Tuesday, November 30, 2021

"The Greater Reward"

I won't be sending out the Coffee Break devotional the rest of the week... I am taking a little break.  God bless you, all.

"The Greater Reward"

"Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment." John 12:3

We learn from the scriptures that the ointment that the woman with the alabaster box poured out on Jesus was very expensive and valuable. As I was thinking about that fact I couldn't help but think that as she poured it out on Jesus, she was giving away something expensive but not as expensive as what she would get in return.

While it was a great price for her to give up, the price of what she got in return was so much greater. It reminds me of the words of Jesus, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:25) When we try to keep and hold on to what we have, instead of "spending" it on Jesus, we wind up the loser in the end.

What are you withholding from Him this morning? What is that thing which you esteem as valuable that you aren't releasing to Him? Your talents? Has He blessed you with some talent- singing, writing, creativity- but you won't use it for His glory, but for selfish gain instead? Your time? Are you spending your time on you with no regard to spending time doing His service? Your financial/material blessings? Are you being stingy with them? What about your children? Perhaps the Lord has called your children into His service, but you are unwilling to let them be used by Him.

Are you withholding from Him the most valuable thing you have- which is your life? What the woman with the alabaster box gave to Jesus was more than just costly perfume or expensive ointment. It represented her life. Everything she had was in that box-- blood, sweat, tears, her future, her worth. But she gave it to Jesus, and she gave all of it to Him. While others accused her of wasting it on Jesus, she didn't waste anything- she "invested" it. She invested her life into Him and received eternal life in return.

Have a great day. When we give our lives to Jesus, we are making an investment that will receive an eternal reward.

For further reading:
John 12:1-8
Mark 14:1-5
Matthew 16:26

Monday, November 29, 2021

"The Wedding Dress"

"And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless." Matthew 22:12

It seems like all night I dreamed about weddings. Mostly about wedding garments- namely wedding dresses. The first dream dealt with a young lady who was looking for a wedding dress. Everything she tried on was as far from a wedding dress as you could get. There was another lady who had on one of the most beautiful and elaborate dresses I had ever seen. She looked like a princess in it. There was one more wedding dress in the dream. It wasn't as elaborate, but extremely beautiful. Then I saw a stack of bridesmaid's dresses- they were all very lovely.

The more I thought about the dream the more it made me think about the wedding to end all weddings that will take place one day- hopefully in the near future- the marriage of the Lamb.

Wedding gowns are reserved for the bride. The gowns that were the most beautiful and traditional in my dream were all designer originals. The garments that will be worn at the marriage of the Lamb are garments that the Master Designer Himself has prepared for the bride. They are made of fine linen, clean and white. The Bible calls them the righteousness of the saints.

As I was thinking about the young lady who was looking for a wedding dress but nothing that she tried on looked like something a bride would wear- they were made of cotton, one was pants, one outfit was black, one was short another was long, they were non-traditional- I thought about the many people who are trying to be a part of the "bride" their own way. Many are trying to do enough good works and deeds to be a part. Others are trying to go through "other ways"- thinking "all ways" will get them there. Some are trying to be religious in their attempt to be a part of this marriage. Their efforts are in vain, they will not have on the proper wedding garment. (The young lady in my dream never did find her dress.)

The only wedding garment that will be acceptable at the Marriage of the Lamb is the one that is designed by the Father and purchased through the blood of His Son Jesus. These garments are His righteousness that has been applied to the lives of those who have come to Him and made Him Savior and Lord of their lives.

Have a great day. There is a great marriage coming one day. We may all have a part in it, but only if we have on the right wedding garment. Do you?

For further reading:
Revelation 19:6-9
Matthew 22:1-13; 7:21-23
Ephesians 2:8,9
Titus 3:5
2 Corinthians 5:21

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

"Lower Than Dirt"

"My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word." Psalm 119:25

When the Psalmist said his soul "cleaveth" to the dust, he was saying that he and the dust were "joined together"- they had become one. Literally, he was as low as "dirt". The dirt under our feet is about as low as you can get. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt that you were as low as you could get-- you couldn't get any lower because you were already on bottom? Perhaps you are feeling that way today?

