JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Romans 8:28–29) “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them”.
Our world has become a large, impersonal, busy institution.
One of the draw backs of this worlds modern culture is that we are alienated from each other.
Although crowded, we are lonely.
Pushed together but uninvolved.
No longer do neighbours visit across the backyard fence.
The well-manicured front lawn is the modern moat that keeps barbarians at bay.
Hoarding and flaunting have replaced sharing and caring.
It’s like we are occupying common space but have no common interests.
As if we’re on an elevator with rules such as: “No talking, smiling, or eye contact allowed without written consent of the management.”
Painful though it may be for us to admit, we’re losing touch with one another.
The motivation to help, to encourage, yes, to serve our fellow human beings is waning.
People have even observed crimes in progress but refused to help so as not to be involved!
Our foundational values are getting lost in these confusing days… and yet, it is these things that form the essentials of a happy and fulfilled life.
Remember that grand declaration that Jesus commanded in (Mark 12:30-31) ““Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these”
Similarly, in (Luke 10:27), the same principle is affirmed, emphasizing that loving God and neighbour encompasses the full spectrum of human devotion—emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical.
The second commandment, “to love your neighbour as yourself”, extends this devotion for God outward to others.
It calls for empathy, compassion, and ethical action toward others, treating them with the same care and respect one naturally desires for oneself
This principle underlines social responsibility, justice, and mercy, loving others… the guiding principle for human relationships.
In essence, these two commandments summarize the heart of biblical teaching… that is “a life fully devoted to God naturally expresses itself in love and care for others, forming the foundation for moral and spiritual living”.
Deep down inside of our souls, our heart, our mind and our thinking, we all know that we need to be more motivated toward this kind of lifestyle.
Reaching out, going above and beyond, giving of ourselves… yes that’s the Christ like thing to do… but why do we hesitate.
What will our answer be, when we stand before God…
Soooo… before you move forward in your busy schedule today, maybe take a moment and ask God…”Lord what would you have me do to touch someone in my path today”?
Lord let me be your hands of mercy and compassion to someone you direct me to.
Remember… you might be the only bible another man or woman will ever read.
Do they see you Christ in you?
(Romans 8:28) tells us that God has ordained all things in our lives for good… so that we can be conformed to the image of His Son.
So again I ask… do people see Jesus when they see you?
Something to think about.
Good day!
Similarly, in (Luke 10:27), the same principle is affirmed, emphasizing that loving God and neighbour encompasses the full spectrum of human devotion—emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical.
The second commandment, “to love your neighbour as yourself”, extends this devotion for God outward to others.
It calls for empathy, compassion, and ethical action toward others, treating them with the same care and respect one naturally desires for oneself
This principle underlines social responsibility, justice, and mercy, loving others… the guiding principle for human relationships.
In essence, these two commandments summarize the heart of biblical teaching… that is “a life fully devoted to God naturally expresses itself in love and care for others, forming the foundation for moral and spiritual living”.
Deep down inside of our souls, our heart, our mind and our thinking, we all know that we need to be more motivated toward this kind of lifestyle.
Reaching out, going above and beyond, giving of ourselves… yes that’s the Christ like thing to do… but why do we hesitate.
What will our answer be, when we stand before God…
Soooo… before you move forward in your busy schedule today, maybe take a moment and ask God…”Lord what would you have me do to touch someone in my path today”?
Lord let me be your hands of mercy and compassion to someone you direct me to.
Remember… you might be the only bible another man or woman will ever read.
Do they see you Christ in you?
(Romans 8:28) tells us that God has ordained all things in our lives for good… so that we can be conformed to the image of His Son.
So again I ask… do people see Jesus when they see you?
Something to think about.
Good day!
(1st Corinthians 13:4) "Love cares more for others than for self".
We live in a loveless, selfish world filled with all kinds of philosophy about "my rights"
And if you or anyone else disagrees with me, or hinders my rights or my freedom's… then it seems that I can “sue” the perceived transgressor of my rights, for a various number of reasons that support his or her selfish interests, never mind my own rights.
We seem to be more in love with our selves than we are with our spouses, our children, or the world around us.
