JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Psalm 119:18) "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things".
Have you ever heard the expression that “someone has their head buried in the sand”? ?
Do they mean that another person has literally buried their head in a hole in the ground and covered it with sand?
Of course not!
What in the world are they talking about then?
When people say someone has their head buried in the sand, they are claiming that the person is ignoring “obvious” facts or refusing to accept advice.
They are people whom live life hoping that simply “denying” the existence of a problem, will make it go away.
Believers today need to be very aware of what is going on around us both in the physical realm and the spiritual realm.
The bible teaches us that we are in a spiritual war against “the kingdom of darkness”.
(Ephesians 6:12) tells us “For we fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.
(1st Peter 5:8) warns us that we should “be alert watchful and wary, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”.
(2nd Corinthians 2:11), “says that we need to be careful so that no advantage be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes”.
(In Genesis 4:7) The Lord told Cain, “sin crouches at the door and its desire is to have you”.
There are far too many believers today that are “ignorant of the schemes of the devil”… and are unaware of the enemies of darkness that introduce stumbling blocks for us all.
That’s why we have marriages and homes falling daily to the lie that there is someone else out there that will give me satisfaction and better love and make me happy.
That’s why there is a rise in moral failure.
The lie that say’s “nobody will ever know or find out”.
That’s why people of every generation are now consumed with the search for a "new high"… ingesting drugs that claim to deliver peace and freedom from the cares of this world.
Grumbling blinds you to God’s blessings… but gratitude opens your eyes to enjoy them.
So today, ask the Lord to open your eyes to all the "wonderful things" that surround you… and get your head out of the sand.
There is a real devil… there is a real kingdom of darkness… and there is a real spiritual war going on for the soul of man… for your soul.
So who are you going to believe?
Jesus said in (John 10:10) “The thief (the devil) comes to kill to steal and to destroy but I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly”.
You can disbelieve it… you can ignore it… you can say you don’t believe that there is a devil and demons and you can stick your head in the sand believing that they are not real and there is no such thing,
But the Bible does not lie, God does not lie, and Jesus came to take away the lie.
The truth is… Jesus came “so that we could have life and that more abundantly”
And its in a relationship with Jesus that we find our purpose… our satisfaction… our peace and our joy in living.
So today take your head out of the sand… look around us at what’s happening in the world today… and know that all is not well.
The only true answer to the issues that lie before us are found in Christ and Gods abiding love for humanity…
With out that… there is little in this world to look forward to.
The Bible teaches us to call on God… come to Jesus… and find life, love, peace, and joy… both for now and for eternity!
Good Day!
(Jeremiah 5:21) “They have eyes but they see not, ears but they hear not.”
Max Lucado shares with us these great words of inspiration concerning our ability to see and hear God.
He says “It’s not that we don’t have ears or eyes…it’s that we don’t use them”!
(Proverbs 8:34) says, “Happy are those who listen to me.”
Jesus urges us to listen like sheep… (John 10:3-5) “The sheep recognize his voice… they follow because they’re familiar with the shepherd’s voice”
God gave all of us ears and eyes.
Ears so that we might hear and absorb direction wisdom and insight.
And eyes so that we might see where we are going and arrive at our destination with out stumbling or experiencing mishap.
Our ears, unlike our eyes, do not have lids.
They are intended to remain open!
Unfortunately however there are a lot of people in our world who’s eyes are not open, and their ears are dull or they refuse to listen.
They are people whom live as if there is no tomorrow… or they are people who “do that which is right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25)
The Book of Proverbs tells us that there is a way which seems right in the eyes of man but it is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25 and Proverbs 12:12)
Talking about “proverbs”… the following old proverb is still filled with wisdom… "There are none so blind as those who will not see"!
It was written or traced back to the writings of poet author and composer, "John Heywood".
You may not remember the name "John Heywood" but he is the author of several "proverbs" that you may have heard over the years.
