HOLD ON AND GROW

Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ.

Colossians 2:7-8

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

In Touch Ministries - 06/30/06

There are those who would lead you astray. That is why it is so important to study and to pray. With study, your will gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to recognize false teaching when you hear it.

Those who are experts in recognizing counterfeit money are trained by studying the real thing. When a phony bill is given to them, they can easily spot it, no matter how good the counterfeit looks.

With prayer, you can ask the Holy Spirit to guard your heart and mind from the evil that permeates this world. With your guard up, false teaching will be quickly sensed and easily rejected.

Hold on to what the Bible teaches and grow in faith!

DIVISION DO NOT HAVE TO BE DIVISIVE

Regarding this next item, I’m not at all pleased. I am getting the picture that when you meet together it brings out your worst side instead of your best! First, I get this report on your divisiveness, competing with and criticizing each other. I’m reluctant to believe it, but there it is. The best that can be said for it is that the testing process will bring truth into the open and confirm it.
 
1st Corinthians 11:17-19 (The Message Bible)
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
In Touch Ministries - 06/29/06
 
The military strategist will advise the commanders to ‘divide and conquer’ the enemy. While this may be an effective strategy for the military, it has no place in the Body of Christ. Scripture is clear on the subject. The Apostle Paul writes, “…that there be no divisions among you…” (1st Cor. 4:10).
 
Yes, there are many things in scripture which have been interpreted differently. Some churches emphasize certain passages more than other churches may. We do not all agree on worship styles or building programs. Despite these differences, can we stand together in unity as scripture calls us to?
 
I believe we can stand together when we embrace the essentials of the faith:
 

1. Jesus Christ is LORD and Savior


2. God is sovereign


3. The Bible is truth

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

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 - 06/28/06

Today’s devotion focuses on our being thankful to God for the abundant blessings He provides us everyday. I think the verses leading up to the thankfulness statements were noteworthy. What ushers us into an attitude of gratitude?

The Apostle Paul gives us a list of character traits which make it easy to be grateful.

• Compassion … tenderhearted mercy


• Kindness


• Humility


• Gentleness


• Patience


• A forgiving spirit


• Peace … harmony


• LOVE

Paul speaks in terms of getting dressed each day with these character traits. Remember in high school how we voted for ‘Best Dressed’? In terms of these character traits, how would you do in the ‘Best Dressed’ competition? Does your wardrobe prepare you to have an attitude of gratitude?

SOVEREIGN PROVISION

“O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” “Don’t say that,” the LORD replied, “for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

Jeremiah 1:6-8

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 06/27/06

When God, who reigns and rules over all things, gives you an assignment, your can be sure that God will also give you everything you need to accomplish it.

When the young prophet Jeremiah objected to his assignment, God assured him with three promises:

PROTECTION: “… don’t be afraid of the people…”

PRESENCE: “… I will be with you…”

PROVISION: “… I will … take care of you…”

Remember these promises when you receive your next divine appointment.

HOW TO LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

“But if you are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other cheek. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do for others as you would like them to do for you.

Luke 6:27-31

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 06/26/06

Who is it that you have on your list of enemies? That person who hurt you in some way … caused you either physical or emotional harm … took from you … lied to you … lied on you. Maybe it is someone who hurt someone you love. Whoever is on your enemy list, it is not natural to love them.

Jesus says, “… if you are willing to listen…” In the natural, loving those on your enemy list is the last thing you want to hear. Loving your enemy is an act of the will. It will not come naturally. It will only spring forth from the fruit of the spirit.

As you read about your enemy list today, did some names pop into your mind? Now you must decide what to do with those names. I suggest you do what Jesus said do. Start by praying for their happiness and good fortune. Pray for them every day for a week. I believe you will find it difficult to continue to hate those who you spend time lifting before the throne of God’s grace. Allow the Spirit to work on your heart and theirs.