Sometimes the mistakes we make cause us to feel lower than dirt-- we betrayed a trust or caused someone unnecessary grief and pain, now we are feeling like "dirt" over it. Sometimes the sin we indulge in takes us to the place of feeling like we are on the bottom. Repeated sin and the remorse that comes from it will often make us feel like we are no better than the dirt we walk on. Sometimes what others do to us make us feel like dirt. They abuse and misuse us and we begin feeling not only taken for granted but worthless- as worthless as dirt. Regardless of the circumstances that make us feel this way (whether self- inflicted or inflicted by others) I want you to know that there is hope. "Quicken me according to Thy word".

God's word gives us hope and rescues us "out of the dirt" as we look to it. His word has the power to lift us up and sit us on high. It lets us know that we are loved, that we are valuable, that there is no condemnation, that we have not been forsaken, that there is forgiveness, that we can hold our heads up, that we can be victorious and it restores us.

Whatever has caused you to feel so low this morning look to God's word and you will find that it will lift you up. We may have been made "from" the dirt, but we aren't "dirt". We were made "in" the image of God and that is the way we should be "feeling".

Have a great day. When you feel as low as dirt, look to God's word and let it lift you up to a higher place.

For further reading:
Genesis 1:26
Psalm 40:2; 3:3; 113:7

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

"What Are You Feeding?"

"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." Galatians 5:17

Have you ever heard the Native American wise tale about the two dogs? It goes like this- A Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time. When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, The one I feed the most.

There is so much truth in this, but instead of there being two dogs inside of us the Bible says that it is the flesh and spirit that are constantly at war with each other. "The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions." (Galatians 5:17- NLT)

The key to overcoming the flesh is to stop feeding it! There is a natural principle that lets us know whatever we feed is what will live and grow. Feed a baby and it will grow, starve it and it will die. The same is true with plants, animals and any person.

So what are the things that we do that feed the flesh? When you give it everything it desires and withholds nothing from it, you are feeding it. When you sit for hours in front of the television, you are feeding it. When you neglect to fast, you are feeding it. When you sit at the computer playing games all evening, you are feeding it. When you stay in bed when it is time to go to church, you are feeding it. When you listen to gossip, murmuring and complaining- or engage in it yourself- you are feeding it. When you spend more time involved in entertainment then you do doing those things that will feed your spirit- like reading the Bible, prayer, worship and Christian fellowship- you are feeding your flesh. (These are just a few ways we feed our flesh, there are many others.)

There are three categories of people: 1) the ones who feed the flesh, 2) the ones who feed flesh and spirit, 3) the ones who feed the spirit. Feeding the flesh will never overcome it. Feeding the flesh and spirit together will never overcome the flesh. Starving the flesh by feeding the spirit more is what overcomes the flesh. We need to stop feeding the flesh and start starving it instead so that it will die. "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5) 

Have a great day. The way to overcome the flesh is to stop feeding it.

For further reading:
Romans 8:13
Galatians 5:19-25
Matthew 4:4

Monday, November 22, 2021

"They Are For His Glory"

"But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men." Matthew 9:8

When God places His call upon our lives, when He puts His anointing within us, when He gives us spiritual gifts, we tend to think that it is "about us". We look at it as a personal thing that God has done for us. We seem to have the attitude that we have received these blessings so that others will see how powerful or spiritual we are. When God does something supernatural through us, we want people to notice us and talk about what we are doing. This is not the reason why He has given us gifts or the anointing.

There is only one reason and it is not so that flesh can glory in His presence. It is not about us. These gifts are given to us so that He and He alone will be glorified. They are given to point people to Him. They are a sign and witness to the power, grace, goodness and love of God. It is so that people will realize the reality of who He is.

I had received Jesus as my Savior early in life but then turned from Him and went my own way. A little over forty years ago the Lord began to deal with my heart to return to Him. One day I was sitting in my home and heard a knock at the door. It was a lady from the church- I had not met her because I was not attending church at the time and she had just moved to town and started going to the church a couple of months earlier. I invited her in and while she was there she began to talk to me in "casual conversation". The things she was saying to me were things that were hidden away in my heart. She was describing the very issues that I was dealing with internally. No one knew my struggle- not even my husband or best friend. I knew that it was God speaking through her. After I surrendered my life to the Lord I realized that what she was doing was called the gift of the "word of knowledge". I didn't know what it was at the time, all I knew was that through the things she was saying it let me know that God was aware of me and that He still loved me. You know the rest of the story- I am living for, serving and loving the Lord today.

