JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Psalm 16:11) "In thy presence is fullness of joy."
I'm told the word “happiness” comes from the “Old English” word "happ", which was derived from
the same “Norse word “meaning good luck or “chance.”
It corresponds to the Latin word "fortuna" which means “luck.”
It also is derived form a “Germanic” word called “Kob” which means “to fit” or “to suit”.
The term has evolved in meaning over time originally meaning to a persons good fortune.
All three words, happ, fortuna and kob”…suggest that when thingshappen the way we want them to then we are happy… and when they don’t happen they way we wan them to... then we’re unhappy.
It corresponds to the Latin word "fortuna" which means “luck.”
It also is derived form a “Germanic” word called “Kob” which means “to fit” or “to suit”.
The term has evolved in meaning over time originally meaning to a persons good fortune.
All three words, happ, fortuna and kob”…suggest that when thingshappen the way we want them to then we are happy… and when they don’t happen they way we wan them to... then we’re unhappy.
The problem with such “happiness”, is that it is temporary and fickle.
True joy is permanent and settled.
Unfortunately there are many Christians or believers that are so serious and solemn they would lead you to believe that God cringes at laughter and hates anything that smacks of joy and delight.
They look and act like they have been baptized in pickle juice and attend the first church of the “frigidaire”.
The Psalmist wrote, “In thy presence is fullness of joy.”
C.S. Lewis observed, “Joy is ‘the serious business’ of heaven.”
The truth is, the Bible is one of the most “joy-filled” books ever written.
The words "joy" and "joyful" are found in it, no less than 245 times.
The word “rejoice” shows up 150 times, and we’re instructed to be joyful and rejoice nearly 400 times!
That means “joy” isn’t just an emotion manipulated by fortune or chance… it’s “an attitude”.
An emotion or feelings can be manipulated or influenced but they can’t be commanded.
No one can tell you to “feel happy” when you’re not.
But you can "choose" to be joyful regardless of your circumstances.
Also joy is not a "commodity" that can be bought.
Many people find out too late that money can’t buy happiness, much less joy.
Trying to find happiness and joy in money, new homes, cars, exotic travels etc… is like drinking salt water.
The more you drink, the thirstier you get.
No, the secret to lasting joy is in realizing that you’re “unconditionally” loved, valued, and accepted by God.
And when you bask in the shadow of the "Almighty"… you will experience the "fullness of joy"… as you experience the unconditional love of God!
(Psalm 16:11) "You will make known to me the path of life… In Your presence is fullness of joy… In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
(John 17:13) “And these things I speak so that they may have My joy made full in themselves”.
Let me ask you this morning!
Have you found that joy that is unspeakable or indescribable?
It’s available to all who will trust in Him.
Good Day!
(Philippians 3:13) "Straining toward what is ahead, I press on."
Jesus said “I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly” (John 10:10)
However, it takes effort to partake of and enjoy the fruit of His promise.
In our scripture verse this morning, Paul says "straining toward what is ahead… I press on”.
He is saying that “it actually takes effort”, to receive Gods promises… and its faith that fuels the passion and tenacity to press forward.
Developing that kind of faith is like taking swimming lessons.
The ability or faith as (Romans 12:3) talks about has been given to each of us “For God has given unto every man the measure of faith”
But its up to us to develop that faith and use it!
Here are four observations about the art of swimming in relation to faith.
· Fear is like water; if you let it, it will take you under.
· You can only tread water for so long before you drown.
· When you reach a certain point, there’s no turning back.
· Faith is like the air in your lungs; it will sustain you and keep you afloat if you just relax.
Have you ever watched a seasoned swimmer?
Stroke after stroke, he/she takes what’s in front of them and pushes it behind letting it propel him or her toward their goal.
They literally take what stands between them (in this case water) and use it to propel themselves forward.
Sometimes we despair and say, “I’m just keeping my head above water,” and that’s okay as long as you keep “stroking” and propelling yourself or pressing on.
It’s when you feel backed into a corner with nowhere to turn that you have to take hold of the faith God has placed within you and propel yourself forward.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12)
The word violence suggests ferocity, passion, intensity and purpose.
You must be relentless and fight your way through, confident that God is on your side… because He is.
(Psalm 56:9-11) “You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?”
Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know… that God is on my side.
In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise in God I trust; I will not be afraid”.
When Joshua and Caleb returned from spying out the promised land they said, "we are well able"!
