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JULY 20
GOD HAS A BETTER IDEA
I love meeting Young People and engaging in Conversation with them; especially about their future. I remember a conversation I had with a young man named Jordan. Jordan told me that he was attending college and OF COURSE I wanted to know what he wanted to do. He mentioned Graphic Design. I responded with, ‘You’ll have to be Creative and you’ll have to do it quickly.’ He agreed and then in so many words had said, ‘I hope I can be Creative -That might be a problem.’ God moved and gave me a Word for Jordan and it is a Good Word for ALL!
God is the CREATOR. GOD CREATES! If God the Creator speaks his Creative Ideas into your mind – what is going to happen? The Light-Bulb went off and Jordan responded, ‘I’ll have the Idea and I’ll be Creative!’ Try it Jordan . . . IT WORKS!!! It was time to walk away but I knew in my heart that the SEED was SOWN!
Consider this Idea in the Bible:
Exodus 31:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Exodus 31:2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel . . .
Exodus 31:3 And I have FILLED him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
Exodus 31:4 To DEVISE (To Think/To Invent) cunning works . . .
TO DEVISE: Is a word meaning to THINK, to INVENT, to consider, to be accounted.
God endowed His people with the ability to INVENT (TO CREATE) new things. This same word is used in the following Scripture:
Amos 6:5 . . . and INVENT to themselves instruments of musick, like David . . .
Consider the Story of George Washington Carver:
‘When I was young, I said to God, God tell me the mystery of the universe. But God answered, that knowledge is for me alone. So I said, God, tell me the MYSTERY of the PEANUT. Then God said, Well, George, that’s more nearly your size.’ GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER
Besides Peanut Butter, CARVER DEVELOPED more than 300 products from peanuts, which revolutionized the Industry of the South. He INVENTED more than 200 products from Sweet Potatoes. He only held patents (the legal right to collect money for inventions) for 3 discoveries. He said, ‘God gave them to me, how can I sell them to someone else?’
Mr. Carver has inspired me in many ways. He is certainly one of my favorite people to study.
He certainly leaned on God to give him wisdom and knowledge.
I guess what Mr. Carver was saying – was that:
GOD HAS A BETTER IDEA
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JULY 19
INTIMACY WITH GOD
There are many people who say that they want to KNOW GOD. In my observation I find that there are TWO WAYS that people KNOW GOD: They KNOW Him CASUALLY or they KNOW Him INTIMATELY. There is a major difference between the two –
Consider:
1. TO KNOW HIM CASUALLY
Ezekiel 33:31 And THEY COME unto thee as the people cometh, and THEY SIT before thee as my people, and THEY HEAR thy words, but they WILL NOT do them: for with their MOUTH they shew much love, but their HEART goeth after their covetousness.
Ezekiel 33:32 And, lo, thou art unto them as A VERY LOVELY SONG of one that hath a PLEASANT VOICE, and can PLAY WELL on an instrument: for they HEAR thy words, but they DO THEM NOT.
These people love to hear the word spoken . . . They love the singing . . . They love the music . . . They really do enjoy it . . . but . . . they are only CASUALLY ACQUAINTED. They never move into a MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIP with the LORD. THEY HEAR BUT WON’T DO.
You can KNOW about God, or you can KNOW God. To KNOW about God is to KNOW His WORKS. To know God INTIMATELY is to KNOW HIS WAYS. Moses asked to KNOW God INTIMATELY:
2. TO KNOW HIM INTIMATELY
‘Now therefore, I pray Thee, if I have found grace in Thy sight, SHOW ME NOW THY WAY, THAT I MAY KNOW THEE, that I may find grace in Thy sight…’ – Exodus 33:13
Most people KNOW God on the FIRST LEVEL. All they KNOW are the WORKS of God. They KNOW what God DOES, but they DON’T KNOW the WAYS of God. Not everybody, even those who claim to be saved, KNOW God INTIMATELY.
WE KNEW YOU IN PUBLIC BUT NOT IN SECRET
Luke 13:24-27 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for MANY, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I KNOW YOU NOT whence ye are:
26 Then shall ye begin to say, WE HAVE EATEN AND DRUNK IN THY PRESENCE, and THOU HAST TAUGHT IN OUR STREETS. (Imagine people saying this that attend church).
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I KNOW YOU NOT whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Don’t just KNOW about God CASUALLY –
Have a RELATIONSHIP with Him and PRAY for:
INTIMACY WITH GOD
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JULY 18
A DESCRIPTION OF GOD
How does one describe the Majesty of God? The Apostle Paul did so with one simple verse:
1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the KING ETERNAL, IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, THE ONLY WISE GOD, be HONOR and GLORY for ever and ever.
FIRST – PAULS DESCRIBES GOD AS KING ETERNAL
He ALWAYS has been and ALWAYS will be the SOVEREIGN of the universe. He NEVER relinquishes His Throne, at any time or in any place. He is not only King in this century – He was also the King in the 1st century and He will be King throughout ETERNITY.
