JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(1st Samuel 30:8) "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all."
God’s Word promises that whatever the opposition is that you are facing today you can overcome.
And there’s more!
You can get back what you’ve lost or something even better.
How?
By doing what David did when the Amalekite armies destroyed his home and took his family captive. (1st Samuel 30:1-15)
First He turned to God for strength to deal with his problem.
(1st Samuel 30:6) “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God”
Lets be truthful… if you could have solved the problem by yourself, you would already have done it, right?
Don’t feel bad about that… feel good!
Paul the Apostle says in (2nd Corinthians 12:9) “I glory in my weakness, for when I am weak I know that He is strong”.
God says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2nd Corinthians 12:9)
Acknowledging that you are powerless is the first step to victory.
Acknowledging that you’re powerless… isn’t the same thing as giving in to hopelessness.
It means acknowledging that you can’t, but God can… and that He will when you surrender the problem to Him.
Second, God gave David a plan to deal with his problem… “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”
Armed with God’s strength and His plan, David went after the enemy and kept attacking until he recovered everything that had been stolen from him.
God wants to do that for you too.
He has promised, “I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten” (Joel 2:25)
When you turn to God, He can give you more joy and success in the years ahead, than in all the years behind you.
That’s His recovery plan for you!
You need to understand today and every day ahead of you… that God has a plan in store for you.
(Jeremiah 29:11) “for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and give you a future, not plans for evil”
(Romans 8 28-32) tells us that “all things work together for good” and that God has plans for you to be “more than a conqueror”
And that plan is fulfilled in Jesus as you live dwell and abide in Christ.
I encourage you today to stop your running, stop your conniving stop your manipulating.
Stop trying to do it your way and start doing it Gods Way.
Our way, (mans way) is the way that leads to death (Proverbs 16:25)
And “His way” starts by surrender to His Holy Spirit!
Yes David was a mighty man of valor!
David was a charismatic leader!
But David also made it a priority to trust depend and obey the voice of God.
That’s why He went to God first in the midst of his heartache, his loss and his pain!
His example is our map to follow.
Jesus says “come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and you will find rest for your soul” (Matthew 28:11)
Good Day!
(Isaiah 54:17) “Vindication will come from me."
Have you been falsely accused? So was Jesus.
They called Him a glutton, a drunkard, and a friend of low-life sinners.
They accused the apostle Paul of being a madman, a fool, and a babbler.
The Bible calls Satan the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
And when you’re committed to doing God’s will, Satan will attack you… and he will manipulate people… sometimes even your own family and friends to accomplish it.
But don’t get discouraged and don’t despair.
God will vindicate you.
(Isaiah 54:17) Gods Word says, “No weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you... these benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord… their vindication will come from me.”
However, if you insist on retaliating, God will back off and leave you to it in your own strength which will almost all the time cause the situation to only escalate or get worse.
But when you put the situation into His hands, the test, the trial, the heartache, the discouragement, the loneliness and despair that you feel can result in a testimony to His goodness, His faithfulness and His saving keeping grace in your life.
So instead of wasting time complaining about the way you are being treated, pray this prayer of David from (Psalm 31:16-20)
“Let your favor shine on your servant, in your unfailing love, rescue me.
Don’t let me be disgraced… Lord, I call out to you for help.
Let the wicked be disgraced… silence their lying lips…those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the Godly.
How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues”
From (Romans 12:19) Paul instructs believers “Do not avenge yourselves, but leave room for God’s wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord”
Simply pray… “Father, I put this situation into Your hands today... please vindicate me according to your word.
My trust is in the Lord… my strength is in the Lord… my very existence is in your hand’s.
Please cover me, protect me and avenge me.
Hide me in the shadow of your love… cover me in the shelter of your wings”
Never forget… Jesus said (John 15:19-20) “If you were of the world, it would love you as its own.
Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’
If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well”
But take heart and let joy flood your soul because Jesus also said…
In (John 16:33) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble… but take heart… I have overcome the world.”
Good day!
(Genesis 12:2) "I will bless you...make your name great, and you will be a blessing."