So you see, the gifts are not for us or about us. They are for making God famous in the earth. They are manifested for His glory. Not for the accolades of men on ourselves. Not so that others will think highly of us. Not so that we can amass a following. But so that people will be convinced that God is real and that He loves them.

Have a great day. The gifts that we have been given are not for self, but in order to bring people to Him.

For further reading:
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 3:2
Matthew 25:14-28

Friday, November 19, 2021

Virus Scan

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23,24

I am a little late in sending out the devotional this morning because when I sat down at the computer I had a warning from my virus protection software that I needed to run a scan in order to make sure my computer was fully protected. Of course this warning was much too important to ignore even though it took a while to do it.

As the scan was running I started thinking about this in a "spiritual application". Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" This lets us know that we don't know what "evils" lurk within our own hearts. We may think that "all is well" when it is not. I may think that all is well with my computer and it might not be. There is only one way that I know whether there are any viruses hiding in my computer-- I have to run a scan.

In order for us to discover any wicked, deceitful thing that is hiding in our hearts we have to run a "scan". We do this by earnestly praying that the Lord will show us the truth about ourselves and expose anything in us that is deceitful, is a work of the flesh, or that is the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit. We need to also take His Word and as we read it allow it to be the mirror that will reveal any thing that does not look like Him in our lives. Another way is by listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit when He quickens us to the fact that there is something that needs to be dealt with. I could have ignored the virus protection warning but that would have put my computer at risk. If I ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit it will put my spiritual well being at risk, and that is something that I cannot afford.

My virus protection program warned me to run the scan because it said that I have not done it in a while. Evidently, I have to do it on a regular basis. When was the last time you ran a "scan" spiritually speaking on your life? When was the last time you allowed God and His word to search you and clean you up? It is something that we have to do, without neglect, on a regular basis if we are going to be, and stay, "healthy" spiritually. We cannot "function" properly for the Kingdom of God if we don't.

Have a great day. When was the last time you ran a "virus scan" on your heart?

For further reading:
James 1:22-24
Psalm 51

Thursday, November 18, 2021

"You Are Never Alone"

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

These words are the last thing that Jesus taught His disciples in the Book of John before the crucifixion. He was warning them that as long as they were in the world they would have tribulation/troubles/problems/suffering. It is a warning to His disciples today as well.

If we just stopped there we could become discouraged that all we have to look forward to are  troubles. But Jesus also gave them some good news- "I have overcome the world, therefore, be of good cheer". How did He overcome? I believe the main key to overcoming is found in verse 32- "Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me."

When we are facing difficulties and trials, we must remember that we are "not alone", our Heavenly Father is with us. He is walking every step of the way with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us in our time of need. And when He says "never", He means "never".

We may not feel His presence, we may not see His presence but He is there. He was there with Daniel in the lion's den. He was there with the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace. He was there at the Red Sea. He was there when David stood before Goliath. And He is there with you, and always will be. So when you are walking through the valley, through the midnight hour, through the storm, through the fire and when all others have left you, you are not going through it alone. Always remember that and never forget it.

Have a great day. Never forget that you are never alone in your times of trouble.

For further reading:
Hebrews 13:5
Daniel 3:23-25
Matthew 28:20
Psalm 23

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

"Father Neglect"

"In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears." 2 Samuel 22:7

I was thinking about how wonderful the Lord is for allowing us to come to Him in our times of need. When we turn to Him in our troubles, He hears and answers us. But sadly, for many who call themselves Christians that is about the only time they do turn to Him- when they are in trouble or need His help.

How would we feel if our children neglected us until they wanted something? How would you feel if your spouse paid you no attention until they had a need that they wanted you to fulfill? You would feel rejected, used, unloved, unwanted and taken for granted- and rightly so. Yet we don't think anything about doing this to God.

He is not our "Santa Claus" making a "once a year appearance" to fulfill our wish list. He is not our "loan officer" that we visit on occasion when we need the extra to purchase something that we want. He is not "Sunday morning"- taken for granted all week until it is time to go to church.

