Tuesday, March 31, 2009

DELIVERED ME FROM FEARS

Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

I can remember that as a young boy I used to fear going to sleep at night and dying in my sleep. The child's prayer that had the line "If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take" was a frightening choice of words to me. Because of sin somehow I realized that if God took my soul in my sleep that it would be so rotten that he would cast it away.
I never shared those fears with anyone. I didn't want anyone to know how worthless I really was. I was the only one in the world who really knew me and I think I even fooled myself sometimes.
When I finally realized that there was nothing I could do about it on my own I gave my worthless soul to Jesus and trusted Him to do what I could not. "He washed it white as snow."
At that time God delivered me from the terrible fear of what He would do with my soul. He cleaned it up and made it worthy of spending eternity of Him. That is something I could have never done myself. Only Jesus can do that.

Monday, March 30, 2009

WHERE IS THE LORD GOD OF ELIJAH?

2Kings 2:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
We should be more like Elisha. He knew that he was to take Elijah's place and that God had worked great miracles through Elijah. When he came to the water he called upon God to part the waters where he could cross.
We too often instead of asking God to part the waters wander up and down the bank looking for a log or a shallow spot. We act as if God used up all his miracles when the new testament was finished. I can speak from personal experience that I have been on the receiving end of several major miracles. The Lord God of Elijah can still part the waters.
The book of James says, James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.(3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
One reason we don't witness as many miracles is because we pray selfishly. When we ask for things to glorify God we can witness some pretty spectacular miracles in our life. Where is the Lord God of Elijah? He is just one prayer away for those who wish to glorify God.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Spiritual Alarm Clock

Ro 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to AWAKE out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Some people can't stand the sound of the alarm clock in the mornings. It means they have to crawl out of their comfortable beds and face another day. Many will press the snooze alarm and keep dozing until the last minute when it is absolutely imperative that they get out of bed. Physical sleep is needful to restore the body and give us renewed physical energy. If we sleep well it is even enjoyable, we are able to rest, relax and perhaps dream pleasant dreams.
If we look forward to sleep as an escape from reality and the problems of the world we need to look at our life and ask ourselves if we are where God wants us to be and doing what God wants us to do. Everyone doesn't dread the alarm clock. Some people look forward to the opportunity to get up and begin a new day. A new day is exciting and filled with opportunity for them. Some people don't even need an alarm clock, they just seem to get up and get started on their own(Usually these are the ones who are smart enough to go to bed at a decent hour).
We are all familiar with the need for physical sleep and the problems sleeping disorders cause us, but what about spiritual sleep. Sometimes we don't hear the alarms in our own life when we are asleep spiritually. We don't even realize that great spiritual strength is awaiting us if we will just wake up. We should be alarmed if we are not aware of the presence of God in our lives. If we are not seeking a closer relationship with the Lord then we are probably not as spiritually awake as we should be. Is your prayer life faltering? Are you neglecting the Word of God? Do you often go long periods of time without thinking of spiritual things? Is your fellowship with other Christians not as strong and fulfilling as it once was? Are you lacking in your desire to reach others for Christ? If you answered yes to any of the above questions maybe your spiritual alarm clock should be going off right now. Paul didn't say it is about time to awake. He said it is high time to awake! We can't sleep until the Lord comes back. There is much work to do and we should look forward to it, not with dread, but with great anticipation.
Send us an e-mail at: shilohkosciusko@gmail.com

Friday, March 27, 2009

THE WORD IS ALIVE

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Many believe that the Bible is an ancient book and it is out of date. They believe that it is just words that mean nothing special. If they would read it and search it they would find it is just what this scripture says it is.
It is alive and powerful. It is never outdated. It even tells of things that have not happened yet, but believe me, they will. It has the power to change the lives of those who search it for truth. In it you can find the Way to Heaven. You can find the Truth about your sin and salvation through Jesus Christ. You can find the path of Life eternal in Him and Him alone.
It works like a mirror, revealing you to yourself. It works like a beacon guiding you toward God.
No, it is not outdated. It is not obsolete. It is alive and powerful and it has the answers to what man needs in the world today.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

WHERE IS THE LORD GOD OF ELIJAH?

