TURNING ENEMIES INTO FRIENDS!

 

Friday, July 31, 2026

 

TURNING ENEMIES INTO FRIENDS!

 

Prov 16:7

7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

 

          If a person lives long enough, and is honest with himself and others, he will have a few enemies. This will happen without much effort as opposing opinions and convictions collide. As with most collisions, there is wreckage and debris.

 

          Our proverb does not focus on either opposing party. Instead, it focuses on the Lord. When our ways please God it is amazing how He works in our life to minimize conflict. That is not to say that all who please God will be totally free of conflict for that would require the cooperation of both parties and that rarely happens.

 

          Turning enemies into friends requires forgiveness. Former hurts need not remain as current irritations. A painful past need not remain a painful present. Grace is essential. Forgiveness may not change the offending party but it is the healing ointment for the one injured.

 

Rom 12:18

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

 

Dear Lord, may my ways be pleasing to you and my enemies become friends. AMEN

 

NO GREATER JOY!

 

Thursday, July 30, 2026

 

NO GREATER JOY!

 

3 John 4

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

 

As a father, grandfather, and pastor, I know the joy that John knew. He refers to himself in verse one as the elder which has a dual meaning. One refers to his position because the word in the Greek is presbuteros and means Sanhedrist or presbyter. It refers to the joy of a pastor when his flock walks in truth. The other meaning is simply “old.” I now own both distinctions so I know the thrill when my children walk in truth whether they be from my loins or my labor.

 

The word walk is the Greek peripateo which means “to tread all around or to walk at large” and the idea is that this person displays a consistent lifestyle. In this case that lifestyle is “in truth.”

 

Can your father or your pastor say this of you? When you “tread all around” do you present a consistent Christian lifestyle?

 

Ps 26:1-3

26 Judge me, O Lord ; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord ; therefore I shall not slide.

2 Examine me, O Lord , and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

 

Lord, when I “tread all around” may others see me walking consistently in the truth. AMEN

 

INFLUENCE!

 

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

 

INFLUENCE!

 

Matt 5:13-16

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

Salt in those days was impure and mixed with vegetable or mineral substances. Rock salt! When subjected to wind, rain, and sun the salt would lose its saltiness. All that would be left was gravel that was good only for paving pathways. Only the salt that remained “close to the rock” remained salty! (Source: The Land and the Book, vol.ii.pp.43,44)

 

Salt is not food. It only influences the flavor of the food. Salt is also a preservative. That is why Jesus likened His followers to salt. We make the bitter and tasteless world more palatable. For those who will listen, we also invite them into a relationship with God that will preserve them from damnation. We are here to influence others for good.

 

Our government is full of unelected people whose only job is to influence those who make laws and policies. The total number of registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C. is 10,400 and their spending has topped $1.66 Billion – with a “B”. (Source: OpenSecrets.org) Appropriate conclusions can be drawn from this.

 

Unlike the professionals who influence government, believers are to influence others for good. Having received God’s mercy, we then share His mercy with others. We seek to keep our hearts pure that God might be seen in our lives today. We become peacemakers in a troubled world and channels for God's mercy, purity, and peace.

 

Col 4:6

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

 

Lord, let me lobby and influence others for good today. AMEN

 

IT IS HARD TO DRIVE A NAIL ONCE BENT

 

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

A Classic

 

IT IS HARD TO DRIVE A NAIL ONCE BENT

 

Eccl 1:15

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

 

Eccl 7:13-14

13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

 

This proverb urges man to be in submission to the providence of God. We often decide that God has made things crooked and we then engage in the task of making the circumstances straight. We want the circumstances to fit our notion of what should be right. We preachers do this all the time thinking that to be our calling. It is a Messiah complex that often frustrates us when crooked people can’t be made straight by our efforts. Some things and some people can’t be made straight simply by wanting them to be.

 

We are left with two courses of action regarding the workings of God. These are listed in verse fourteen. First, in the day of prosperity when everything seems straight to us, be joyful and thank God that there are no uncomfortable twists and turns in the circumstances of your life. In the day of adversity consider that there is nothing certain in this life. The word “consider” means to study thoroughly or to meditate to fully and properly understand but we can’t fully understand why God does what He does. He has His own plans and purposes. In the absence of understanding He are to trust in His nature, wisdom and goodness.

 

It is hard to drive a nail once bent. There will always be a weakness that keeps it from piercing true. Some things once done can’t be undone and crooked people can be made straight by God alone.

 

Luke 13:11-13

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

 

Jesus, Master Carpenter, make straight the crookedness in my loved ones and make straight the crookedness in me. AMEN

 

THE SHEPHERD’S REWARD!

