THE ALL-KNOWING FATHER

"Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows."

Matthew 10:28-31

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 12/29/06

As I get older, there are more and more hairs in the sink or the comb and fewer on my head for God to keep up with. Yet and still He knows the number. God is aware of the details of our lives and concerned about what concerns us. In the big picture of life, the number of hairs on my head is no big deal. I can trust that if God knows the little things, how much more will He be aware, concerned about and involved in the big issues of my life.

As we come to a close of 2006 there are precious memories … sad moments … great accomplishments … things left undone … acts of mercy … regretted sins. This year, as are most years, has been a mixed bag of the good and the bad … the joys and the sorrows. The one thing we know for sure is that God knows how the scales were balanced for you and for me. He controls those scales and will not put more on us than be can bear (1st Corinthians 10:13).

We can only look back at 2006 and there is nothing in the past we can change. We can only look forward to 2007 with the hope and commitment, under the Lord’s control, to do more good than evil … experience more joy than sorrow.

From that perspective I say to you, “Happy New Year!”

SIMPLY FOLLOW THE MODEL

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 12/28/06

OK. Today is a day of confession. Meditation or prayer time is not one of the things that come easily for me. I struggle with carving out the time, getting secluded and being still. The phone rang as I was typing that last sentence and I just had to answer it. That’s a perfect example of my struggle.

Check out Dr. Stanley’s devotion on meditation and follow the model he describes. Who is the model? Jesus himself. Jesus took the time, found the place and became still when He spent time communing with His Father.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Note: Happy Birthday to my wonderful wife, Gennia.

IN THE MIDST OF DESPAIR … HOPE

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this happened to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us).”

Matthew 1:21-23

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 12/27/06

For some, Christmas can be a time of depression in contrast to the joy, gaiety and celebration going on all around them. If this is you, let me offer a word of encouragement.

God is still bigger than any circumstance you may be going through!

Whatever your circumstance may be (and I would never dare to make light of it), there is hope. It can be found in the name God gave His Son, “…Immanuel…”

“God is with us…” through whatever we are going and He is still in control. When your hope is in the sovereign LORD … when you trust Him with your circumstances … there is no need to despair. Our big God can handle whatever you are facing.

p.s. Don’t spend the holidays down in the dumps. Comment, if you need to talk and/or need prayer.

LISTEN TO THE ANGEL

(From the movie "The Nativity Story")

Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly. As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:18-21

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 12/22/06

Both Mary (Luke 1:26-27) and Joseph (Matthew 1:20) were visited by “an angel of the Lord”. Wisely, they listened and obeyed.

Your spirit will tell you whether the angel who speaks to you is good or evil … an angel of the Lord or one of Satan’s fallen angels. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your listening and help you to respond as Mary and Joseph did.

Angel we have heard on high,
Singing sweetly through the night.
And the mountain in reply,
Echoing their brave delight.
Glo-ri-a, in excelsis Deo.
Glo-ri-a, in excelsis Deo.

COME, LORD JESUS

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.

Revelation 22:20-21

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 12/21/06

Christmas is coming! It is just a few days away.

The excitement of the holidays is awesome. We gather for fun and family. We eat, drink and are merry. We celebrate that Jesus has come into this lost world to save humankind from their sins.

As we celebrate each year, the day when Jesus comes again draws nearer and nearer. Scripture tells us to be ready for His return and to share the message of God’s plan with an urgency that indicates His return could be today.

Our Christmas celebrations will seem pale compared to the celebration when Jesus returns. “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

A PARENT’S GIFT

I know that you sincerely trust the Lord, for you have the faith of your mother, Eunice, and your grandmother, Lois. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2nd Timothy 1:5-7

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 12/20/06

It is Christmas time and that often brings out the pencils and paper and the Christmas ‘list’ is written. The question is asked, “What do you have on your Christmas list this year?”

As a parent (or grandparent for that matter), the greatest gift you can give your children and grandchildren is your faith. Christmas comes once a year and we enjoy the excitement of the season. The excitement of a spiritual foundation can be experienced 365 days a year.

Teach your children the Holy Scriptures. Live before them a life modeled after our Savior.

“Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” – Proverbs 22:6

VIRGIN BIRTH

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”

Luke 1: 26b-28

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 12/19/06

How important is the virgin birth to the Christmas story and God’s overall plan for the salvation of mankind?

For God’s Son, Jesus Christ, to be qualified to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, He had to be a Lamb without blemish. The only way for this to be accomplished, His life, from conception to the Cross, had to be sinless. We are all born in sin. The sin nature is passed from generation to generation through the seed of man. Not so with Jesus. There was no sin nature and therefore no sin in Him because no man was involved in His birth.

God chose “…a virgin named Mary…” to carry out His perfect plan for the perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ’s conception was divine. The Holy Spirit came upon Mary (Luke 1:35) and God’s plan was set in motion.

