Tag Archives: Pam Ford Davis

Christian Growth

Disarmed

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I’m no authority on the subject of gun control.

I do believe those who intend to inflict harm will find a way to carry out their crimes. The innocent have the constitutional right to protect their families and property.

The enemy attempts to disarm those they oppress…

“No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, ‘Otherwise, the Hebrews will make swords or spears.’ So all the Israelites went to the Philistines to sharpen their plows, mattocks, axes, and sickles. The price was two-thirds of a shekel for plows and mattocks, and one-third of a shekel for pitchforks and axes, and for putting a point on an oxgoad. So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hand of any of the troops who were with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons (1 Samuel 13:19-23 HCS).”

Only Saul and Jonathan…

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Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

True Greatness…

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Great, not second-rate…

“Now the LORD had said to Abram:
‘Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3 NKJ).”

Easier said than done?

When God speaks, it is done already. He is eternal and all powerful. It will happen.

True greatness is not easily recognized in our me generation.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me (Matthew 18:1-5 NKJ).”

The family of God is blessed through the humility and faith of Abraham (Abram). 

Yes indeed, God made his name great.

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Have You No Shame?

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“Have you no shame?”

The question sounds quaint in our ‘if it feels good, do it’ society. Shame on us! Our sins are harmful to ourselves and others. They break the heart of God.

I can become blinded to my own sinning, erasing shame from my memory banks.

Shame on me…

Two men approached God in prayer. One man felt no shame; the other pleaded for mercy.

“Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 18:9-14 NKJ).”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Your Treasure

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Are you a collector?

The range is wide; from dust bunnies to nick-knacks to dust, we tend to amass collections.

Did your hobby begin with marbles?

Many seek an appraisal of fine art, jewels, coins, stamps, comic books or ball cards. The estimated values are amazing.

“Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21 HCS).”

We err, and sin against God when placing our trust in treasures.

Will you trust the LORD?

Give Him your heart. Treasure His presence and promises.

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Thick-Skinned

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I’ve skinned my knuckles, elbows, shins and knees.

It hurt.

Anyone ever say that you need to be thick-skinned?

I tend to be over sensitive but do I really want to toughen up? In spiritual warfare, I need more than thick-skin; I need armour!

Satan is a tough foe…

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV).”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

The Unknown

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On this Memorial Day, let us remember fallen soldiers around the world. We unite to honor the memory of those who were killed in battle. It is more than duty; it is a longing.

It is especially painful to survivors when remains are unidentifiable; there is no closure. This led to resting places in numerous nations for those listed as unknown soldiers. The United States remembers their unknown fallen at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

Apostle Paul walked the streets of Athens and felt sadness as he observed the worship of idols. It compelled him to share his knowledge of Jesus resurrection in synagogues and the market place.

The crowds thought the message was strange but they enjoyed discussions about new ideas. (Acts 17: 15-21) Paul seized the moment as an opportunity for evangelism.

“And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. (Acts 17:22-23 NAS).”

He introduced them to the Creator, the giver of life, calling people to repentance. God does not record a list of unknowns.

“O LORD, Thou has searched me and known me (Psalm 139:1 NAS).”

He knows all about us; He knows me.

“Thou does scrutinize my path and my lying down, and art intimately acquainted with all my ways (Psalm 139:3 NAS).”

There is great comfort in the realization that none is unknown by the One who formed them. Nations may not be able to identify soldiers; yet, God calls them all by name.

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Ready, Set… Go!

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Get ready…

Get set…

Go!

No, this is not a footrace.

Not, child play. The first one there doesn’t get to ride in the front seat.

Are you ready?

Beyond that, are you willing and able?

“And who will harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed, but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:13-17 HCS) 

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Friday 13th

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It’s bad luck to…
walk under a ladder.

You’ll have seven years of bad luck…
if you break a mirror.

It’s bad luck to…
open an umbrella inside a house.

Step on a crack…
and you’ll break your mother’s back.

Friday the 13th…
is an unlucky day.

Do you believe these statements?

Childish superstitions? Yes.

Believed by many? Yes, again.

Today is Friday the 13th.

“This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24 HCS).”

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Uncategorized

Mom’s Molasses Cookies

MOM-MOTHERS DAY

Most moms’ have one special dish, something that becomes a favorite to their children and grand children.

There is no question, my husband delights in being served his mothers chocolate pie. My sister Donna’s’ corn chowder still gets raves.

Our grandson in FL wants Granny’s’ French toast every time he visits us.

There was a wonderful book, movie and television series titled,  I Remember Mama. It is a classic; treat yourself with a viewing some rainy afternoon.

I remember Mom’s Molasses cookies…

She used a family recipe handed down from my grandmother; it resulted in delicious fresh baked snacks for us to enjoy at home or in the bag lunches for school.

Mom dropped large servings of the batter from a spoon, onto the cookie sheet. The aroma of spices filled the house and wet our appetites for what was to come. When baked, they expanded into a large cookie, most the size of a cup coaster. We rarely waited for the cookies to cool; each nibble into the soft cookie brought instant pleasure.

Many treats have little nutritional value; molasses is actually good for you. I surfed the internet and discovered many benefits of this dark, thick, gooey syrup.

Regular use even discourages gray hair!

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Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, Salvation

Reckon & Renew

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I reckon there will…

There will be a day of reckoning.

“But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him (Hebrews 9:26b-28 HCS).”

Praise the Lord; I need not fear judgment day! He bore my sin.

I reckon He loves me that much.

“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 HCS).”

How can I repay Him?

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2 HCS).”

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