 

Monday, July 27, 2026

 

THE SHEPHERD’S REWARD!

 

Matt 10:16

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

 

Luke 6:22-23

22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

 

          Every now and then a well-respected researcher will provide a long list of reasons why men abandon the ministry. They usually list long hours, little pay, and even less appreciation as incentives for the minister to quit. Impossible expectations, double standards, and human conflict add to the depressing weight. But these lists usually are missing some very important things.

 

          For every human conflict that the minister must endure there are innumerable steadfast friends! The long hours of being on call and on the job are balanced by flexibility. For every disappointing human failure there are countless reasons to rejoice, and even a few miracles along the way. This is not carpentry or mechanics. It resembles farming, which is subject to the quality of the soil and the timely mixture of sun and rain. God is the essential ingredient in every success and the comfort in every loss.

 

The concept of ministry is strengthened when the use of the Greek word ‎doulos ‎is noted. This was the term for a bondslave, one who was offered his freedom, but who voluntarily surrendered that freedom in order to remain a servant. This idea typified Jesus' purpose, as described by Paul in Phil 2:7.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

 

          Raw statistics cannot, by themselves, measure the profitability of ministry. If you want to be rich, then enter the marketplace. If you want to be respected, become a physician. If you want power, become a lawyer. But if you want to make a difference in the lives of people for all eternity then the calling of gospel ministry has no equal.

 

1 Tim 1:12

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

 

Thank you, Lord, for the flocks you have placed in my hands. Let me always be faithful. Let me always measure success and failure in the same way you do. AMEN

 

A GOOD THING!

 

Sunday, July 26, 2026

 

A GOOD THING!

 

Prov 18:22

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

 

Gen 2:18

18 And the Lord  God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

 

          Solomon, who wrote these proverbs, had 700 wives and 300 concubines! Despite his evident difficulty, he certainly was right when he said “whoso findeth a [true] wife findeth a good thing.” It is hard to imagine the home life of this man!

 

          Several things come to mind as I think of what is meant by finding this “good thing.” I think we must begin with a good woman with chaste morals, incorruptible virtues and a tender heart. A good woman, however, would not necessarily be a good wife to all men. In Genesis the word “meet” means “a part opposite; a counterpart!” This speaks of a perfect fit. The idea is compatible temperaments, tastes, habits, culture and goals. This lady is hard to find, and so Solomon, who had a thousand to choose from, gets it right when he says that the man who finally finds her has obtained favor from the Lord.

 

          I have found her! She said yes! Fifty-eight years ago today a beautiful and talented young lady became my wife. My first sight of her literally caused me to tremble. I had found a treasure. I knew immediately that my search was over, but I was sure that God would have to cloud her vision against my ugliness and darken her mind to my faults. Oh, dear God, could it be? She said yes!

 

          This morning we won’t say much while sipping our coffee but simply enjoy being close and enjoying the only cool portion of a Texas day. We will glance at each other from time to time and smile without saying what each of us know. We have been given a good thing.

 

Prov 19:14

14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers, and a prudent wife is from the Lord.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the rich treasure you have given me in my wife. AMEN

 

LET TRIALS PURIFY YOU!

 

Saturday, July 25, 2026

 

LET TRIALS PURIFY YOU!

 

1 Peter 1:6-7

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

         Trials are not an inducement to sin. Trials are to “test our metal.” Precious metals are subjected to incredible heat to remove impurities. Peter likens our trials and troubles to that refining fire. So, in times of great distress, allow the experience to drive you to God and drive you to your knees. Ask God to reveal and remove your impurities.

 

         Charles Stanley said there are no less than ten things to consider when you are going through a trial.

 

1.    God is in control of the time & intensity of my trial.

2.    God has a specific purpose for my trial.

3.    This trial is designed to meet a specific need.

4.    The trial will be good for me if I respond in faith.

5.    This trial can strengthen my faith.

6.    This trial is an opportunity to demonstrate perseverance under pressure.

7.    This trial will develop Christlikeness in me.

8.    This trial will help me measure my spiritual maturity.

9.    God will walk me through my trial.  (“The Lord is at hand!”)

10.By God’s grace and power, I will overcome this trial.

 

 

Ps 91:14-15

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

 

         God has promised to answer you when you pray. Verse 15 promises that He will be with you in trouble. Do you sense His presence even in difficulty? He plans to deliver you and honor you. Watch for it – wait for it. It’s coming.

 

Dear Lord, many of my friends are going through extreme difficulty. Please be with them and hurry to help them. AMEN

 

MY PRECIOUS BURDEN!