Proverbs like, "keep your nose to the grindstone"… "haste makes waste"… or "all’s well that ends well"… and this oft used quote, "better late than never".
What people don't know or remember and have slowly forgotten over the years… is the "second part" of John Heywoods proverb.
The full saying is "There are none so blind as those who will not see. "The most deluded people are those “who choose to ignore” what they already know".
Most often seeing and hearing is a matter of the will!
This old proverb from the lips of a wise man in our history… is reminiscent of the words of Jeremiah the prophet, whom God sent to warn His people to repent of their sin and back sliding.
(Jeremiah 5:21) “They have eyes but they see not, ears but they hear not.”
Today this old proverb still has a relevant message to our modern society.
There are people in our society whom "choose" to be blind.
They also "choose" to be deaf.
How is that you might ask?
Several times in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus said "Let him who has ears to hear, hear..."
There is none so blind who "will not see" or none so deaf as those who will not listen (or hear)”.
Nobody is deafer than the person who decides he does not want to listen.
At the same time… there is nobody is blinder than the person who decides he does not want to see “truth”… and instead chooses a lie.
And what is it that we are supposed to listen to and see?
The great message of "Gods love for humanity"…
(2nd Chronicles 7:14) "If my people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land".
Yet the sorrowful truth is that our world… and many of those that profess “faith in God”, choose to ignore Gods invitation to come to Him and to follow after Him… and they choose to remain "spiritually blind" and "spiritually deaf" to the truths of His word.
Do you know what the penalty is to those who blatantly ignore God?
Ezekiel spells it out for those who "choose" to be blind and those who "choose" to be deaf.
(Ezekiel 18:20-21) "The soul who sins shall die…”
“But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all (or chooses to see and hear) My statutes, and does what is lawful and right… he shall surely live!
Jesus said “I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly” (John 10:10)
Then Jesus says "come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest for your soul” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Can you hear the call?
Can you see the offer?
How long has it been since you had your “spiritual hearing” checked?
How long has it been since you’ve had your “spiritual eyes” checked?
Come on!
Lets all read it, see it, and hear it, (listen and do it)!
Ask the Lord today to give you “ears to hear and eyes to see”.
It’s all an act or part of your humbleness, willingness, and obedience to Him.
I leave you this morning with this question from (1st Samuel 15:22)
“What is more pleasing to the Lord… your burnt offerings and sacrifices… or your obedience to his voice?
Listen!
Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams”.
Good Day!
(Jeremiah 29:11) “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord”.
This new year, know that God has a plan for you
Special and unique plans just for you!
He knew the span of your life before you were formed in your mother’s womb.
He knows the hairs on your head, (Luke 12:7)… the thoughts in your mind (1st Corinthians 3:20)… and the hours or days that you will live on this earth (Psalm 139:16)
He does not leave such attention to detail nor merely to chance.
God has plans for you, and they are good.
(3rd John Verse 2)… “Plans to prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers”.
Today on the 2nd day of this new year in our lives… I want to remind you of fifteen specific promises concerning the plans that God has for you and I.
May they fill your mind with peace and your heart with comfort, as you soak up the knowledge that God’s plans for your life are not for disaster, but for hope and for good.
(Psalm 37:23) “The steps of a man… are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way.”
(Proverbs 19:21) “Many are the plans in the mind of a man… but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
(Proverbs 23:18) “Surely there is a future… and your hope will not be cut off.”
(Psalm 139:16) “Your eyes saw my unformed substance… in your book were written every one of them, the days that were formed for me when as yet there was none of them.”
(Isaiah 14:24) “The Lord of hosts has sworn… “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.”
(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works… which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
(Psalm 138:8) “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me… your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
(Ephesians 1:4-5) “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… that we should be holy and blameless before Him… and in love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will”.
(Psalm 37:23-24) “The steps of a man are established by the Lord… When he delights in His way though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds him in the palm of His hand”.
(Ephesians 1:9-10) “Making known to us the mystery of His will… according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.