EARTHQUAKES

All Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the LORD had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. --- Exodus 19:18

You will flee through this valley, for it will reach across to Azal. Yes, you will flee as you did from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all his holy ones with him. --- Zechariah 14:5

Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. --- Matthew 28:2

Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And there was an earthquake greater than ever before in human history. --- Revelation 16:18

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 06/23/06

The earth has been quaking throughout the history of mankind and will continue to do so, according to scripture, into the time of the Great Tribulation. The destruction and death associated with these tragic events must prompt us to pray and propel us to action. We must pray for those whose lives the tragedy has impacted and also take action in providing relief assistance.

Our most important action, however, is the sharing of the Gospel now. Each earthquake (or war … rumor of war … or famine … or false Messiah) is a reminder that Christ is coming back. When He comes He will gather His Church to Himself. Then it will be too late to share the gospel.

Is there someone who God has placed on your heart to share His story? Don’t hesitate to share the Good News today!

REFUSING TO SERVE

The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh! Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction in order to get away from the LORD. He went down to the seacoast, to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping that by going away to the west he could escape from the LORD.
 
Jonah 1:1-3
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
InTouch Ministries - 06/22/06
 
In what area of serving God have you done what Jonah did? “… Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction in order to get away from the LORD.”
 
Have you, in your own way, refused the call of God to the work of building His kingdom? It may not be like catching a boat and sailing off to another land. Could it be refusing that call to serve in Vacation Bible School, sing in the choir or sign up for that mission trip. Could it be failing to pray when you promised to pray or failing to give when you made your pledge. Could it be prioritizing your personal schedule above the call of God? You are just too busy to serve.
 
The next time God calls, remember the big fish. Don’t get caught refusing to serve!

THE LONG HAUL

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 2:22-24

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 06/21/06

In our divided views on the conflict in Iraq, the politicos have been throwing around the phrase ‘cut and run’. Without a comment on where you might come down on that issue, when it comes to marriage, too often it appears that men and women are following this strategy. When things become strained or difficult, they decide to ‘cut and run’.

God used the word ‘cleave’ when He ordained marriage between a man and a woman. I checked my dictionary … stick … cling … be faithful. ‘Cut and run’ does not fit the definition. God calls believers to remain married for the long haul.

For better or for worse … in sickness and in health … ‘til death do us part. This describes the long haul.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

“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.”
 
John 17:20-21
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
My Utmost for His Highest - 06/20/06
 
An intercessor is one whose prayer life is focused on the needs, the circumstances in the lives of others. When Jesus had come to the end of His earthly ministry and was facing the Cross, it is interesting to note that His prayer was primarily intercessory. We know that the verse numbers were not part of the prayer (they are there for our aid in finding passages). Jesus spent five verses praying for himself and twenty-one verses praying for others (John 17).
 
It is OK to pray for your needs and situations. God wants to talk with you about your life … your needs … your circumstances. However, if Jesus prayer is our example (and it is), God clearly wants us to be less self-centered and give more attention to the needs of others.
 
Inspection time ... Is your prayer life ‘me’ oriented or focused on the needs of others? Does your prayer time approach the five-to-one ratio like Jesus prayed? An intercessory prayer warrior spends his or her prayer time bringing the needs of others before the throne of grace.

WHEN I SEE A RAINBOW

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.

Matthew 25:35-36

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 06/19/06

God placed His rainbow in the sky to remind us of His promise to never destroy the earth again by flood. That is a wonderful assurance but when I see a rainbow it reminds me of something else. It reminds me of Jesus’ instruction to us to share God’s love with those most in need.

This memory comes to me because of a scene I never want to forget. It is the end of a women’s Kairos Prison Ministry weekend. The ladies are being moved from one building to another for the closing ceremony. As they walk across the prison yard (behind the chain link fences with the razor wire on top, under the watchful eye of the armed security guards in the towers) they looked up in the sky and saw a rainbow. They rejoiced … they exclaimed … they praised God … they cried. They had experienced God love in a very personal way and He was giving them a reminder of the promise of His presence, even in the prison yard.

God loves us so much that even the worst of our sin can not block out the abundance of His grace. Jesus has paid our sin debt with His blood!

THE BLESSING OF FATHERHOOD

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother’s experience when she is old. Get the truth and don’t ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment. The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children. So give your parents joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.

