DISCERNING THE TIMES!

 

Thursday, August 13, 2026

 

DISCERNING THE TIMES!

   

Matt 16:1-3

16 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

 

          There is an old poem that says: “Red sun at night – sailor’s delight. Red sun at morning – sailors take warning!” It is basically what Jesus said in response to the Jews’ request for a sign from heaven.

 

          Here in North Texas, we are approaching the days of two seasons. Soon ranchers and all but the newcomers to our state will be carrying a jacket in their pickup truck. The jacket is for the cool mornings driving to work or feeding cattle. In the late afternoon the jacket is discarded because summer is clinging to life. It is an unconscious way of life here.

 

          But what are the spiritual signs and seasons that we might observe? Jesus only warned us that the spiritual of the world would be like that of the days just before the flood when Noah and sons were busy building the ark. (Matthew 24:37) People would be busy satisfying themselves. There would be a general disregard for things that are holy or even wholesome. Well, it has gotten much worse than that! It’s morning and the sky is red!

 

 “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matt 24:42

 

Dear Lord, we can sense that things are winding down here on earth. Help us to be both observant and prepared for your return. AMEN

 

HOW TO HAVE A BRIGHT OUTLOOK!

 

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Please enjoy this “Classic” devotion

 

HOW TO HAVE A BRIGHT OUTLOOK!

 

Phil 2:13-15

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

 

Positive people produce a positive impact on the world around them. They are pleasant to be around, and others are attracted to them. Today is a fresh page for us and we have a choice. Here are a few suggestions from the Bible on how to have a bright outlook.

 

1. BEGIN WITH FAITH IN GOD!

 

Ps 37:3-5

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

 

People of faith live as if they know a secret. Indeed, they do for they have an unseen helper in every trouble and an unseen guide in every confusing circumstance.

 

2. ADD GENUINE LOVE!

 

Love causes us to desire the very best for others.

 

1 Thess 2:7-8

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

 

3. LOOK FOR GOD IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE!

 

Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers and falsely imprisoned by his master, but he kept looking for God’s purpose in it all.

 

Gen 50:20

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

 

4. VIEW YOUR WORK AS A GIFT TO GOD!

 

2 Chron 31:21

21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

 

Col 3:23

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

 

5. LEARN TO FORGIVE!

 

Matt 18:21-22

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 

Learning to forgive makes it unnecessary to carry around a heavy load of anger and hate. The mind is free to focus on productive things instead of always thinking of ways to get even.

 

6. CONTROL YOUR THINKING!

 

Phil 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Dear Lord, by your strength, let me turn my obstacles into steppingstones. Thank you that my future is bright because of your promises! AMEN

 

THE CONFIRMATION!

 

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

 

THE CONFIRMATION!

 

Gen 24:20-21

20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.

 

          Given the task of finding a wife for Isaac, this un-named senior servant took his journey without knowing when, where, or how God would confirm His choice. He offered God some assistance by suggesting that the young lady draw water for his camels. When Rebekah did exactly that it nearly paralyzed him with wonder!

 

          Adam Clarke makes this comment: “And he was so lost in wonder and astonishment at her simplicity, innocence, and benevolence, that he permitted this delicate female to draw water for ten camels, without ever attempting to afford her any kind of assistance! I know not which to admire most, the benevolence and condescension of Rebekah, or the cold and apparently stupid indifference of the servant of Abraham. Surely they are both of an uncommon cast.”

 

          If you are on an uncertain journey of obedience, expect God to wondrously confirm His choices for your direction. Sometimes there is a fine line between the divine and the weird.

 

Dear Lord, confirm your guidance for those who are waiting for direction. AMEN