He is our loving Heavenly Father who desires to have a relationship with us. He wants to be "active" in our lives. He wants to be involved in "all of it". He wants you to come to Him in the good times as well as the bad times; in the times of peace and in times of distress; in the times of laughter as well as in the times of sorrow; in the times of plenty as well as in the times of want and lack; in the times when you have all the answers or when you have lots of questions; in the times when you know which direction to go and in the times when you have no direction.

So let me ask you this morning, "which category are you in?". The one who only calls on Him when you are in need? Or the one who has a daily relationship with Him regardless of what is happening in your life?

Have a great day. He is a loving and gracious God who allows us to come to Him with our needs, but He wants more than just a relationship based on need and want.

For further reading:
Psalm 120:1; 34:1; 103:13
Luke 11:2
Matthew 23:37

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

"Bellhop"

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." Philippians 3:13

In the past most hotels had a guy on staff who was called a "bellhop"- some still do. His job was to carry the luggage/bags of the hotel guests when they checked in or out of the hotel. Hotels are not the only place you find them any more. There are many Christians who do the same thing- they carry around lots of baggage.

Each day they gather up all their "bags"- guilt, condemnation, remorse, shame, bitterness, anger, revenge, etc- and carry them around. One difference between a guy who is hired to do this for a hotel and these others is destination. These guys carry the baggage to a destination- the guest room or their vehicle upon check-out. We carry them around all the time without leaving them any where. As a result we get weary, hard hearted and confused.

The guys who carry our bags at a hotel know which room they will leave the baggage in. We should know where to leave it too. God never intended for us to carry around this baggage endlessly. Like the desk clerk who instructs the bellhop as to where to take the bags, He has told us where we can take and leave it. It is called the cross. When we catch ourselves carrying around all this baggage that weighs us down and robs from us, we need to make the place of prayer our destination. And while in prayer remember the cross and how Jesus took the burden of our sins and all the "baggage" that came along with it.

Is this you? Are you a "bellhop"- carrying around all this excess baggage? Don't you think it is time to place it somewhere? Give it to God and place it at the cross. "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)

Have a great day. Are you like a "bellhop" carrying around "baggage" all the time?

For further reading:
1 Peter 5:7
Matthew 11:29
Psalm 38:4; 118:24

Monday, November 15, 2021

"The Second Step To Success"

"Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him..." Judges 6:27a

Last week we talked about the difference in assuming we have heard from God and praying to see if it was Him. Just because we "assume" it is God, doesn't mean that it is. Therefore, we need to pray and seek Him for His will and plan. Perhaps what we are assuming truly is Him, but perhaps it is not.

Once we have sought the Lord and heard from Him on the matter, that is not the end of it, that is just the first step. The next step is to do what He has told you. When Gideon was met by the angel's salutation, "The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor" and he told him that he was going to save Israel from the Midianites, Gideon made no assumptions. He "tried the spirits" to see if this was God. Some may say that Gideon was acting in unbelief-- maybe so-- but at least he made sure so that all room for doubt was removed. Perhaps what we consider lack of faith in praying about what we believe may be God is wisdom instead.

Gideon discovered that it was indeed God and His plan. But there was more to fulfilling God's plan that just being reassured that it was God. There was obedience that had to be walked out. The first step to success is knowing that you have truly heard from the Lord. The second step is doing what He tells you to do. You can be convinced (by an angel or God Himself) that what you have heard is definitely God, but if you don't act upon it you will not succeed.

God removed all Gideon's doubts and fears that this was Him, but Gideon had to then act on what God told him to do if the Midianites were going to be defeated. Once you discover that this is not just an assumption, but truly God, then you are going to have to get up and act on what He has told you. Once you do, success will follow.

Have a great day. Discovering that what you heard is from God is only the first step. You then have to act upon what He has spoken. Then success will come.

For further reading:
Judges 6 and 7
1 John 4:1

Friday, November 12, 2021

"Prayer or Assumption"

"And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper." 2 Chronicles 26:5

Many confuse prayer with assumption. They assume this or that is the will of the Lord without ever seeking Him on the matter to find out if it truly is His will or not. They reason within themselves that this thing is a "good" thing, therefore, it must be a "God" thing. Or because whatever it is appeals to them, so it has to be from God. Some assume that it is God's plan because it came across their path- surely if this wasn't God this "door" never would have opened.

