JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
Proverbs 24:32) “When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction.”
King Solomon is considered one of the wisest men who ever lived.
He wrote three books in the Bible and is quoted regularly.
He was a life-long learner and seeker of truth.
My text this morning sums up His motivation for life… “When I saw it, I considered it well… I looked on it and received instruction.”
Note the words “I considered it well.”
That should be your fixed attitude in life as well.
God’s plan for you is to keep learning, changing, growing, and maturing until you draw your last breath.
And that means always being open-minded to the things of God.
Consider the Pharisees.
They were 100 percent committed to their belief system.
They were also the best-educated people in society.
Yet they resisted Jesus and the truth He shared at every turn.
Why… for three very common reasons?
(1) Pride… their thinking was… “If what Jesus says is right, that makes us wrong.”
(2) Security… “If we accept what He is teaching, what will happen to our reputation and our income?”
(3) Tradition… “We have believed and done things this way for generations.”
Can you see where we’re going with this line of thought?
And can you see how it may apply to your life?
One pastor said, “It’s good to be saved and sanctified, as long as you are not saved, sanctified, and stuck!”
Spiritual growth requires two things… a hunger for truth and the humility to acknowledge that you still have more to learn.
Those are two qualities that God always honours.
“The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way” (Psalm 25:9).
It is absolutely imperative that we stay open minded when it comes to the truth of God Word.
If you haven’t learned it by now... you need to know that the ways of God can be so different from the ways of our humanistic carnal society of today.
In fact God says in (Isaiah 55:9) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are higher than your ways”.
And from the book of (Proverbs 14:12) and again in (Proverbs 16:25) King Solomon writes… “there is a way which seems right to man… but its the way of death”.
Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life”… if your not open to His way and His will and His plans… your going to have a difficult time in your journey of faith.
So always be open-minded to the things of God.
Good Day!
(Psalm 118:24) “This is the day the Lord has made… we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I recall reading the following somewhere and felt that it is applicable to my thoughts this morning.
“One of the strategies I employ each day is to block enough time so that I’m not thinking of what I have to do next.
I find it best to wait until I can invest more than a few minutes in being with someone… so that the person is not frustrated with my divided attention and tight schedule.”
There are so many distractions in the lives we are living today.
Distractions that rob us of time with others… time that we may not have tomorrow.
If you keep robbing your loved ones of time, there may come a day when they have no time for you.
Ask yourself, “Is this person worth more to me than the plan, project, problem, or pressure I’m dealing with?”
Learn to enjoy the moment and focus on the person you’re with.
Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to answer with more than a yes or no.
Listen carefully, ask additional questions and offer your opinion less.
This helps people feel you are engaging with them and caring about their replies.
You may be tempted to let your mind wander and let your thoughts flit into the future for a few seconds, but instantly push them back into the present by rejecting those concerns.
As I have said before… people don’t really care about how much you know as much as they want to know how much you care
When it comes to loving others… you need to focus and concentrate, concentrate, concentrate.
There is great pleasure in doing this after you get used to it.
As I am getting older I find that I enjoy listening… more than I do offering my own opinion about the various issues of life that others are dealing with.
It’s helped me become more sympathetic to the plight of others and thankful for the blessing of God that I have been allowed to experience as I… “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”.
Remember the great Commandment of our Lord… “Love the Lord your God with all you heart… with all your mind… with all your soul… and you neighbour as yourself”.
(James 4:14) tells us that life is a vapour… a mist that is here for a little while and vanishes.
Your loved ones… your friends… live with them in the moment… because you may not have that moment tomorrow.
This is the day… now is the time.
Good Day!
(1st Corinthians 16:9) “A great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”
The New Living Translation states Paul’s words this way: “There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.”
This verse reminds us that God is in control and can open doors that no one can shut.
It speaks of God’s power to make a way for us to carry out His plans, even in the face of obstacles or resistance.
It’s a message of hope and encouragement, affirming that God’s will cannot be thwarted by human opposition.
This verse is a powerful reminder that God is bigger than any opposition we may face.
It encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and remain faithful in our service, knowing that He can and will open doors for us to be effective in our ministry work.
So, as you encounter challenges or resistance in your service to God, remember this verse and be encouraged that God is always at work, opening doors for His purposes to be fulfilled.
In doing the will of God, you should anticipate opposition from those who are not privy to what God has shared with you or instructed you to do.
Indeed, if you are accepted and applauded wherever you go, you should re-examine either the assignment you believe God has given you… or the way in which you are carrying it out.
Because one way or another… if you are committed to fulfilling the will of God… you will experience opposition, testing trials and yes in some cases (most cases) hardship!
But hold on now… you might be thinking didn’t Jesus say that His yoke was easy?
Yes, and He was talking about a comfortable-fitting yoke around the neck of a hardworking ox that plowed from morning until night.