 

Friday, July 24, 2026

 

MY PRECIOUS BURDEN!

 

Ps 55:22

22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

 

          Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “burden” in Psalm 55:22 is strictly translated “what is given.” It is something received. I think it might have been given intentionally! One of Merriam – Webster’s definitions of “burden” is “responsibility!” Perhaps your burden is your job or some illness. Maybe it is worrying over a troubled teen who is struggling to find his or her way. My current ministry is to care for my wife as we both age. It has been given and I have received it.

 

          Because I write a devotional every day, I subscribe to several online devotionals myself. I often need a starter to pique my creativity. Well, the following is shamelessly stolen from the late Dr. Adrian Rodgers. I think it wonderfully fits.

 

 “I read about a man who had a very fine dog who loved the water. One day the dog was playing in the lake and the man decided to leave. He called the dog, but the dog wouldn’t come. He called him several times; he wouldn’t come. It was a well-trained dog, but he just would not come. The man finally threw a stick out in the water. When the dog saw it, he swam over, got the stick, and came back and laid it at his master’s feet. It just may be that God has given you a burden because He can’t get your attention. He wants you to come and lay it at your Master’s feet.”

 

So, today I will look at my burdens differently. I will see them as the ringing of my spiritual telephone. God is on the line and wants to talk. He is willing to trade my burden for a little of my time.

 

Dear Lord, Thank you for my burden. I am sorry that you must resort to such means in order to get my attention. I love you, Lord. AMEN

 

DIVINE DETOURS!

Thursday, July 23, 2026

 

DIVINE DETOURS!

 

Ex 13:17-18

17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed (able bodied and armed) out of the land of Egypt.

 

          The word “near” in verse 17 is the same that is used to describe a near kinsman. It indicates a route that is familiar, comfortable, and much shorter. The reason is that this rag tag group of rebel slaves were not prepared to meet the well-trained and equipped  armies of the Philistines. They would have likely been defeated, discouraged, and would have repented of their own freedom so God took them through the way of the wilderness.

 

          This wilderness way brought them into a trap between two mountains on either side, the Red Sea in front, and Egyptian armies behind. Only God could save them now! What a perfect time for a miracle.

 

          Maybe you are confused by the route by which God is leading you. It is not familiar, it is not comfortable, and it seems dangerous or costly. If this is the case, then be on the lookout for miraculous intervention because God knows the way. Trust Him and follow.

 

Dear Lord, we have walked this way before and here we are safe! How quickly we forget your protection and provision along Divine Detours. Grant us the faith to trust you and to follow. AMEN

  

THE GLORY OF THE CROSS!

 

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

 

THE GLORY OF THE CROSS!

 

Gal 6:14-15

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

 

          The Politics of the Cross: What is it about the cross that makes it such a lightning rod of controversy? We are beginning to see the desecration of Christian graves and crosses by Muslim zealots. Perhaps it was the sign of the crusades which still enrages the Muslim world but the Psalmist, I think, has a better explanation for the geo-political animosity to the cross.

 

Ps 2:1-4

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

 

          The Person of the Cross: Paul knew the power of the cross. Jesus Christ is mentioned 45 times in the book of Galatians which means that one third of all the verses contain some mention of Christ. Christ had completely captivated Paul. The cross was an instrument of cruelty, horror and shame until Jesus hung thereon.

 

          The Power of the Cross: To Paul, a learned Jewish rabbi, the teaching of the cross was foolish. The Jews expected Messiah to come and rule by restoring the kingdom but the idea of Messiah dying on the cross was completely foreign to them. In the death and resurrection of the cross the power of God is released upon the world, the flesh and the devil. The power of the cross is redemption and victory.

 

          The Purpose of the Cross: The cross temporarily set aside the nation of Israel so that the gentiles might be grafted into the vine. Verse 15 says: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision [Judaism] availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. The cross established a new method of relationship with God. The cross levels the playing field because now there is no racial or national advantage. The cross ushered in the age of “whosoever.”

 

          “We may roll the thunders of eloquence, we may scatter the flowers of poetry, we may diffuse the light of science, and we may enforce the precepts of morality from the pulpit. But if we do not make Christ the great subject of our preaching, we have forgotten our errand and shall do no good. Satan trembles at nothing but the cross: at this he does tremble. And if we would destroy his power and extend that holy and benevolent kingdom, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, it must be by means of the cross."  -- J. A. James (as quoted by) -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Quotable Spurgeon, (Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, Inc, 1990)

 

Dear Lord, today let my focus be upon your cross. AMEN