Never in my life have I seen more disrespect for parents by children.
Some statistics report that the divorce rate in our society now outnumber the number of weddings taking place in our society.
And seldom do we see people taking time for one another, or helping one another, or putting themselves out for one another, especially if it takes away from my priorities.
Now having said this, I do want to say that "my life has been blessed" with many "great friends" that sponsor my wife and I and our ministry because of their love for us.
Friends whom are there with a helping hand, or a financial gift to keep us going in our ministry and work.
Friends whom step up and give us their time and their helping hands when we can't do it on our own.
To those of you in our lives that have been there in the past for us, thank you!
Jesus said "greater love hath no man than this, he that would lay down his life for a friend". (John 15:3)
Some of the greatest insights on what it means "to love someone" come from the pen of the apostle Paul.
He writes, “No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others.
Love isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.
Love puts up with anything and trusts God always.
Love always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.
Love never dies” (1st Corinthians 3-8 from the message bible).
From my own “philosophical meanderings”… I have come up with this thought process.
Are you ready for it, here it is?
"We can choose to love, or we can choose not to love".
"Love is an action word"!
“Love is a choice”!
Here's a story I thought was cute and helps solidify the point I'd like to make this morning.
John had been married to Mary for fifty years.
One night in bed she said, “When we were young you used to hold my hand.”
A little irritated, he slowly reached out his hand.
“When we were young you used to snuggle up to me,” Mary said.
Even more slowly, John’s body creaked and turned, nestling against hers.
“When we were young you used to nibble on my ear,” she whispered.
Abruptly he threw back the covers and jumped out of bed.
Bewildered, Mary asked, “Where are you going?”
“To get my teeth!” he grumbled.
Though humorous, here is the point folks!
To nibble on an ear when you’re full of romance and bubbling hormones is one thing.
To nibble on that same ear years later when it holds a hearing aid, when the scent in the air is Vicks vapo rub, and when you have to get up to get your teeth—that’s love!
“Love is a choice”!
Here's a story I thought was cute and helps solidify the point I'd like to make this morning.
John had been married to Mary for fifty years.
One night in bed she said, “When we were young you used to hold my hand.”
A little irritated, he slowly reached out his hand.
“When we were young you used to snuggle up to me,” Mary said.
Even more slowly, John’s body creaked and turned, nestling against hers.
“When we were young you used to nibble on my ear,” she whispered.
Abruptly he threw back the covers and jumped out of bed.
Bewildered, Mary asked, “Where are you going?”
“To get my teeth!” he grumbled.
Though humorous, here is the point folks!
To nibble on an ear when you’re full of romance and bubbling hormones is one thing.
To nibble on that same ear years later when it holds a hearing aid, when the scent in the air is Vicks vapo rub, and when you have to get up to get your teeth—that’s love!
It is my daily prayer that I will be guilty of one thing!
That one thing is loving the people around me, unconditionally, with out hesitation, and with reckless abandonment for myself.
How about you, care to join me?
Lets change the world around us by loving one another!
Jesus taught us that the "greatest commandment",was to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and the second greatest commandment is… "to love your neighbour as your self" (Matthew 27:37 - Luke 10:27 - Mark 12:30).
Good Day!
(Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth”
Over the last couple of days we have been looking at a statement that spawned a teaching tool that has been very effective in helping our society be that witness of Jesus and His gospel message.
This statement or teaching tool is a booklet called…“Four Spiritual Laws”.
The introduction included in the little booklet states that “Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there ‘spiritual laws’ that govern our relationship with God.”
Now these “four Spiritual laws” are not to be confused with laws as in right and wrong or obedience to a set of rules… but like the law of gravity and the law of consequence ie… “for every action there is a consequence whether good or bad”
These four spiritual laws are something that are a fact and determine the end result.
Law #1 cited Gods nature and intent for humanity… (John 3:16) …“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever would believe might have eternal life”
Law #2 cites the reason that humanity was lost and separated from God…(Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
Law #3 shows the reader that the only way fallen mankind can ever reunite with a Holy God is through Jesus.
Jesus is the only bridge between sinful man and Holy God… He is the only means by which mankind can cross over the gulf that separates God from man.