(Philippians 1:6) “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
(Romans 8:28) “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
(Proverbs 16:9) “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps”.
(Psalm 32:8) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go… I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
(1st Corinthians 2:9) “But as it is written… “The eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, nor can the heart of man imagine all the good things that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Today as you finalize your New Years resolutions and your plans for this new year… encourage yourself in the Lord by making these 15 scriptural promises of God yours.
Oh by the way, these are just a few from the book of Gods love that is filled with many, many more, just for you!
Renew your mind today with these promises from His Word.
And remember what Jesus said in (Luke 4:4), “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Again happy New Year folks,
Good Day!
(Matthew 6:27) “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
Well it’s the beginning of a new year once again.
A time when we all make new plans for the future… and resolutions to change certain aspects of life or to start new ones.
From (Proverbs 19:21) we read “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails.
This phrase “the plans of a man” reflects the idea that while individuals may have many thoughts and intentions as to how they will live their lives… it is ultimately Gods purpose that will prevail.
This verse serves as a reminder of the tension between human ambition and divine guidance.
It encourages believers to trust in Gods plan for their lives despite the number of plans or resolutions we may have in our hearts.
To say that God has a plan for you and I is a bold statement… but one that is completely true.
He has a plan He has put in place for each of us as individuals.
(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord…”
God has a plan… He has always had a plan!
He is Sovereign and all knowing.
(Psalm 139) says, “each day was planned before one of them came to be”.
Because God knows everything… He already knew your poor mistakes, your choices to sin, and the consequences that will come because of those rebellious decisions.
He has already planned how to bring good out of our rebellion, how to bring us closer to Him… all because of His great love for us.
Folks we need to expand our view and perception of God.
He’s not in heaven saying, “Wow!! I didn’t see that one coming!”
In fact, He is in heaven working out His plan for each of us, teaching us to grow…drawing near to us throughout our lives, knowing the choices we will make, the sins we will commit, and the good deeds we will do as well!!
(Matthew 6:27) “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his (or her) span of life?”
God has a plan!
From the very beginning when He created this world, He had a plan.
For day and night, for the heavens and the earth, land and sea, sun and moon, birds and fish, animals and humans, He has always had a plan.
And just four verses into the creation story in His Word from Genesis chapter 1, we see that He likes His plan.
He calls it good.
And indeed, near the end of the creation process, He calls His plan “very good”. (Genesis 1:31)
His plan is good because of the purpose it will serve.
It is good because of the hope it gives.
It is good because of the lives it will save.
But really, it is good, simply because of the God who calls it so.
Creation had only to be created, for it to be called good.
But still, God has plans.
He has them for you.
He knew the span of your life before you were formed in your mother’s womb.
He knows the hairs on your head, (Luke 12:7)… the thoughts in your mind (1st Corinthians 3:20)… and the hours or days that you will live on this earth (Psalm 139:16)
He does not leave such attention to detail merely to chance.
God has plans for you, and they are good.
Tomorrow I want to share with you 15 Bible verses that prove that God has plans for your life.
But let me say today this New Years Day January 1st 2026... that God has a plan for you
(3rd John Verse 2)… “Plans to prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers”.
Again from (Jeremiah 29:11) “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord… plans to proper you and give you a future not plans for evil”
May they fill your mind with peace and your heart with comfort, as you dwell in the knowledge that God’s plans for your life are not for disaster, but for hope and for good.
Happy New Year !
(Colossians 3:13) “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another.”
For some people the Christmas season is not a time of joy, but a time of conflicting emotions and depression.
The holidays seem to be a time that tortures the soul of many, as they deal with the pain of fractured homes and financial complications associated with the painful mess of divorce… and the memories that remain after the process can be very painful!
In their book, "None of These Diseases", "S.I. McMillen and David Stern" describe the damage we inflict on ourselves when we dislike someone or refuse to forgive them and hold on to negative feelings deep within.
