WHAT SHOULD MOVE US?

Ps 10:4-7 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. (5) His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. (6) He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. (7) His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
It seems that we live in a time when people are looking for some sort of moving experince. They want music to move them or they want books or TV or other moving experiences. One of the problems with many people is that they are looking for everthing to move them but what they should be moved by.
The upcoming series of devotionals are on things that should move us. Too often we are stationary or stagnant when we should be moved by a love for the Lord to go forward and serve Him. I hope you receive a blessing from the devotionals.

WHAT WE MUST HAVE 5

WE MUST HAVE LOVE
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. {2} And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. {3} And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
I usually make a practice after I preach of telling my congregation that I love and appreciate them. These are not empty words, I really do love and appreciate them and I have loved and appreciated every congregation God has allowed me to minister to. After I said that one morning a church member told me, "You are the only pastor we ever had that told us he loved us."
I was not only surprised, I was shocked. The ability and the willingness to love people has been one of the greatest gifts that God has given me in the ministry.
I have lacked many things in my ministry. I haven't had the greatest education and this can hinder the minstry. My speaking ability is a little rough around the edges and to be honest there are a lot of mysteries that I don't understand well enough to explain them to others. I have only a little faith (I do have it in a Great God though). So far I haven't bestowed all my goods to feed the poor and I am certainly not in any big hurry to be burned.
Having said all that, the one thing I do have and it has carried me through my entire ministry is a heart full of love for God's people. When I can do nothing else, I can love. Why should this be so hard?I am saved because God loved me in spite of everything and I think he has commmanded us, "Now you go and share this love with a world who needs it."

WHAT WE MUST HAVE 4

WE MUST DO GOOD WORKS
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

If we are going to really be fruitful Christians we must do good works. We can talk about our faith, we can tell others how much we believe the Bible and we can even tell others how much difference Jesus has made in our lives. If we fail to put what we believe into practice we are not going to be good witnesses.

We can talk all we want to about forgiveness but if we go around holding grudges all the time we are not very convincing. We can talk about the Golden Rule and how we really believe it but if we fail to treat others as we wish to be treated no one is going to think we really believe it.

Someone was once talking about the different versions and translations of the Bible. A man remarked, "I like my mother's version the best." When he was asked what that version was, he answred, "She translated the Bible into her everyday activities and she truly lived it."

That, I believe is the definition of faith with works. Translate the Bible into your life, and live it.

WHAT WE MUST HAVE 3

WE MUST HAVE FAITH TO PLEASE GOD

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It is not necessary for us to have a great education to please God. We do not have to have great strength, wealth, or position to please God. What we do have to have is faith.
We must believe that He Is.

He Is God.
He Is All Knowing.
He Is All Powerful.
He is Able to save to the uttermost.

These are just a few examples of He Is. The more we know about God the greater our faith becomes and the more we are able to please Him by trusting Him.
He is a rewarder of those who really want to know Him. He wants to be the center of your life. Faith makes that possible.

THINGS WE MUST HAVE 2

WE MUST HAVE THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Man is not now nor has he ever been able to keep the whole law. The Bible tells us that we have all sinned and that none of us are righteous. God is a Righteous God and He demanded punishment for sin. "The wages of sin is death."
Jesus took our punishment in His own body and shed His blood to pay for the sins of the world. He was perfect yet the Bible says he became the sacrifice for our sins, he took the punishment and offered His own blood as a sacrifice for our sins.
This may be difficult for us to understand but what it really means is that Jesus took the punishment we deserved and offers us salvation if we believe Him and accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
There are lot of things you might be able to do without but if you are planning on spending eternity in Heaven you must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

THINGS WE MUST HAVE 1

WE MUST HAVE SALVATION

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me,
and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye
can do nothing.

Sometimes we get the idea that there are some things that we just
must have. If we take time to think about it we would realize that
many of the things we consider so necessary are things that people
have been getting along quite nicely without for thousands of years.
If we are going to live a fruitful Christian life there are some
things that are absolutely essential. I will be discussing some of
these in the next few devotionals. Speaking of fruitful if we are
going to bear fruit we must realize that we are only the branches.
Jesus is the vine. We must be connected to Him and allow His
strength and His life to fill us or we will never be able to be
fruitful. When a branch is separated from the vine, not only will it
stop bearing fruit, it will wither and die.
Make sure you are alive and vibrant and filled with Jesus by staying
connected to Him through study, prayer, service and fellowship with
other believers.