Recently I read this article that really challenged me, so I thought I would share it with all of you out there that read my devotion yesterday about the “joy of giving” just because.
The story goes as follows… a few years ago, I found $300 dollars on the street.
I knew someone must have dropped it, but I had no way of finding him or her.
I gave one hundred dollars to my friend who was with me, and I placed the other two hundred dollars in the side pocket of my handbag.
For months I walked around with the money in my handbag, not finding anything worthy of my spending those two special “one hundred dollar bills” on.
After a few months of holding the money, I was walking by a deli and a homeless man asked me for money.
I paused and looked into his eyes and I felt them pierce through my heart.
It seemed like the perfect moment to use some of the found money.
I asked him if he would like a meal.
He replied he’d like coffee with whole milk and one sugar, and a turkey sandwich on club with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato and American cheese with the bread slightly toasted.
I was definitely startled by his detailed order but I went immediately into the deli to buy his meal.
It was lunch hour and there were several people in front of me.
I was able to get the coffee with milk and sugar quickly but the slightly toasted bread would be the barrier to my quick exit.
I stood there impatiently the entire time and it took about 25 minutes to get his complete order.
I walked outside and gave the man his food.
He barely looked at me and muttered thank you and then I walked away.
Now I was joyful that I had bought this man lunch, but I felt slightly annoyed by his elaborate order and the time it took to get the food, as well as by his muted reaction to receiving it.
When I got home, I made myself a cup of tea with milk and honey and ate some imported chocolate.
As I ate my elaborate snack, I realized there is no reason why that homeless man shouldn’t want coffee with milk and sugar and a special sandwich.
And I realized that he was no different than me, as I sat there eating my “special chocolate”.
And the thought struck me, how dare I ask if he wants a meal and then expect him to limit what he may want and how long it should take me to get it?
Was I really saying that I would only help him as long as he did it within my boundaries and said “thank you” the way I wanted him to?
The incident made me reflect on my intentions when I give and the openness of my heart.
Most of us have enjoyed the act of giving to a friend, family member, charitable organization or even a stranger.
But I think sometimes that even though we are giving with the best intentions, we still expect things to go “a certain way”, or have certain expectations in return.
We may inadvertently be “expecting” that people will receive our gifts, favours or donations graciously and thank us in an “appropriate manner”, or that our giving will have a certain impact on an individual or an organization.
We also have an expectation about the time and effort it will take… to give to someone else.
While there is nothing wrong with having reasonable expectations, it really can limit our “joy of giving” and the ultimate experience for everyone involved.
Our “expectations” often “taint the act of giving” because we can never know how things will be received or how a situation will turn out.
It can often lead to anger or disappointment if the person we helped doesn’t return the kindness or appreciate the gift the way we want them to.
This may also lead to us “giving less”, to a particular person or organization, not because their need is less, but because of how we felt when our expectations didn’t pan out.
But when we can “release” our expectations and assist another person with the pure intention of just giving for the joy of giving… it can be one of the most thrilling aspects in our lives, even when we hear or see no reaction or get nothing in return.
Then we can just focus on helping another human being, to alleviate some of their daily suffering or spreading some joy.
I’m not suggesting that we remove all boundaries and let people take advantage of us.
I’m merely stating that most of us can probably give a little more to the people in our lives, without thinking what we want or expect in return.
With a more open and giving heart, we can create a ripple of kindness and love in the universe… if even for just one moment.
As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life …by what we give.”
“Jesus said give and it will be given unto you, pressed down shaken together and running over 30 60 and a hundred fold”. (Luke 6:38)
I’ve come to understand that the varying degrees of return are linked to our attitude in the giving.
“The point is this… whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifullywill also reap bountifully.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”. (2nd Corinthians 9:6-7)
Good day!
(Genesis 12:2) "I will bless you...make your name great, and you will be a blessing."
Do you realize there is no greater joy, no greater satisfaction, no greater fulfillment in life, than to be a blessing unto others.
