COMPANIONSHIP

It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there’s no one to help, tough! Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (The Message)

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 05/31/06

The spouse, struggling with issues in the marriage … struggling with thoughts of separation or divorce … declares to a friend, “I can do bad all by myself.”

True statement! Going it alone is a prescription for doing bad.

God says, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him.” – Genesis 2:18

Not all marriages are perfect. Maybe none of them are. That is not because God’s plan was bad but rather because man and woman are sinners. We all have probably seen or heard about a marriage that needs to end (cases of abuse, etc.). These however do not overshadow what God has ordained. Companionship between a man and a woman is God’s plan and God’s plan is good. “It is better to have a partner than to go it alone.” - Ecc. 4:9a

LOVE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

What a contrast between Adam and Christ, who was yet to come! And what a difference between our sin and God’s generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God’s bountiful gift.

Romans 5:14b-15

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 05/30/06

(This devotion was written by a Parchman Kairos brother, Spanky Ryan)

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” (John 3:16 – The Message Bible)

This gift of love is necessary for the best of us and the worst of us. We may have never done anything that resulted in our being incarcerated (maybe we just didn’t get caught) but without God’s gift of His Son, we would face a horrible future. Because of our sin, large or small, hell would be our eternity.

God loves you and has provided forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Receive His gift today. God’s love makes a difference.

ASKING GOD WHY

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.
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:1-4

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 05/29/06

Are you going through something? Are you in the midst of a trial and have no idea why? Do you want to cry out as the psalmist did?

O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?  (Psalm 13:1-2)

To ask God why is to whisper a prayer. There is no disrespect is asking God these kind of questions as long as we remember that He is sovereign. He has a plan for you which He knows the outcome. You don’t. He has a purpose for every trial and will reveal that purpose according to His timing. God will respond to your question, “Why?” … in His time. It may not be today or tomorrow when He answers. Still you can trust Him while you wait for the answer.

GRADUATION

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!

Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message Bible)

TODAY’S DEVO LINK (please forward this to youth in your address book)

Youth for Christ - 05/26/06

Another school year has come to an end. Graduations on every level are exciting and memorable times. They usher you into the next level … the next challenge … the next opportunity. As you step onto the new path of your life, hear the words of the wisdom writer: “Listen to God’s voice in everything you do…”

It is God who has gotten you this far and it is God who will guide you onward and upward … if you will only trust Him!

“Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by any evil.” – Psalm 119:133

KNEELING TOGETHER

But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him… After a little thought, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.

Acts 12:5, 12

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

In Touch - 05/25/06

In today’s devotion, Dr. Charles Stanley describes the picture of Roman soldiers in battle, facing an arrow attack from their enemy. The soldiers kneel together, behind and under their large, rectangular shields. The enemy’s arrows cannot penetrate because the soldiers have drawn close together with everyone’s shield touching.

We each have a shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) which is used to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. How much more effective these shields can be when the church, the Body of Christ, kneels together for earnest prayer.

SHAKING IN MY BOOTS

I trembled inside when I heard all this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.

Habakkuk 3:16-19

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 05/24/06

What is it that makes you shake in your boots … makes you tremble … your lips quiver … your legs turn to rubber? We all probably had an experience pop into our memory when we felt like this. Maybe the thought is not something from the past but rather something we know we must surely face one day in the future.

Fear and trembling is a powerful spirit, a tool of Satan. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2nd Timothy 1:7.

In the spiritual battle when Satan attacks you with the spirit of fear, do as the prophet Habakkuk did. He responded to the attack with the spirit of joy.

THORNY GROUND

The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced.

Matthews 13:22

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 05/23/06

Confession time … I worry.

Yes, I am guilty of worrying about how I will provide, not trusting in the provision of the LORD. I know what the Word says … He provides for the sparrow … surely He will provide for me. Yet I find myself anxious about this weeks gas prices … next months house note.

Oswald Chambers labels this worry as unbelief in today’s devotion. How convicting that is! Father, forgive me.

The cattle on a thousand hills belong to my Father. I will trust Him to provide for me and mine out of His abundance.

FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE

Give us our food for today, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:11-15

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 05/22/06

Throughout the scriptures, the LORD repeatedly demonstrates forgiveness. The LORD gave instructions and mankind fails to obey. He chastises His people, they repent from their sin and the LORD forgives.

When we have brokenness in our relationships, we are to follow the Divine example. Even when we don’t feel like it, even when we would rather stay angry, God’s example of being willing to forgive is the biblical answer.

And remember, how the other party responds to your act of forgiving is not the issue. God calls you to be obedient, no matter how they respond.

NEVER ALONE IN THE MISSION

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned…” When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

Mark 16:15-16, 19-20

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 05/19/06

“…the disciples went … and the Lord worked with them…”

What a powerful word from the Lord! He sends us on the mission with the assurance that He will be working in us and through us as we go.