STUDY OUTLINE ON HUMILITY

HUMILITY James 4:6-10
INTRODUCTION;
HUMILITY-means low-lying, of low degree.In the context of the Bible I firmly believe it means recognizing who we are in comparison to almighty God. It is the opposite of being filled with pride and self-righteousness.

The best illustration is of the Publican and the Pharisee.
Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather thanthe other: for every one that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

I. GOD RESISTS THE PROUD-

Matt:23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased: And he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

II. SUBMISSION TO GOD IS IMPORTANT Vs. 7

I Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

III.RESIST THE DEVIL VS.7

You are not being humble when you fail to resist the devil and those things which are evil. SATAN IS A ROARING LION AND WE MUST STAND FAST BY HUMBLING OURSELVES TO GOD.

IV. WE MUST STAND BEFORE GOD AS LITTLE CHILDREN

Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefoer shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
CONCLUSION: We can be lifted up. vs.10 

HE IS ABLE TO KEEP US FROM FALLING

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Sometimes I don't feel as spiritual as I know I should. Sometimes I don't feel as close to the Lord as I know I should. There I have confessed, I have said and I have put it on the internet for the whole world to see if they want to.
I know that I don't deserve the blessings that He has given me and only I know what type of person I really am. I guess that should be a frightening thought but it is really not all that scary. The reason is that I have not been depending on my feelings, or my actions, or my emotions.
I trust completely in Jesus, in His atoning death, in His miraculous resurrection and in His promises. I trust in His blood to cleanse me from all unrighteousness and know that outside of faith in Him I would have no hope.
When I remember Him I have to think of the song, "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."
I know that He is able to keep me from falling and someday He will present me faultless before our Heavenly Father. When I think of this and become thankful I can't help but feel a little closer to Him.

HE IS ABLE TO KEEP ALL THAT WE COMMIT TO HIM

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Sometimes when the trials and suffering begin we, unlike Paul, begin to be filled with fear and doubt. Paul suffered about as much abuse as anyone that I have read about but he never wavered. Paul was not looking at the now. He was looking at the forever. He knew that the only really important things were the things he had committed to Christ. He knew the day would come when he would be rewarded by being united forever with Christ.
The same is true for us. We might lose sight of what is really important but the truth is all the really important things are those that are committed to Him. They are not the temporary things we think of every day but they are the eternal things that He is able to keep forever.
This world is temporary for all of us, but the things we commit to Him will last for all eternity.

HE IS ABLE TO CHANGE US

Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

That is just the way I am. How many times have you heard or said that, or "That's just the way he or she is."? We learn to accept people, especially ourselves, as being less than what we ought to be.God is still able to change lives. He is still able to help people conform to the image of Christ.
So many times we will pray for someone with a serious sin problem and yet we fear that they will never change. Maybe we are praying more that God will just take away the sin and the problems it cause them (and us) instead of praying that God will transform their lives into a beautiful vessel for His service.
Sometimes the process of change is not a pleasant experience. Sometimes we have to be broken and then be remolded into a different person. Sometimes we have to hit bottom before we look up and are willing to give all the pieces of our broken lives to the one who can mend them. We don't want to go through it and we don't want those we pray for to go through a painful transition but we have to realize that God is able to fashion each and everyone, and to subdue all things unto Himself.

HE IS ABLE TO DO MORE THAN WE ASK OR THINK

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Most of us think and ask too small. We go to our Heavenly Father in prayer asking as if we believe He rations our blessings. When Jesus encountered a blind man and asked him what he really wanted the blind man answered that he wanted to see. Jesus gave him is sight.
I have often thought that today so many would have asked for so much less. They might have asked for a dog or a cane to help them get around. They might have asked for someone to help them to take care of themselves. It took a lot of boldness to ask for his sight but he learned a valuable lesson that we too should learn. He is able to do even more than we think or ask.
Are you a little shy about asking God for what you really need? Sometimes even when we pray for something specific that we really need we do not really expect God to grant it.
Believe that God wants to bless us. He is able to do more than we think or ask. Increase your faith by increasing your expectations.