SECOND – PAUL DESCRIBES GOD AS THE KING IMMORTAL
IMMORTALITY means that He is exempt from the wear, waste, and final perishing which characterize the present body of man. Paul uses the same Greek Word as Peter uses to describe our INCORRUPTIBLE inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).
INCORRUPTIBLE means that He is NOT CAPABLE of CORRUPTION. Not only will God LAST FOREVER, He will NEVER DECAY or DIMINISH – not even one little bit. He is IMPERISHABLE in His Essence – in His Existence – in His Character – and in His Longevity.
THIRD – PAUL DESCRIBES GOD AS KING INVISIBLE
Some may think – this to be a strange attribute to list as praise-worthy. It is, until we reconsider our perception of reality. We often think of things that are INVISIBLE as being less real (like a ghost). Things we can see and feel are almost always considered more real. But God is MORE REAL than what we can see and feel. He is INVISIBLE because He is everywhere (omniscient).
It is an INVISIBLE ENEMY (we do know it is a real enemy) that we are actually wrestling against! Paul reminds us (Ephesians 6:12) that 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. It is the INVISIBLE God (a very real God) who can give us the victory in our struggle. Scripture References – Ephesians 6:12, Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 11:27, 1Timothy 6:15 & 16.
FOURTH – PAUL DESCRIBES GOD AS THE ONLY WISE GOD
WISDOM is found nowhere else, and in no one else, in this universe. All TRUE WISDOM comes from Him, and so all true praise should go to Him. Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, 9:10.
THAT MY FRIEND IS WHAT PAUL CALLS:
A DESCRIPTION OF GOD
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JULY 17
HOLY CALCULATIONS
Paul looked at and then he considered the enormity of trials, the vast heartaches, the devastating losses, and all of the many sorrows found in this world. He then thoughtfully considered the SUM of it all and then he did something very amazing. He compared the SUM TOTAL of all of those negative things to the glory of Heaven (the sum total of good things) which will come afterwards. He came to this stunning realization:
Romans 8:18 For I RECKON that the SUFFERINGS of this present time are NOT WORTHY TO BE COMPARED with the GLORY which shall be revealed in us.
Paul summed up – that the two should not even be compared, because the AMOUNT of the one is so far greater than the MASS of the other.
Anyone who has experienced even a little bit of the pain that this world holds will find this hard to imagine. We cannot conceive of a Joy so Vast, Heavenly Pleasures so Pleasurable, a Glory that is so Glorious that our GRIEF here is swallowed up by it. God does not ask us to FATHOM such a claim; he simply requires that by FAITH we BELIEVE it.
PAUL SAYS, ‘I RECKON’
Reckon = is an ACCOUNTING TERM meaning to take a careful INVENTORY, to COUNT, to CALCULATE, to occupy oneself with reckonings or calculations. Finally, to come to a RELIABLE CONCLUSION!
PAUL ALSO SAYS:
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our LIGHT AFFLICTION, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a FAR MORE EXCEEDING and eternal weight of GLORY;
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are SEEN, but at the things which are NOT SEEN: for the things which are seen are TEMPORAL (temporary); but the things which are not seen are ETERNAL (last forever).
SCRIPTURE ALSO SAYS:
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when HIS GLORY SHALL BE REVEALED, ye may be GLAD also with EXCEEDING JOY.
There are many things we do not know about the end of this life or the end of the world. But God has given us all – BLESSED ASSURANCE – in order to look joyfully and expectantly forward.
I RECKON THAT IT WILL BE FAR BETTER THAN THIS OLD WORLD!
That is based on:
HOLY CALCULATIONS
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JULY 16
WHEN BELIEF NEEDS TO BELIEVE
A father had brought his afflicted son, who had suffered from childhood, to be prayed for and hopefully to be healed and made whole. He came and met Jesus’ disciples – he asked them for help – They seemed to try – but to everyone’s dismay – THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING.
THE STORY:
Mark 9:17 . . . Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I SPAKE TO THY DISCIPLES that they should cast him out; and THEY COULD NOT.
How devastating this is – we try to do right – we see bad results – and we know those results are inconsistent with Faith. Jesus revealed that they lacked Faith and were simply not prayed up and ready for the moment? Could it be – they failed – because they trusted in their Man-made ways? What had worked before – should work now? I realize that I’m speculating here – the Reason I do – is because I see this happening in modern day ministries.
Let me give you an example:
Religious people seem to try to create a ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL’ formula for everything. Many, believe – to cast a demon out of someone – they first must know the demon’s name (A Formula) – because the boy had a dumb spirit (unable to talk) – many today would feel that this would be an impossibility! If the demon does not cooperate – nothing can be done! This is truly bad thinking .
This creates a second problem –
To think that a demon must be cooperative and first speak its name, before it can be cast out, is to allow the demon to remain in control! Imagine a Police officer crying – I can’t arrest him – Because he won’t tell me his name . . . What am I going to do?