Don’t whisk by the virgin birth as you share the Christmas story. This detail is of utmost importance!

BUSINESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

… Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.

Luke 2:4-7

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 12/18/06

On that first Christmas, the inn keeper was doing a booming business because of the census which had been ordered by the Roman emperor, Augustus. Today, the holidays are critical times for many businesses. I spoke to one business owner who shared with me that seventy-five percent of their annual business is done during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Being successful during the holidays makes or breaks their year. At the other end of the spectrum are businesses whose products or services are not related to holiday celebrations. They have to survive the holidays until folks stop traveling or celebrating and ‘get back to normal’. Either situation can be cause for anxious days.

The Apostle Peter wrote, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This Christmas, no matter whether your business is positively or negatively affected by the season, cast your cares on Jesus. There is nothing He doesn’t want to hear from you about, including your business.

And now that you are no longer anxious, focus on the fact that Jesus is the reason for the season.

BABY ON A MISSION

As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this happened to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us).”

Matthew 1:20-23

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 12/15/06

Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, is not about pretty lights, delightful food, shopping, or giving and receiving gifts. It is about a baby, the Christ child, being sent by God on the mission to “…save his people from their sins.”

From conception in the womb of the virgin, the Cross of Jesus Christ was in view. When the angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream, he communicated the mission. As we celebrate Christmas, let us also keep the Cross in view. Be prepared to communicate to those who need to hear the mission statement that the baby whom we celebrate carried out His mission two thousand years ago and is still saving His people today.

FULFILLED

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain until its purpose is achieved. So if you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5:17-19

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 12/14/06

“I am a New Testament saint.”

“We are a New Testament church.”

Have you ever heard similar declarations? Is there buried, under the surface of these statements, the agenda that I shouldn’t be concerned about those Old Testament regulations? I can embrace those that are comfortable for me, for my family, for my culture. Those that seem politically incorrect or out of step with modern society, I can ignore.

God forbid this kind of attitude! Jesus said, “…I came to fulfill…” the Law.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let’s remember why He said He was born. Include a personal/spiritual attitude check in your celebration this year. Is your attitude toward all of God’s Word in line with Jesus’ purpose for coming?

DON’T BE GREEDY

Then he said, “Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own.” … “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all? Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Luke 12:15, 20-21

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 12/13/06

Greed is a sin.

Having money or gaining material possessions in itself is not sinful. You cross the line with God when you place these earthly things ahead of your relationship with Him. Today’s scripture verses are taken from Jesus’ parable about the rich fool. He had a problem with greed. He put all his focus on what he could store in his barns. The rich fool could only focus on this life … on what it would take to ‘…eat, drink and be merry.’

This is the modern day problem of the ‘work-a-holic’. Many a marriage has been ruined because one partner is more focused on the dollar than on the marriage relationship. How much more true is this of the peril greed presents to our relationship with God!

Satan has many traps. Jesus say, “Beware! Don’t be greedy…”

TO BE ONE IN CHRIST

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are—I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me.”

John 17:20-23

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 12/12/06

It is a great and wonderful mystery how the Holy Spirit can develop our character traits, molding us into the person God has planned for us to be; change our appearance, we become the image of God to the world; and yet we retain all our individuality. What a boring world it would be if we all acted just alike, looked just alike and all had the same personality.

God gives us differences – race, culture, size, shape, gender – and still calls us to be one in Him. We can be one in Christ because He has given us, along with all our individuality and personality, God’s glory. That glory is what moves us daily from individual imperfections to our unified perfection in Christ.

CHRIST IN ME

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 12/11/06

Just a few days ago, we looked at the scripture passage from today’s devotion (Colossians 3:12-15) and focused on the character traits of the believer. Today let’s look at our appearance. As we develop the character traits of the believer our appearance to the world will change. No, our waist won’t get slimmer, legs won’t get longer or hair won’t get straighter/curlier (whatever your preference). As the Holy Spirit changes you on the inside, giving you a clean heart, a right spirit, a life filled with joy, you will look different. That is because the world will be seeing less and less of the you in you and more and more of the Christ in you.

John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” – (John 3:30).

Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to develop your character and change your appearance into the image of Christ?

GET YOUR PRAISE ON

Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

Acts 16:25-25

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 12/08/06

There is no more perfect time to ‘get your praise on’ than when life gets tough. That’s what Paul and Silas were doing. They had been locked up because of their faith in Jesus Christ. When things were very dark surrounding them – the scripture says it was midnight – they decided it was time to ‘get their praise on’.

In the midnight of your circumstances, I recommend Paul and Silas’s action plan. They began to pray and sing hymns to God. The next time things get really tough, ‘get your praise on’. Try having a praise party instead of a pity party, expecting the LORD to open doors for you … to unchain you from your tough situation.

THE WORLD’S CHRISTMAS

Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.