The work was hard, but the yoke was comfortable.
That means when God calls you to do something difficult, He will provide you with the grace and resources to do it.
And remember… the attack of the enemy could be seen as a sign of respect.
It means you represent a threat to the kingdom of darkness… and as you get closer to your God-given goal… you need to realize that the way, the fight, the task, will get harder and harder to complete.
You can expect Satan’s attack to intensify.
But there is good news.
The intensity of the attack is an indicator of the blessing God has for you on the other side of the attack.
And one more thought.
Your greatest rewards will not come in this life… but in the life to come.
And that’s good because they won’t just be temporal, they will be eternal.
A hymnist wrote, “To him that over cometh a crown of life shall be… He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.”
Come on… the doors open… God has a task for you to fulfill that you were designed specifically by God to fulfill…
And with your hand in His… you can do this… don’t let fear intimidation and doubt stop you…
You are more than a conqueror in Christ! (Romans 8:37)
Good Day
(Revelation 3:8) “I have set before you an open door.”
In seeking to know God’s will, there are two things you should never do.
First, when the door is closed, don’t get impatient and force it open.
Second, don’t try to create your own door.
To succeed in what God has called you to do, follow the “open door policy.”
The Bible describes it this way…
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write… ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens'.
I know your works.
See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.
For you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name’” (Revelation 3:7-8)
Who does God open doors for?
(1) People who “have a little strength.”
This verse carries a powerful message of divine promise and opportunity emphasizing that God is aware of their efforts and is ready to guide them towards new beginnings and success.
Your mistakes don’t disqualify you as long as you’re willing to learn from them.
Your inadequacies don’t limit God if you allow them to make you more dependent on Him.
(2) People who “have kept My word.”
The people God opens doors for are governed by this guiding principle… “Whatever God’s Word says about it, that’s what I’m going to think, believe, and do.”
If it’s not on God’s blueprint, don’t build it. If it’s not in God’s recipe book, don’t mix it in.
(3) People who “have not denied My name.”
Regardless of rejection or ridicule, these people speak boldly about the things they value most in life, including their relationship with Jesus.
The obvious implication for the believers at Philadelphia… was to make the most of the opportunity that an open door would provide.
So to... Believes today ought also to be alert to the stewardships and opportunities that God provides us.
We should not waste the open doors that Jesus has opened.
We should appreciate that they have come from the One who has authority to provide those opportunities… and because the Lord has provided them,...they are important.
Let’s make the most of them!
Could it be that God has opened some doors of opportunity before you to walk thru… but doubt, hesitation, and fear of the unknown is keeping you from walking thru or following the Spirit into the unknown.
Know this… that God will not lead you where He cannot keep you!
He says… "I will never leave you or forsake you… I am with you always, even to the ends of the earth". (Hebrews 13:5)
God does not want you and I to live a life of “same old same old”.
The one thing that we are all guilty of us... is the love of living comfortable… and some times when walking thru open doors it may be uncomfortable for a season.
But new blessings are not found when we want to cling to the same old same old and the comfortable that we are familiar with.
Its only in letting go of the past and pressing forward through open doors of opportunity… that we experience the fulfillment of hopes and dreams that we have harbored in our hearts.
The Bible says in the book of (Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for… the evidence not seen”
Know that you will never see the evidence of things hoped for... until you are ready and willing to walk through the open door of God.
He is standing on the other side of it ready to bless you and bring to fulfillment... all of His plans and promises that He has made in His word toward you and I.
Good day!
(2nd Corinthians 3:5) “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves…but our sufficiency is from God.”
In the Bible, when ever God called someone to do something, you will notice they did’nt jump up and say, “No problem, I’m ready.”
No… in story after story, they tell God why they can’t do it.
Consider the following list of people.
Moses… “I have never been eloquent…I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10).
Gideon… “How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15).
Abraham… “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? (Genesis 17:17).
Jeremiah… “Alas, Sovereign Lord…I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:6)
Isaiah… “Woe to me!…For I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5).
Esther… “All…know that for any man or woman who approaches the king…without being summoned the king has but one law… that they be put to death” (Esther 4:11).
The Rich young ruler… “He went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Matthew 19:22).
Saul: “The Lord said, ‘See, he has hidden himself among the baggage’” (1st Samuel 10:22).
(This occurred when Samuel was proclaiming Saul as king, and the people couldn’t find him and
asked the Lord where he was.)
What a list of excuses… to inarticulate, to weak, to old, to young, to sinful, to dangerous, to rich, to hesitant… yet through out biblical history… God used every one of them to fulfill His purposes.
And Paul tells us why… “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves… to think of anything as being from ourselves… (or having the ability in our selves to accomplish the task)… but our sufficiency is from God.”
The bible teaches us that we are to be humble and practice humility.
