JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Jeremiah 1:12) "I am ready to perform My word."
I have said it before and I am saying it again.
We cannot live our lives with out “doing it by the Book”.
Jesus said “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Luke 4:4)
When facing danger, David said…“This I declare about the Lord… He alone is my refuge, my place of safety…my God… and I trust Him.
For He will rescue you from every trap, and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers… He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you…
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you, no plague will come near your home.
For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up…so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in My name.
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation’” (Psalm 91:2-16).
Note the phrase that David spoke in verse two… “This I declare about the Lord.”
When you speak God’s Word over your life, there is a power that goes to work that few understand… and when you speak Gods Word…you release that power contained in it.
(Hebrews 4:12) For the word of God is alive and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
So stand firm today, and expect God to honor His Word!
(Colossians 3:16) says “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, admonishing (encouraging) one another with psalms hymns and spiritual songs”
(Matthew 7:24) “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
I love what Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in Him,
(John 8:31-32) “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
In this world, and especially in our western culture, it seems that anything that is an “absolute” is being challenged, ridiculed and rejected.
I firmly believe that’s why there is so much “instability” in our homes our society and our world.
Every one seems to have their own agenda and there own idea, as to what is right, what is wrong, and what is an acceptable way to live life in this world.
(Proverbs 16:25 - 14:12) puts it like this, “there is a way which seems right unto a man but it is the way of death and destruction”.
(Isaiah 55) it is written, “Seek the Lord while you can find Him, call on Him now while He is near.
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that He may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously.
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord… and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth… so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Just as the rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it”.
(Isaiah 55:6-12)
So if you really want to have success in life, if you really want to see our society, our world be a place where our children can grow up with the same opportunities afforded you and I
Then you and I (and the rest of the world) need to hide “Gods Word” deep in our hearts and let it change us, each of us, from the inside out.
The world has been trying to do it, “its way”, and chaos seems to be the result.
I challenge you today to begin to live your life in accordance to the instruction of Gods word.
If you will, it will change your life.
(Joshua 1:8) “Don’t let this book of the law depart out of your mouth, but meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein… for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
It will give you and I and the world around the direction we need… if we will just read it and heed it.
(James 1:22) “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving your own selves.”
Come on!
His Word is given to us as a resource so that we can be more than conquerors and overcomers in life.
(Romans 8:36-39) “As it is written… in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
But it begins when we apply, and release the Word Of God into our lives!
Thy Word O Lord…is a “lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”. (Psalm 119:105)
Good Day!
Psalm 119:50) "Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles."
When you are in pain, sometimes God lifts you out of your situation by a miraculous gift of healing.
Other times, He carries you through and makes you stronger by proving His love and faithfulness to you.
Sometimes He “relieves” you of the pain; other times He “sustains” you in the midst of it.
However you look at it, He is faithful and He is as close as the mention of His name.
And one of the things I have noticed and have learned… is that when I am going thru hard times, painful times, I often feel His presence closer to me more than when the times are good.
Could it be that He is allowing these times to come upon us to drive us, or cause us to come to Him, to desire Him, to be near Him.
Ultimately God wants to have a close personal relationship with each of us.
Unfortunately we tend to get so busy with life, pursuing our plans that we often forget to include God in them.
And before long, we’ve gone weeks with out going to church.
We’ve gone months with out drawing near to Him in a close time of deep prayer and communion with Him.
If you’re in pain today, read these promises from God’s Word and stand on them.
Let them draw you nearer to the heart of God.
“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live” (Psalm 119:76-77)
“Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble” (Psalm 25:16-18).
“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!” (Psalm 34:17-20).
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise” (Jeremiah 17:14).
Notice that in each of these passages of scripture there is God’s promise to revive and comfort us in all of our troubles.
Jesus said in (Matthew 11:28) “come unto me all ye that labor and I will give you rest”.
He says “Call upon me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Your Bible is a prescription from the Great Physician Himself, and the label on the bottle reads… “Take as often as needed for pain.”