1st John 2:15-17

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 12/07/06

The world has taken the celebration of what happened in the manger and turned it into what happens in the mall.

I must admit that I love Christmas with all its holiday decorations, the winter chill, and the rich smells that come out of the kitchen. I love to see my grandchildren’s keys light up when they get to open their presents. There is not an ounce of scrooge in me.

It would not be hard for me to step across the line and be guilty of what the Apostle John warns us about in today’s scripture. It requires spiritual strength and maturity to enjoy the celebration of Christmas in our material culture and keep its real meaning in focus. Our focus must never leave the birth of the Christ child. We can properly enjoy Christmas only in the light of the star of Bethlehem.

Is your celebration wrapped up in the packages from the mall or in the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes in the manger?

CHARACTER TRAITS OF THE BELIEVER

Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 12/06/06

The Apostle Paul often uses lists in his letters to reveal God’s message to the readers. In Galatians 5:22-23, for example, we find the fruit of the Spirit list. Here in his letter to the church at Colosse, Paul lists those character traits that the believer must put on (“…clothe yourselves…”) in order to resemble the image of the Creator (Col.: 3:10).

• Tenderhearted mercy
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience
• Forgiving
• Loving
• Live in peace
• Thankful
  

Take a look in the mirror. What do you see in your reflection? In your character, does the world see the image of God?

OT LAW ... NT TRUTH

Run away from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Or don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

1st Corinthians 6:18-20

Everyone who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people.

Leviticus 18:29

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 12/05/06

In the Old Testament book of Law, Leviticus, we find a long list of practices which God says are detestable. In Leviticus 18, Moses records the immoral sexual practices which are an abomination to God.

As New Testament believers, the Christian needs to not make light of the severity of these practices because of there effect on “the temple of the Holy Spirit.” Surely none of these practices are beyond the grace of our LORD or more powerful than His shed blood to cleanse. That is, however, not an excuse to continue these “detestable things.” The Christian and the Church must be ready to embrace the sinner with the love of Jesus Christ without losing hold of the truth of the entire canon of God’s Word.

CHRISTMAS GIVING

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Matthew 25:37-40

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room Ministries - 12/04/06

During the Christmas season we are often presented with opportunities to give to the needy. Whether it’s toy drives for needy children, food for those in homeless shelter or gift bags for those in prisons and group homes, doors are opened … opportunities are presented … to give something that can make a difference for eternity.

As you have opportunity to reach out to those the LORD referred to as “the least of these my brothers and sisters”, give them the greatest gift of all time. Share with them your faith. Tell them your story. Let them know what Jesus has done for you and assure them that His grace and mercy is available to them as well.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ … God’s greatest gift of all time. It is the gift that will keep on giving for eternity as you share it with others who don’t know God’s Son. Will you give this gift to someone this Christmas season?

WHEN THE PRESSURE IS ON

God wants you to be holy, so you should keep clear of all sexual sin. Then each of you will control your body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion as the pagans do, in their ignorance of God and his ways. Never cheat a Christian brother in this matter by taking his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to be holy, not to live impure lives. Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

1st Thessalonians 4:3-8

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 12/01/06

Living as a wholesome and pure teenager can be very difficult. For that matter, living for Christ as a single person, no matter what your age, has tremendous challenges. Maybe the greatest challenge is what to do when you are in a relationship with someone and the pressure is on to take the relationship to the next level … you know … to have sex. Maybe the pressure is coming from the one you are in the relationship with or maybe it is coming from your own desires. No question … this is tough! Sex outside of marriage is one of Satan’s greatest schemes and all the consequences, beyond the immediate pleasure, are bad.

Don’t fall in Satan’s trap. “God has called us (you) to be holy, not to live impure lives.” When you succumb to Satan’s lure, in fact, you are “… rejecting God…”

Note: Please forward this link to all the youth in your address book and encourage them to tune in to the Gospel Pearls devo every Friday for a youth oriented message.

BE GLORIFIED

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the LORD’S greatness; let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34:1-3

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 11/30/06

If, as the InTouch author suggests, “the purpose of our life is to magnify Him”, how are you doing that in your life?

• Does your conversation at work magnify the LORD?
• Does your high spirited cheering for your child’s team magnify the LORD?
• Does the rearing of your children magnify the LORD?
• Does your social life magnify the LORD?

What about your worship? This past Sunday, did your participation in church (whether singing or serving or just sitting) magnify the LORD?

The song poet writes:

In my life, LORD, be glorified, be glorified.
In my life, Lord, be glorified today!

WINTER WONDER

Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning… “Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me. Help me, O LORD.” You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Psalm 30:4-5, 10-12

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 11/29/06

I know some of you don’t enjoy the winter. Sometimes there are long stretches of cold days. The days are shorter … the sun hides for the evening earlier and earlier. And then there is snow … cold and wet … and dangerous if you don’t know how to get around in it. Winter can be for some like days of mourning.