HE IS ABLE TO SHOW US GRACE

II Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

Grace means unmerited (underserved) favor. Sometimes we feel that we will not be blessed because we don't deserve to be blessed. We feel that we can't succeed because we don't deserve to succeed. The truth is that God is glorified in blessing us. He receives glory from seeing us succeed.
God did not create all the good things in the world for the devil's crowd. He does not take pleasure in us failing.
It is true that sometimes we fail because we do things for the wrong reasons and in the wrong way. Read Hebrews 11 in the Bible. It is the Hall of Faith that shows how God's grace was sufficient for all those He chose to do His work.
It is our job to believe God. It is our job to do the good works He directs us to do. He will provide the grace and the power to see those works through. He is able to help us whether we deserve it or not.

HE IS ABLE TO KEEP HIS PROMISES

Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
It is an honorable thing for a man to keep his word. It is especially important for him to keep his promises. I can remember many times when my children were growing up I could not make certain promises because I knew that I might not be able to keep those promises. What I could do was tell them I would try. If for some reason then I could not keep our plans I still needed a very good explanation of why not but at least I did not break a promise to them.
The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and the older generation died, (without entering the promised land) simply because they did not believe God could keep His promise. Joshua and Caleb entered in and received the promises because they trusted God to deliver.
Man may fail. He may not be able to deliver on his promises. That is not true with God. Whatever He has promised us in His Word, He is able to deliver.

8-16-09 STUDY OUTLINE

The Light of The Gospel
II Corinthians 4:1-10 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.(3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.(5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.(8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; (9) Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (10) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
INTRODUCTION: Paul in writing this letter to the Church ofCorinth is reminding them of the obligation of ministry. Jesus spoke of us as the light of the world. Not that we have any light of our own but instead we have the light ofJesus Christ in us. It is our responsibility to let that light so shine before men that they will see the love of Jesus and come to a knowledge of his saving grace.
I. WE MUST NOT FAINT VS 1

THE MESSAGE IS TOO IMPORTANT

THE COST IS TOO GREAT VS 3

II. WE MUST MANIFEST THE TRUTH VS 2

THE WHOLE TRUTH IS THE ONLY TRUTH

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRUTH

III. WE MUST PREACH JESUS VS.5

NOT OURSELVES

NOT OUR OWN IDEAS

NOT OUR OWN OPINIONS

NOT OUR OWN DESIRES

IV. WE MUST LET THAT LIGHT SHINE EVEN MORE SO AS THE WORLD BECOMES DARKER VS. 6.

V. WE MUST REALIZE THAT WE ARE THE EARTHEN VESSELS AND JESUS IS THE TREASURE VERSE 7

VI. WE MUST LET THAT LIGHT SHINE EVEN IN THE HARD TIMES, REALIZING THAT WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS. VERSES 8 AND 9

TROUBLED BUT NOT DISTRESSED

PERPLEXED BUT NOT IN DESPAIR

PERSECUTED BUT NOT FORSAKEN

CAST DOWN BUT NOT DESTROYED

THE MESSAGE Is TRUE

THE MESSAGE IS IMPERATIVE

THE NEED IS CLEAR VS. 3


THE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH

2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is athand. {7} I have fought a good fight, I have finished course, I have kept the faith: {8} Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

There are many types of followers of Jesus but I believe the ones that bring Him the most honor are the ones who are faithful unto death.
I have sat by the deathbed of some saintly old senior citizens and have even been in the room as some of the passed on to be with the Lord. There was no struggle, there was no fighting it. There was just a peace that passes all understanding.
I have heard many who were nearing their departure talk of going home as if it was a place they knew well and that they longed for.
One day will come when we have done all that God placed us here to do and then too it will be time for us to go. It will be wonderful if we can say I am now ready to be offered. I have fought a good fight and I have followed Jesus to the very end.