Could it be that you are going thru this emotional turmoil and this heartache, even this physical pain because God is wanting you to call on Him, commune with Him, spend some time with Him?
(Psalm 46) says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”.
The reality is that in this life there will be difficult times, but God promises to be our refuge.
I encourage you today to stop your running, stop your “busyness”.
Turn off the television.
Put on some soft praise and worship music.
Sit in solitude and let your spirit commune with God as the troubles of this world.
Your life and the pain your experiencing grow strangely dim, in the light of His presence, His glory and His grace.
He is as close as the mention of His name, but you have been so consumed with your plans, your busyness, and your agenda, that you quite possibly have lost your focus and where your help comes from.
Take some time today to renew that focus, and let Him restore your soul.
Oh, and go to church!
He is there in the midst of His people. Join them and experience His presence in their midst.
“Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst” (Matthew 18:20)
Good Day!
(Psalm 102:28) "The children of your people will live in security."
When you ask people about their future hopes, goals and dreams, you’ll often here them repeat things like happiness, security and fulfilled purpose filled with self-confidence… and it’s true that we all want those things for our children as well.
Those are nice sentiments to desire for yourself and the children you are raising, but there are no guarantees it’s going to happen.
The possibilities are truly there, but what brings about that kind of development in a child?
A childhood filled with trophies and good grades?
A life in the country, far away from the crime-ridden city?
Enriching pastimes like travel and music?
The truth is, not one of these things predicts later happiness.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t encourage your children to study, dream, pursue, and excel in the various challenges in life.
Having parents who value knowledge make a difference, but the important qualities for success in life aren’t external, they’re internal.
And the greatest impact or resource your children can have upon their lives, (yours as well), is the secure knowledge of Gods love for them and yourself.
Psychologist Dr. Edward Hallowell says “to feel secure, children need to develop two crucial skills.
They are the ability to overcome adversity and the capacity to sustain joy”.
He says, “Life is full of disappointments. Only by failing the first time and learning to try, try, and try again will a person get the most out of their abilities.”
But how do you teach your kids to be joyful in the face of adversity?
There’s only one way to do it, and that is to introduce them to “the source of joy”.
Isaiah said… “My soul shall be joyful in my God, for He hath clothed me with salvation” (Isaiah 61:10).
David said, “In thy presence is fullness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).
Jeremiah said, “Thy word was unto me the joy…of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16).
God never promised us a life without problems, but His Word says, “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives… love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness and faith” (Galatians 5:22).
Listen, when you teach your children to walk with God… when you learn to walk with God trusting Him in every aspect of your life… your children will grow with great confidence and security… and you as well can experience that same confidence that comes from “knowing” your God.
When you teach them that there is nothing that is impossible and that the sky is the limit and encourage them to take on those possibilities, along with the challenges, they will grow up into adults who can and will change the world around them.
“I am convinced that all things are possible to them that believe” (Mark 9:23)
“I can do all things thru Christ that strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
“I am confident that we can all be more than conquerors in life because of Him who loves us (Romans 8:37)
“The people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Daniel 11:32).
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2nd Peter 1:2).
Do you want your children to grow in peace, and experience “joy unspeakable and full of glory” through out their lives?
Would you like to walk through life with that same confidence, peace and joy?
Then it’s time to set the example and start walking with God.
By the way, the Bible says it’s “the thief that comes to kill, steal and destroy”.
Satan the enemy of your soul, the prince of this world is that thief.
He isn’t going to help you!
That’s why you need to quit looking for the world to give you this peace, confidence, this joy.
Jesus said “but I am come to give you life and that more abundantly”
(John 10:10)
It’s yours if you want it!
It’s there for your children as well, but you need to set the example.
Good Day!
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2nd Peter 1:2).
Do you want your children to grow in peace, and experience “joy unspeakable and full of glory” through out their lives?
Would you like to walk through life with that same confidence, peace and joy?
Then it’s time to set the example and start walking with God.
By the way, the Bible says it’s “the thief that comes to kill, steal and destroy”.