CONTINUED:
By the time the father finally gained Jesus’ attention, there was a growing doubt in his mind as to whether his son could ever be healed. To complicate matters – at the instant, he comes into the presence of Jesus, his son wallows on the ground, foaming at the mouth. The situation gets worse instead of better. He then timidly puts his request to Jesus, “If thou canst do anything… help us.” Jesus replied boldly, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible!’ (Mark 9:20 – 24)
Jesus DOES NOT WORK on man-made formulas or is NOT LIMITED by man’s inadequacies, failures, or when situations gets worse or devils do not cooperate. Jesus DOES WORK when we are TRUTHFUL and NON-PRETENTIOUS. This man speaks perhaps the most HONEST WORDS of anyone. His Honesty reveals his sincerity and it reveals to Jesus that he was not there just to USE Jesus (as a good-luck charm or as a genie in a bottle to grant a wish):
The father . . . said with tears, Lord, I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF. Mark 9:24
TRUE FAITH looks to Christ to OVERCOME all of our GAPING INADEQUACIES! THAT’S . . .
WHEN BELIEF NEEDS TO BELIEVE
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JULY 15
PASSING THE BATON OR LAYING DOWN A MANTLE?
I think of The Apostle Paul’s WRITINGS – of ALL the messages that he preached (no doubt many) – The only ones that we know anything about are the ones that he recorded in WRITING. When Paul’s Journey was at its end- I wonder if he ever thought, ‘Who will follow and do this work?’ Titus? Timothy? Who? As I was pondering, over this thought, this Devotion was birthed:
WILL I BE ‘PASSING A BATON’ OR WILL I BE ‘LAYING DOWN A MANTLE?’
1. THE BATON
A Relay, is a race, where One Runner takes the Baton and RUNS his portion of the Race. When he runs – he runs with a Baton – as he closes in on the exchange portion of the track he prepares for the hand-off – the next Runner takes the Baton and continues the Race. This is like MOSES and JOSHUA. MOSES knew that he would be handing off the Baton of Ministry to JOSHUA because the Lord had instructed him.
MOSES presents JOSHUA to the people for the ‘PASSING OF THE BATON’ (Joshua had been Mentored and of course was a great choice):
Deuteronomy 1:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: ENCOURAGE HIM: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. (He will lead/ emphasis mine)
2. THE MANTLE
ELIJAH was completely different in style than that of Moses. He did not have someone groomed to take his place – nor was he called to do so. He ministered to many (Schools of the Prophets, etc). However, he wanted someone to EMERGE with the WANT-TO – He did not want to choose. He wanted God to make the choice. There was an EAGER young man who had Self-Motivated energy that did step up. His name was ELISHA. He desired the Anointing that ELIJAH possessed. ELIJAH told him that he could not grant his request – but – if he picked up HIS MANTLE, after his departure, then God would grant his request and that is what happened:
2Kings 2:13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
2Kings 2:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. (Elisha was given a Double Portion)
3. THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE WAITING ZONE
Regardless – if it was MOSES – or if it was ELIJAH – God had someone waiting in the wings – Waiting for the CALL FROM GOD – Waiting to take that Champions place. God may have such a plan for you Dear Reader. Reach for the Baton or reach and pick up that mantle -It’s your turn – It’s your time –
IT’S YOUR DESTINY! SOULS ARE DEPENDING ON YOU!
4. GOD IS IN CONTROL
The Church is built by Jesus Christ and the Gates of Hell will NEVER PREVAIL AGAINST IT! Whether it’s a MOSES or an ELIJAH – I know that God is in control and He will HANDPICK and GUIDE the WHO – the WHATS – the WHENS of Ministry!
Some are just beginning while others are nearer to the finish line (like me) and maybe you wonder as I do –
Will I be:
PASSING THE BATON OR LAYING DOWN A MANTLE?
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JULY 14
THE ROAD YOU TRAVEL
I wrote this particular devotion while sitting in the home of my Uncle Howard and Aunt Thelma in the beautiful State of Tennessee. This DESTINATION (their home) was the result of FOLLOWING THE ROADS THAT WE HAD TRAVELED (just as EXPECTED).
Though simplistic, think about it – If you TRAVEL the road – then by necessity – you WILL ARRIVE at the EXPECTED END (the destination) to which those roads lead.
Consider:
Matthew 7:13 ENTER ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION, and many there be which go in thereat:
Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which LEADETH UNTO LIFE, and few there be that find it. (there are TWO ROADS to travel)
YOUR DESTINY IS THE RESULT OF FOLLOWING THE WAY TRAVELED
If you will do WORK — then you must EXPECT THE WAGES for the work performed.
Romans 6:23 For the WAGES OF SIN is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (sin pays – but not well)
If you will live as God’s ENEMY — then you MUST not expect to be treated as if you had been His FRIEND. No, no, be consistent. If you wish to go to Heaven — TAKE THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO IT, and be sure you take the RIGHT ROAD. If you wish to dwell with God in eternity — be reconciled to Him NOW. If you wish to be happy in eternity — then FOLLOW THE ROAD THAT LEADS THERE.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD.
