a more balanced perspective. There is nothing more healing to your own wounds than bandaging those of another.

Ø Stop complaining about missed opportunities. Look for new ones.

Ø Don’t yield to the temptation to stop doing what is right.

Ø Do what you can and then leave the rest to God.

Ø Mentor and encourage someone of the next generation. They will take your place whether you like it or not. They may as well benefit from some of the things you have learned the hard way! Be warned, however, that they will not listen carefully.

Ø Don’t allow unresolved conflicts to remain. Apologize if you have done wrong. Forgive if you have been wronged. Practice reconciliation at every opportunity.

Ø Don’t fret about anything but pray about everything.

 

We are all headed for the “rocking chair.” We will sit there sullen and alone or we will be visited by a line of those who admire our peace and seek our advice. It all depends upon how we manage to live under the circumstances.

 

Dear Lord, please spare me from becoming sullen and bitter. Let me function firmly and positively even though the circumstances of life may be hard. Let me be an encouragement to someone else today. AMEN

 

TWO UNCOMFORTABLE PARTY GOERS

 

Saturday, August 24, 2024

 

TWO UNCOMFORTABLE PARTY GOERS

Luke 15:20-25

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

 

          Both sons felt uncomfortable at the welcome home party. One because he felt unworthy and the other because he felt superior. One son had wasted while the other son had worked. One son received grace while the other son desired gratitude.

 

          The word “worthy” here is the Greek word axios and basically means “deserving.” The wild son knew that he had done nothing worthy of reward. He felt uncomfortable in the presence of grace. The merriment he witnessed seemed excessive.

 

          The word “serve” in verse 29 is the Greek douleuo and means “slave.” Interestingly, the younger son asked to be a slave while the elder son felt cheated out of his reward.

 

          Too many Christians grow up in a belief system that demands we work to earn God’s love while God stands ready with a robe and a kiss. They may acknowledge God’s grace for salvation, but they impose iron bands around their present and future behavior. They have never learned to forgive themselves.

 

Rom 4:7-8

7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

 

Dear Father of Grace and Mercy, let me both receive your forgiveness and forgive myself. Let my changed behavior be founded on love and not law. AMEN

 

BE OF GOOD COURAGE

 

Friday, August 23, 2024

 

BE OF GOOD COURAGE

 

Isa 41:6-7

6 They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

7 So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. KJV

 

Warren Wiersbe said of this portion: “The prophet presents four pictures to encourage the people. In contrast to the fear experienced by the Gentile nations is the confidence shown by Israel, God's chosen servant (41:8-13), because God was working on their behalf. In spite of their past rebellion, Israel was not cast away by the Lord. The Jewish captives did not need to fear either Cyrus or Babylon, because Cyrus was working for God, and Babylon would be no more.”

 

Satan is the great Discourager! He will constantly assure you that you are no good; that you can’t do it; that you aren’t worth it. God, on the other hand, has bought you with the blood of His one and only Son! You are worth it, and you can do it! When we find ourselves complaining, pointing fingers, and discouraging one another, guess which spirit we are aligned with?

 

Isa 41:10

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

 

Dear Lord, I know that discouraged people discourage others. Encourage me today so that I may be an encouragement to those who are down. AMEN

 

DESCRIBE YOUR GOD TO ME!

 

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Please enjoy this “classic” devotional

 

DESCRIBE YOUR GOD TO ME!

 

          Let’s say I walk up to you on the street and tell you that I am desperately interested in finding the true God. I am, however, very confused and would like you to help me find the one true God out of all the possibilities swirling around me. I tell you that you look like the kind of person I would like to become, and I want to find your God. Please describe your God to me.

 

          Now, before you begin with a list of memorized characteristics, remember that I want to know your very own description and perception of Him. Who is He and what is He to you personally? OK, go!

 

          It’s not so easy, is it? Not because you can’t do it but because you find yourself embarrassed at your own definitions. Your relationship with a personal God seems weak and selfish. Perhaps you have subscribed to the “Santa Claus” God who looks the other way when you sin and gives you stuff when you pray. Is this the kind of God you want to present to this desperately seeking person? Let me see if I can help by sharing portions of the Bible.

 

1. GOD IS NEAR – NOT FAR AWAY!

 

Deut 4:7

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

 

2. HE IS THE ONLY GOD!

 

Deut 6:4-5

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

 

Acts 4:11-12

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

          If you think about it, monotheism is the only method that makes sense. If God is God, then He stands alone. It is called “The Law of Exclusion.” God, if He really is God, excludes all other competitors.

 

3. GOD IS HOLY!

 

Ps 99:9

9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

 

          The root word for “holy” indicates One that is pure, clean, moral and sacred. He should not, therefore, be thought of or treated like “one of the guys,” or the “man upstairs!” He does not run with me – I am invited to travel with Him. He does not bend to my fashion – I am challenged to change my garments and make them white in the Blood of the Lamb!

 

Eph 4:22-24

Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

 

4. HE IS A GOOD GOD!

 

Ps 100

100:1 A Psalm of praise.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

 

1 Peter 3:15

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

 

Dear Lord, let me not squeeze you into my handmade mold but let me know you and serve you as you truly are.  AMEN