2Kings 2:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
We should be more like Elisha. He knew that he was to take Elijah's place and that God had worked great miracles through Elijah. When he came to the water he called upon God to part the waters where he could cross.
We too often instead of asking God to part the waters wander up and down the bank looking for a log or a shallow spot. We act as if God used up all his miracles when the new testament was finsihed. I can speak from personal experience that I have been on the receiving end of several major miracles. The Lord God of Elijah can still part the waters.
The book of James says, James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.(3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
One reason we don't witness as many miracles is because we pray selfishly. When we ask for things to glorify God we can witness some pretty spectacular miracles in our life. Where is the Lord God of Elijah? He is just one prayer away for those who wish to glorify God.

BE COURAGEOUS

Joshua 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Sometimes we mistake courage for not being afraid. Actually not being afraid is not courage, it can be insanity. There er thou goest.are many things we should be afraid of and not to be afraid of them is just not normal.
Courage is going ahead and doing what needs to be done in spite of our fear. We know that it takes courage to charge ahead in the heat of battle. We know it takes courage to tackle some great task. What we fail to recognize sometimes is that it takes courage every day to do the little things we are afraid of.
It takes courage to speak in public. Fear of speaking in front of people has kept lots of people from teaching a Sunday School class or giving their testimony. Remember that many of the people who are speaking to crowds(including preachers) are also afraid, the just do it anyway in spite of their fear.
It takes courage to do something new or something out of the ordinary. It takes courage to do the little things we are afraid of. When you are afraid to make that phone call, to invite that friend to church, to say something about the Lord, remember courage is not about not being afraid. It is about doing the right thing in spite of your fear.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE

Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
If the only reason God saved us was so that we could go to heaven then it stands to reason that He would have taken us on the moment we were saved. This scripture lets me know that we are left behind for a purpose.
He has given us the gift of life and then when we accept Him we have a purpose in that life. That purpose is to Glorify Him.
We glorify Him by our obedience. Our obedience should come out of thankfulness and out of love for Him. It should please all of us to know that God wants us here, and He wants us living for Him.
When we think of things this way it should make us more optomistic to face each day. "This is the day that the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Monday, March 23, 2009

SIN IS EVERYWHERE

By Jeremy Burkes
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

When someone says sin it can make us think of many different things. Sin is telling a lie. Sin is watching a bad movie. Sin is overeating. Sometimes our actions and activities are sinful. When we are at the workplace or with friends we must understand that our actions speak louder than words. When someone tells an unclean joke or is talking about a sinful movie, how we respond can tell a lot about our relationship with God.
When we sin we are a lot like Adam. When God walked in the Garden of Eden, Adam hid himself from God. When we have sinned sometimes we try to hide ourselves from God when God wants us to come to Him in prayer.
There is a song in our hymn book entitled "Just As I Am". This tells us exactly how we should come before the Lord. We need to go before the Lord just as we are, sinners. Paul said, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
You can approach God today just as you are. Another song says, "Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there."
Whatever you are dealing with, if it is sin, or if you have other burdens take it to the Lord.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

CHILDREN AT PLAY

1st Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I SPAKE AS A CHILD, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
When a baby is born it doesn't take them every long to learn that if they cry and scream and turn red in the face that the adults around will do everything within their power to appease them. It usually works until they get old enough to reason with, sometimes with a little discipline and denial but as they mature they realize that they can't have everything they want. Most often the first word a baby learns is not mama but no, because that is the one they hear the most.
Even as children learn that they can no longer have their way by throwing tantrums we still must realize that in a child's mind he or she is the center of his own world. Everything that happens is important only in how it effects him. As children mature they learn that "It is not all about them."
It is sad but there are many people who have physically reached adulthood who have never matured emotionally or spiritually. It is still all about them. One of the steps to maturity is realizing that we must consider how our actions have an effect on others. The Apostle Paul was dealing with a church full of immature Christians who were content only on being the center of attention and focusing completely on themselves. I have known such people in churches. Sometimes you think that maybe you should put a sign in the church that says Caution Children Playing.
There is an even greater step to spiritual maturity than realizing that we must consider other people's feelings. The truth is that it is not about them either. It is about Jesus and walking with Him. When we come to the point in our lives where we realize that whatever we do should be in Jesus name, for the honor and glory of God we are beginning to grow up. Are you ready to put away childish things?