They knew there was a battle to be fought, energy to be expended, and that quite possibly it would not be easy.
But they knew they were well able!
(Philippians 3:13) "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,"
The waters you’re in don’t determine your destiny; they either carry you over or take you under.
It takes faith to keep going.
When you quit, God can do nothing more for you.
So today, whether you’re doing the breaststroke, the backstroke, or some other kind of stroke, keep pressing on.
God is there to see you and help you cross the finish line.
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead",
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me, heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14)
Good Day!
(Philippians 4:6) "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything."
I've heard it said by many different preachers and bible teachers, that the "pressures" of our times have many of us caught in a web of t acceptable yet "energy-draining sin" in the Christian family.
It’s called “the sin of worry”.
The bible says "be anxious for nothing".
(Philippians 4:6-8) "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.
More than a dozen times in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus said "fear not"!
In fact someone once said that there are some 365 "fear not" phrases in the bible.
One for every day!
Chances are good you woke up this morning, stepped out of bed, and before doing anything, strapped on your well-worn backpack of anxiety.
You started the day not with a prayer on your mind but loaded down by worry.
What a dreadful habit!
Jesus challenged His followers with the question, "Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27)
Believe it or not worry is fear!
Worry solves nothing.
It creates unrest and uneasiness, and if left unchecked, it can churn our waves of anxiety into a “storm” of emotions.
Add a little imagination and creativity, and our worst fears come to life in technicolor brilliance.
The stress from worry drains our energy and preoccupies our minds, stripping us of our peace no matter whether they are big things or little things.
Some of us have a laundry list of concerns that feed our addiction to worry.
It’s a very unattractive addiction, yet we somehow manage to make a joke out of it.
I’ve heard people say with a smile, ‘If I don’t have something to worry about, I get worried about not having something to worry about.’
Anxiety has become a favorite pastime we love to hate.
And worse, we’re passing it on to our children.
As they see the worry on our faces and hear it from our lips, we’re mentoring them in the art of anxiety.”
So what’s the answer?
“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.”
Jesus told the disciples to "ask the Father" "(John 14:13), (John 14:16), (John 16:23), the point being, that He was telling us its ok to trust God in the little things as well as the big things.
He also said if God so clothes the lilies of the field in all their array and splendor, and if He can care for the birds of the air, how much more will He care for you and I those that love Him.
You have great favour with God. (Luke 4:19)
Know that God cares for you, and you don't have to "care" about anything else, but trust and believe!
Good day!
(1st Thessalonians 3:12) "May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another"
Unfortunately there are a lot of people around us whom are not enjoying life to the fullest.
They are existing, but not increasing.
They live one lonely day after another locked in lonely solitude because they cannot get over or get thru bitterness caused by the past.
The real test of "trust" in a relationship, is to be able to share your secrets and struggles, your inner fears and failures… intimacy based on honesty.
Perhaps you’ve been so hurt by a relationship that you’ve said, “I will never trust anyone again.”
Friend God does not want you to live that way!
To never trust again is like living in a tower.
You’re safe from life’s threatening grasp, but you’re so detached from life, that you lose consciousness of people, places, dates, and events.
You talk only about the past because you stopped living years ago.
It takes courage to be honest with God, and even more to be honest with one another.
The relationship between Adam and Eve is described in these words: “They were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25).
They were open and transparent with one another because there was nothing to hide or to be ashamed of.
There was yet no sin that caused separation and betrayal.
Good news! “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
If I am describing you this morning, then you need to know that there is some "good news" for you in this reading.
God’s healing process can set you free to taste life again, trust again, and live without fear.
Don’t isolate… celebrate!
Regardless of whether you’ve lost a marriage, a partnership, or a personal friend, you’re still alive!
Are you ready to live, or are you going to continue rehearsing what no one, including you can change… that is the past?
Know that God wants to set you free today.
Know that you can be set free from your past and given keys to unlocking the chains that have bound you for so long.
Its time to start living… not just existing.
Jesus said, I am come that they might have life and that more abundantly! (John 10:10)
He also said Him whom the Son sets free, is free indeed! (John 8:36)
The Bible says we need to look forward… not backward .
What do we look ahead to you ask?
We look “unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher of our faith”, and we look for His second coming!
“To them that look for Him will He appear” (Hebrews 9:28)
It seems right now every one is looking to man for the answers to our world problems.