I pray for those of you who have responded to this commandment and will be a part of a formal mission project this summer. Those who are not on mission teams are not off the hook. Your mission field is wherever you go … the beach … the amusement park … the golf course … the river bank or out to sea. Wherever you go, spread the Good News about Jesus Christ. Be ready to share your testimony. Be ready to give an account of the faith that is within you.

You take with you a wonderful partner in the mission … the Holy Spirit. You are never alone!

BEING SURE-FOOTED

Thanks Kevin!

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

2nd Samuel 22:31-34

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

In Touch - 05/18/06

Estes Park in the Rocky Mountain National Park is 7,500 feet above sea level. That is so high, at times you can view the clouds from the top instead of the bottom. The air is thin. The mountain tops are snow-capped. The sunset against this backdrop was magnificent. I saw a herd of deer on the side of the mountain. They maneuvered the mountainside with ease. God has given them feet to match the needs of their environment.

The author of 2nd Samuel, in describing the attributes of God (perfect, flawless, a shield, a refuge, unique, the Rock) says that the LORD enables us to be as sure-footed as the deer on the mountainside. We have the feet we need to step out in faith in a world that is dangerous and has paths that are littered with stumbling blocks. Just as He made the deer’s feet perfect for their environment, when I am made brand new by the Spirit of God, “he enables me to stand on the heights” in every situation I face. I have no reason to fear when I take the high ground.

PROGRESS

You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things a beginner must learn about the Scriptures. You are like babies who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food. And a person who is living on milk isn’t very far along in the Christian life and doesn’t know much about doing what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right.
 
Hebrews 5:12-14
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
Our Daily Bread - 05/17/06
 
Do you still struggle with the same sin over and over? Maybe it’s like the Apostle Paul. Do you remember him writing about doing the things he didn’t want to do and not doing the things he wanted to (Romans 7:15-17)?
 
You know its wrong but you do it anyway. The Hebrew author says the sign that we are maturing is that we will not only “recognize the difference between right and wrong”, we will “then do what is right”.
 
That’s progress. Are you making any?

ENABLED FOR GENEROSITY

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 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.”

2nd Corinthians 9:6-9

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 05/16/06

Why does God bless you so abundantly? So that you will be enabled for generosity.

Why might you be struggling in your finances? Because you have failed to be generous with what God has previously given you.

Luke reminds us that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

If you will be “the person who gives cheerfully … God will generously provide all you need.”

GROWING IN THE DARK

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

James 1:2-4

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 05/15/06

In the natural world, it is the light provided by the sun which helps plants to grow, bloom and display their beauty. The same is true in the spiritual world. It is the light of the Son (Jesus Christ) which enables the believer to grow in grace, bloom in the fruit of the Spirit and display the beauty of God’s handiwork.

Unlike the natural world, some of the greatest growth in our faith is experienced in the darkest hours. When trouble comes and darkness seems to be all around, the opportunity for growth increases because the Light is not absent. The believer’s growth is not dependent on an external light source but rather on the Light of Christ he or she has on the inside.

TRIBUTE TO MOTHER

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies… She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household… She watches for bargains; her lights burn late into the night… She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes… When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her… Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Proverbs 31: 10, 15a, 18, 21, 26-29, 31

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 05/12/06

The wisdom writer pays tribute to A Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31:10-31). The verses selected today point directly to the significance and importance of your mother.

As you prepare to remember and pay tribute to your mother this Sunday, ponder these scriptures and see God’s blessing on you through her.

GOD'S TIMING

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you. 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. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen.
 
1st Peter 5:6-11
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
InTouch - 05/11/06
 
When the storm passes over and the power is interrupted, we have to go through the house and reset all those digital clocks. I always find it a challenge to get them all set right. While I struggle with this tiny issue of time, the sovereign Father has control of all time.
 
When the storms of life come, I can put my faith in God and not worry. I can depend on “the mighty power of God” to carry me through the storm. I can trust that the storm will not last one moment longer than is necessary for God to work out His divine plan.
 
“… in His good time…”
 
“After you have suffered a little while…”
 
“In His kindness…” God will set every thing right. When God resets things, it is all right because He is good.

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.

Lamentations 3:22-26

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 05/10/06

With the dawning of each new day, the LORD causes the sun to break forth on the eastern horizon and begin its march across the sky. Whether a bright, clear, sunny day or one where the clouds and rain hide the presence of the sun, it's still there.

So too is it with the mercies of the LORD. “… His mercies begin afresh each day.”

Not all our days are filled with joy and laughter. There are those where toil and tears abound. Whether I’m glad or sad, I know “the unfailing love of the LORD never ends!”

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, LORD unto me!      

By Thomas O. Chisholm © Copyright 1923

NOT BY SIGHT

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith … It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight … Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

Hebrews 11:1-2, 32b-34, 12:1

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 05/09/06

One reason it is important to read the Bible stories is to get a grip on the faith of the men and women God has used in His plan for the salvation of mankind. They were ordinary people like you and me, tapped by the Almighty for Kingdom building work. Could they see the finished product? No way. They were no more able to see the completion of God’s handiwork than we can, yet they acted out of faith.