Gods only Son died on the cross in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins.
Law #4 is the action step that provides readers with practical instruction to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The following scriptures reveal that process…
(John 1:12) “To all that receive Him… to those whom believe on His name, gives He the right to become children of God”.
(Ephesians 2:8-9) “For by grace are ye saved thru faith, and that not of yourselves, but it is the gift of God”.
(John 3:1-8) “Jesus replied saying, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”
“Jesus answered, ‘truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit…”
“You should not be surprised at my saying,.. You must be born again”.
These scriptures are used to explain what it means to receive Christ through faith and what it means to be born again.
The fourth spiritual law also reveals Christ’s invitation for salvation as outlined in (Revelation 3:20) “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
“Repentance and surrender” are emphasized as “crucial prerequisites”
for salvation… and a clear warning is issued about “emotion-based” or “half-hearted” decisions.
The Four Spiritual Laws illuminate the fact that “intellectual belief”, about God and the message of His great love toward humanity is not enough.
Nor is it enough to have an “emotional experience” as has happened to many that have met God at some point in their lives.
Jesus said even the devil and his demons believe in God but it does not save them.
(James 2:19) “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that…and shudder”.
One must receive Jesus Christ by faith… “it is an act of the will”!
One must repent, “agree with God” about our sin condition… and turn from a life of sinful practice, thru the power of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, this last law informs the reader that if salvation is the sincere desire of a person’s heart, they can receive Christ immediately by faith through a “sinners prayer”.
It is the believer’s responsibility, (every one of us), to be about “the Fathers business”.
That is, “to be a witness” of Christ and Gods love to and for the world around us.
I encourage you to get a copy or several copies of this little booklet, and use it to help you engage in the business of sharing Gods love and salvation to the lost in our world… to be His witness in Jerusalem, Judea, and the uttermost parts of the earth… as well as right here in your home community and neighbor hood.
You can order them thru Amazon or any Christian bookstore.
Again (Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth…”
Good Day!
(Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth”
Over the last couple of days we have been looking at a statement that spawned a teaching tool that has been very effective in helping our society be that witness of Jesus and His gospel message.
This statement or teaching tool is a booklet called…“Four Spiritual Laws”.
The introduction included in the little booklet states that “Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there ‘spiritual laws’ that govern our relationship with God.”
Now these “four Spiritual laws” are not to be confused with laws as in right and wrong or obedience to a set of rules… but like the law of gravity and the law of consequence ie… “for every action there is a consequence whether good or bad”
These four spiritual laws are something that are a fact and determine the end result.
Law #1 cited Gods nature and intent for humanity… (John 3:16) …“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever would believe might have eternal life”
Law #2 cites the reason that humanity was lost and separated from God…(Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
Law #3 shows the reader that the only way fallen mankind can ever reunite with a Holy God is through Jesus.
Jesus is the only bridge between sinful man and Holy God… He is the only means by which mankind can cross over the gulf that separates God from man.
Gods only Son died on the cross in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins.
Law #4 is the action step that provides readers with practical instruction to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The following scriptures reveal that process…
(John 1:12) “To all that receive Him… to those whom believe on His name, gives He the right to become children of God”.
(Ephesians 2:8-9) “For by grace are ye saved thru faith, and that not of yourselves, but it is the gift of God”.
(John 3:1-8) “Jesus replied saying, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”
“Jesus answered, ‘truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit…”
“You should not be surprised at my saying,.. You must be born again”.
These scriptures are used to explain what it means to receive Christ through faith and what it means to be born again.
The fourth spiritual law also reveals Christ’s invitation for salvation as outlined in (Revelation 3:20) “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
“Repentance and surrender” are emphasized as “crucial prerequisites”
for salvation… and a clear warning is issued about “emotion-based” or “half-hearted” decisions.
The Four Spiritual Laws illuminate the fact that “intellectual belief”, about God and the message of His great love toward humanity is not enough.
Nor is it enough to have an “emotional experience” as has happened to many that have met God at some point in their lives.
Jesus said even the devil and his demons believe in God but it does not save them.
