JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Mark 4:15) "As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the Word that was sown in them."
The word of God is so powerful in our lives that it will produce change in any life that will begin to abide by it.
But it doesn’t begin to affect, infect, or take affect until you plant it.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus said, “Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the Word that was sown in them.”
Ever notice how you can sit at home and watch a two-hour commercial-packed movie without feeling restless or bored, yet when the pastor’s sermon exceeds thirty or forty minutes, you keep glancing at your watch and can’t wait to get out of church?
And if someone asked you the next day what he preached about, most times you couldn’t tell them.
Jesus said, “Satan comes and takes away the word.”
So how can you retain it?
1) Write it down:
(Exodus 17:14) When you make notes on what you read and hear, you’ll retain more, and get much more out of it, be more impacted by it.
2) Pray it through:
Unless you pray over the Word you’re hearing, you’ll keep coming home from church moved but unchanged.
Many of the great saints of old read through the Bible on their knees… maybe we should try that too!
3) Discuss it with others.
God’s Word is like a seed that multiplies and grows when it’s watered by conversation with others who share your faith.
The Bible says, “Those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard” (Malachi 3:16)
4) Practice it daily.
John tells us, “The Word was made flesh” (John 1:14).
The best way to retain God’s Word is to practice its principles or “flesh it out”!
I learned a long time ago, that when it comes to playing guitar it doesn’t just happen.
I had to practice for hours on end to learn the principles and to develop some skill… and now I have to play it daily to stay sharp.
That’s how you allow the word of God to work in your life… daily!
Read it, chew on it, take it apart, tear it apart, and bathe it with prayer.
As you pray, remind God what He wrote,
That’s when you’ll see it begin to work on your behalf.
Good Day!
(Psalm 34:7) "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear
Him…”
Just as a president and a prime minister are constantly surrounded by
security guards… as a redeemed child of God, you and I are surrounded by angels
or ministering spirits.
You may not be able to see the president or prime minister’s security detail, but
just let someone make a threatening move and trained guards instantly form a protective shield around him.
(Psalm 91) “If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High
your dwelling, no harm will overtake you and no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your
ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your
foot against a stone”.
The story is told of Dr. James McConnell, founder of the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in Belfast, Northern Ireland, who was preaching one night
when a “paramilitary” soldier with a gun came into the church to kill him.
The man only took a few steps up the aisle when he stopped dead in his
tracks, turned, and ran out of the church.
What happened?
The man, who was later captured… testified that he’d seen two big
angels standing on either side of Pastor McConnell!
(Acts 27:23-25) When Paul’s ship encountered a storm and everyone thought they were going to perish, Paul announced, “There stood by me this night an angel
of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, who said ‘Do not be afraid
take heart…for I believe God that it will be just as it was told to me”
If you are a “Child of God”, you have a “divine security detail” watching over
you.
(Hebrews 1:14) “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
Now I know that we all have questions as to why there have been times where Christians have been slain/martyred in war torn parts of this world… and to be honest, I don’t have an answer for that… only God knows.
But this I do know!
There have been times in my life, when I know that I have been divinely protected in the face of danger.
Especially on the highways and the roadways of this country.
In over 40 years of travelling from town to town thru blizzards and storms, thru treacherous highway conditions, we have never had one single life threatening incident.
And when there was a calamity of sorts, God always provided help and a way of escape.... around and in the very midst of the situation.
There were times as well when I was involved with an outreach street ministry in Calgary back in the mid 80’s.
We had some success in ministering to some of the prostitutes and drug addicts and getting them off of the streets and out of the city.
As a result, we were threatened with bodily injury by the pimps and the drug traffickers… even to the point of having our outreach facility torched by arsonists.
There were times when I was threatened by raging drug addicts as I counseled them at our facility and they would try to hit me and harm me.
But they could never make contact, or succeed.
There was always something that would stop them or ward off the blows.
In all of those times we never once worried about our safety and we could often sense or feel the presence of our “ministering angels.”
The most convincing event that happened to me was when I was sitting in a food court in the Chinook mall in Calgary.