Well, friend, how is it to be with you? You MAY go on in sin — or you MAY repent and turn to God.
You MAY reject the Savior — or you MAY receive Him as God’s free gift.
You MAY come to Jesus and have life — or you MAY refuse to do so, and sink into eternal death.
God has set before you in His Word— THE WAY OF LIFE, and THE WAY OF DEATH; therefore CHOOSE LIFE that you may live.
He has opened A WAY for sinners, by the sacrifice of His Dear Son; and He is willing to give his Holy Spirit to sinners, if they ask Him, in fervent prayer.
You MAY be happy in Heaven — but if you will not — then by necessity you MUST be forever miserable in Hell.
The Result will depend upon:
THE ROAD YOU TRAVEL
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JULY 13
YOUR CHOICE CHOOSES FOR YOU
Choices – choices – choices! People are so free to make their own choices. They are free to choose their own ways! At least that is what they say . . . ‘I can do what I want . . . When I want . . . And where I want!’ But . . . But . . . But in every case they are NOT FREE – they are not free to CHOOSE THE CONSEQUENCES!
In 1865, Rev. J. Smith, delivered a message using the words ‘MAY’ and ‘MUST.’ He presented the contrast between those words – it enhances my thought today about CHOICES and CONSEQUENCES –
CONSIDER:
We MAY refuse to come to the Lord Jesus Christ now, that we MAY have eternal life; but if that be our CHOICE, WE MUST suffer the bitter pangs of eternal death, and WE MUST forever reap the CONSEQUENCES of such wickedness and folly!
We MAY refuse to come to God’s Mercy-Seat as invited by His Mercy now; but if that be the CHOICE then WE MUST by CONSEQUENCE stand before Christ’s Judgment-Seat, when summoned by his Justice bye and bye.
We MAY refuse to confess our sins, that they MAY be pardoned; but if that be our CHOICE then by CONSEQUENCE we MUST give an account and suffer the just punishment of those sins.
We MAY refuse to humble ourselves before God’s feet; but if that be our CHOICE then by CONSEQUENCE we MUST be humbled under his power. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10,11). It WILL HAPPEN either WILLINGLY or not WILLINGLY!
We MAY refuse to receive what free grace presents to us in the gospel; but if that be the CHOICE then by CONSEQUENCE we MUST endure what His Justice awards in eternity.
He who will not be saved by free grace — MUST be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
We MAY be saved now; but if we are not, we MUST be lost forever.
We MAY become the friends of God now; but if we do not, we MUST be treated as His enemies forever.
We MAY be united to the person of Jesus here; but if we are not, we MUST be banished from His presence in eternity. The FUTURE then depends on the PRESENT. The CHOICES made now will impact the CONSEQUENCES of the FUTURE.
Choose Jesus and REJOICE later or Reject Jesus and SUFFER later!
HERE THEN IS HOW IT WORKS:
YOUR CHOICE CHOOSES FOR YOU
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JULY 12
KNOWING THE WILL OF GOD
Oh, how I want to KNOW God’s Will. I REALLY DO want to KNOW His Plans for my life. His Plans are greater than my dreams! His Ways are GREATER, BETTER, and HIGHER than my ways. You too, may know His Will – Surely, you too, would want that . . . Surely?
Psalm 143:10 TEACH ME TO DO THY WILL; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; LEAD ME.
5 PRINCIPLES CONCERNING THE WILL OF GOD
1. THE SURRENDER PRINCIPLE.
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE, BE DONE. (Jesus surrendered His Will to His Father’s Will)
2. THE SACRIFICE PRINCIPLE
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies A LIVING SACRIFICE, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
3. THE SCRIPTURE PRINCIPLE
Jesus said, “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”(John 15:7) – First surrender – “you abide in Me,” then, Scripture –
“My words abide in you.”
4. THE STRIDE PRINCIPLE (your daily walk)
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, but shall have the light of life.
Realize your WALK TALKS louder than your TALK TALKS. What you DO shows more than what you SAY. Someone might say, ‘All TALK and no ACTION!’ Find your STRIDE and WALK IT!
5. THE SINCERITY PRINCIPLE
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in SINCERITY. Amen.
It’s an insult to tell God, ‘I want to know Your will, but I’m not willing to do your will.’ (Rogers)
KNOWING THE WILL OF GOD
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JULY 11
NOW IS THE TIME!
We must PRESS TOWARD THE MARK – We must BE DETERMINED to enter in at the strait gate. We must not be satisfied until OUR BAD becomes GOOD, our GOOD becomes BETTER, and our BETTER becomes BEST! PRESS TOWARD THE MARK! DON’T GIVE UP!!! RUN!
Philippians 3:14 I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
Nothing is so commendable as PRESSING TOWARD THE MARK TO WIN THE PRIZE!
To win such a PRIZE:
We should . . .
Strain every muscle,
Use every means,
Employ every moment —
Until we can call the PRIZE ours!
Who would give up such a PRIZE?