Saturday, March 21, 2009

STOP

STOP
Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Do you ever find yourself trying to keep up with your daily activities and you get in a hurry only to find that you are getting further behind. It seems that many times we are like someone said of a man, "He jumped on his horse and road off in all directions."
It seems that there is always someone who is trying to claim a piece of our time and we never seem to get caught up. The question we need to ask ourselves someitmes is who are we really trying to please? Why are we in such a rush.
There was a time in my ministry when I seemed to be always running and always behind. The things I was really trying to get done were obviously not as important to the survival of the world as I thought they were because I spent the next week in the hospital with a heart attack and the world kept right on going.
For four days I was in intensive care. It didn't have a TV, I could only have visitors for a few minutes each day. I asked them for a Bible and they told me that I couldn't have one. They just wanted me to lie still and try to get strong enough to move to another hospital. All I could do was lay in that room and think and pray. God spoke to me while I was there, not audibly, but it was plain enough. For four days the first part of this scripture kept going through my mind, "Be still, and know that I am God."
Sometimes now I get in a hurrry, I start trying to please everyone around me and I have a problem saying no to people who want me to do something. Every once in awhile I have to remind myself of what God was telling me in that intensive care unit. There are times when all he wants from us is for us to STOP. He wants us to be still, and know that He is God.
Do you need to stop for a little while?

Friday, March 20, 2009

WHO AM I?

Exodus 3:11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

It is not hard for me to understand Moses' doubts when God spoke to him from that burning bush and told him to go to Pharaoh and and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. What a task. For over 400 years the children of Israel had dwelt in Egypt and had become enslaved to the Egyptians. What an overwhelming task to be given. Who am I indeed?
Moses was in exile from Egypt himself. He was tending sheep on the back side of Midian.
We often feel the same way when God calls us to some great task. Who am I? What special credentials and qualifications do I have? What special gifts and talents could I possible have that would qualify me to do the work God calls me to do? Who am I?
Remember it does not matter who I am or who you are. The important thing is who He is. He is Almighty God, Mighty Father, Creator and Sustainer of all creation.It doesn't matter who we are as long as we understand who He is. He always qualifies those He calls.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

How Frail We Are

Psalm 39:4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.

I guess you might think this is kind of a gloomy thought. One usually doesn't want to think of their end. We usually want to live like we will never die.
The truth is that everyone of us is here only temporarily. We don't have any idea when the end will come. I think it is good to realize that it will come some day. It helps us understand just how frail we are.
As I grow older and encounter more health problems I become more aware of how frail I am and even know that I have always been frail.
What I take comfort and great joy in is knowing that there is something better awaiting me. One day I will leave this old decaying body and I will have a new and perfect one. One day I will leave this world behind and I will live in a new and perfect place.
Knowing how frail I am doesn't bother me much when I realize how strong and powerful Jesus is and that He has promised that someday I will be like Him.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Conviction

John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

God uses many ways to bring about conviction in the lives of people. We need people today in the Lord's service who are sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. If we are to grow, if we are to flee from sin we must be convicted of it.
Sometimes we grow accustomed to sins. At first we fear them and shun them. If we do not flee them and turn them over to God we may just try to ignore them. The next step is to tolerate them. (It is frightening to hear so many people speak of tolerance today) Tolerance is followed by acceptance and before long a person will be embracing them.
We must be sensitive to conviction of sin and turn to righteousness. Ignoring, tolerating, accepting, and embracing sin does not make us a nicer or kinder person. Actually it is just the opposite because sin is destructive. God would never deny us anything that was for our own good.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