We are to empty ourselves and let the Holy Spirit work through us.
When we do that… when we get out of the way…
When we realize that we are vessels in the hands of the Potter for His use…then history can and will be made.
Not according to my will and plans, but the Fathers… fulfilling His will through you and I, whom are submitted to Him.
Thru much of Pauls writings in the New testament there is a common theme or message.
“Empty yourself to be filled”. its a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and surrender in the Christian faith.
“Less of me and more of thee!”
This phrase… “Empty yourself to be filled”… is not explicitly found in the Bible, but its message is reflected in several passages that emphasize the concept of emptying oneself… in order to receive God’s blessings and guidance.
One of the key verses that conveys this idea is found in (Philippians 2:5-8), which says… “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…
What a list of excuses… to inarticulate, to weak, to old, to young, to sinful, to dangerous, to rich, to hesitant… yet through out biblical history… God used every one of them to fulfill His purposes.
And Paul tells us why… “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves… to think of anything as being from ourselves… (or having the ability in our selves to accomplish the task)… but our sufficiency is from God.”
The bible teaches us that we are to be humble and practice humility.
We are to empty ourselves and let the Holy Spirit work through us.
When we do that… when we get out of the way…
When we realize that we are vessels in the hands of the Potter for His use…then history can and will be made.
Not according to my will and plans, but the Fathers… fulfilling His will through you and I, whom are submitted to Him.
Thru much of Pauls writings in the New testament there is a common theme or message.
“Empty yourself to be filled”. its a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and surrender in the Christian faith.
“Less of me and more of thee!”
This phrase… “Empty yourself to be filled”… is not explicitly found in the Bible, but its message is reflected in several passages that emphasize the concept of emptying oneself… in order to receive God’s blessings and guidance.
One of the key verses that conveys this idea is found in (Philippians 2:5-8), which says… “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…
Whom, being in very nature God… did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage… rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant… being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death… even death on a cross!”
This passage highlights the ultimate act of humility and self-emptying that Jesus demonstrated through his life, death, and resurrection.
By willingly emptying Himself of His divine privileges and taking on the form of a servant… Jesus exemplified the perfect model of humility for all believers to follow.
Another verse that echoes this theme is found in (James 4:10), which states… “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility as a prerequisite for receiving God’s grace and exaltation.
When we empty ourselves of pride, selfish ambition, and worldly desires, we create space in our hearts and lives… for God to fill us with His peace, joy, and wisdom.
Additionally, the concept of emptying oneself to be filled is also reflected in Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God.
In (Luke 9:23-24), Jesus instructs his disciples… “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it… but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
This passage underscores the paradoxical nature of discipleship, where true fulfillment and abundance are found… not in self-centeredness… but in self-sacrifice and surrender to God’s will.
In conclusion, the New Testament theme of “Empty yourself to be
filled”… encapsulates the timeless truth that true greatness, blessing, and transformation come through a posture of humility, self-denial, and obedience to God.
By following the example of Jesus and embracing the call to empty ourselves of our own agendas and egos… we open ourselves up to be filled with the fullness of God’s love, grace, and power.
May each of us we strive to embody this principle in our daily lives… and walk in the abundant blessings that flow from a heart that is emptied and ready to receive all that God has in store for us.
Good Day
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death… even death on a cross!”
This passage highlights the ultimate act of humility and self-emptying that Jesus demonstrated through his life, death, and resurrection.
By willingly emptying Himself of His divine privileges and taking on the form of a servant… Jesus exemplified the perfect model of humility for all believers to follow.
Another verse that echoes this theme is found in (James 4:10), which states… “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility as a prerequisite for receiving God’s grace and exaltation.
When we empty ourselves of pride, selfish ambition, and worldly desires, we create space in our hearts and lives… for God to fill us with His peace, joy, and wisdom.
Additionally, the concept of emptying oneself to be filled is also reflected in Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God.
In (Luke 9:23-24), Jesus instructs his disciples… “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it… but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
This passage underscores the paradoxical nature of discipleship, where true fulfillment and abundance are found… not in self-centeredness… but in self-sacrifice and surrender to God’s will.
In conclusion, the New Testament theme of “Empty yourself to be
filled”… encapsulates the timeless truth that true greatness, blessing, and transformation come through a posture of humility, self-denial, and obedience to God.
By following the example of Jesus and embracing the call to empty ourselves of our own agendas and egos… we open ourselves up to be filled with the fullness of God’s love, grace, and power.
May each of us we strive to embody this principle in our daily lives… and walk in the abundant blessings that flow from a heart that is emptied and ready to receive all that God has in store for us.
Good Day
(Acts 27:25) “I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”
From Paul’s shipwreck story in (Acts 27:25) we learn of three different anchors that we can learn from to stabilize our faith and confidence as we when we face circumstances trials and attacks form the enemy of our soul.