For a little ease,
For a little indulgence of the flesh, or
For the enjoyment of a few of the fleeting pleasures of the world!
Who? Alas, multitudes do!
Now is the time to win so great a prize. The race must be run now. The struggle must take place now. The contending must be put forth now.
It may soon be too late.
The time is limited.
The season is short.
The day is fast passing away.
The night will soon shroud us in its darkness.
Then it will be too late — eternally too late!
Now is the time! (Author Unknown)
Let us then seize the present MOMENT — for LIFE will soon be ended. If we let the present opportunity slip — we shall regret it forever. Hell is filled with useless regrets.
2 Corinthians 6:2 Behold, NOW is the accepted time! Behold, NOW is the day of salvation!
NOW IS THE TIME!
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JULY 10
RUN FOR THE PRIZE
One runner described his motivation and preparation for running a race. He described that one thing he did was to take his heart (figuratively speaking) and place it beyond the Finish Line. ‘When the race begins, I then run toward my heart and the win!’
The Apostle Paul described his race in a similar way:
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
The Goal (the mark) is the finish line at the end of the race track. The Prize is the Award presented to the Winner. Here the goal would be the finish of life’s race. The prize would be the Crown of Righteousness which Paul describes as the prize awaiting those who have run well:
2Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul says, ‘I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK’
To PRESS= To follow or press hard after, to pursue with earnestness and diligence in order to obtain, to go after with the desire of obtaining.
Synonymous with – to press violently or force one’s way into, To fight for it as a competitor!
We must PRESS TOWARD THE MARK as well — agonize to enter in at the strait gate. We must not be satisfied until OUR BAD becomes GOOD, our GOOD becomes BETTER, and our BETTER becomes BEST! PRESS TOWARD THE MARK! DON’T GIVE UP!!! RUN!
IF WE ARE TO WIN THE PRIZE:
The EYE will be directed to it; –
The HEART will be set upon it; and –
The WHOLE BODY, SOUL, AND SPIRIT will be determined to possess it.
Consider:
. . . even here they crown the most honored of the athletes, not on the racecourse below, but the king calls them up, and crowns them there” (Chrysostom). (Reference: Judgment Seat of Christ)
Just like the Olympics – The Race is run – the Victor rejoices – Later comes the Formal Ceremony and the Medal Presentation – ‘THERE IS LAID UP A CROWN TO BE GIVEN AT THAT DAY!’
RUN FOR THE PRIZE
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JULY 9
HEAVEN AND NATURE SING!
What confidence in giving Our Life to, and living Our Life for, a Savior Who loves us SO MUCH! The Creator of the universe has plans that are Greater, Better, and Higher than our own.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Hope at last/ emphasis mine)
GOD IS THINKING ABOUT YOU – ‘I know the thoughts that I think TOWARD YOU’
GOD IS THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS – ‘Thoughts of PEACE, and NOT OF EVIL’
GOD HAS A PLAN – ‘To give you an EXPECTED END’
With God’s plan there is EXPECTATION – You can EXPECT God to show up and show out!
With God’s plan there is ANTICIPATION – You can ANTICIPATE that the PROBABILITY of God moving in your life is 100% – in other words – IT IS A SURE THING!
Isaiah 55:8 FOR MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, SO ARE MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS, and MY THOUGHTS THAN YOUR THOUGHTS.
Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (just know that there is a purpose accomplished by the rain and snow)
Isaiah 55:11 SO SHALL MY WORD BE THAT GOETH FORTH OUT OF MY MOUTH: IT SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH I PLEASE, AND IT SHALL PROSPER IN THE THING WHERETO I SENT IT.
Here is the Key Verse:
Isaiah 55:12 For ye shall go out WITH JOY, and be led forth WITH PEACE: the MOUNTAINS and the HILLS shall break forth before you into SINGING, and all the TREES of the field shall CLAP their hands. (Nature is Praising the Lord / emphasis mine)
I’m reminded of the song, ‘JOY TO THE WORLD’ – where it says, ‘Let Heaven and nature sing!’ To me ‘Heaven and nature’ is now more beautiful than ever. When I drive through the mountains I like to roll down my window and imagine the hills singing and the trees clapping. You might ask, ‘About what?’
ABOUT WHAT? I believe they shout, ‘Here comes a Child of the King! A Child who recognizes the One that Created us! As this Child of God recognizes our splendor we certainly do recognize his/her splendor – this Child has been REDEEMED by the BLOOD Of the LAMB!’
Oh, yes:
HEAVEN AND NATURE SING!
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JULY 8
MY MIND IS MADE UP
Sometimes all that is needed is just an old fashioned MADE UP MIND! A determination that says, ‘I’m in it to win it!’ – ‘I’m not going down without winning the crown!’ – ‘I’m too blessed to be stressed!’ I Proclaim that I have ‘VICTORY IN JESUS!’
1Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We had a beautiful lady in our Church – several years ago – that could sing with such a zeal – her name was Ruth Wethington and she would sing the following words with power:
MY MIND IS MADE UP
Well I started out to win this race
To serve the Lord and to look upon His Face
The ways been long and the ways been rough
But there’s one thing for sure
I’VE GOT MY MIND MADE UP
I’ve got my foot on the rock and MY MIND’S MADE UP
Though I walk through the lonely valley
Though I drink from a bitter cup
When the devil comes a knocking
Showing me an easier way
I stand right square on my feet
I throw my head in the air
I look him straight in the eye
I say my foot’s on the rock
AND MY MIND’S MADE UP! (Author Rev. Zenus Sherrill)
Those who would win it — must be determined. Not half-hearted! Not half-convinced!
KNOW THIS: No half-hearted or half converted soul will ever obtain it.
The Energetic and Zealous generally succeed while the Lukewarm seldom do –
We should strain every muscle, use every means, employ every moment —
Until we can CALL THE PRIZE OURS!
2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of A SOUND MIND.
This is my HOPE and my CONFIDENCE – I HAVE VICTORY IN JESUS! – I KNOW THIS:
MY MIND IS MADE UP
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JULY 7
WHO?
The PROMISE given from God through the Apostle Paul asks: ‘If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).
That little word ‘WHO’ can mean ‘Who – Which – or What’ and is all inclusive of any foes that rise against the Child of God. So if God be for us – What is there in existence – that can be against us?
Who can JUSTLY be against us?
Romans 5:1 Therefore being JUSTIFIED by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Justified = JUST – AS – IF – I’D – never sinned’ (Credit J. B. O’NEAL)
Who can SUCCESSFULLY be against us? Read the last Chapter of the Bible – WE WIN!!!
Who can REASONABLY be against us? Especially when God has REASON to be for us!
Who can bring us into CONDEMNATION? We are FREE in Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:1)
Who can SEPARATE us from Christ? We are members of his body! (Romans 8:35)
Who can SEPARATE us from the love of God? His love is eternal, and immutable! If God is our Ally, if God is our Shield, if God is our Strong Tower – who can succeed against us?
CAN SATAN?
He is conquered and reduced to be in submission to Him Who loves us, and Who gave Himself for us.
CAN MAN?
Man, who is less than nothing, and vanity in the sight of God!
What GOD was when He made the PROMISE — HE IS NOW.
What He thought, when He pledged Himself to us — HE THINKS NOW.
The LOVE He has had from the beginning of time — HE HAS NOW.
He is without variableness, or shadow of turning – HE DOES NOT CHANGE (James 1:17).
Yes, our FAITH is tried — but being tried – it is STRENGTHENED.
Yes, our COURAGE is tried — but being tried – it is INCREASED.
Yes, our FORTITUDE is tried — but being tried – it becomes STEADFAST/IMMOVEABLE.
In all of this, WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS!!! PRAISE GOD FOREVERMORE!
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things?
IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
WHO?
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JULY 6
JESUS HAS MADE ME A WINNER!
Every Christian will face enemies of his/her soul. In fact, every Christian should expect opposition against his/her Spiritual advances.
Jesus Himself said:
John 16:33 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.
Jesus insinuates that because He has OVERCOME THE WORLD – you and I CAN and WILL OVERCOME the world as well. Obviously, TRUSTING in Him (Jesus) is the KEY! We must remember that WITH GOD – ‘The Power behind us is GREATER than the Obstacles in front of us!’ (Credit Jason Dailey)
The Apostle Paul confirmed that thought when he said:
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
A POINT TO BE EMPHASIZED – ‘IF GOD BE FOR US’
Are we for God?
Are we for His cause — doing all we can to support it?
Are we for His truth — doing all we can to spread it?
Are we for His people — showing kindness and love to them?
Are we for His glory — seeking by all means to advance it?
If so — GOD IS FOR US AND IF GOD BE FOR US THEN WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
He is for all whom He has called by Grace, and introduced into the fellowship of His Son. Those to Whom He has Saved and Delivered from the bondage of sin. He is for all who have the Spirit of Adoption, who cry unto Him, ‘ABBA FATHER.’ He is for the poor in Spirit. He is for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. He is for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for whom He has prepared the kingdom of Heaven. Are we then made partakers of the Heavenly calling? Have we received the Holy Spirit? Are we poor and needy? Are we hated, opposed, and persecuted for Christ’s sake? If so — then God is for us! (SMITH)
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . .
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS through him that loved us.
Someone said, ‘If we are more than conquerors – then satan is MORE THAN BEAT!!!
Declare:
JESUS HAS MADE ME A WINNER!
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JULY 5
MY DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE
A quote from John Adams (Our Nations Second President and First Vice President and a Founding Father) ‘ . . . July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great Anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated as the DAY OF DELIVERANCE, SOLEMN ACTS OF DEVOTION TO GOD ALMIGHTY (emphasis mine). It ought to be Solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.’ (John Adams continues:)
‘You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the TOIL AND BLOOD AND TREASURE that it will cost to MAINTAIN THIS DECLARATION and SUPPORT and DEFEND THESE STATES. Yet through all the gloom I can see rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; that POSTERITY WILL TRIUMPH in that Day’s Transaction, even though we (may regret) it, which I TRUST IN GOD WE SHALL NOT.’ (John Adams)
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (independence from Great Britain) is really a DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE UPON GOD! John Adams words – Gives to God, the Thanks for Deliverance, and then proclaims Dependance upon God for its Continuance.