(Proverbs 11:25) tells us that “The generous person will prosper, and whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
God promised to bless Abraham and make his name “great” for one reason… so he would be a blessing to others.
Jesus taught His disciples to be “distributors” of blessing and “first responders” to those in need.
That’s why He often involved them in the miracles He performed… He was training them.
In feeding the five thousand, “the miracle of multiplication” took place after the bread and fish left the disciples’ hands.
Jesus was the source, they were the distributors (Matthew 14:13-21).
And God is calling you to be a distributor too.
Sometimes we don’t recognize our blessing because it’s in seed form, so we conclude we don’t have what it takes.
Not so.
Jesus said, “This is what “The Kingdom of God” is like.
A man scatters seed on the ground.
Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.
All by itself the soil produces grain… first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.
As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come” (Mark 4:26-29).
Note the words: “The seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.”
Instead of saying, “How could God possibly use me”… become aware and alert to people’s needs.
You have something God can use, and when He blesses it, you’ll be amazed at your potential.
The miracle of the loaves and fishes began when someone said “These people need to be fed.”
That’s when the disciples discovered Jesus could use what they had, even though it seemed inadequate.
You may think you don’t have much to give or much to offer others.
You may be thinking “I can barely get by myself.”
“I can barely do things for myself.”
But I assure you that as you stretch yourself in faith having confidence in God…
As you purpose to be a blessing to others with the attitude of helping them,
God sees the “effort” you put out for others and He returns to you that which you “purpose” in your heart to give and or do for others.
And He promises to return it a hundred fold, 60 fold and 30 fold, according to the attitude in which you give or do it. (Matthew 13:8)
(2nd Corinthians 9:7) “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
So my thought for today is this, lets all try to reach out beyond ourselves and see if we can be a blessing to someone else today.
Lets try to be an encouragement, lets try to be an inspiration, lets just do “something good” for someone else.
Just because!
And as a result, you will feel much more fulfilled and joyful as a result.
Good Day!
(Proverbs 18:24) “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”.
The Bible states the fact that “Jesus is a friend of sinners”.
What that means is that He is our friend and is waiting for us to acknowledge His presence and availability.
God’s love for us is almost beyond imagining.
When we consider Jesus “Incarnation”… that is, His leaving Heaven to be born as a helpless human infant in order to grow and experience life among us… we begin to get a glimmer of the depth of that love.
When we add to that His sacrificial death on the cross… it is staggering.
To be a “friend of sinners”… Jesus subjected Himself to living in a fallen, depraved world, where “none is good no not one” (Romans 3:10)…
"For we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Despite our sinful condition, Jesus desires a relationship with us.
The religious folks of Jesus day criticized Jesus for spending time with the outcasts and “socially unacceptable” people, calling Him a “friend of sinners.”
The story of the lost sheep shows the heart of Jesus and the importance and value He places on the lost and vulnerable, those who have wandered away from the place of security.
To God the lost are so important that He will search for them until they are found and brought back to safety.
(2nd Peter 3:9) tells us that “God is not willing that any should perish no not one”
(Luke 15:1-4) tells us “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them’.
Then Jesus told them this parable… ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.
Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?’”
Jesus made it clear that He had “come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10)
He was willing to associate with those who were, (by the standards of the self-righteous Pharisees), not good enough… but to those who were open to hearing Christ, they mattered.
(Matthew 9:10–13) tells of another time when Jesus was ridiculed by the religious leaders for His association with common people, and the outcast.
He answers them by saying, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners”.
In (Luke 4:18) Jesus quotes (Isaiah 61:1–2)… “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lords favor.”
In order to preach the good news to the poor, the prisoners, the blind, and the oppressed, Jesus had to have some contact with them.
Despite our sinful condition, Jesus desires a relationship with us.
The religious folks of Jesus day criticized Jesus for spending time with the outcasts and “socially unacceptable” people, calling Him a “friend of sinners.”
The story of the lost sheep shows the heart of Jesus and the importance and value He places on the lost and vulnerable, those who have wandered away from the place of security.
To God the lost are so important that He will search for them until they are found and brought back to safety.