Having grown up where winters are very severe, I guess I got used to the conditions. Cold temperatures, snow and ice were no big deal. If fact, winter days came to represent some of my favorites days of the year. They meant snowball fights with my buddies, ice skating on frozen ponds and the beauty of the sunrise on a fresh blanket of snow. The nights revealed the beauty of houses decorated and lit up with Christmas lights. For me, winter is a season filled with joy.

If you are one of those who don’t enjoy the winter, know that it doesn’t last forever. It won’t be long and spring will break forth. Whether you prefer winter or spring, summer or fall… you can praise God … the One who fashioned them all.

MADE RIGHT WITH GOD

For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God’s anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus.

Romans 3:23-26

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 11/28/06

Satan is very good at helping you “…fall short of God’s glorious standard” and then fooling you into thinking that through some effort of your own you can work out your salvation. The truth is no amount of good works can earn you right standing in the eyes of the Father. Only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ … believing that He is God’s Son … the One who took our punishment … shedding His blood for our sins, can you be made right with God.

The work was done when Jesus Christ died on the Cross. To be made right with God, all you have to do is receive His free gift!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” –John 3:16

REMEMBERING YOUR BAPTISM

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives… For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

Romans 6:1-4, 7

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 11/27/06

One of the things within the Body of Christ that we so enjoy debating is baptism … so much so that we end up letting our baptism become one of our primary areas of division. This is certainly not my purpose today.

Like the Apostle Paul, I want to encourage you to remember your baptism and its purpose in your life. Your baptism was the public identification of your life with Jesus Christ. Paul says that you “…were baptized to become one with Jesus Christ…” For every believer, that should be a memorable occasion and Paul suggests that it is an every day reminder of the victory we have over sin, “…we were set free from the power of sin.”

Spend a moment this morning remembering your baptism and let that memory be encouragement as you face your adversary who wants to trip you up in sin.

THE GREATEST THANKSGIVING

O LORD, come and rule your people; lead your flock in green pastures. Help them to live in peace and prosperity. Let them enjoy the fertile pastures of Bashan and Gilead as they did long ago… All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the LORD will do for you. They will be embarrassed that their power is so insignificant. They will stand in silent awe, deaf to everything around them… Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing mercy. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised with an oath to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.

Micah 7:14, 16, 18-20

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 11/24/06

The Old Testament prophet Micah expressed his amazement of the LORD who, despite how His chosen people continued to make Him angry, was faithful to forgive their sin. Showing love and mercy is God’s character. God repeatedly punished Israel for their sin because He is a holy God. Those who would repent of their sin and turn back to right living were always received with compassion.

God’s compassion, love and mercy has been shown for you and me through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross. Jesus died to buy our pardon. In that one act we see both God’s holiness (the punishment for our sin was laid on Jesus) and His mercy (through a personal relationship with Jesus, our relationship to God is restored).

The greatest thing we should be thankful for is God’s amazing grace given to us through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:3-6

RESPECT YOUR ELDERS

Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:32

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 11/22/06

One of the lessons my parents taught me early in life was this – respect your elders. This meant not butting in grown folk’s conversations, giving up your seat when an elderly person needed it or saying “Yes ma’am” and “Yes sir”. This also meant loving your grandparents, sitting and listening to their stories even when all you wanted to do was get outside, run and play. I am thankful for these lessons my parents taught me.

God has opened a new door for me after years of working with young adults and youth. This new opportunity will regularly bring me in contact with the elderly. The past few years of caring for my mother before her passing have brought a new emphasis on the importance of God’s command to have “respect for the aged.” May all the lessons He has taught me keep me with a heart of compassion, understanding and love.

Think about it. Did you learn the lesson of respecting your elders? How are you living this out in your life and most important … are you teaching this lesson to this generation of children?

GOD HATES ALL SIN

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Proverbs 6:16-19

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 11/21/06

The word ‘detestable’ in verse 16 is translated ‘abomination’ in the King James Version. God is clear and precise on what sin is and how He feels about it. I did a word search on the word ‘abomination’ and it appears 135 times in the Old Testament and 6 times in the New Testament. In addition to detestable it also translates as shameful or deceitful and describes those things which God hates.

To take a quote from Today’s Devotion, Oswald Chambers nails it in describing God’s hatred of sin. He says, “Jesus Christ hates the sin in people, and Calvary is the measure of His hatred.”

How much does God hate sin? Look at the Cross.

THE GREAT SILVERSMITH

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it"

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

GOD HAS SPOKEN

Help me, O LORD my God! Save me because of your unfailing love. Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it, LORD. Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me! When they attack me, they will be disgraced! But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing! Make their humiliation obvious to all; clothe my accusers with disgrace. But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising him to everyone. For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them.