We were a young family just starting out in ministry.
One of our kids had gotten ill and we needed to get a prescription filled.
At that time we had very little extra cash and it seemed like our credit cards were always maxed out.
Any way I was sitting in the food court watching the kids, worried about how I was going to pay the bills, worried about how I was going to buy fuel to travel to the next outreach engagement.
I was mad, I was angry, anxious and discouraged.
Suddenly standing in from of me was this tall well built attractive man wearing jeans, a denim jacket and cowboy boots.
He had shoulder length blond hair and the bluest eyes I had ever seen.
He stuck out his hand and in it was a wad of cash.
He said to me “here, God told me to give you this”.
As I looked down at the cash in my hand I was shocked at what I was seeing.
When I looked up at him to ask what this was all about, he had disappeared.
I love the song by Alabama called “Angels among us”.
The lyrics of the chorus say the following;
“Oh I believe there are, angels among us, sent down to us, from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me, in our darkest hours, to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love.
Know this!
Your Heavenly Father loves you and will never forsake you.
He will never send you any where He can’t take care of you…and He will never ask something of you that He will not provide for you in the midst of it as well.
Good day!
(2nd Timothy 3:15–17) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”
I believe that the Bible is all we need in life, to equip us for a successful life of faith and service.
It provides a clear demonstration of God’s intention to restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ…accomplished through the gift of faith.
(Ephesians 2:8) “for by grace are ye saved thru faith and that not of yourselves… it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast”
No other writings are necessary for this good news to be understood, nor are any other writings required to equip us for a life of faith.
Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds form the mouth of God. (Luke 4:4)
The Apostle Paul declared that the Holy Scriptures “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus… for all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2nd Timothy 3:15–17)
If Scripture is “God-breathed,” then it is not man-breathed, and, although it was penned by men… those “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2nd Peter 1:21)
No man-made writing is sufficient to equip us for every good work… only the Word of God can do that.
Sadly the sufficiency of Scripture is under attack today, and, that attack comes far too often in our own churches.
Management techniques, worldly methods of drawing crowds, entertainment, extra-biblical revelations, mysticism, and some forms of psychological counseling… all declare that the Bible and its precepts are not adequate for the Christian life.
But Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me” (John 10:27)
His voice is all we need to hear and the Scriptures are His voice, completely and utterly sufficient.
Paul warned the church at Colosse… “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
Jude says it even more specifically when he writes, “Although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 1:3)
Notice the phrase “once and for all”…
This makes it clear that no other writings, no matter how godly the pastor, theologian, or denominational church they may come from, are equal to the Word of God.
The Bible is all that is necessary for the believer to understand the character of God, the nature of man, and the doctrines of sin, heaven, hell, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Paul’s words to the Galatians indicate the seriousness of delivering a message outside the Bible… “If we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1:8)
Perhaps the strongest verses on the issue of the sufficiency of the Bible come from the book of Psalms.
In (Psalm 19:7-14), David rejoices in God’s Word, declaring it to be
“perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, enlightening, sure and altogether righteous”.
In this day and age where many have lost their direction concerning that which is normal, concerning morality and that which is right and wrong… and where there are so many questions about what is “normal” activity and “what is not” concerning life and Godliness… there needs to be some article of credibility and truth to give us direction.
There needs to be a truth north… a compass that will guide us…
That compass is Gods Word…
The bible is that article… and its directions will help us arrive in time, on time, at the right time, all the time, every time, with lots of time.
The bible is God’s road map for each of us to find our direction and way in life.
God wrote what He meant and He meant what He wrote.
Good day!
(2nd Timothy 1:7) "God has not given us a spirit of fear."
The Bible tells us that fear is a “spirit.”
That spirit has a mind that thinks and a voice that speaks, and if you allow it to, it will control you.
Today if you’re battling a “spirit of fear”, stop doing it in your own strength and on your own.
Start using “the weapons of our warfare, which are not carnal but mighty unto God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2nd Corinthians 10:4)
Use Gods word as your weapons of warfare and prayer as your air support.