When doubt creeps and blocks your vision, grab your Bible. Read one of the many stories mentioned in Hebrews 11. Let those stories remind you of the faith of others and give you encouragement to also keep the faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2nd Corinthians 5:7.

WHERE IS THE HARVEST?

My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, “Those who have never been told about him will see, and those who have never heard of him will understand.”

Romans 15:20-21

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 05/08/06

When the prophet Isaiah spoke the words quoted by Paul in this passage, Jesus had not been born. His crucifixion and resurrection was only known to the Father. God’s plan for the salvation of sinful man had not been fully revealed. Today, the plan is available for all to hear and understand.

Growing up I learned that it was best not to discuss politics or religion in public. I cannot remember having discussions of faith among my playmates. As I think back, I guess I assumed that their faith life was the same as mine. We just didn’t talk about it. There were definitely no public declarations about being opposed to God. That is so different today. I suspect that the harvest for Christ is just as plentiful today, if not more, than it has ever been.

What is my point? Jesus calls us to lift up His name throughout the world. The harvest is ripe. Let us not ignore and miss the mission field that is in our own back yard. Jesus is tarrying but His return is sure. While we have opportunity, let us share the Good News with those who have not heard the Word and seen the Light.

DECLARED RIGHTEOUSNESS

“Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God …”

Acts 13:38-39a

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 05/05/06

One day we will all have a divine appointment before the Judgment Seat of Christ. The issue of sin will be on the agenda for that appointment. There is one and only one way to have that issue settled before that day. If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior, “there is forgiveness for your sins.” You are “freed from all guilt and declared right with God…”

The only evidence that will matter concerning the sin issue is whether or not your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of life. If you have not settled this issue, do it today before it is everlasting too late. Invite Jesus to come into your heart, save you from your sin and write your name in His Book of Life.

GOD'S BASIC MATH 101

“How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things. Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat; then you swallow a camel!

Matthew 23:23-24

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

In Touch - 05/04/06

In God’s elementary math class we learn to take the first and give it to God. The remaining nine are left to us to handle as we choose. In God’s plan, the tithe (the first 10%), belong to Him and you choose what to do with the rest (90%). Many have learn the lesson of God’s math … you can do more with the 90% on His plan than you can do with 100% on your plan.

Jesus tells us to tithe AND do “the more important things.” There is a lot more to the faith walk than doing the minimum. Trusting God with the first tenth is the minimal level. Going beyond the tenth … giving more … seeking justice for others … showing mercy to those most in need … faithfully following God wherever He calls you … is the calculus, trigonometry, algebra of God’s math.

NO EXCUSE

While the Israelites were camped at Acacia, some of the men defiled themselves by sleeping with the local Moabite women. These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, and soon the Israelites were feasting with them and worshiping the gods of Moab. Before long Israel was joining in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the LORD’S anger to blaze against his people. The LORD issued the following command to Moses: “Seize all the ringleaders and execute them before the LORD in broad daylight, so his fierce anger will turn away from the people of Israel.”

Numbers 25:1-4

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 05/03/06

God had given Moses the Law and Moses had told the people. The Israelites could not claim ignorance as an excuse for their ungodly behavior. The sin of God’s chosen people caused “the LORD’s anger to blaze.”

Do we have any excuse for our ungodly behavior? NO! God’s commandments are clear. Whether you choose the Old Testament Law (Exodus 20:1-17) or Jesus’ proclamation of the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40), the LORD’s instructions are clear and we have no excuse.

Follow the instructions … heed the warning … do not cause “the LORD’s anger to blaze.”

ENDURANCE WITH PATIENCE

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 05/02/06

“All scripture is good…” (2nd Timothy 3:16).

We each may have a favorite passage. Yours may be John 3:16 or Philippians 4:13 or Romans 8:28.

Mine is Isaiah 40:31. It has been for a very long time. I have eagles all around me which remind me of this verse. I had no idea why this verse, above all others, especially spoke to me. Then came the season of recovery from my surgery. I understood. Now I am in another season of waiting for the LORD to move in my life. I can see Him working all around me and know that He is working on me during this season. I wouldn’t dare predict His timing but I can also see Him bringing this season to a close. I am so thankful for what the LORD is doing.

What is your favorite scripture? How is God working with you through your favorite passage? I would love to hear from you and with your permission, share some of your responses.

THE FATHER'S GRIP

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, save me!” The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion… For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
 
Psalm 116:3-5, 8-9
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
The Upper Room - 05/01/06
 
When a brother or sister turns to the LORD, it is as if they are ripped from the grip of Satan … “The cords of death entangled me…”
 
I praise God for the opportunity He gave me to work the Kairos this past weekend. Greater still was the blessing of seeing the Father rip (PRAISE GOD!!) several of the men from Satan’s grip and bring them to the saving knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. Others returned to the faith of their youth, which they had walked away from, as they chased after the riches of the world. Others were touched by the love of Jesus and moved to change the way they were living. We pray still for their entry into the Kingdom.
 
Those ripped from Satan’s grip are now securely in the Father’s grip and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29).