THE BEST THINGS

Lu 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. (39) And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. (40) But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. (41) And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: (42) But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Haven't you known the Marthas who are always busy and fussing about trying to make sure everything is just right? Most of us at some time or another has been like Martha. We get so busy planning, preparing, and serving that we forget that there is a needful thing that we must do.
We must at times just sit, adore Jesus and worship Him and enjoy being in His presence. Sometimes we are so busy doing good things that we lose out on that which is best. No time spent in sweet fellowship with Jesus is wasted.

Monday, March 16, 2009

GROWING UP

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I [spake as a child], I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Some people get older but they never seem to grow up. They still have the characteristics of a child.
A child likes to play. Many are playing at making a marriage and a home. Many are playing church instead of really getting involved.
Children are naturally selfish. They have to be taught that the world doesn't revolve around them. It is what I want. Some throw a fit if they don't get their way. It seems that we have developed into the greatest crop of babies any nation has ever known.
Childishness is characterized by self pity. You hear things like, "No one likes me". "They don't include me in on things". "They like him better than me".
Children fail to recognize they have obligations and responsibilities. The church is everyones responsibility and you have an obligation to minister to others. The obligation of carrying out the great commission falls on us all.
Childishness is also indicated by a lack of gratitude. Most children never say thank you to their mothers for clean clothes and food. They never say thank you to their parents for working and providing for them.
When I look at these things it kind of makes me feel like I might act childish sometimes. Maybe we all need to put away some childish things.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

NO TRESSPASSING

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
These versus are refering to end time events and the return of Jesus. People have tried to predict and fortell when Jesus will return for years. This verse tells me that it is God's business to know when the end will come and it is my business to be ready when it does.
I've noticed throughout the years that people try very hard to second guess God and try to figure out things that God never intended for us to know. One of the lessons I have learned over the years is that I can understand the parts of the Bible that I need to be saved, to serve God, and to fellowship with other Christians. I will be the first to admit I don't understand a some parts of the Bible. I personally believe that if I pray and study diligently that God will reveal to me everything He wants me to know and everything I need to know to live for Him.
As for certain things like exactly when Jesus will return. I think that is His business and His territory and I don't need to trespass. What I need to do is obey Jesus and be ready as if He were coming today.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

DO NOT ENTER

Lu 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

It surely would be helpful if we had a DO NOT ENTER sign in front of every temptation. If we are honest with ourselves we have to admit that many of the temptations that we face could be avoided.
We all have areas where we are weak and most of the time we know what they are. In too many instances we are like the person on a diet who goes into a donut shop, just to have a cup of coffee.
We know before we go inside the donut shop that the smell of those fresh hot donuts and other goodies is going to be more than we can resist. We finally leave with a dozen donuts, not counting the two cream filled ones we ate with our coffee. In such a case we willingly enter in to temptation.
We are much like the little boy who had a slight summer cold and his dad told him he was under no circumstances to go swimming in the creek that day. When his dad came home from work he saw the little boy coming from the creek completely soaked.
The boy was quick to defend himself, "I didn't mean to go swimming. I just went to watch the other boys and I fell in. Since I was already wet I didn't think it would hurt to swim around a little."
"I see son," his dad said with a frown, "But why do you have your bathing suit on?"
"Oh that," the boy explained, "I had a feeling that I might accidentally fall in and I didn't want to get my clothes wet."
We are a lot like the little boy. Often we say we are tempted by something outside ourselves when we know we before it happens that we will not fall into sin but jump right into it deliberately. We sometimes make provisions to sin.
Jesus encouraged his disciples to watch and to pray so that they would not enter into temptation. We need to recognize our weaknesses and avoid temptation. The best way to do this is to increase our prayer life and grow closer daily to the Lord.