Psalm 109:26-31

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 11/20/06

I ran into a dear friend a few evenings back who is a reader of the Gospel Pearls. He told me that sometimes it seems like the devotion is speaking directly to him. That’s how it is for me with today’s Upper Room devotion. It is not so much the devotion but how God, who spoke in days long past, speaks into our daily situation.

Vickie Winans popular gospel hit is titled “We Need a Word from the LORD”. The truth is God has spoken and we can find what we need (encouragement, hope, comfort, answers, truth) in the scriptures. The Word we need is right there for us, if we will only seek it out.

CHOOSE YOUR LION CAREFULLY

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.

1st Peter 5:8

But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has conquered. He is worthy to open the scroll and break its seven seals.”

Revelation 5:5

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 11/17/06

One of the devils schemes is to try and imitate Jesus Christ but he is a liar and a deceiver. Don’t mistake the roaring lion who seeks to devour you with the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ, who is your deliverer and redeemer. The deceiver may present himself as attractive, friendly and enjoyable but his goal is to destroy your soul and block your relationship to God. Long ago, he set himself against the things of Christ.

“Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They do not believe that Jesus Christ came to earth in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out…” – (2nd John 1:7-8a).

WHAT GOD WANTS OF YOU

If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can’t make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.

James 1:5-8

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 11/16/06

Do you ever ask yourself, “What is it that God wants me to do?”

I can just imagine some of the answers you come up with. “God wants me to work in children’s ministry, the youth department, sing in the choir, go on a mission trip, teach Sunday School or maybe even preach and teach His Word.” Nothing wrong with those answers!

But imagine with me a moment if you came up with one of these answers and God wants you to do something completely different. The Apostle James tells us that the person who desires to know God’s will for their lives is wise when he asks God (not him or herself) and does not doubt that God will give the answer.

Have you stopped and asked God or are you following your own desires?

DIVINE HELP

“O LORD, God of my master,” he prayed. “Give me success and show kindness to my master, Abraham. Help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey.” … The man fell down to the ground and worshiped the LORD. “Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The LORD has been so kind and faithful to Abraham, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”

Genesis 24:12, 26-27

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 11/14/06

It is wonderful to know that there is divine help available for those big things in life as well as the day-to-day. You know … those things that you don’t take time to pray about or even might think this is too small a thing to bother God with. I can handle this on my own. God cares about even the small things.

When Paul said, “I can do all things, through Christ…” he was not exaggerating when he said ‘all’. Paul was acknowledging and giving praise to the God who is involved in the details.

God’s divine help is at work in the details of your life. Like Abraham’s servant, have you stopped to give Him the praise?

PLENTY LEFT OVER

You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten.” For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

2nd Corinthians 9: 7-10

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 11/13/06

I am struck by the idea of having “plenty left over to share with others.” There have been seasons in my life when I had “plenty left over” financially and was able to give generously. At other times, things have been very tight. Those are times when I’ve had more month left than funds to cover it. You know … those times when you can’t make ends meet.

Even when things are tight, I encourage you to cheerfully give to God His tithe (tenth) and trust Him to supply your needs. He never comes short of His Word.

This may be a season in your life when He is asking you to give to others of your time or your talent while you wait for Him to increase your treasure. Your opportunity to do good can come in mysterious and unique ways if you will only be willing and make yourself available.

LOVING AND WISE

Epaphras, our much loved co-worker, was the one who brought you the Good News. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us in your place. He is the one who told us about the great love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you. So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom.

Colossians 1:7-9

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

In Touch Ministries - 11/09/06

Epaphras, the Apostle Paul’s co-laborer in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, reported back to Paul on the loving nature of the Colossians. When they embraced Jesus Christ as Savior, they obviously began to show great love to others. Knowing Jesus will do that to you. Think about your own life. Where are you living this out? Where are you making your faith come alive by showing love for others?

Paul was pleased with the report from his brother in the gospel. He asked God to add wisdom to the love that the Colossians were showing. Think for a moment about that prayer. Can we show love and be outside God’s will? Sure we can. Have you ever seen examples of love that cripples? Let me give you a couple examples. If your expression of love for a needy person is only a hand-out and not a help hand up, it may make them dependent. If your expression of love to an addicted family member is to continually be their safety net, you are not addressing their real need and risk becoming co-dependent. If your love for your child is to give them everything they cry out for, you fail to teach them the lessons of the value of hard work or being satisfied with what they have. You may cripple them for the life they face as adults.

Paul prayed that God would add wisdom to loving nature of the Colossians. We are approaching the season where there are many opportunities presented for believers to show their loving nature. I pray as you show love you will be filled with spiritual wisdom in your expression.

HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:26-28

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 11/07/06

Let’s take a close look at what the Apostle Paul has to say about prayer offered to God by the Holy Spirit.

First, we see it has a purpose … “the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress.”