Satan the enemy of your soul, the prince of this world is that thief.
He isn’t going to help you!
That’s why you need to quit looking for the world to give you this peace, confidence, this joy.
Jesus said “but I am come to give you life and that more abundantly”
(John 10:10)
It’s yours if you want it!
It’s there for your children as well, but you need to set the example.
Good Day!
(Romans 12:2) "Be changed within, by a new way of thinking."
What we consume determines our performance.
That’s why you need to be careful what you feed your body, your children, your pets, and even your car.
And what you feed your mind is equally important, especially when you consider these two realities that operate in life.
1) The law of cognition.
Your thoughts influence your emotions and your behavior.
The Bible says, “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Jesus said a good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit (Matthew 7:18).
In other words, good thinking can’t produce bad results, just as bad thinking can’t produce good results.
(2) The law of exposure.
The Bible says, “Do not conformed to or shaped by this world… instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.”
From the Book of Psalms... (Psalm 1) talks about this and the benefits of being an individual who "does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or sitteth in the way of sinners..."
You’ll always think about what you are exposed to the most.
And given the violence, lust, and greed portrayed by the media, it’s not surprising that crime and immorality are on the rise.
You cannot decide to, or make a choice to read this magazine, watch this program, listen to this music, and not be influenced by it.
What go’s in… will influence that which comes out!
You may think it doesn’t effect you… but believe me there is a spiritual law in play that says it will.
Social science now confirms what God said all along… it does affect you!
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7)
“What goes in must come out!”
Where you go, what you read (or don’t read), what you watch, and the dreams or thoughts you entertain… all shape your mind.
Paul writes, “Remember what Christ taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise” (Colossians 3:16).
So when you need the right mind-fuel, remember… its “God whose gracious Word can make you into what He wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need” (Acts 20:32).
That’s one of the reasons the Apostle John wrote to the church “Love not the world nor the things that are in the world,” (1st John 2:15)
Jesus said “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Luke 4:4)
It’s a struggle every day to keep our focus on God, with all of these ungodly influences doing their best to capture our focus and distract us from fulfilling Gods plan and purpose in our lives.
And what is that plan you ask?
It’s “fellowship with God… knowing God… having an ongoing, rewarding “relationship” with Him!
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things”. (Philippians 4:8)
Do this and you will find that your relationship with God is more real than before.
As a man or woman thinketh in their heart so is he or she (Proverbs 23:7)
So what are you feeding your thought life today?
Good day!
(2nd Corinthians 6:14) "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers... for what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
I bring this morning’s devotion to you from a concern for the hundreds of senior people whom I am involved with on a weekly basis as pastor of our RV Resort at Caravan Oasis in Yuma AZ.
Though the position is a volunteer position, I have been allowed the spiritual responsibility to speak into the lives of hundreds each week and bring spiritual counsel to many whom attend our weekly Cowboy Church Services.
Many of those wonderful souls whom meet with us are widow’s and widowers whose live are filled with loneliness as their former spouses have passed on, and now they are looking to fill that loneliness by and through a second marriage.
This mornings devotional challenge is also great advice to consider for any age group looking at union with another partner… whether it be the first or second union for what ever the reasons may be.
An ox and a donkey each have a tail, two eyes, and four legs, but if you harness them together, they won’t get along or work well together.
Actually, they will pull in different directions.
That’s because God made them with very different natures and attributes!
With that picture in your mind, here’s some advice on dating and remarriage you would be wise to heed.
Looks soon fade, so choose someone who has other, attractive attributes.
For example:
(1) Consider their manners and how they treat the waiter at the restaurant.
(2) What type of interests do they have?
(3) Do they share your spiritual values and beliefs?
(4) Do they show genuine interest in what you have to say?
(5) How do they treat people they’re not trying to impress?
(6) Are they negative or positive? Do they continually see the glass as half empty… or half full?
(7) Are they reactors or are they responders?
(8) Is he or she a person of faith, willing to walk deeper with you into a continued and closer relationship with God?