There is one sure way in which to know the will and plan of God-- it is called prayer! If we aren't seeking God in prayer concerning a matter then we really have no assurance that it is God. And we have no guarantee that we will prosper in it. We talk about the importance of prayer, yet we neglect it much of the time- and on some of the most important matters.

A couple of familiar verses are Proverbs 3:5,6- "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." These verses are not just guidelines to making sure we are in the will and plan of God, but I see a warning here also. "Don't lean to your own understanding". Why? Let's face it, we aren't as smart as we would like to think we are. We don't know everything. We don't know the future- we can't see the outcome of our decisions before we ever make them. We tend to judge things after appearance. But just because it looks good doesn't mean it is good- a beautifully decorated cake may look appealing, but if it has poison baked into it, it is deadly; one bite can kill you. There is a way that seems right to us, but the end leads to death. (Proverbs 16:25)

True success comes as a result of seeking the Lord- "as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper." Just because we "assume", doesn't mean we have "sought". And if we have not "sought", we will not have success.

Have a great day. Prayer and assumption are not the same thing.

For further reading:
Philippians 4:6,7
James 4:2
1 Samuel 10:22; 16:7
Matthew 7:7; 6:6
John 7:24

Thursday, November 11, 2021

"Footprints To Victory"

"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." John 19:30

Yesterday we talked about how Jesus is touched by the feelings of our infirmities because He faced everything while He was on earth that we face. He suffered. He was rejected. He was hungry, etc. We discussed the fact that He left His footprints on the road of suffering for us to follow.

This morning I want us to take note that His footprints lead to victory. He was victorious in every trial and the suffering that He went through. Because He was victorious, we can be too.

I want to zero in on this word "victorious". Our definition of victory and God's definition of victory are not always the same. We view victory as escaping the trial, as a healing from an illness, as a restoration of a broken relationship, as a check in the mail that pays off our debt. Jesus' greatest victory was in His "death". It was when He bowed His head and gave up the ghost that the final victory was won.

Victory doesn't always mean deliverance or escape from the suffering. Victory doesn't necessarily mean a favorable outcome, but rather what is accomplished through the suffering. The end result may not be what you want or expect, but if God is glorified through it and His purpose is accomplished then we are truly victorious.

When my attitude is one that does not return evil for evil when I am persecuted; when I can stand in the face of my enemy and truly love him; when my faith is not shaken though calamity is present; when my light is still shining no matter how dense the darkness-- then I am victorious. Joseph was tempted by Potiphar's wife and even though it got him thrown into prison, he was victorious because he still maintained his integrity. Daniel was tempted with the king's meat then put to a test, yet he did not defile himself. Jesus did not revile or threaten when He was being falsely accused and crucified, yet He did not falter from the Father's plan. Their lives were a true definition and picture of victory.

Have a great day. Victory does not always mean deliverance from the trial or the outcome you desire. Victory is when what is accomplished in you brings God glory.

For Further reading:

Hebrews 11:35
2 Corinthians 4:17
1 Peter 2:23; 3:17,18

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

"Follow His Footprints"

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15

One thing I have noticed in studying the Book of 1 Peter is that each time Peter talks about the things they were suffering, he then reminds them that Jesus suffered too. Jesus went through the same things they were going through. He went through the slander, the reproach, the lies and false accusations. He was beaten. He was rejected. He was tempted. He was acquainted with their suffering because He went through it Himself. This is why the verse above tells us that He is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities". He knows what it is like- He went through it all when He was on earth.

Jesus knows what you are going through today. He has already walked that path before you. And now, may I say, He is walking it again-- this time with you. You are not walking it alone, He is right there with you. And not only is He with you, He is shining a light on the dark path which reveals His very own footprints so you can see how to walk through this. You have His presence to comfort you, His footprints to follow, and His word to light up the way. You can make it through this and come out victorious-- because He did.

Have a great day. Jesus knows what you are going through, He's been down that same path and left His footprints to lead the way through it.

For further reading:
1 Peter 2:20-23; 4:1
Hebrews 2:18; 5:8

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

"The Unchanging Love of God"

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Romans 8:35

In this ever changing world, it is comforting to know that there is one thing that never changes-- the love of God. We see a beautiful illustration of this in the story of the prodigal son. When the son finally repents and makes his way home, the father is waiting for him. He runs out to embrace his son and receive him back into the family.