Second, the communication between God and the Holy Spirit is in a ‘language’ above our ability of expression.

Third, the Holy Spirit prays for us in tune with the heart and the will of God.

And finally, God responds to prayer of the Holy Spirit, working through our circumstances for the good of those who love Him. Yes, that could be for our good. It could also mean our distress is for the good of someone else God desires to bless.

We can trust the ultimate Prayer Warrior … the Holy Spirit … to pray the right thing!

REMINDER: Get out and vote today! God will work through you to put in place the ‘kings’ He has plans to use (Proverbs 21:1).  

DELIGHT IN GOD'S WORD

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 11/06/06

I was at a friend’s retirement celebration last night and his family and friends were telling the stories that they remembered about his life. One young man remembered being told by this godly man, “The scripture you love is the scripture you obey.” These words of encouragement had stayed with him across many years and trials.

The psalm poet speaks the same encouragement. Those who prosper in this life “…delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law.”

Do you delight in God’s Word? Is His Word hidden in your heart so you can think on it day and night? Most important … do you obey God’s Word? Do you put it into action, “…bearing fruit…” in spite of the (seasonal) changes you experience?

There is joy and prosperity for those who delight in God’s Word!

IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM

The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Was Isaiah talking about himself or someone else?” So Philip began with this same Scripture and then used many others to tell him the Good News about Jesus.

Acts 8:32-35

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 11/02/06

For the full context of the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, see Acts 8:26-40.

Philip took the eunuch’s question about an Old Testament prophetic scripture and used the opportunity to share the “…Good News about Jesus”. That’s the neat thing about the Bible. In its entirety, it is God’s revelation to us of His plan for the salvation of mankind. That plan is all about Jesus. You can start anywhere and end up at the Cross.

At the Cross, at the Cross, where I first saw the light;
And the burden of my heart rolled away.
It was there by faith, I received my sight;
And now I am happy all the day.    

HE WATCHES

The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous face many troubles, but the LORD rescues them from each and every one.

Psalm 34:15-19

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 11/01/06

How we respond to the knowledge that God is an ‘omni’ God (omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent), depends on our relationship with Him. “Those who do right…” are comfortable with an all-knowing Father while “… those who do evil…” are made very nervous by the idea of the One who is all powerful. The God who is everywhere-present sees the actions of both the good and the bad.

I rejoice knowing that Father God is watching me because even when I mess up, I know He loves me. Not my mess … me!

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free.
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me!

LIVING BY FAITH TODAY

Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”
“You didn’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

Matthew 17:19-20

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 10/31/06

How will you live by faith today?

Your commitment to living for God and standing against the evil that exists in the world will be under attack today. This is true every day but the world has selected this day … October 31st … Halloween … in particular to celebrate all that is evil. What will your response be?

This is particularly true if you have children. All they see is the fun and the candy. How tricky the devil is at his schemes! Will you succumb to the pressure and let them go along with the evil practices or will you live by faith today? Find a way to teach the positive lesson of the difference between good and evil … between what is holy and what is hellish … between God and Satan.

Taking that stand … teaching that lesson … only requires mustard seed faith. With God, nothing is impossible!    

THE PEACE OF GOD

Jesus replied, “All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and live with them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not do what I say. And remember, my words are not my own. This message is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative—and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really love me, you will be very happy for me, because now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am.

John 14:23-28

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 10/30/06

In today’s devotion, the author speaks of one aspect of peace being the absence of war. Since September 11th, that peace has been absent from the lives of all Americans. For many Americans, that lack of peace has come very close to home. In fact, in the war in Iraq, this month (October) has been one of the deadliest months on record for our troops. The families who have lost sons or daughters in the war against terror need to know the peace that God gives as world peace seems to be getting further and further out of reach. Pray for them to have the gift which Jesus Himself promised – “peace of mind and heart.”

NEW DAY

Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name.
His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 30:4-5

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 10/27/06

Yesterday may have been a day filled with disappointment or sadness. Your plans may not have gone very well and you feel like it was all a waste. You may have not been the saint you wanted to be or that God wanted you to be. When you have a day like that, there is a truth that you can count on. ITS OVER! Praise God for the past. Yesterday is a day you will never have again. Last night was a time of refreshing and renewal. Today is a new day that God has made. You can have a pity party in the problems of yesterday or you can choose the embrace the new day with rejoicing.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5b    

ONCE FOR ALL

Under the old covenant, the priest stands before the altar day after day, offering sacrifices that can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as one sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down at the place of highest honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled as a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he perfected forever all those whom he is making holy.

Hebrews 10:11-14

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 10/26/06

The reference to “…the old covenant…” speaks to that covenant God established with Moses as Israel was journeying from Egypt to the promised land. Also called ‘The Law’ it established the rules for animal and other sacrifices that were to be made for the wrongdoings of the people. These sacrifices were offered by earthly priests and offered repeatedly. In Galatians 3:24, the apostle Paul says, “…the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…” It was the guide until a more perfect covenant was established.