As you face senior life there are many things that are more challenging than when you were younger.
And it is necessary to be aware of that, because of the work load and the responsibilities involved with taking care of one another.
Once the newness of the initial attraction wears off, there must be something more, or the relationship is doomed.
And make sure you’re the “chooser” and not the “chosen”, the “pursuer” not the “pursued”.
Think about what you really want, and don’t entrust your heart to someone without first ascertaining their suitability.
The only way to do that is to ask questions and develop X-ray vision, so you can learn to read their motives through their mannerisms.
If you’re going to make an informed decision, then each of you must be able to share your inner most thoughts freely and with out judgment sharing the most intimate, vulnerable parts of yourself literally and figuratively.
You must open your eyes, along with all your senses, and really see the other person.
Stop, look, listen, and pray.
That’s the Bible’s formula for making a wise decision when it comes to choosing a mate for life.
God said it was not good for man to be alone, so He created a “helpmate” in the woman.
That same thought or instruction is there for each of us to hold onto, what ever the gender.
There is someone for every one!
So make sure you consult God… and follow His direction when opening up your life to that special someone who has captured your attention and heart.
The heartache of a bad marriage is devastating, no matter what age you are at, and that is not Gods plan for you.
(Jeremiah 29:11) “for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for good, not plans for evil”
Good Day!
(2nd Thessalonians 2:7) “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work… only He who now restrains, will do so until He is taken out of the way.
In (2nd Thessalonians 2:3) we read where Paul talks about a “great apostasy” that is going to take place in the last days!
The King James Version of the Bible calls it the “falling away,” while the NIV and ESV call it “the rebellion.”
And that’s what an apostasy is… a rebellion or an abandonment of truth.
And the reality is, that there is an “apathetic and apostate attitude” that has captured many believers today… concerning the truth and the message of the soon return of Christ.
The dictionary describes “apostasy”, as a formal “disaffiliation” from, or “abandonment, or renunciation” of a particular religious belief by an individual person.
It can also be defined within the broader context of embracing an opinion contrary to one's previous beliefs… as one choosing to believe a lie over truth they once walked in.
And the truth is, you have to be “willfully” blind not to see the raging apostasy gripping the world today.
Unbelief is sweeping through nations, with believers falling away from faith on all sides.
The “great apostasy” that the Apostle Paul refers to in (2nd Thessalonians 2) has clearly arrived.
In (2nd Thessalonians 2:7) “note Paul’s words… “The mystery of iniquity doth already work”.
So what is this mystery of iniquity?
The mystery of iniquity is “lawlessness”.
It’s a “spirit of chaos”, with no respect for God’s law.
And it’s the very reason why God destroyed the earth with the great flood long ago as described in Genesis in Chapters 6 thru 9… because of man’s violence, lawlessness and wickedness.
However the Apostle Paul also tells us “He who now letteth will let, until He be taken out of the way” (2nd Thessalonians 2:7-8).
Paul is telling us that, “there is a restraining power at work”, holding back the chaos.
Folks you and I cannot and will not survive both spiritually as well as physically in the days ahead, as wickedness and apostasy sweep over our culture, nor can we live without the Holy Spirit being involved in our lives as Believers.
That’s why Jesus told the disciples, (John 14:26) “But the Holy Spirit is the one who will help you. My Father will send him in my name. He will teach you everything that I have said to you”.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit would be our advocate, and our comforter, our Helper that the Father was going to send to lead us into all truth.
The Spirit of God, The Holy Spirit, will always be here to fulfill His mission.
But one day, (and I believe its going to be soon)… His restraining ministry will be “taken,” or lifted, “out of the way.”
I can think of no other power that’s able to restrain lawlessness other than the Holy Spirit.
Think about what will happen to our society when the Holy Spirit lifts His restraining power.
Every institution, from government down to families will spin totally out of control.
And for those with eyes to see, we see a “spirit of lawlessness” at work all over the world today!
I ask you, can you even begin to imagine the chaos and calamity that is going to happen in this world when God says to the Holy Spirit, the One who has been restraining it all, “Lift your restraining hand. Let it run its course to the climax”?