"The moment I begin to hate a man (or woman), I become their slave. They control my thoughts. They control my feelings. They even control my dreams.
Stress hormones constantly surge through my bloodstream and wear down my body... the one I hate, hounds me wherever I go".
As of tomorrow 2025 is officially over.
For some, this has been a bitter year of heartache, loss, and fear.
The pain, the sorrow, the conflicting emotions for some, have been stored away like the trees and decorations of the Christmas season… only to be brought to the surface again with the next trial or negative memory that pops its head up.
And if you let it, the cycle of pain, sorrow, and depression will continue, continually robbing you of joy, peace and fulfillment in life.
Listen folks... its time for you to forgive those whom have hurt you in the past.
Its time to stop looking behind in the rear view mirror… and start looking at the road ahead of you… to the future.
You can do nothing about what’s behind you… but you can start making better plans for the future… not wallowing in bitter regret which does absolutely nothing to effect change or a brighter tomorrow.
Its time to move on in life, and allow God to remove those thorns and thistles that are imbedded in your soul…thorns and thistles that keep robbing you of His peace and joy… causing you continual pain and ultimately depression.
Perhaps there’s a family member or acquaintance of the past you don’t like or haven’t forgiven.
If so, remember that Jesus came into the world to "love the unlovely" and "forgive the unworthy".
The word “grace” means unearned, unmerited, undeserved favor.
That’s what you’ve received from God through the work of Jesus!
And the beautiful message of Christmas is that Christ will flush the anger and resentment out of your heart… if you let Him!
As the season we have just finished celebrating fades into a new year of expectation and hope, why don't you offer up to God this prayer:
"Lord, I confess that I don't like certain people in my pathway of life. Help me to forgive them and show grace to them.
Let the love of Christ flow through me this coming New Year.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen"
You say, ‘But they don’t deserve to be forgiven!"
That may be true.
But you and I didn’t deserve God’s love and forgiveness either.
Jesus said, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you,
Do to others as you would like them to do to you” (Luke 6:27-28, 31)
That’s the spirit with which we must live out our lives… if we truly want to be filled with love, joy, and peace!
Don't start a "New Year" living with the same old hurts, conflicts and depression.
Let them go!
Jesus said… "I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly" (John 10:10)
“Him whom the Son sets free is free indeed”! (John 8:36)
Good Day!
(Job 29:24) ‘When I smiled at them…their faces lit up.’
If you think you’ve nothing to smile about, consider these words from a man who’d just experienced the death of all his children, the loss of his entire fortune, and was now covered from head to toe in boils.
But it did not deter him from being an inspiration to those around him despite his circumstances!
(Job 29:24-29) “When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it; their faces lit up, their troubles took wings!
I was their leader, establishing the mood and setting the pace by which they lived. Where I led, they followed”.
That’s the power of a smile!
Long ago when I first entered the job force as a teenager, I remember reading the following statement in the employee break room…
“The Value of a Smile”:
“A smile costs nothing, but creates much.
It enriches those who receive it, without impoverishing those who give it.
It happens in a flash, and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None are so rich that they can get along without it, and none so poor, but are richer for its benefits.
It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the counter sign of friends.
It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature’s best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is no earthly good until it is given away”.
Lately I’ve noticed that many we meet along life’s pathway, especially those involved in the retail and sales industry are walking around like zombies.
They have been putting in long ours trying to meet the demands of all those whom have been shopping for Christmas and are now returning a lot of stuff that some neither want or don't need or doesn't fit.
These people and others around you are tired, wore out, or in need of a break from the demands that life has put upon them.
If you by chance run across some of these "people" that are just too tired to give you a smile, why not give them one of yours.
You'll be surprised at the response.
For nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give!’
As we head into a new year lets start a chain reaction of "pleasantry".
Try walking around with a smile on your face and see what happens.
You’ll be amazed at how people respond.
(Galatians 5:22-23) Say’s that the evidence or the fruit of truly Godly people is the following… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… against such things there is no law.