First God is with us… He never leaves us or forsakes us.
Secondly God has a plan and purpose for each of us… and nothing will deter God from accomplishing that task until its completion and we join Jesus in Glory.
Thirdly no matter what the storm is… we are anchored by God’s promises.
The third anchor that gives us confidence in a crisis is found in Paul’s words… “I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”
If you have ever been betrayed by an unfaithful spouse… you may have lost trust in marriage.
If you’ve been the victim of a financial scam or bankruptcy or a for closure on a mortgage, you may have lost your home and your trust in bankers the banking system.
If you voted for someone you believed had integrity only to discover they were in the pocket of special interest groups… you may have lost your trust in government.
But never ever lose trust in the promises of God!
Look in the face of your storm today and remember… in fact sing the words of this famous hymn by Russell Carter… “Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling winds of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.”
You may lose your cargo, you may lose your ship, you may even go overboard as did Paul…but you’re going to prevail because of God’s promises to you.
As the old saying goes, “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!”
If you’re in crisis today… here are some Bible promises you can stand on.
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
“You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great” (Psalm 18:35).
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he… I am he who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4).
Remember to hold on to these three anchors that can keep your soul steadfast and secure.
Remember… Jesus said “if you can believe, all things are possible to them that believe”! (Mark 9:23)
Good Day
(Acts 27:24) Do not be afraid, Paul… for you must stand trial before Caesar.”
Yesterday we looked at the first of three anchors that I see in the account of Paul’s storm and shipwreck experience… the first Anchor is knowing that God is with us in every situation.
The second anchor in a time of crisis is found in (Acts 27:24), where Paul quoted God’s angel: “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.”
In other words, God was telling Paul… “You’re on board this ship because I have a purpose for your being here. And My eternal purpose for your life is greater than this temporary storm.”
A second great truth we glean from Paul’s storm and shipwreck experience… is in the knowing that that there is a purpose for the experience or the circumstances we are going thru.
Have you discovered your God-given purpose yet?
You’re not here on earth simply to take up space.
God has a specific plan for you.
From the Book of (Jeremiah 29:11) we read “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.”
The storm you’re caught in right now is just a temporary setback.
Absolutely nothing can change God’s plan for your life unless you choose to disobey Him.
And yes, you can do that... but the scriptures teach that no outside person or force can change God’s plan for your life, or alter His divine purpose for you... as long as you’re willing to say… “Lord, I want to do Your will.”
The second anchor in a time of crisis is found in (Acts 27:24), where Paul quoted God’s angel: “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.”
In other words, God was telling Paul… “You’re on board this ship because I have a purpose for your being here. And My eternal purpose for your life is greater than this temporary storm.”
A second great truth we glean from Paul’s storm and shipwreck experience… is in the knowing that that there is a purpose for the experience or the circumstances we are going thru.
Have you discovered your God-given purpose yet?
You’re not here on earth simply to take up space.
God has a specific plan for you.
From the Book of (Jeremiah 29:11) we read “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.”
The storm you’re caught in right now is just a temporary setback.
Absolutely nothing can change God’s plan for your life unless you choose to disobey Him.
And yes, you can do that... but the scriptures teach that no outside person or force can change God’s plan for your life, or alter His divine purpose for you... as long as you’re willing to say… “Lord, I want to do Your will.”
As surely as God told Paul, “You must stand trial before Caesar and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you”… He is saying to you today… “I will bring you through this storm.”
When you focus on your God-given purpose…He empowers you to overcome your problems.
That’s why Paul could write (Philippians 3:13-14) “I focus on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead… I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us”
God knows you, God sees you, God created you for a specific purpose.
You are not your own… you are bought with a price… the precious blood of Jesus.
Yes you have been set free from the judgment and the penalty of sin.
But ever forget that you have been redeemed for a purpose… to do the will of God.
And that is what He is requiring and asking of all of us.
And when the storm trials of life get to the point that we fear for our future… know that God had redeemed you for a purpose and a plan… that not only give us eternity in heaven… but utilizes the specific gifts that God gave you and wants you to use for His glory in fulfilling his plan and will for the future of humanity.
(Romans 8:18) “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”
(Romans 8:28) “all things work together for good for those whom love the Lord”
(Romans 8:35-36) “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword… For as it is written… for Thy sake… for (Gods sake) we are counted as sheep for the slaughter… but no in all things we are more than conquerors in Christ”
No matter the storm around you or the storm that you might be facing… you are more than a conqueror in Christ.
Knowing that we are called of God… for His purpose, can give us the confidence and the strength to walk thru any fire and face any trial…
And besides… He says He will be right there with us… always.
(Hebrews 13:5) "I will never leave you or forsake you lo I will be with you always even to the ends of the earth.
Good Day!