Psalm 33:12 BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Psalms 144:15 HAPPY IS THAT PEOPLE, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD.
Acts 17:28 For In Him we LIVE, and MOVE, and HAVE Our being . . . (Total Dependance)
How about the following as an example of a ‘Declaration of Dependence Upon God and His Holy Bible?
We hold these truths to be self-Evident, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Since our Creator gave us these rights, we declare that ‘We ought to obey God rather than men’ – Acts 5:29. We make our DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE UPON HIM!
The Apostle Paul perhaps says it best:
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
What confidence in giving Our life to, and living Our life for, a Savior Who loves us that much!
His plans are greater, better, and higher than our ways –
I TRUST HIM – this is:
MY DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE
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JULY 4
THERE IS STILL A HOLY CAUSE FOR LIBERTY
Embedded deeply in our hearts and minds is the fact that many brave men and women have given the Ultimate Sacrifice defending America’s Freedom and Liberty. We honor their Heroic Efforts (as we should) and we thank God for His Blessings (as we must).
I saw a picture the other day that was actually two pictures in one. On the left half was a picture of a Dad with His BBQ grill – grilling hotdogs and hamburgers – his little boy asked him a question – ‘How much did all this cost?’ – (there was no caption with an answer but visually you could see the Father in deep thought) – that’s when the viewer’s eyes move to the right half and sees the second picture that does have a caption that says, ‘ANSWER.’ – In the second picture is a Veterans Cemetary (Like that of Arlington National Cemetary) – IMPLIED IS – this is what it cost! Very moving and thought provoking!
Scripture says:
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Indicative of this spirit of sacrifice, a Lutheran Pastor, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenburg, stood to preach a Sermon to his Church in Woodstock, Virginia. This was just a few months prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence in 1776. (As a side note: There is a Statue of ‘Muhlenburg’ in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. which represents the Great State of Pennsylvania).
Now about the Sermon:
His most famous sermon came on a cold day in January of 1776, when he delivered a farewell sermon to his congregation. His text came from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, ‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.’ When he concluded his message he declared, ‘In the language of the Holy Writ, there is a time for all things. There is a time to Preach and a time to fight. And now is the time to fight!’ He then famously threw off his clerical vestments cloaked in his full military uniform successfully recruiting more than 300 to fight for freedom.
Yes, Ministers helped turn the Colonial Resistance into a Righteous Cause. They served at all levels in the conflict – from Chaplains, Officers, members of the Legislature, and to taking up arms and fighting on the battlefield. LIBERTY and FREEDOM were worth the EFFORT!
Patrick Henry addressed this effort with his famous words: ‘Three millions of people, ARMED IN THE HOLY CAUSE OF LIBERTY (emphasis mine), and in such a country as that which we possess, are INVINCIBLE by any force which our enemy can send against us. Beside, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a JUST GOD WHO presides over THE DESTINIES OF NATIONS, and Who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. (Patrick Henry)
Thank you to those PATRIOTS then and Thank You to all of the Patriots now!
I will say in the spirit and desire of Patrick Henry:
THERE IS STILL A HOLY CAUSE FOR LIBERTY
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JULY 3
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
Patrick Henry spoke perhaps a most famous phrase when he said, ‘Give me Liberty or give me death!’ Patrick Henry aroused the Second Virginia Convention (March 23,1775) to arms against the awful tyranny of Great Britain. He told them, ‘We have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming upon us.’
During the decade prior to 1776 – The Colonies had tried to remain Loyal to the English Crown. However, their differences were too great and finally a stand had to be made.
What were the issues at hand:
* They had been forced to endure ‘Taxation without Representation.’
* Searches and Seizures without probable cause.
* The confiscation of their Firearms (the Crown wanted them to be disarmed).
* There were numerous other issues as well.
Because of all of the above – the Colonies were Forced to break away from Great Britain in Revolt. The Fight for INDEPENDENCE and LIBERTY had begun!
IT HAD TO HAPPEN!
There is an interesting Scripture that I would like to look at today – especially when I think about the Birth of our Great Nation – THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN SUFFERETH VIOLENCE, and THE VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE.
God’s people have always been attacked for their Faith – ‘Suffered Violence.’ I understand that there will be many people that believe that the next statement refers to those same violent people, ‘The Violent take it by Force.’ (That may be so). However, there are many that believe that the last statement ‘The Violent take it by Force’ refers to the Christian taking back what the enemy has stolen. In other words there is a ‘HOLY VIOLENCE’ – a Righteous fight for Liberty. It is like Legal Law Enforcement ( a good Violence) stopping the criminal (the bad Violence).