(2nd Peter 3:9) tells us that “God is not willing that any should perish no not one”
(Luke 15:1-4) tells us “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them’.
Then Jesus told them this parable… ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.
Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?’”
Jesus made it clear that He had “come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10)
He was willing to associate with those who were, (by the standards of the self-righteous Pharisees), not good enough… but to those who were open to hearing Christ, they mattered.
(Matthew 9:10–13) tells of another time when Jesus was ridiculed by the religious leaders for His association with common people, and the outcast.
He answers them by saying, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners”.
In (Luke 4:18) Jesus quotes (Isaiah 61:1–2)… “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lords favor.”
In order to preach the good news to the poor, the prisoners, the blind, and the oppressed, Jesus had to have some contact with them.
He came down from His level... to meet us at ours.
He initiated the relationship... He took the first step... so that you and I could enjoy friendship with heavens royalty... relationship with Deity... eternal life with the Father in Heaven.
Jesus did not condone sin or participate in the destructive behaviors of the ungodly.
But in being a “friend of sinners,” Jesus showed that “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance and a better way of life.
I have never met any one whom came to Jesus in honest repentance and did not begin to enjoy a better life (Romans 2:4).
Jesus led a perfect, sinless life and had the “authority on earth to forgive sins” (Luke 5:24).
Because of that, we have the opportunity to experience a transformed heart and life.
Jesus, our friend, spent time with sinners.
Not to join their sinful ways… but to present them the good news that forgiveness was available.
A better life was available.
When Jesus’ enemies called Him a “friend of sinners,” they meant it as an insult.
Bu to you and I… it is hope and opportunity for a better life.
To His glory and our eternal benefit, Jesus endured such slights and became “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
Good day
Jesus did not condone sin or participate in the destructive behaviors of the ungodly.
But in being a “friend of sinners,” Jesus showed that “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance and a better way of life.
I have never met any one whom came to Jesus in honest repentance and did not begin to enjoy a better life (Romans 2:4).
Jesus led a perfect, sinless life and had the “authority on earth to forgive sins” (Luke 5:24).
Because of that, we have the opportunity to experience a transformed heart and life.
Jesus, our friend, spent time with sinners.
Not to join their sinful ways… but to present them the good news that forgiveness was available.
A better life was available.
When Jesus’ enemies called Him a “friend of sinners,” they meant it as an insult.
Bu to you and I… it is hope and opportunity for a better life.
To His glory and our eternal benefit, Jesus endured such slights and became “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
Good day
(Isaiah 43:4) "I will give men for you, and people for your life."
This scripture is a powerful promise of God, yet tender in its declaration of Gods unwavering affection and protection for Israel.
As with all of Gods promises for His people they are precious promises not earned but given and upheld by His grace.
His commitment is so absolute that He will sacrifice other nations to keep His promise to Israel… fore shadowing the greater exchange of Christ’s life for ours.
The verse invites the certainty that the God who treasured Israel, treasures all who belong to Him… guarding their lives and fulfilling every word of every promise.
Through out His word, Old Testament and New… He has promised that “He would never leave us or forsake us and that He would be with us always”
From (Deuteronomy 31:6)… to (Joshua 1:5)… (1st Chronicles 41:17… (Psalm 118:6-7)… (Hebrews 13:5)… (Mathew 27:46) God promises to provide prosperity, provision and protection for His people whom He loves.
He does this thru the power of His Word, the power of His Spirit and thru the power of His children… you and I whom are sensitive to His will and direction.
Not one of us in this life can “go it alone”… we all need each other!
No man is an island unto himself.
No we shouldn’t depend on others more than we do upon on God, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need other people.
I DO! YOU DO! WE ALL DO!
When God calls someone to do a job, He calls others, sends others to stand alongside them.
God’s promises this in His word: “I will give men for you, and people for your life” (Isaiah 43:4)
I have been so humbled with the evidence of this scripture coming to reality in my life and our ministry.
There is no way that I have had the physical strength, the wisdom, the knowledge nor the financial means to fulfill the things that we have been involved in… for the sake of spreading the Gospel through out North America thru this ministry.