When God sacrificed His Son on the Cross it was the divine act of a holy God. It was done through “…our High Priest…”, Jesus himself … the sinless One. It was done once and was “…good for all time…”

Now how exciting is this? “For by that one offering he perfected forever all those whom he is making holy.” Our offering has been made, we have been perfected forever and we have been made holy. We ought never take the Cross and our relationship with Jesus for granted!

KNOWING CHRIST

I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God’s law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Philippians 3:7-9

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 10/25/06

There are many things in our lives which we place great value and importance. The homes we live in … the vehicles we drive … the clothes we wear … our spouses, parents and children … our friends. There is nothing wrong with valuing these things or investing our time, our talents and our resources in them. Our challenge with these worldly possessions is to maintain the proper perspective about them. In comparison to ‘knowing Christ Jesus my Lord’, these things, while valuable, are ‘worthless’. How much more ought we invest in our relationship with the One who died for our sins … the only One who can save us for all eternity!

FRAGRANT OR FOUL

But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume.

2nd Corinthians 2:14-16a

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 10/24/06

I have learned from my wife that everyone can’t wear the same perfume. That’s why there are so many selections in the department store. Because of body chemistry, what is pleasant smelling on one person may create a very unpleasant smell on another.

That sounds very much like what the Apostle Paul is telling us about our lives in Jesus Christ. When we have Jesus Christ living in us, we are a sweet aroma to God and to those who are saved or being drawn to Christ through us. But that same aroma has very different affect on those who are lost and perishing. It is the unpleasant smell of death and doom. That would explain why those who have no interest in the things of the Spirit don’t want to be anywhere around believers.

Pray for the perishing that they might have a change in their sense of smell. Pray that the sweet aroma of Jesus Christ might become pleasing to them.    

THE GOLDEN RULE

Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Matthew 7:12

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

The Upper Room - 10/23/06

Do we still teach our children ‘The Golden Rule’? I can remember as a small child being taught, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

It seems like the attitude of today’s society is more like, “Do unto them before they do it unto you” and the doing is all negative. In business, the only thing that matters is the bottom line. The effect of business decisions on the lives of employees is of little regard and of course there is no regard for the competition. In school, it seems the record of the football team is much more important than the scholarship of the athletes. In our communities, where we used to know all our neighbors, we drive by their houses without even knowing their names, let alone being concerned about their needs.

As I think about this, two songs come to mind. ‘Give Me That Old Time Religion’ and ‘Let’s Go Back to the Old Landmark’. Some things which are old fashioned and off the mark in our religious heritages need to be done away with but ‘The Golden Rule’ is not one of them. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Put it into practice in your life today. It might also be good to find a child and teach it to them as well.

FIGHTING TOGETHER

Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

Ephesians 6:18

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 10/20/06

The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Church at Ephesus, gives us those powerful words about spiritual warfare. “Put on the whole armor of God…” (Eph. 6:11). He goes on to emphasize the pieces of armor each Christian needs to wear (Eph. 6:10-18).

Paul concludes this warning with the emphasis on all Christians. The spiritual battle is one which we must fight together. We spend too much time fighting with each other (the denominational divide). In this battle for the kingdom, for eternity, we need to fight together, not fight with each other!    

AROUND THE THRONE

Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one who lives forever and ever. And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”

Revelation 4:8b-11

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 10/19/06

The gospel artist, Kirk Franklin, popularized the catchy phrase, “Get your praise on!” The phrase expresses our need to practice now for what heaven will be like. Around the throne of grace there is continual praise “Day after day and night after night…”

Have you given consideration lately for all you have to praise God for? Go ahead … make a mental list. Do you find the list getting too long? There just may be a blessing in writing it down or decorating your desk, wall, around your computer screen with ‘post-it’ notes.

After making your list or writing your ‘post-it’ notes, go ahead. Now its time!

“GET YOUR PRAISE ON!”

MY NEIGHBOR

One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Luke 10:25-29

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 10/18/06

Do you ask Jesus the same question as the ‘religious expert’ did? Maybe not verbally. Maybe not even consciously. By being apathetic to the needy are you asking the question of Jesus, “Are those people my neighbor?”

By parable Jesus answered the question of the ‘religious expert’. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37 - NLT) teaches us that the ‘religious’ may ignore the needy while those who are classified as the ‘enemy’ may be the very ones who act more neighborly.

I think I would prefer to have Jesus say to me, “You were a neighbor.” Being religious without being a neighbor might not count for much.    

THE HARVEST VISION

Jesus traveled through all the cities and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And wherever he went, he healed people of every sort of disease and illness. He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn’t know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields.”