I wonder if we might find answers direction and wisdom a whole lot quicker and more satisfying… if we made it a priority “to look unto Jesus”?
To seek God for answers and direction.
(James 1:5-7) writes saying “if any one of you needs wisdom let Him ask of God who is more than willing to give it to us liberally, but when we ask doubt not, for he that doubts is like a reed blown n the wind tossed this way and that.
Let that man know that he will not receive anything”.
Come on folks its time we start to walk our talk, and let God be true and every man a liar.
God said what He meant and He meant what He said.
(John 10:10) “I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly”
It’s time to believe it!
Good Day!
(John 11:35) "Jesus wept"
I personally hate to see people in pain.
It drive me nuts when there is nothing I can do to help relieve their suffering.
And the truth is… the things we say and do to help one person who is suffering, sometimes doesn't seem to bring any relief at all to another persons suffering… specially in the face of emotional pain.
Dr. Colin M. Parke’s said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
?
The more you love someone, the more you grieve their death.
Shock, disbelief, confusion, depression, emptiness, and anger are all part of the process.
When Jesus arrived at the home of Lazarus, His friend had been dead for four days and his sister Martha was very upset with Jesus.
?
She wanted to know why Jesus hadn’t come sooner or prevented it altogether.
“Why, Lord?”
It’s a question we all ask when we’re overwhelmed with grief.
And what was Jesus’ response?
The Bible says that seeing Mary and the other mourners, “Jesus wept.”
He felt their pain then, and He feels your pain today as well.
And because He did, He made it okay for you to grieve too!
Tears don’t represent a lack of faith, they just mean you’re human!
The One who gave you the ability to love, understands sorrow and loss, that’s why He gave you tears.
There is a wonderful old song called "Tears are a language, that God understands".
So how do we, or should we mourn the loss of a loved one?
One counselor says, “Awkwardly, imperfectly, and usually with a great deal of resistance.
Some mourn with anger and attempts to reason things out. ?
Some flounder through… kicking, screaming and wailing, until they finally reach a peaceful state called acceptance, and then they continue on thru life with a huge ache in their heart.”
But acceptance doesn’t mean giving in to despair… because we all need to realize “the parting is for a moment and the reunion is for eternity".
Paul says, “We will all be changed… in a flash… in the twinkling of an eye… at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality… then the saying that is written will come true”.
“Death has been swallowed up in victory" (1st Corinthians 15:51-54).
One day, death will be no more!
So until that time, let the Holy Spirit comfort you with the same hope that Paul talks about.
And make sure that you have prepared yourself for that "meeting in the air".
Good Day!
(Revelation 21:27) "And there shall in no wise enter into it (Heaven) any thing that...maketh a lie."
As a spokesman for the kingdom of God, there is nothing more important to me than my credibility.
That’s why I work at trying to be as honest and forthright as I can with the things I speak about and the topics I let myself be involved in.
And what comes out of my mouth is something I really, really guard.
For it is from the mouth that flow the intents and the thoughts of the heart. (Matthew 15:18) and (Hebrews 4:12)
The Bible talks a lot about what proceeds from a man’s lips and his mouth.
There is an old proverb or quote form Abraham Lincoln that says,
“It is better to keep ones mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and leave no doubt”.
(Proverbs 17:28) also supports this piece of advice concerning our lips and that which we allow to issue from them.
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise… and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding”.
Unfortunately the fact remains as well that gossipers and people who can’t tame or bridle their tongue, and what comes out of their mouth, tend to also embellish and “fudge” the truth a bit.
(Proverbs 6:16-19) “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him…
1)haughty eyes,
2) a lying tongue,
3) hands that shed innocent blood,
4) a heart that devises wicked schemes,
5) feet that are quick to rush into evil,
6) a false witness who pours out lies,
7) and a person who stirs up conflict in the community
In our list from (Proverbs 6:16-19)… “The Book of Wisdom” tells us there are six things that God hates, and the seventh is an abomination to Him.
Two of those things that God hates, are a "lying tongue", and "a false witness".
One of the biggest problems with many of the movies that are produced in Hollywood… is the common theme of "deception", and unfortunately that influence has and is permeating our society.
When it comes to telling the truth, here are two amusing stories:
One morning a mother was out shopping when she bumped into her son at a shopping mall.
Angry and alarmed that he’d skipped school, she demanded to know why he wasn’t in class.
She listened patiently to his explanation and then replied, “I’m not accusing you of telling a lie, but I never heard of a school giving time off for good behavior.”
