Category Archives: Devotionals

Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, Relationships

Rest Stops Mandatory!

We make frequent trips from Louisiana-to-Florida, and take countless stops along the way. Rest room breaks are mandatory. We know locations of state rest areas, and patronize truck stops offering clean restrooms and ample numbers of stalls. Even those blessed with bladder control need to stop, stretch their legs, and get the kinks out. We get weary when we travel.

Jesus covered many miles in his years of ministry. He walked and He grew weary. “So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the field which Jacob gave to his son Joseph; and Jacob’s spring was there. So Jesus, tired from His journey, was sitting by the spring just as He was. It was about noon (John 4:5-6 Williams NT).”

We tend to forget the man Jesus, in our acknowledgment of His deity. As man, He hungered, experienced thirst and became physically weary. Jesus needed a rest stop. He purposely planned to be at Sychar for a divine appointment with a woman at a well. Never too tired to minister, He spoke to her of living water. (Verses7-26) She rushed away to testify!

“The woman then left her pitcher and went back to town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who has told me everything thing I ever did. He is not the Christ, is He?’ So the people left town and rushed out to see Him (John 4:28-30 Williams NT).” Was Jesus rest period productive? Had he moved people from attention-to-action?

“Many of the Samaritans in that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, when she said, “He has told me everything I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they kept on urging him to stay with them; so He did stay there two days. Then a much larger number believed in Him because of what He said Himself (John 4:39-41 Williams NT).”

Jesus shared the message of salvation. He took time to talk to a woman. She told others… “and they were saying to the woman, ‘It is not merely because of what you said that we now believe, for we have heard Him ourselves, and we know that He is really the Savior of the world (John 4:42 Williams NT).” His rest stop brought rest to weary souls!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

His Excellency, the King!

“His Royal Highness, His Excellency, the King!” He enters the room, as men bow; women curtsy, and his attendants lead the way. Music plays, cameras flash and hearts pound as he makes his way to his throne. A hush falls over the room, as one of royal rank and privilege, takes his rightful place as ruler.

“And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16 NAS).” Unworthy, we worship Him. The Father has firmly established His rule and reign. He invites us to approach His throne. He is accessible. The KING OF KINGS welcomes us.

“Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16 NAS).” We are needy people who serve a kind-hearted King. He favors us with His unmerited mercies. The Royal Majesty ministers to us. Make way for His Excellency, the King!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Guard Your Valuables

People vigilantly guard their valuables. Homeowners install elaborate alarm systems, in an attempt to protect highly prized collectables and precious heirlooms. Many place smaller items in a home safe, or safety deposit box at respected banks. In the good ole days, owners gave instructions.  “Guard it with your life!”

God the Father chose the Rock of Ages, as the cornerstone.  “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Now, to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone (1 Peter 2:6-7 NIV).”  Will I guard my relationship with the Redeemer?

 

 

 

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Impact Once More

Christians today, pattern their local churches, after the early church. The book of Acts reveals the beginnings at Pentecost. We read the message delivered by the Apostle Peter; congregations sense the power of the Holy Spirit inspired spoken word. “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do (Acts 2:37 NKJ).”

He began his response with an essential element of salvation. “Repent.” Both John the Baptist, and Christ Jesus preached a message of repentance. Those who proclaim God’s unchangeable word echo Jesus call to turn away from sin. “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3 NKJ).” Looking again at the Acts passage, we find a positive response.

“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:41 NKJ).” The following verses, (42-47) reveal three dominant characteristics of members of the New Testament church. Believers were committed, connected, and consistent. We can once more impact a world of darkness. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47b NKJ).”   

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Hail to the Chief

Hail to the Chief cues the President, of the United States, of America. He enters the room and all eyes turn in his direction. Others in attendance, reporters-to-dignitaries award him honor and respect fitting the office of a nation’s leader. Even those who oppose his presidency and policies, respect the position he holds. When announced, the person given the privilege, reads aloud a well-prepared introduction.

The scene is the Mount of Transfiguration. Peter, James, and John had just witnessed a divine appearance of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus in all his Glory. Peter, as spokesman for the disciples offered to erect structures for Jesus the Messiah, Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah as one of the prophets. He had not finished making his offer, before he received an unexpected affirmation of Jesus deity.

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him (Matthew 17:5 NIV)!” He not only introduced Jesus as his Son, but also showered him with adoration and words of sheer delight! He turned the direction of Peter, James, and John from temporary shelters, to Christ, the eternal refuge!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Peek in the Pantry

Are you craving something sweet? A strong craving for sweets often knocks on my door,  and pushes its way in. I also crave protein; search through pantry shelves for pecans, pistachio nuts or peanut butter. Cravings can be persistent. I hunger; I peek in the pantry.

Open the door to our promises pantry… “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:23-24 NAS).”

When the Father unlocks the door, to my good deeds pantry, I want Him to see shelves filled with labors of love and compassion. I sense His sorrow, if He finds the shelves bare. I will fill up on His promises and share the excess with those who crave the Bread of Life.

 

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Going Over the Books

It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite Christmas classics. How could anyone ever forget the panic and helplessness of Bedford Falls,’ George Bailey, manager of the savings and loan? A bank examiner, going over the books, discovers a discrepancy. George is unsuccessful in attempts to find thousands of dollars, misplaced by his absent-minded uncle. The examiner, in his brief time of going over the books, changed George’s life and future.

God keeps information about each of us in a book. Will he find a discrepancy between what I claim and what my life reveals? “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds (Revelation 20:12 NAS).” Actions do speak louder than words….

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

A Good Little Soldier

“Be a good little soldier!” A four year old takes a deep breath, wipes away tears on his shirtsleeve and tries to control his emotions. It is no easy task for a youngster, or adult. Yet, it ranks below the challenge of controlling our desires. A child wants to have things their own way, if we like to admit it or not, we do too. Paul tenderly reminded Timothy of the need for discipline in the lives of those called into active service.

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV).” A good soldier is on call 24-7, relies on his basic training and his equipment. As a soldier in God’s army, I will be alert to his call, study his guidebook the Bible, and rely on his Holy Spirit.

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

I’m Good

“Would you like more coffee?” Smiling, “No, I’m good.” “Can I offer you some tea?” Shaking head, “No, I’m good.”  These may sound like normal conversations but I have only one reaction: “Pardon me?” I simply do not understand how the word good came to replace I have plenty.

Yet, hidden in the misconception of good=plenty is a good lesson on faith giving. “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt out to you in return (Luke 6:38 NAS).” The Lord is good!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Guiding Light

I very rarely go out to the movies. Yet; the increase in godly family oriented movies in the last few years is both surprising and encouraging. Those filmed and released through an Albany, GA church are entertaining, thought provoking, and inspirational. They have avoided profanity and explicit scenes; yet, they shed light upon troubling issues of the day.

Likely, many of today’s movie theatres have saved the expense of hiring people as guides from the lobby, to inside the seating area. In days gone by, they were carriers of bright flashlights. The management provided these guides as a courtesy to customers. Today, theatres are equipped with user-friendly track lighting along sides of aisles, at floor level. Customers can purchase favorite snacks from the concession stand, and easily maneuver their way to a favorite seat.

I not only need safety floor lighting in a darkened cinema; I need light in a world of spiritual darkness. Jesus lights my path. “Then Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12 HCS).” He is my guiding light, enabling me to carry the light and dispel darkness.

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