Proverbs 23:22-25

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 06/16/06

My experiences as a father have been far from perfect. I made a lot of mistakes. I praise God that in spite of me, I have five kids who turned out great. Three of them are off to a great start as parents themselves, having blessed me with four grandchildren. They are successful in their chosen professions or are continuing to better themselves through educational opportunities. They have goals and are making choices with those targets in focus.

I love my children and thank God for the relationship I have with each of them. Taken all together, these relationships are better today than they have ever been at any time in the past. I hope they would agree with that assessment.

I can’t speak about the blessing of fatherhood without mentioning my Dad. He is 92 years old now and requires a lot of care these days. He would still like to be doing things like he did when he was 50 but that season in his life is gone forever. He is still being a great Dad, doing as much and as good as he can.

Arneida, Areshia, Jabari, Tracy, Michael  … I love you!

Nino, Kylon, Asia, Jahari … what joy you give!

Carolyn and Curtis … you are special!

Dad … Happy Father’s Day!

A WORD FOR FATHERS

And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 06/15/06

Our children learn and mimic the life we live before them…

If a child lives with conflict, He learns to fight.

If a child lives with fear, He learns to be apprehensive.

If a child lives with pity, He learns to feel sorry for himself.

If a child lives with ridicule, He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame, He learns to feel guilty.

But…

If a child lives with encouragement, He learns to be confident.

If a child lives with tolerance, He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with praise, He learns to be appreciated.

If a child lives with acceptance, He learns to love.

Father, what is your child learning from you?

P.S. Promise #4: A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection, and biblical values. Promise Keepers coming to Jackson, MS August 4-5, 2006. Register now before it is sold out. http://www.promisekeepers.org/jackson06

IDENTITY THEFT

“All others who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 10:8-11

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 06/14/06

I have not had the personal experience of identity theft (praise God) but I understand it is a real pain when it happens. I also understand it is very time consuming and difficult to straighten out. Bottom line however is identity theft is just a major nuisance.

Satan wants to steal your identity in Christ. He wants to kill your spirit. He wants to destroy your Christian influence to others. His schemes come in many shapes and forms and from sources which you would least expect. Don’t listen to him or fall for his lies.

Jesus is “the good shepherd.” He has lain down His life for you. Your identity in Christ is secured by the blood of Jesus Himself!

COME ... TARRY ... GO

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Luke 24:49

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest 06/13/06

Jesus called His disciples saying, “…come, follow me…” (Luke 18:22).

Jesus commissioned His disciples for ministry saying, “…go and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19).

For the disciples, Jesus had another instruction because the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. The disciples were to “…tarry … in … Jerusalem, until … (the) power from on high…” (the Holy Spirit) comes. (Luke 24:49).

As believers today, we follow the same pattern. We come to Jesus for salvation. When we receive Jesus as LORD and Savior, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit for good works. What the disciples had to tarry for in Jerusalem comes to us when we accept Jesus. We then go to the world to share the gospel because we are not ashamed of the truth that has happened in us.

Is this pattern complete in your life? Some are caught in the trap of tarrying, thinking they have no power. Jesus has given you all you need when you receive Him as LORD and Savior. Complete the pattern ... its time to get up and go.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AS TEACHER

“Oh, there is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me. All that the Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever he receives from me.”

John 16:12-15

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 06/12/06

I was sharing with our youth yesterday the importance of giving a portion of their day to God. I asked them to read their Bible’s every day … five minutes … start with a small step. That led me to a discussion with them on what to do if they did not understand what they read.

I shared this passage of scripture and encouraged them to ask God for the aid of the Holy Spirit to get a proper understanding of whatever they read. The guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding God’s Word is a promise directly from the mouth of Jesus. Prayer for that guidance lines up with God’s will to have us rightly divide (2nd Timothy 2:15) the scriptures.

The Holy Spirit is a wonderful teacher. Don’t leave Him out of your quiet time.

READS LIKE FRONTPAGE NEWS

Later, Jesus sat on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and asked, “When will all this take place? And will there be any sign ahead of time to signal your return and the end of the world?” Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will lead many astray. And wars will break out near and far, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must come, but the end won’t follow immediately. The nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other, and there will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this will be only the beginning of the horrors to come.