Matthew 9:35-38

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 10/17/06

It is harvest season. The planting, fertilizing, irrigating and weeding have been done. It is now time to gather in the crops. As a sign of this season many are decorating their homes, yards or store fronts with hay bails, pumpkins and cornucopia --- the horn of plenty.

Jesus looked out on the cities and villages where He traveled and shared the Good News. He saw fields ripe for harvest. He saw people with problems. He saw their need and it touched His heart. He could not see the needs of the people and pass by unconcerned and apathetic. He told His followers to “pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest … send out more workers…”

Jesus had a harvest vision of fields filled with His followers, sharing the Good News, healing the sick, addressing the problems, meeting the needs. Yet today, the harvest remains as Jesus saw it. As His follower, are you laboring in the field or are you passing by unconcerned? Is there a harvest Jesus is calling you to? Don’t let the crop rot in the field. This harvest has eternal consequences.    

BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE

Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? You have suffered so much for the Good News. Surely it was not in vain, was it? Are you now going to just throw it all away? I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law of Moses? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.

Galatians 3:2-5

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 10/16/06

You are saved by grace, not by works! Salvation is a gift. The Holy Spirit who lives in you is a gift. The miracles that God performs daily in your life are gifts. You are the recipient of all these gifts because you believe the Word which has been shared with you about Jesus Christ.

Because you have been abundantly blessed with these gifts your hearts desire ought to be obedient to God’s Word. His love for you ought to motivate you to do many great works for the building of His kingdom. Your obedience and your works are important in your Christian walk but these blessings are yours because you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God … He is the perfect lamb sacrificed for your sin … He is the risen LORD and redeemer of your soul!    

IN ALL THINGS

May the glory of the LORD last forever! The LORD rejoices in all he has made!
The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains burst into flame at his touch.
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!
May he be pleased by all these thoughts about him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

Psalm 104:31-34

TODAY’S DEVO LINK (Remember your young friends on Friday. Forward this Youth for Christ link to those young people in your address book.)

Youth for Christ - 10/13/06

You may have heard the quote, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” When we praise God in all our circumstances that is exactly what we accomplish.

You can choose to focus on the circumstance … the sickness … the pain … the grief … the loss … the tragedy … or you can choose to focus on the One who is the Deliverer in all circumstances. When you focus on Christ, your spirit will be lifted. When you focus on Christ, He helps you bear your burden. When you focus on Christ and that fact that there is nothing too hard for God, the situation becomes sweeter. God’s Word is described by the psalmist as being “sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb” (Psalm 19:10).

When you add praise to God in all things, it is no artificial sweetener (Sweet & Low, etc.). He makes great lemonade!

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Let the congregation of Israel repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”
Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”
Let all who fear the LORD repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”

Psalm 118:1-4

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 10/12/06

Even when you walk through “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4), God is good. This was never more evident to me than the days and hours leading up to my Mother’s passing.

God was good through those who cared for and attended to my Mother.

God was good through my family who gathered close and loved each other.

God was good through all of you who prayed, called, sent messages and visited.

God was good as He poured out His comfort and peace.

God was good as He picked up my Mom, gathered her in His bosom and carried her to the place He has prepared for her.

God is good, ALL the time.

If you would like to visit my Mom’s online guest book, click the link below.

Frankie Foster Varnado Online Guest Book    

WEEP FOR THE CITY

But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry. “I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you. They will crush you to the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you.” Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants from their stalls. He told them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a place of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

Luke 19:41-46

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 10/04/06

When you look at ‘the city’ and see all the trouble, what is your response? When Jesus looked at Jerusalem, His heart was broken and “…He began to cry.” Being fully divine He knew the future. He knew what the days ahead would hold for them and He cried. Jesus told His disciples of the downfall of the city.

What is interesting is that Jesus did not turn away. He did not abandon the city which would surely fall. Instead He entered the city and “began to drive out the … thieves.” His compassion drove Him to action.

Is this your response when you look at ‘the city’? When you see the lost and hurting are you compassionate? Does your compassion drive you to action against those who are destroying ‘the city’? Or do you turn and walk away?

Jesus has given us a model to follow. He has given us a commission, “Go into all the world…” (Mark 16:15). That includes ‘the city’.

PRAYER'S POWER

Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.

James 5:14-16

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 09/28/06

“… earnest prayer … has great power and wonderful results.”

I had several prayer requests come through my email inbox on yesterday. Some were related to physical illness. Others were related to emotions, stressful situations and family challenges. For each of these we offer earnest petitions to the LORD.

His promise is that the prayers of those who are in right standing with Him will be answered. We should not be surprised or shocked when the LORD responds. Being in awe to His amazing grace however is appropriate. The God of the universe has an ear for your and my tiny (in the overall scope of things) little request.

The Men’s Kairos #15 at Central MS Correctional Facility starts this evening around 6:00 p.m. Please send up some of those tiny petitions. I know there will be wonderful results!