(James 2:19) “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that…and shudder”.
One must receive Jesus Christ by faith… “it is an act of the will”!
One must repent, “agree with God” about our sin condition… and turn from a life of sinful practice, thru the power of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, this last law informs the reader that if salvation is the sincere desire of a person’s heart, they can receive Christ immediately by faith through a “sinners prayer”.
It is the believer’s responsibility, (every one of us), to be about “the Fathers business”.
That is, “to be a witness” of Christ and Gods love to and for the world around us.
I encourage you to get a copy or several copies of this little booklet, and use it to help you engage in the business of sharing Gods love and salvation to the lost in our world… to be His witness in Jerusalem, Judea, and the uttermost parts of the earth… as well as right here in your home community and neighbor hood.
You can order them thru Amazon or any Christian bookstore.
Again (Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth…”
Good Day!
(Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth”
Over the last couple of days we have been looking at a statement that spawned a teaching tool that has been very effective in helping our society be “the witness of Jesus” and His gospel message.
This statement or teaching tool is a booklet called the “Four Spiritual Laws”.
The introduction included in the little booklet states that “Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there ‘spiritual laws’ that govern our relationship with God.”
Now these “four Spiritual laws” are not to be confused with laws as in right and wrong or obedience to a set of rules… but like the law of gravity and the law of consequence ie… for every action there is a consequence whether good or bad…
These four spiritual laws are something that are a fact and determine the end result.
Law #1 focuses on Gods nature and His intent toward humanity which is only good …“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever would believe might have eternal life”
The “First Spiritual Law” concludes with the question, “Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life found in Gods love?”
Law #2 states that man is separated form God because of sin.
The pamphlet cites (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Law #3 shows the reader that the only way fallen mankind can ever reunite with a Holy God is through Jesus.
Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin.
Through Him, you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life.
(Romans 5:8) “But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us”;
(1st Corinthians 15:3-4) “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures”;
(John 14:6) “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by Me”.
The third Spiritual law not only shows the reader “the Way to God”, but also explains the “truth” about “the cost” of our salvation, and the payment required… all pointing to Jesus.
Jesus is the only bridge between sinful man and Holy God.
He is the only means by which mankind can cross over the gulf that separates God from man.
Gods only Son died on the cross in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins.
That is the Gospel message in all of its truth with simplicity!
We’ll look at Law #4 tomorrow.
Good day!
(Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth” Yesterday I Introduced a topic concerning the "Four Spiritual Laws” of salvation.
Dr. Bill Bright”, The founder of “CRU” a world wide evangelistic organization committed to preaching Christ around the world, authored this little “easy to read” pocket-sized “evangelism resource”, to provide Believers with a means to introduce Christ to the unsaved world around them.
The “Four Spiritual Laws” has been distributed world wide with over 2.5 billion copies of the beloved little booklet becoming one of the simplest and “easy to understand” tools for evangelism ever put to print.
So What Are the Four Spiritual Laws in the Bible?
While the term “Four Spiritual Laws” does not appear in scripture, the principles do.
The goal of the little booklet is to create an outreach tool that would organize biblically based steps for salvation, into a straightforward, easy-to-understand format or presentation.
The introduction included in the little booklet states that “Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there ‘spiritual laws’ that govern our relationship with God.”
Christians for decades have used this plan of salvation to help anyone who hasn’t yet heard, or understood the Gospel of Jesus to understand the simple process.
What makes this method different than similar “witnessing tools” is that the steps begin on a positive note.
It’s not a presentation that scares, guilt’s, or coerces people into turning to faith and repentance out of “self preservation” or “fear of holy retaliation or retribution”.
As we talked about yesterday… Law #1 of the “Four Spiritual Laws”… focuses on God’s nature and His intent toward humanity. Using (John 3:16) as a reference, this first law describes God’s love for the world, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus… “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever would believe might have eternal life.
The “First Spiritual Law” concludes with the question, “Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life found in Gods love?”
Law #2 answers the question with a definitive statement... “Man is sinful and separated from God therefore, he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life”.
The pamphlet cites (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” then expands upon the Scripture’s truth, by defining sin in real terms, and explaining the consequences associated with sin.