It has been a direct result of those friends, volunteers and men and women whom love God (and us for that matter) and have joined with us, stood with us and helped us to fulfill this mission or ministry that we have or are trying to be obedient in.
The hardest thing I have had to learn is to allow them to be involved… to not let my “control issues” get in the way!
Learning to lay down my pride and allow people to be involved.
Allowing them the freedom to use their gifting’s and talents and be actively engaged or involved with and in our work.
So today I say “thank you to God”… and I say “thank you to the many” that we count as friends and co workers whom don’t look for reward or compensation or recognition, but are so faithful and always there.
In (Exodus chapter 17), as long as Moses held his hands up, Israel’s armies prevailed in battle, but when his hands grew tired, the battle went the other way.
So Aaron and Hur stood by Moses and held up his hands, until victory over the Amalekites was complete.
I need people like that!
You need people like that!
People who know how to hold up your hands and strengthen you.
Paul wrote, “I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves… but Timothy… has proved himself” (Philippians 2:20-22).
(Romans 16:4) He writes about people “who risked their own necks for my life, to whom I not only give thanks, but also all the churches”
Some of us are stubborn and self-centered… we subscribe to the philosophy, “It’s my way or the highway.”
We burn through people, leaving wreckage and broken relationships in our wake.
Be careful not to do that!
The bible say’s “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19)
When God sends gifted people into your life, acknowledge them, respect them, train them, motivate them, and reward them.
When you do that, not only will you fulfill your goal, you will create a win/win for everybody.
And be thankful for them, each of them, no matter how significant or small their involvement has been in your life.
Debbie and I want each of you to know that we love you dearly,
May God reward you with many friends and close companions in days to come.
Look for them, watch for them and then be thankful for them as we are for each of you!
There s an Old Country song by Buck Owens with the Lyric that says “Open up your heart and let my love come in”
I invite you to do that today… open up your heart and let God’s love come in and bring you and add to your life those that are His answer to your needs…
Good Day!
(Ecclesiastes 2:24) There is nothing better than to...find satisfaction in work."
There will be times in life, when it feels like there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it.
And unfortunately when you’re constantly on overload, it shows up in your attitude, your relationships, your job performance, and even your walk with God.
If that’s where you are today, here’s what you need to do:
(1) Pray.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you... He will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22)
Before you fall apart, ask God for the wisdom to evaluate what you are doing, and then be honest with yourself about why you’re in this predicament.
The writer of Proverbs warns against exhausting oneself in the pursuit of wealth emphasizing the fleeting and unpredictable nature of material riches… “Do not wear yourself out to get rich… do not trust your own cleverness.
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off…like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:4-5)
Ask God to show you where you may be sacrificing your peace, health, and relationships on the altar of materialism.
(2) Delegate.
Moses, one of the greatest leaders in the Old Testament, was falling apart under the weight of responsibilities he needed to share with others.
He even got so depressed that he asked God to take his life! (Numbers 11:13-15)
There were capable people all around him who were willing to help, but he wouldn’t let them.
Sound familiar?
As long as you insist on controlling and doing everything yourself, your productivity will stall and your peace of mind will evaporate.
Bottom line is … if you’re on overload today, start making some changes.
Lay down your pride and admit you can’t do it alone.
Lay down your “control issues” and let others help… you even if they do things a little differently?
If the job is getting done, who cares if they are doing it with the left hand or the right hand.
Jesus said “come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden”. (Matthew 11:28)
Life and work were meant to be enjoyed, so if it’s not enjoyable then make the changes and start enjoying your life.
There are not enough years left, to continue to let peace, joy, and satisfaction elude you!
Ecclesiastes says “it is appointed once for a man to die”, and we are not told when that is going to happen, so start living today.
Always remember, “quality of life, is more important than quantity of life”!
Quality of life will effect your “significance” in life, and God wants each of us to be “significant” in life… impacting others around us.
You can’t do that when you are stressed out.
(John 3:1-2) “beloved I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers!”
Good Day!