Matthew 24:3-8

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 06/09/06

The news on yesterday was dominated by the finding and killing of a terrorist leader in Iraq. It was another day of news that signals things are approaching the Day of the LORD. Jesus Christ is coming back and we need to be ready. We don’t know the day or the hour. What we do know is that the things we are seeing (war, earthquakes, famine, false leaders) are the things Jesus said would be occurring when He returns.

It is time to get and keep your house in order!

BREAKFAST WITH JESUS

When they got there, they saw that a charcoal fire was burning and fish were frying over it, and there was bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said.
 
John 21:9-12a
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
In Touch - 06/08/06
 
After fishing all night and catching nothing until Jesus pointed them to the right place, to come ashore and find breakfast already prepared must have been a real treat. Their catch was still in the nets but Jesus had hot fish frying over the fire. Leave it to Jesus to make a simple breakfast something special.
 
What has the LORD made special in your life? It may not be found in the miraculous (the great catch of fish). It may be a simple blessing.  Where has been your breakfast with Jesus?

CHRIST IN YOU

This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.

Colossians 1:26-28 (The Message Bible)

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 06/07/06

In the lyrics to one of her songs, Nicole C. Mullins sings about responding to a homeless and hungry person. She talks about going beyond just giving them the change out of her pocket. She speaks of the deeper needs: “…people need love and time.” We need to be ready to sacrifice more than just a few coins. We must, we need to share the love of God and be willing give up some of our precious time.

When we do, maybe the needy person will respond to us as the lady Nicole sang about responded.

“I see the Christ in you.”

WHAT COMES NATURAL

Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:12-13

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 06/06/06

The most natural things are those things which line up with God’s will. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve never found a need to cover themselves or hide from God until after sin had entered their life. Up until un-natural sin came along, they only did what came natural.

We struggle with the sin nature because it is un-natural … it is contrary to God’s will and the conscience that He has given us. The most natural response is obedience because “the desire to obey” is empowered by the Holy Spirit “… the power to do what pleases him.”

The natural response is love … a smile … an embrace … a kind act. Hate requires much more effort … a frown … an angry spirit … a bitter response.

Let’s do what comes natural!

DON'T GET DISCOURAGED

O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:27-31

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 06/05/06

When disappointment after disappointment come, it is easy to get discouraged. When trouble just hangs around your door, discouragement can take a foothold. When your enemy seems to succeed while you have no success, getting discouraged can be tempting. When God is silent and you need an answer from the LORD, how do avoid becoming discouraged?

The answer lies in God’s Word. Over and over the psalmist cried out to the LORD, “How long, O LORD?” The psalmist always found relief in their faith. “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” The psalmist knew who he could trust. “But the LORD is my fortress; my God is a mighty rock where I can hide.” (Psalm 94:3, 19, 22)

When you feel discouraged … feel like giving up “… wait on the LORD…”!

RUN ON

… let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1b-2

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 06/02/06

The idea of running backwards is foreign to me. When I ran competitively, watching where you were at all times was an essential part of a successful race. OK, I get the increased calorie burn thing but I think I’d just run a little longer, running forward, to accomplish that goal.

We all have a “race marked out for us.”  The finish for us, as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, is to spend eternity with Him.

I think I’ll run forward in this life, focused on Jesus, so that in the next life I won’t have to step backwards from the flames.

REAL LOVE

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

1st John 4:7-10

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 06/01/06

One of the earliest memories I have of saying grace at meal time was being taught the simplest verse – “God is love.” Dad or Mom would say a blessing over the meal and then each of us kids, around the table, would say a Bible verse that we had memorized. If we had memory block, which often happened, someone would whisper in our ear – “God is love.” We’d quickly repeat it and dive into our meal.

Later when I learned the lesson behind those three simple words, it was not difficult to comprehend the meaning of real love. God loves me and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross to rescue me from the penalty of my sin.

Of all the things we associate with the idea of love, nothing expresses real love better than Jesus Christ and Calvary.