This father could have rejected the son. He could have turned his back on him. He could have sent him away. He could have had him put to death. He could have made him a servant. But he didn't. He rejoiced and planned a big celebration for his son. He put the family ring on his finger and robe on his back. Why did the father do this? After all, the son had shamed him, had shamed the family name, had dishonored him, had hurt him deeply, had disappointed him and had rebelled against him, yet we see his treatment of him was with such extreme kindness. It was because of love! The father never stopped loving his son. His love was the open door for his return.

Perhaps you have turned from the Heavenly Father. Perhaps you have been rebellious against Him- you've turned your back on Him, left the relationship you once shared with Him, went out into the world and did your own thing and told Him you didn't want to have anything to do with Him. Perhaps now you have come to the place where you see the error of your way and desire to return to Him. If that is you, rest assured that you can return. He is waiting for you. He is longing for you to come back "home". He will gladly receive you with out stretched arms. Why? Because His love for you has never stopped. Even when you were in the "pig pen", He never quit loving you. His love for you has not changed- He loved you at the beginning, He loves you now. So get up today and begin making that step toward Him. You will find that as you do, you won't have to make it very far before He runs out to meet you.

Have a great day. God's love for us never changes, even when we turn away our love from Him.

For further reading:
Malachi 3:6
Luke 15
John 3:16,17
Romans 5:8; 8:35-39
1 John 1:9

Monday, November 8, 2021

"A Famine Of Hearing"

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." Amos 8:11

I was thinking about how gracious the Lord is to speak to us the way He does. He is constantly speaking. There is no shortage of His word. He speaks to us through His written word (the Bible). Each day I receive close to a dozen different email devotionals. I have numerous books that have been inspired by Him which expound His word to me. Then there are Christian programs on television and radio, church services during the week, not to mention the conversations that I have during the day with other believers- all avenues through which He speaks to me. When you think about it, it seems as if He is never really silent because there is always some sort of "preaching" of His word going forth.

He is speaking, but the problem is-- are we listening? The prophet didn't say there was a famine of the word, but of the "hearing" of the words of the Lord. If we are listening, then why aren't we being transformed? Why aren't we any different? Why are we still living in bondage as slaves to besetting sins? If we are hearing His word, why aren't we treating each other with more kindness? Why aren't we loving our enemies and blessing those who curse us? Why are we becoming more materialistic and less self denying? Why aren't we sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus with the lost?

When I send out the Coffee Break devotional, I always pray that the Lord would give those who receive it an "ear to hear what the Spirit is saying" though it. I pray that He would help each one to be a "doer and not a hearer only". (I pray this for myself as well.) God's word has been given to us for more than to just have some good "reading material" available to us. It was given to us for many reasons, but mainly to reveal who He is and for application. Are you applying it to your life? Are you living by it? Does it govern your actions, speech and attitudes? Are you really hearing it? If you are, then it will have an affect on you, that affect is a transformed life.

Have a great day. Did you hear what the Word said?

For further reading:
James 1:22-25
Luke 6:49; 8:5-15
1 Peter 2:2

Friday, November 5, 2021

"His Word Is Enough"

"Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." Luke 24:7

Jesus told His disciples that He was going to be crucified but that He would rise again. They saw Him being arrested. They saw Him beaten. They saw Him die on the cross. They saw all their hopes and dreams and all they had believed vanish before them. All they had was Jesus' word- "I will rise again on the third day".

"And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side." (Mark 4:35) While they were in the boat all the disciples could see was a violent storm, the seas roaring and the wind blowing. They could see the water in the boat. They could see the helplessness of the situation. It did not look good for them at all. All they had was Jesus' word- "Let us pass over to the other side".

In both cases the disciples saw nothing encouraging, nothing hopeful, nothing but darkness and death. All they had was Jesus' word to hold on to, but that was enough.

When you face the storms and trials of life, when you go through difficulties, when all looks hopeless, when there is nothing around you but despair, and all you have is God's word about the situation, then that is enough.

All the disciples saw was death, but Jesus said they would see Him raised from the dead--- and they did! All the disciples saw was a storm that was about to destroy them, but Jesus said they were going to the other side--- and they did!