Friday, March 13, 2009

THANKS FOR YOU ALL

I Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

One of the best lessons I have learned in my ministry is to be thankful. I am sure you have noticed if you read these devotionals regularly that I have a lot of them on thanksgiving. I guess that is because I believe the most blessed people in the world are those who are thankful.
Learning about thankfulness comes in stages. We all know we should be thankful for the material things God has blessed us with and for the great spiritual blessings we receive from Him and through others. It was not hard to learn to be thankful for those who have ministered to me through the years.
One of the hardest lessons to learn is to be thankful for those you have the opportunity to minister too. It is in the ministering that you depend so much on God and it is in the ministering that you allow Him to work through you.
I do thank God for the readers of these devotionals and I want to thank you for allowing me to minister to you. It is my prayer that through my ministry you might grow and share this work and be a blessing to others. In doing so you too will receive a blessing.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

SHOWING OUR CHRISTIAN WORKS

James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his WORKS with meekness of wisdom.

In the home show kindness and caring.In business show honesty and industry.In society show courtesy.Toward the unfortunate show compassion.Toward the weak offer a helping hand.Toward the wicked show resistance.Toward the fortunate express your congratulations.Toward the penitent show forgiveness.But mostly toward God show your love and your reverence.
If we really want to show the world that Jesus makes a difference in our life sometimes we have to work at it. We need to pray about how we act and mostly how we react to those around us.
We need to make our homes a pleasant place to be. We can help make our workplace have a better atmosphere. We should act and react in such a way that people are glad to see us coming.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

NOW AND LATER

Psalm 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

Our life from day to day is merely a journey for those who believe in eternal life through Jesus Christ. Just like any other journey it has its twists and turns and detours and sometimes even hazards. There are obstacles in our way and bumps along the road.
Even with the bumps and twists and turns though, life is a magnificent journey. It is made so much better by two things. One is the fact that God's counsel is available through His Word and His Spirit to guide us along the way. The other is knowing that He is waiting to receive us to Glory at the end of the Journey.
No matter how interesting your trip is, there is nothing that can compare with reaching the destination.I know the Way because Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life."

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

HOLDING MY HAND

Psalms 73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

When he was younger my grandson was always perfectly willing to hold his mama's hand or mine when we were in a store or just about anywhere. As he got older and more independent he began to pull away so that he could go more his own way.
Occasionally now (even at the grownup age of eight) when I reach down to take his hand he will grasp mine and walk with me. I don't know if he is just doing this to humor an old man or not but it surely does my heart good.
Sometimes I feel that maybe I get a little too independent and fail to hold onto God's hand. How much better it would be if I would just take hold of His hand, let Him guide me, and keep me safe, and just trust Him to care for me. I know He is my loving Heavenly Father and all He wants is for me to trust Him and walk closely with Him daily.

Monday, March 9, 2009

NEARLY SLIPPED

Psalms 73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.(3) For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

As I read this verse it really made me think of the times that I have looked enviously at the lives of others and almost slipped. Most of us can well remember the times that we not only almost slipped but did slide down the slippery slopes into the depths of sin. It is really a little encouraging to think of the times we almost slipped but didn't.
What is it that holds us back when we are envious of the foolish and we almost slip? It could be experience, remembering the last time we did something similar. It could be that we have gained some wisdom with years, I hope so. It could be that maybe we have allowed Jesus to have a firmer grip on our hand and we are holding much tighter to Him as we walk.
Remember the closer we walk with Jesus, the less likely we are to slip.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

1Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
When we see a Neighborhood Watch sign it is there to let people know that if they do something they are not supposed to do someone might be watching. These signs are placed there to deter wrongdoing.
In reality as we go through life we should be aware of the Neighborhood Watch. People are always watching, especially if they know we are Christians. They are interested in how we react to things. They want to know if we are serious in what we say we believe. Some people delight in catching a person doing wrong.
I once read a comment by a Catholic Bishop who said he had noticed that if he was at a gathering and a very attractive woman entered, half of the people would watch the woman as she entered. The other half would watch him to see if he was watching her.
We need to constantly be aware of our behavior. We never know when someone is watching. Someone once said that the life of a believer is the only Bible some people ever read. We surely need to spread the gospel by telling people about Jesus and the way to be saved. That message is stronger if we "abstain from all appearance of evil.
Email questions and comments to:shilokosciusko@gmail.com
or just click on the comments to leave us a note.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