Make the following your prayer… “Lord, Your Word says when I seek Your face, You’ll hear me and deliver me from all my fears… so I cast down every anxious thought that rises up against what I know about You and Your power (2 Corinthians 10:5).
“I stand on the promise that You’ll never leave me nor forsake me” (Hebrews 13:5).
“I rest in the truth that nothing is too hard for You” (Jeremiah 32:17).
“I rejoice in the assurance that You’ve already given Your angels responsibility for keeping and protecting me in all my ways” (Psalm 91:11).
“I resist the spirit of fear, and command it to flee in Jesus’ name” (James 4:7).
“By faith I declare that Your peace, which passes human understanding, will guard my heart and mind” (Philippians 4:7).
“Therefore, I will not let my heart be troubled or be afraid” (John 14:27).
“In Jesus name I pray… Amen.”
Now instead of focusing on the problem, focus on “the Problem Solver”… God!
That may not immediately resolve your difficulty, but it’ll keep you in a peaceful state of mind and help you keep the right attitude… while you wait for God to work.
Isaiah said, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” (Isaiah 26:3).
Note the words “fixed on You”.
As you go through this day with your mind fixed on God, you’ll have “perfect and constant peace”.
There is no greater confidence than to live this life knowing that God has your back and is your problem solver.
“There for I will not fear, nor will I be anxious for or about anything… but in everything I will give thanks and be as obedient as I can, to His Word and His will”(Matthew 6:31-34)
Good Day!
(Isaiah 1:19) "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."
In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria became tired of his responsibilities as king, the pressures of international politics, and the mundane worldliness of court life.
He made an application to Prior Richard at a local monastery to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in prayer and meditation.
Prior Richard responded, “Your Majesty, do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience?
That it will be hard, since you have been a king?”
Henry said, “I understand. The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.”
Prior Richard said to him, “Then I will tell you what to do. Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you.”
After Henry died, this statement was written in his honor: “The king learned to rule by being obedient.”
Today and every day, we each have these decisions to make:
(1) Live by your own impulses, or live according to the instructions God has given you in His Word.
(2) Go according to your own best thinking, or submit yourself to the rule and the leading of the Holy Spirit who lives within you.
When you think about it, the answer is clear!
Obeying God leads to peace, progress, protection, and promotion.
(Isaiah 1:19) “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”
Note the words “willing and obedient.”
Obedience is an act of your will, not a reflex of your emotions.
If you want to experience the blessing of God on your life… do what God says, for He has good things in mind for you.
(Jeremiah 29:11) “for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to bless you and give you a future, not plans for evil.
God loves you!
He saved you for a purpose, and that purpose is to be His light in this dark world of sin.
He says “behold obedience is better than sacrifice” (1st Samuel 15:22)
Do you realize that obedience stems from acts of love, whereas sacrifice is often motivated from acts of service.
I am obedient to my God because I love Him, not for what He does for me.
(John 14:24) “Jesus said How can you say you love me and not do what I say”.
So today start proving your love for God by being obedient to His word.
Start complying to His will… not your own!
(Isaiah 1:19) "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."
Good Day!
(Nehemiah 8:10) “The joy of the Lord is your strength."
When you listen to a great choir sing the “Hallelujah Chorus,” you have to realize that Handel was inspired by God.
He wrote the entire “Messiah” in three weeks.
He said the music literally “came to him” in a flurry of notes and motifs.
He wrote feverishly and passionately as if driven by an unseen force to put pen to paper.
Yet he wrote it when his eyesight was failing and he was facing the threat of dying in a debtors’ prison because of a mountain of outstanding bills.
Most of us find it difficult to create under stress, especially when physical or financial problems are at the root of that stress.
And yet Handel did.
How?
He credits the completion of his masterpiece to one thing… “joy”.
He is quoted as saying that he felt as if he would “burst with joy” at what he was hearing in his mind and heart.
Instead of dying as he thought he would, he lived to see his oratorio become heralded as a masterpiece… not only a popular work but a cherished tradition.
And with that, he also saw it succeed in raising vast sums of money for the poor and destitute.
The Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
And one of the first things Satan will attack is your joy.
He knows it’s the spiritual and emotional fuel we all need to run on.
Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11)
Note the words “remain in you”… God does not want His children walking around on this planet with an attitude of anxiousness, worry and sorrow.
He tells us to be “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanks giving, 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. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Yes we will have trials, tests and face things we just don’t understand.
But having confidence in and holding on to the steadfast hope of Gods everlasting mercy and compassion for each of us… brings an inner joy that will led us forward thru the most trying of times.
So no matter what happens around you today or in your future… determine in your heart to keep your focus on God and His will for your life, and never let go of your joy!
Good Day!
(Psalm 51:17) says, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
I wonder this morning if we understand what contrition is in our society anymore.
The opposite of contrition is arrogance!
(Genesis 4:4-5) "The Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain...he had not."
Cain cultivated the ground, planted the seed, gathered the harvest, and offered God the fruits of his labors.
He thought God would be impressed and that He would feel obligated to bless him.
But that’s not how it works!
Abel, on the other hand, told God, “I did nothing. You created the lamb I’m offering. I’m just giving You back what’s Yours and asking You to bless it.”
And God did!
You can tell a lot about someone by how they approach God.
Some of us act like God owes us something.
Others among us are so impressed with our spiritual status and accomplishments that we feel the need to approach Him with lofty prayers and high-sounding “thee’s” and “thou’s”.
From (Luke 18:11-12) Jesus told a story about a rich man and a publican (or a sinner) and their attitude toward God.
The rich man prayed thus within Himself “God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.
In the back of the temple, with eyes cast down, feeling unworthy to look up to heaven, the tax collector beat his breast and mumbled God, be merciful to me a sinner!”
Jesus then said “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:11-14)
What we read in these above scriptures is a classic example of pride and arrogance, and humble contrition.
God isn’t impressed with our self-efforts or arrogant sacrifices, so let’s get real!
“The Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering.”
That’s because unlike his brother, Abel wasn’t seeking credit for anything.
He wanted God to have all the glory.
That’s the kind of offering that moves God’s heart and invites His blessing upon our lives.
Acknowledging God, focusing on God, giving Him the glory, giving Him honor and the lordship over our lives.
So what are you offering God today?
Your achievements, your denominational credentials, our self-reliance, our shallow emotion?
If you are, don’t bother!
The only thing He asks is that you humbly open your heart and let Him recreate you in the likeness of Jesus.
When you do that, something wonderful happens.
(Ephesians 2:8) “it is by grace we are saved thru faith and that not of ourselves… not of works lest any man should boast”.
By downplaying your own self-interests and giving God an acceptable offering, (and by that I mean your humble obedience), not only will He respect it, and receive it… He will bless you and equip you to bless others too.
God is not interested in what it is you can do, and how great your exploits and or self-righteousness might be,
He is interested in humble and contrite hearts that are open to Him and His desires.
(Psalm 51:17) says, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
The meaning of this is connected with the verse just before it.
Verse 16 says, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it, you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.”
David is stating that there is nothing we can offer God to appease Him when we have sinned.
More animal sacrifices were not what God was looking for.
God desires true repentance.
Many people miss this truth.
Rather than repent, they try to "clean up their act"… give more, pray more, or they busy themselves in religious activity in the hopes that God will finally "get over" being mad at them.
In (Psalm 51), David is saying that “God wants none of that”.
External religious activity cannot replace internal, heartfelt contrition.
(1st Samuel 16:7) tells us “The Lord looks at the heart not the outward appearance or accomplishments of a man”
What is contrition you ask?
The dictionary defines it as “the state of feeling remorseful and penitent”!
Again Jesus illustrates what a contrite heart looks like in (Luke 18:10-14).
The humble repentance that God desires is contrasted with the self-righteousness in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
The “eloquent prayer” of the proud Pharisee did not reach the heart of God, but the “humble cry” of the repentant sinner brought forgiveness.
They both needed mercy, but only the contrite heart was in a position to receive it.
That’s how it works!
Good Day!