Things may not look good, but we don't walk by sight, we walk by faith-- faith in what Jesus has said. It is not about what we see, but about what we hear. It doesn't matter how dark it may look, if Jesus said the light is coming, then it is. It may look like you are going to drown, but if Jesus said you are going to survive, you will. If whatever you face is saying one thing, but Jesus is saying another-- then what Jesus said is what you can count on.

Have a great day. If all you have is God's word about the situation- no matter how it looks- His word is enough.

For Further reading:
Mark 4:35-41
Romans 1:17
Hebrews 11:1
2 Corinthians 5:7

Thursday, November 4, 2021

"I Will Be Back"

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3

Jesus had spent the last three years with His disciples- day in and day out- and now He tells them that He will be going away. Jesus knew this would be troubling news to them so He begins by telling them not to let what He is about to say trouble their hearts. Then He tells them- "I will come again." He was saying, "You haven't seen the last of Me. I may be absent for a little while, it may look like I am gone for good, but I am not, I will be back." ("Yet a little while." John 14:19a)

There are times when we feel as if we have seen the last of Jesus. You were walking with Him so closely- hearing His words guiding you, feeling His arms of love around you, knowing every move you made He was making it with you. But all of a sudden it appears as if He has left you. You can't feel His presence. It doesn't look like He is anywhere in sight. You can't hear His sweet voice directing you in which way to go. You seek for Him, but He must be hiding because you can't seem to find Him.

Are you feeling like that? During the period of time that He "left" the disciples He had not forgotten them. He was working on their behalf to fulfill the plan of their redemption. He was making preparation for their eternity. He was, as a high priest, presenting His blood on the mercy seat in heaven. They were still on His mind. Though it may seem as if He has "left" you, He has not. He is still making intercession on your behalf. He is still going before the Father on your behalf. Take heart! You haven't seen the last of Him. He has not left you. His eyes are still on you. He is still there.

So this morning, "Let not your heart be troubled. I will come again." You will sense His presence again. You will feel the warmth of His presence. You will hear His voice again. You will see His hand working on your behalf. You have not seen the last of Him.

Have a great day. While it seems as if He has left you, He hasn't, He is working on your behalf.

For further reading:
John 14:1-3
Hebrews 8:1; 9:24; 7:25

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

"He Won't Put Up With It"

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46

What do you think would happen if on your job you decided to set your own hours- you would come in and leave when you wanted to? What if you decided that you wouldn't go to work at all this week- just because you didn't feel like it? What if when you got to work you only did the job that you wanted to do? What do you think your employer would say about that? Do you think he would continue to allow you to work there? If you were an employer with an employee like that, would you allow him to remain or would you fire him?

What if when you got married you told your husband- I will wear your ring and take on your name, but I will continue to see my old boy friends. I will be at home during the week but on the weekends I am going out with the girls. Suppose you told your husband that you were not going to cook his meals or wash his clothes- except when you felt like it. Wives, suppose your husband told you that he was not going to work and make a living, you would have to take care of everything that needed doing, and he would not be home but one night a week because he plans on spending the other nights with his buddies or seeing a girl friend. If that was you, how would you feel? What would you do about it? Would you put up with that type of "relationship"?

In both examples neither would put up with it. Your employer would fire you. Your spouse would never agree to such an arrangement. So, let me ask you a question-- why do we think that Jesus will put up with it? Why do we say we are saved and not act like it? Why do we continue to do the things we want to do and think that it is all right with Him? Why is it that we think He will overlook the fact that we never go to His house, we never read His word, we never talk to Him (except when we are in trouble) and think that He'll "understand". We don't get by with it in our earthly relationships with other people, yet, we think we will get by with it where Jesus is concerned.

An employer wants an employee that he can count on, that is faithful to his position and that will actually work for his pay check. A husband/wife wants their spouse to love them, spend time with them, choose them above others and be there with and for them. What do you think Jesus wants? He wants someone to love Him- not with "lip service" but with lifestyle. He wants someone who desires to be with Him, who will follow Him and will listen to His voice. We give that respect to others, why is He any different?

Your employer would not put up with your lack of commitment. Your spouse would not put up with your lack of love and respect. And contrary to popular opinion, Jesus won't put up with your taking Him for granted. One day He will tell you, "Depart, I never knew you."

Have a great day. If our boss and spouse won't put up with our lack of commitment, why do we think Jesus will put up with it?