A dentist with a hypodermic needle in his hand said to a patient sitting in his chair, “You might feel a little sting… on the other hand, it might feel as though you have been kicked in the mouth by a mule.”
As with our world today we smile at these “little white lies”, but the moral of these two stories is clear.
A lie is a lie, no matter how innocent or trivial it may be.
And once you tell enough of the little white lies, it gets easier and easier to tell the whoppers as well.
Sometimes the truth hurts… but never as much as being told a lie.
And always remember, a wise and prudent man knows the difference between telling some one the truth that they know will hurt another…
and when to keep his mouth shut.
When you fail to tell the truth you lose your credibility.
When that’s gone, it may take you a long time to get it back, if ever.
That’s why the Bible says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed” (James 5:16).
When you open up and share your struggles, you set others free to do the same.
And in the process, you are both made whole.
Our motto as Christians and believers should be to always “tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God”!
I want to encourage you today to examine your heart and the things that you feel you must talk about, repeat, and expound upon.
There is nothing more dislikable than people whom always have an opinion about everything and whom tend to monopolize a conversation, always expressing their opinion even though they may not have all the facts or know the full story.
As children of God lets be careful that we always examine the things that we speak on or endorse or promote.
Ask our selves “is it necessary or helpful for me to voice my opinion”
and when I do… “do I truly know all the facts and do I truly know what I am talking about”.
Let’s be careful that our conversation be filled with encouragement and truth.
And let’s be absolutely certain that the words we speak are filled with truth and fact… not “here say, half truth or outright lies”.
I have learned over the years that when I tend to listen first, I get more opportunities to influence others, than when my lips are always moving.
Good Day!
(Lamentations 1:12) "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?"
The longer I serve Him… the more grateful I am for the sacrifice of Christ… and the extent to which our great God and Creator, Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, who went to the cross in obedience to the Fathers will… too provide this wonderful life of salvation that we enjoy as believers and followers of Christ.
I honestly do not know why people in general cannot come to the point of faith and thankfulness to Him for His free gift of salvation… a free gift given to every one of us… a gift received by choice (our choice) a gift that allows humanity (you and I), to enjoy a life of freedom and a life abundant, for now as well as in the age to come.
(John 10:10) (For I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly”
I said it’s a free gift and its attained by choice!
That’s all simple trust and faith and obedience.
(John 3:16-19) “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in Him (in Jesus) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
This is the verdict… Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil”.
With out any demands other than we simply believe in Jesus Christ… and that we receive the light and reject the darkness.
I wonder, do you and I, or the rest of the world even understand the cost… the agony…. the pain that God Himself went thru to allow His own Son to hang on that cross… to be crucified… and there by, “pay the price” for yours and mine, our redemption?
You've probably heard or read this story in the past, but it illustrates so vividly the cost of Gods love for us… a love given so that we could have a right standing with God the Creator, free from the guilt, condemnation, judgment and penalty of sin… for with out the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22-23)
This story is a poignant example of the sacrifice that God made for you and I.
John Griffin, who controlled a railway drawbridge over the Mississippi River, took his young son to work with him one day.
After putting the massive drawbridge up, Griffin was eating lunch when suddenly he heard the whistle of the Memphis Express roaring toward the crossing.
Leaping from the observation deck he ran to throw the control switch.
Glancing down, his heart stopped!
His son had fallen into the gears, trapping his leg in the cogs.
Desperately he tried to devise a rescue plan, but there was no time.
His son was down there… but there were four hundred passengers on the train!
Griffin knew what he had to do.
Burying his face in his arm, he pushed the master switch just in time to lower the bridge into place as the train thundered across.
Then raising his head he looked into the passing windows with tear-filled eyes.
There were businessmen casually reading the newspaper, ladies sipping coffee, and children eating ice cream.
Nobody even looked at the control house or glanced down at the great gearbox.
In agony Griffin cried out, “I sacrificed my son for you people, doesn’t any of you care?”
But as the train rushed by, nobody heard the anguished father’s words.
O my friend… lets not forget what God did for each of us, and lets continue to consider and remember the cross where God allowed His Son to be sacrificed so that we might live.
Like John Griffin, God is asking, “Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?”
The question then becomes, “What…shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22)
There is only one right answer to that question… “Today, accept Christ as your savior, your ransom, your deliverer, your salvation".
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:32)
Good Day!