Every man will give himself over to his lusts.
Every militant religion will force its gods on others.
Every holy thing will be despised.
Every law will be broken freely.
And the backslidden church will endorse the most corrupt, damnable doctrines of hell.
Everything is in place for this to happen even now.
“Great apostasy” has covered the earth.
“Self”, has taken the throne of men’s hearts.
We live now… today… in that time that Paul talked about in
(2nd Thessalonians 2:11) when there will come a “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie”
In (2nd Timothy 3:5) Paul told Timothy “False teachers will arise who acknowledge Christ as a good man but not as God… “having a form of godliness but denying the power there of”
Those who follow these deceivers will be drawn to another Jesus, another gospel.
Blindness and deception will sweep the earth, catching up multitudes, including those who were once on fire for the Lord.
Paul says that in the last days they will become “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” (2nd Timothy 3:4)
Paul says, “They…believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2nd Thessalonians 2:12)
It goes right back to what Jesus said to Nicodemus that night so long ago in (John 3:17-19)
“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and ‘men loved darkness’ rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Right now we’re seeing the manifestation of iniquity abounding as Jesus said "iniquity will abound and the love of many will grow cold". (Mathew 24:13)
Let me ask you… when was the last time you prayed, “Lord Jesus, come quickly, come soon”?
(1st Peter 2:5) says our expectant prayers are hastening, speeding up, urging the Father to send back his Son quickly.
I wonder will you join with us, (the believers in the world) that still believe in the authority of God, the sovereignty of God, the miracle working power of God, the salvation of God, and the forgiveness of God?
Would you pray with us, Jesus come quickly?
Good Day!
(Luke 2:49) “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
I believe that our focus, our purpose in life is to be in a place of peace with God,
In a place of "the fullness of the Holy Spirit" as much as we can, and then intentionally making Christ known to others… endeavoring to persuade others to receive Him as their fullness of hope also, with all that His peace implies.
With this purpose in mind, it makes plenty of sense to study and meditate on God’s word, to pray much, and to learn to speak to and with others effectively.
You can’t do that if you are “lukewarm” in your relationship with God.
It all makes plenty of sense once you have really laid down your life so you can be about “Our Father’s Business”.
With this in mind I seek to, and try to submit to Gods plan for my life and ministry every day.
I have a passion to go into all the world to preach the Gospel.
As St Francis of Azzis said, “I preach the Gospel and if I have to, I use words.
More often however, I use music that entices, entertains and encourages the masses.
In so doing I build relationships that allow me to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.
But I can’t do it on my own.
I need to do it with you.
We need to work together to be about our Fathers business.
(Romans 10:11-17) gives us clear instruction re our individual responsibility regarding “Being about our Fathers business”
It is just as the Scripture says… (Romans 10:8-14) “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.
For there is no difference between Jew and Greek.
The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him.,, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed?
And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone to preach?
And how can they preach unless they are sent?"
It's time that all of us, with out exception… “be about our Fathers business”.
Now perhaps you are not one gifted with an ability to publicly speak or sing to witness the goodness of God… but believe it or not you do have the ability to partner with others that can and do have that ability.
Perhaps God has gifted you to be able to create wealth so that you can send those out to be the “witness of Christ”.
(Deuteronomy 8:18) “But remember… it is the Lord your God who gives you the power to gain wealth”
You can be an active participant in your heavenly Fathers business by sponsoring ministries, and helping them with the needed revenue to operate and travel and do "the work of an Evangelis"t in our world today.
To go into the highways and the byways and produce public events that lift up the name of Jesus and declare Gods great love to the world around us… such as Debbie and I do.
There are many ways that you to can be about your “Fathers Business”… its simply a matter of evaluating your priorities and your willingness to be obedient to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is coming soon… together, lets be about "our Fathers Busines"s and try in every way we can to be a part of taking the good news of His coming into all the world... however and when ever and what ever way we can!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Good Day!
Good Day!