For further reading:
Matthew 7:21,23; 16:24; 22:37

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

"The Outdated Bible"

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." Matthew 7:25

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew." The scripture said that the storms came. It didn't say, "If the storms come". Storms are a given in life-- they come. So what do we do when they come?

Some seek the advice of others. Some try to solve the problems themselves. Some think they can throw enough money at it and it will calm down. Others think that they can ignore it and it will go away. There is only one sure solution- the Word of God.

Sadly, we aren't taught how to hold fast to and stand upon God's word much any more. Instead we are taught that God's word is outdated and old fashioned- it was all right for men in the old days but not for today. We live in a modern society- the Word of God is "old school". Then we are taught that the Word of God is a crutch for the weak minded, uneducated and poor. We have "evolved" our thinking past what the Bible says- we are living in the "Age of Enlightenment". The Bible was good for the "dark ages" but not for today.

Let me go on record as saying that the Bible never has been and never will be outdated!! You can believe what you want to believe about it. You can believe that it does not apply to your life or situation. You can believe that there are more effective ways of dealing with your problems/storms. You can believe that it has run its course and is no longer relevant. But just because you believe it doesn't mean that your belief is right.

I choose to believe what God says. He says His Word is eternal- heaven and earth will pass away but His Word will remain forever. In the beginning was the Word and at the end the Word will still be there. His Word is the only true source of strength, healing, light and life. I choose to believe what Jesus said, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." (Matthew 7:24) Truly wise people build their lives on God's Word.

Jesus also said something else, "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand." (verse 26) We may think we are so smart and have outgrown the Word of God, but Jesus Himself said that you are "foolish" to think that without His Word you can make it through this life. There is a verse that sums up pretty well those who think that the Word of God is irrelevant, outdated and not necessary-- "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:22)

Have a great day. Wise men believe that the Word of God is relevant and necessary. Foolish men believe that God's Word is outdated and unnecessary.

For further reading:
John 1:1
Matthew 24:35
Psalm 119:105
James 1:22
2 Timothy 1:13; 3:15-17; 4:2-4

Monday, November 1, 2021

"Lifestyle Adjustment"

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Hebrews 1:24,25

When Moses was a baby, he was not only rescued from death but he was raised in the palace as the grandson of Pharaoh. He could have lived the rest of his life in comfort and ease. He had everything that a person could ever hope for- position, power, education, wealth, servants at his disposal, pleasures, etc. He would never have to work to make a living. He would never have to struggle. Everything would come to him on a "silver platter". He had it made by our estimation. His life was a true "rags to riches" story. Yet Moses gave it all up.

He refused to associate with those who were enjoying this lifestyle. He chose a life of suffering instead. He turned away from worldly pleasure, ease and comfort. It seems foolish. There are those who would say he was crazy. Why would he do that? He had everything that others so desperately desire and work to achieve?

The answer is found in the next verse- "Considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." (NAS) Moses knew that to be identified with Christ was greater than to be identified with Pharaoh. He knew who the real King was- kings/Pharaohs come and go with the passing of time. He also knew that kingdoms rise and fall, but Christ is the Eternal King who has an eternal kingdom. He knew the riches of Pharaoh's palace were only temporary- moths and rust would destroy them, and thieves could steal them- but the riches of Christ are eternal. As far as Moses was concerned, there was no comparison of the earthly riches and the heavenly ones. He knew that there is a reward that can never be taken away, that will never fade away, that will last forever. He was looking for the crown of life which was so much more valuable than some sort of gold crown fashioned by the hands of man. He knew that a relationship with the Heavenly King was far greater and more wonderful.

What about you? Are you choosing the riches of this world above eternal riches? Are you choosing the temporary pleasures of this world above the eternal rewards that await those who choose to be identified with Christ? There is no comparison and Moses knew this, therefore, he adjusted his life accordingly. And in the end, there was no doubt he made the better choice. Are you adjusting your life accordingly? In eternity, you will be so glad that you chose Christ instead of all this world has to offer.

Have a great day. Our belief in Jesus will often cause an adjustment to be made in our lifestyles, but it will be worth it all in eternity when it really counts.

For further reading:
Mark 10:28-30
Matthew 6:19,20
Romans 8:18
2 Timothy 4:8
James 1:12