AIR



PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
1st Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. (18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I noticed the sign by a gas station. Now you have to pay for air for your tires from these stations. There was a time when places that sold gas were called service stations and they lived up to the name. You could pull up to the gas pumps, and at least one person and sometimes several would come out to your car and pump your gas, clean your windshield and check the air pressure in your tires. If you needed air it was free.
It is still a little hard for me to accept the fact that people charge you for air. I know that air is precious. Without air we would suffocate and die.
This is not news to you. It is something that everyone knows. You have to breathe to stay alive. Did you ever think about what it takes to stay alive spiritually. Prayer to the spirit is like air to the body. When we fail to pray we fail begin to suffocate spiritually.
One of the worst memories I have is of having congestive heart failure and having to struggle to breath. Even though I was pretty well sedated I can remember the struggle and having to fight for every breath. It was a truly miserable feeling. I have also had times in my spiritual life where I had to struggle to pray. They were times when I had let my prayer life falter and was not as close to God as I should have been. I wanted to pray, I needed to pray, but I had to force myself to pray. It was even a more terrible experience than the congestive heart failure.
Prayer is something that comes much easier if we do it continuously. Sometimes we might not know how to pray or what to pray for but I think it is important for us to pray. We certainly want to breathe without ceasing, so we should want to pray without ceasing. And God doesn't charge us for either the air, or the prayer.

Friday, March 6, 2009

NOAH'S ARK

All I Really Need To Know I Learned From Noah's Ark!

1. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
2. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.
3. Don't listen to critics -- do what has to be done.
4. Build on high ground.
5. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
6. Two heads are better than one.
7. Speed isn't always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board,but so were the snails.
8. If you can't fight or flee -- float!
9. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.
10. Remember that amateurs built the ark and professionals built the Titanic.
11. Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than the storm outside.12. Don't miss the boat.
13. No matter how bleak it looks, if God is with you, there's always a rainbow on the other side.(COPIED)

I thought you would enjoy this. Remember that I am posting some of the older devotionals on weekends. I know that we are picking up new readers who might have missed them and others are like me and have to read something more than once to remember it. Please leave us a comment or send us an email to shilokosciusko@gmail.com. We do appreciate you and hope that this site is a blessing to you.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

SPECIAL OCCASION

Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Several years ago I received one of those stories that are emailed around and forwarded to everyone because it makes such a good point. It was about a woman helping her brother-in-law pick out the clothing for his wife's (her sister) funeral. He came upon a special piece of clothing that she had bought several years earlier and was saving to wear for a special occasion. "I guess this is the last special occasion she will have the opportunity to wear it." he commented.
I go back every once in a while to read that email because it reminds me that special occasions and special days are the ones we make special. It takes some effort and it takes putting some thought into it but we can do little things everyday to make them special.
When my grandson was younger we used to plan something special for the breaks he got from kindergarten. He still talks about some of those days because we made an extra effort to make them special occasions.
This day is special, the Lord allowed me to be a part of it and that in itself is special. With such a special gift as brand new day I feel kind of obligated to make a special occasion out of each one. I certainly don't want my next special occasion to be my funeral.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

TO REMAIN GREAT

Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable unto men.

