Tag Archives: InnerFulfillment

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Manifest Life and Mercy

Who, me? Used by God, us? Reveal his power? Through what?

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 KJV).”

It is a matter of life and death! We share a message of Christ death, burial and resurrection. We die to sin, to walk in newness of life through Jesus. The Potter has a work for us to do. Will we manifest life and mercy for the Master?

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Defend the Truth

It is admirable to stand up for what you believe. Those who are gullible, fall for anything, and easily fall into heresy. Yet, even those who are living a life firmly founded on faith need to keep an open mind. Defend the truth, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal error. Take a lesson from the Jews of Berea.

“The Jews there were better disposed than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message with all eagerness and carried on a daily study of the Scriptures to see if Paul’s message was true. Many of them came to believe, and not a few distinguished Greek women and men (Acts 17:11-12 Williams New Testament).” Search the scriptures and believe!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Short Term Memory

Short-term memory is no laughing matter. I blame it on my senior moments; yet, to some it is a warning sign of dementia or Alzheimer Disease. It is annoying to forget where I left my keys; to forget the name of my husband would be heartbreaking. It seems God’s people, have a tendency to forget, in their bloodline.

“He saved them from the hand of the adversary; He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. Water covered their foes, not one of them remained. Then they believed His promises and sang His praise. They soon forgot His works and would not wait for His counsel (Psalm 106:10-13 HCS).” Ponder His past deliverance and praise Him forever more!

 

 

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Devotionals

What’s in a Name?

What’s in a name? In most cases, a parent gives great attention and thought, when choosing a name for a child. To those, who name a baby, after a parent or other family member, it reveals honor and pride. Shake your family tree; you’ll be amazed, at how frequently families pass names down. My formal name, Pamela Sue, was not in honor of a relative. As a baby and child, everyone called me “Pammy Sue.” That’s mighty close to “Ammi!”

“O JEZREEL, RENAME your brother and sister. Call your brother Ammi (which means “Now you are mine”); name your sister Ruhammah (“Pitied”), for now God will have mercy upon her (Hosea 2:1 Living Bible)!” What beautiful meaning behind these names: mine, and having mercy! What’s in a name? Some have little significance. Many are meaningful. Joy explodes, when we perceive God calls us by name!   (Isaiah 43:1-2)

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Snowball Effect

Born and raised, outside of Syracuse, I know the effects of snow. It truly is amazing, minute flakes, snowmen make. Children and the young-at-heart anticipate the first big snowfall. As soon as a measurable snow blankets the ground, they are outside bound. The top three activities enjoyed by young and old: making snowballs to pellet their friends, creating snow angels, and building snowmen.

Each snowman begins with a small snowball. When rolled in the snow, it gathers more snow, expanding in size at a rapid pace. The snowball effect is desirable when building stupendous snowmen. In contrast, the snowball effect, in relation to problems makes me run for cover! Troubles easily build from one to two, then triple and multiply unmercifully. I serve a merciful God, who turns a multitude of trials, into character building opportunities.

“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then, be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete (James 1:2-4 Living Bible).”  We can experience the snowball effect, seeing patience grow into a wall of strength!

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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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