As a representative of Gods Kingdom, as an Ambassador of Heaven, you can be a sweet savor to those around you… one of the ways to do that is to give away a smile that will lighten up their day.
It costs nothing on your part… there is no physical stress or effort to put out… in fact I have read that it takes less muscles in your face to smile than it does to frown.
I’ve often talked about having an attitude of gratitude… smiles are true indicators of that gratitude.
Good Day!
(1st Chronicles 28:9) “The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive”.
There is a story in the New Testament of the bible (Acts 5:1-11) that should cause all of us to re-evaluate our attitude toward God and His Church.
When Ananias and Sapphira saw others in the church selling their land and giving the proceeds to the church so the poor could be cared for, they thought it was a great idea - in theory.
However, when they sold some of their land, they withheld part of the money and then lied about it.
They wanted "increased visibility" and spiritual status amongst the people.
They were motivated by “pride”, wanting to be seen by men.
They wanted to “look the part” without having to pay the price.
Their actions were not actions of love and charity… but were in truth actions of self esteem and self righteousness.
However Peter exposed their sin, saying, “You didn’t lie to the people. You lied to God”! (Acts 5:4).
Not only were their motives exposed, they both dropped dead and as a result, “Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened”.
I wonder what would happen today in our churches if God were to begin dealing with sin as He once did in ancient days.
We all need to be thankful for the blood of Christ and the forgiveness that comes with it.
In the Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew Chapters 5-7)… Jesus talks about a lot of different topics.
The underlying theme that ties them all together is our motives.
One of the main points of Jesus most famous sermon… is that God not only cares about what you do… but why you do it.
One reason Jesus hammered this nail so hard in this sermon was to show the people how much they needed Him.
It was as if he was saying, “Look, none of you follow the law perfectly. But even if you could obey the letter of the law, your motives are still wrong”.
“To be right with God, you not only need to live perfectly but to live perfectly for the right reasons.
Since no human can do this, now your only hope to be right with God is to put your faith in me.”
After salvation, which comes with the belief and acceptance of Christ… the Christian enters into “sanctification”.
Yes, God saves us through faith, but once we put our faith in Jesus, He will begin to teach us “how to live” for God and how to please Him in our actions.
And according to Matthew 6, it is crucial that our motives be right if we want to love God well… because when our heart is not right, God cannot bless us.
When it comes to examining our motives, here are two scriptures we all need to read and consider carefully and prayerfully.
1) “The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts of men. If you seek Him, He will be found by you” (1st Chronicles 28:9)
2) “I The Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10)
Listen, its not Gods desire to “find sin out” in your life and punish you for it.
Noooo. The scripture says “He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and salvation.”(2nd Peter 3:9).
But the problem is that His nature, the very essence of Holiness sees sin and He has to deal with it.
That’s why blood was shed in the Old Testament sacrifices, “to cover sin”.
(Hebrews 9:22) and “God commanded that all things be purified with blood, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
That’s why Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was so significant.
His blood was perfect, pure, and untainted by the sin of the world and of humanity.
And thus it was acceptable before the Holiness of God… not only to cover sin… but remove the reproach of it as well… just as though we had never sinned.
Yes God is a loving, caring, compassionate, and mercy-full God.
But Holiness and Sin cannot be mixed.
That’s why it is up to us to come to Him in repentance and sorrow for sin.
That’s why He pleads with us to forsake the sin that so easily besets us.
He wants nothing to separate us from His love, and when we sin, we set up a wall between us and Him.
That’s why it is so important that we come to Christ and allow the Blood of Christ to wash us and cleanse us continually.
Because of our human propensity to sin… we must examine our motives… and continually surrender ourselves at the foot of Jesus and ask Him “to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit with in me.” (Psalm 51:10)
That’s why we must dwell in the “secret place of the most high” (Psalm 91).
That’s why we must have a “daily” communion with Him!
It keeps us in touch with Him and reminds just how much we need Him.
Good Day!