In the 1830's Alexis de Tocqueville toured America. When his tour had been completed, he made this observation (and I paraphrase): " I have toured America, and I have seen most of what you offer. I've seen the richness of the fields and the wealth of your mines. I've seen your industrial might, the beauties of the rivers, the streams, the lakes, and the grandeur of the mountains. I've noticed the abundance of the forests and the marvelous climate with which you are blessed. In none of these things did I see the cause for the greatness of America. It wasn't until I went into your churches that I saw the reason for America's greatness. America is great because America is good; and as long as America is good, America will be great. If it ever ceases to be good, it will cease to be great." (Copied)
How can an nation who has expelled God from the classrooms and other areas of public life call themselves good? How can a nation who will not even protect the unborn child call themselves good? Can we look at the controversy over marriage and family and say that we are good people?
Yet, there is a remnant. There are those who believe that God is the head of government. There are many who believe in the sanctity of life even for the unborn. Multitudes believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman and that some lifestyles are sinful and against God's word. If we are cowed into silence and say nothing even though we know a thing is wrong, is that a good work?
Can America remain great, or have we gone too far?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

JUMP START

Isaiah 41:6 They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

I was driving down the street earlier today and I saw a car in a parking lot with it's hood up. There was another car there and they had the jumper cables connected. It brought back a lot of memories for me. I think I have had more cars that needed a jump start to get going than anyone I know. My jumper cables were one thing I didn't leave home without.
We can be like that in our personal and spiritual lives and we might not even notice it. There have been many days that I felt like canceling due to a lack of interest on my part. Sometimes when I get up I need a jump start.
I have found if I start my day in prayer and ask God to help me get started that I am much like those old clunkers I have driven. Once I get started I have more than enough power and energy to keep me going. As a matter of fact, I have found if I give someone else a boost that it doesn't take anything away from me.
Sometimes it might just be a good deed, a compliment or a smile that helps to give someone a boost. Jump start your own day by spending time with God and then carry your cables with you. You might meet someone else who needs a boost.

Monday, March 2, 2009

GOING NOWHERE DOING NOTHING

BY Jeremy BurkesPs 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God:...

We come up behind us riding our bumper like being a few feet closer to and tailgating the car in front of them will get them somewhere quicker. People can be scatter brained and be in such a hurry even they do not know whether they are coming or going. So many times the person riding your bumper doesn't really have anywhere important to be. (Have you ever noticed that the person who will risk your life to pass on a double yellow line will be sitting at the next traffic light when you stop?)
It seems like we are all too busy and in too big of a hurry doing nothing and accomplishing nothing. We can waste God's time by moving to fast.
Sometimes when we are in such a hurry we completely run off and leave God behind. We get so far ahead of where God wants us to be that we wind up lost.
If Satan can keep us running ahead of God he finds us vulnerable to attack. He comes at us in our weakest state.
The Bible says: 2Timothy 2:15 STUDY to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
To stay close to God we need to study His Word and talk to him daily in prayer. When you find yourself in such a hurry that life, and God's purpose for your life seem to be a blur, remember what David said, "Be still and know that I am God."
Remember, the world might be riding your bumper and going nowhere but you can be still and trust God.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

TWO WAY TRAFFIC

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men SHOULD DO TO YOU, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
On this journey through life we are going to be constantly meeting people. A person who never has contact with anyone else is living a truly miserable existence. Our world and our lives are made what they are by our relationships.
We of course know that our most important relationship is with God, and that too is a two way relationship. You can be sure that God is doing His part in that relationship. The question is what is our part? Of course we should study the Bible, that is the way He speaks to us. We should pray, that is the way we speak to Him.
Jesus made it plain how we are to treat others. Sometimes it is hard to treat someone with kindness and understanding when they do not treat you right.
Early in my ministry I had to deal a with small group of people who for some reason did not like me. I did not really understand why and I was deeply hurt by the whole episode. I spent much time in prayer and God gave me a very clear answer. He did not call me into the ministry to be loved. He called me into the ministry to love others and to share His love with them. Since that time I have been better able to love those who did not show love to me. I realized that I am not responsible for how others act but I am responsible for how I treat them.
It is not always easy to love those who mistreat you but it can be done, with help from God and close relationship with our Lord Jesus. I have found that it really relieves me of a lot of stress, a lot of guilt, and a heavy burden. A grudge is a heavy burden to carry around.
We are not to treat others as they treat us. We are to treat them as we want them to treat us. That’s not all that hard when you think about it.