They who will have an interest in the great salvation are carried out towards it with a strong desire, will have it upon any terms, and not think them hard, nor quit their hold until they receive the blessing. They who will make their calling and election sure must give diligence . . . Oh, that we could see a greater number, not with an angry contention thrusting others out of the kingdom of heaven, but with a Holy contention thrusting themselves into it! (MATTHEW HENRY)
We are called to be ‘Good Soldiers’ (2Timothy 2:3) –
we must ‘Fight the Good Fight of Faith’ and ‘Lay hold on Eternal Life’ (1 Timothy 6:12) –
WE MUST PRESERVE AND PROTECT OUR FREEDOM (this usually necessitates a fight) –
THE REASON IS SIMPLE –
BECAUSE:
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
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JULY 2
PRAY FOR THE PASTORS
While reading through the Old Testament Book of Ezra, I was once again struck by the Summary Description of Ezra’s ministry. Ezra ministered to the returning exiles found in Ezra 7:9–10:
Ezra 7:9 For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, ACCORDING TO THE GOOD HAND OF HIS GOD UPON HIM.
Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had PREPARED HIS HEART TO SEEK THE LAW OF THE LORD, and to DO IT, and TO TEACH in Israel statutes and judgments.
THIS TEXT PRESENTS SEVERAL LESSONS FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY
1. THE CALL OF GOD –
In verse 9 it is stressed that Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem was the result of God’s hand being upon him. A Pastor needs to understand that his role is the result of the CALLING and LEADING of God not his OWN AMBITION.
2. THE STUDY OF GOD’S WORD –
Ezra “set his heart” to study God’s Word. This expression involves both the will and the affections. A Pastor must be a person who makes the STUDY of God’s Word FOUNDATIONAL to his own life and ministry. Without this foundation, PASTORAL MINISTRY IS DOOMED!
3. THE PRACTICE OF GOD’S WORD –
Ezra sought not only to gain knowledge when studying the Word, but to LIVE IT OUT. A Pastor must be someone who not only excels in Cognitive Knowledge of Scripture, but also Applied Knowledge of Scripture.
Many a Pastor’s profound teaching from the Word is severely undercut by a failure to live out Scripture before his people in such a way that his actions match his teaching. Of course, no one does this perfectly, but it must be the intention of the Pastor to APPLY his study of the Word FIRST to himself.
4. THE TEACHING OF GOD’S WORD –
Ezra fully intended to not merely gain knowledge of Scripture for himself or even live it out, but also to teach the Word to others. This commitment to the teaching of God’s Word must be foundational to a Pastor’s ministry, NO MATTER WHAT CAPACITY HE SERVES IN.
This is not merely for the “senior” or “preaching” Pastor, but for every Pastor/Elder who serves in the church. Of course, this will look different depending on the nature of his ministry, but it is the bedrock for all Pastoral ministry.
In closing,
I should note that the call to study, live, and teach God’s Word is not limited to Pastors, but to all of God’s people. Commit to a study of God’s Word – Our People NEED TO HEAR Someone Who’s been alone with God!
PLEASE:
PRAY FOR THE PASTORS
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JULY 1
GOD’S WORK IS NEVER EXPERIMENTAL
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. (THOMAS EDISON)
‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’ (THOMAS EDISON)
I truly love those kinds of Proverbial Statements. I get inspiration and motivation from such statements. But I notice – That each of those statements by Edison contain the element of failure. Sure he used those failures – He learned from those failures – He went on to great success because of those trials and errors.
Consider the following:
GOD HAS A GUARANTEED PLAN THAT IS NOT BASED ON TRIAL AND ERROR
Philippians 1:6 Being CONFIDENT of this very thing, that he which HATH BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL PERFORM IT (will complete it) until the day of Jesus Christ:
GOD’S PLAN HAS NEVER NEEDED REINVENTION
He did not create man with the idea of waiting to see if man would succeed or fail. He knew that mankind would sin – He knew it before creation – therefore with God there never was a plan B.
HIS ORIGINAL PLAN IS STILL THE PLAN THAT WORKS!
1Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1Peter 1:20 Who verily was FOREORDAINED BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, but was manifest in these last times for you . . .
GOD DID NOT CREATE THE WORLD AND MANKIND SO THAT HE MAY CONDUCT AN EXPERIMENT –
HE HAS ALWAYS HAD A DESIGN –
HIS PLAN WAS IN PLACE BEFORE ANYTHING WAS CREATED!
NOTE: THIS WAS NOT AN EXPERIMENT!!!
God works by a plan. His plan has always been to prepare mankind for His/her final destination (HEAVEN).
God’s Motto could be – ‘TO BEGIN IS TO FINISH’ – That principle applies to us as well. When God begins something in us – His Plan is to bring it to COMPLETION. Herein is a great principle respecting God’s method of working.
HE DESIRES TO FINISH WHAT HE STARTS.
IF YOU LEARN ONE THING – PLEASE LEARN THIS AND ALWAYS KNOW THIS:
GOD’S WORK IS NEVER EXPERIMENTAL
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