According to this law, humanity was created to experience “a close and loving fellowship” with the Creator.
But because we prefer our own will to His, our rebellion causes a rift in the sacred relationship that ultimately led to judgment for sin and a death sentence for that sin. (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death”
Mankind is separated from God because of sin.
The gulf between the two points seems impossible to bridge because man has no means of reaching God through any human effort.
Think about that thought as you go thru the day.
How is your relationship with God? If you don’t have one… know that God is more than willing to meet you love you bless you take care of you and spend eternity with you.
We'll look at Law #3 tomorrow.
Good Day!
As we talked about yesterday… Law #1 of the “Four Spiritual Laws”… focuses on God’s nature and His intent toward humanity. Using (John 3:16) as a reference, this first law describes God’s love for the world, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus… “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever would believe might have eternal life.
The “First Spiritual Law” concludes with the question, “Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life found in Gods love?”
Law #2 answers the question with a definitive statement... “Man is sinful and separated from God therefore, he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life”.
The pamphlet cites (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” then expands upon the Scripture’s truth, by defining sin in real terms, and explaining the consequences associated with sin.
According to this law, humanity was created to experience “a close and loving fellowship” with the Creator.
But because we prefer our own will to His, our rebellion causes a rift in the sacred relationship that ultimately led to judgment for sin and a death sentence for that sin. (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death”
Mankind is separated from God because of sin.
The gulf between the two points seems impossible to bridge because man has no means of reaching God through any human effort.
Think about that thought as you go thru the day.
How is your relationship with God? If you don’t have one… know that God is more than willing to meet you love you bless you take care of you and spend eternity with you.
We'll look at Law #3 tomorrow.
Good Day!
(Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth”
In 1952 “Campus Crusade for Christ” produced a booklet titled, “Have You Heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?”
“Dr. Bill Bright”, The founder of “CRU” a world wide Evangelistic Organization committed to preaching Christ around the world, authored this little “easy to read” pocket-sized “evangelism resource”, to provide Believers with a means to introduce Christ to the unsaved world around them.
The “Four Spiritual Laws” has been distributed world wide with over 2.5 billion copies of the beloved little booklet becoming one of the simplest and “easy to understand” tools for evangelism ever put to print.
So What Are the Four Spiritual Laws in the Bible?
While the term “Four Spiritual Laws” does not appear in scripture, the principles do.
The goal of the little booklet is to create an outreach tool that would organize biblically based steps for salvation, into a straightforward, easy-to-understand format or presentation.
The introduction included in the little booklet states that “Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there ‘spiritual laws’ that govern our relationship with God.”
This four-point evangelistic model, has been used by Christians for decades to introduce the plan of salvation to anyone who hasn’t yet heard, understood or received the Gospel of Jesus.
What makes this method different than similar “witnessing tools” is that the steps begin on a positive note.
It’s not a presentation that scares, guilt’s, or coerces people into turning to faith and repentance out of “self preservation” or “fear of holy retaliation”.
Law #1 of the Four Spiritual Laws focuses on God’s nature… and His intent toward humanity.
Using (John 3:16) as a reference, this first law describes God’s love for the world, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes would not perish but have everlasting life"
This law also emphasizes God’s favourable plan for humanity through salvation. “I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10)
The idea that our Creator loves us and has good plans for the world may seem like a no-brainer to most Believers, but it is a foreign concept to many who were raised in other religions or with no spiritual foundation or education.
God’s loving nature and benevolence, may come as a surprise to an increasing number of unbelievers who have only heard about God through warped representations in secular media and cynical culture.
The “First Spiritual Law” concludes with the question, “Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life found in Gods love?”
Perhaps you are one of those that are not experiencing the outpouring of Gods blessing on your life… and it may be that is a question that has been nagging your thoughts as well.
If that is the case… know that the bible tells us In (Acts 16:32) “if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you shall be saved”.
Over the next four days I am going to look at each of these “four spiritual laws” and see if we can’t help you find that relationship with God that will bring peace joy and an abundant life filled with Gods love thru Jesus Christ.
See you tomorrow…
Good day!