THE SACRIFICIAL FOLLOWERS

2 Corinthians 8:5 And , not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

There are millions around the world (many right here in our own country and area) who need to hear about Jesus. Thankfully there are thousands of missionaries to carry the gospel to them.
Many times missionaries can not be added to the field because there are not enough funds to send them.
There are other needs that must be met and they are met by the people in the pew who are willing to make sacrifices. It might surprise you to know that many people don't realize why the church needs to take offerings. They do not realize that the church has the same types of bills as anyone else. Besides the salaries of the pastor and staff there are things like building payments, utilities, insurance, educational materials, maintenance and upkeep and , well you get the idea.
I have always been humbled by the fact that my living came from those who were willing to sacrifice and give to the Lord. Just like Paul, they first gave themselves to the Lord and then gave to me by the will of the Lord. (It makes you want to make sure you are a good steward over what they do give you.)
One of the lessons I learned as a pastor was that I never needed to ask the people for anything. All I had to do was ask Him and He dealt with the hearts of the people and so far I have not had a need that has not been met. Praise God and I thank Him for His followers who were willing to give themselves to Him first.

THE FEARFUL FOLLOWERS

Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

So often we are afraid to really trust God. If we can trust Him with our souls can't we trust Him with everything else. Can't we give Him more of our time, our talents, and our substance.
I have known many who were truly talented who would not use their talents regularly because they were afraid. Some could sing beautifully but would hesitate to sing specials because it made them nervous. Whenever they could be persuaded to sing usually you could see that their music helped others to worship and draw closer to God.
Many are afraid to speak out in class or answer a question because they are afraid that they may not know enough. Just to make you feel better you probably know about as much as anyone in the class and if you don't, remember, that is why you are there --- to learn.
Many people will not trust God with their substance. I am not just talking about tithing. I want to make something very clear. God does not need your money. He created everything. We do need to learn to trust God with everything we have. Not just a tenth but it all belongs to Him.
Let us not be fearful but let us be bold and trust God as we follow Him.

THE GLORY SEEKERS

3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

In my thirty something years since I surrendered to the ministry I have met a lot of different types people. I suppose I am more perplexed by those who seem to have no spiritual inclinations but have a desire to run the Lord's church as if they were left in charge of it.
They seem bound and determined to have things their way even if the majority is against it and even if it goes against the teachings of the Bible. I suppose they feel like if they have the preeminence that the Glory will be theirs.
We should never seek our own glory. If we glorify the Lord and we are humble and submissive, God will be Glorified and He will in turn Glorify us.
I once heard a story of a church janitor who did an extraordinary job of keeping the church clean. A visiting preacher commented to the pastor that he certainly should make sure the man was well paid because he did such a terrific job.
The pastor then informed him, "We don't pay him a cent. He is one of the richest men in this community and he is retired and he does it for free. He came to me one day and said he saw a need for someone to do a good job of cleaning the church and he would like the job. He said that he didn't feel he could teach or do some of the other things but he knew he could do a good job of keeping the Lord's house clean. He has been cleaning it ever since and he does a terrific job because he is doing it out of love for Jesus. Most of the people in the church aren't even aware it is him that cleans it."
We should do whatever we do for God's glory, now our own.

FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

INTRODUCTION:There are many types of followers of Jesus. Some are not really following Him at all but are just trying to associate with Him for their own gain. The next few devotionals will deal with some of the types of people who want to associate themselves with Him and the church.
THE BREAD SEEKERS

John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Many people follow Jesus not for the Bread of Life but out of hopes that He will satisfy the flesh. They seek Him for healing, for answered prayers, for their daily needs, and they use Him more for some kind of good luck charm than as the Son of the Living God who should be their Lord.
Many want to associate with the church because it is good public relations. It helps their business and it helps their standing in the community. They are the type that seeks God's hand but never seeks His face.
We should want to have a close relationship, one that changes our lives, with Jesus. We should want to follow Him because it is right and it will help us conform to His will. We must crucify our own flesh and our own desires and submit ourselves to Him.

STUDY OUTLINE FOR THE WEEK

NOTE(I have felt led to include some study outlines, probably one each week on the weekend. It is my hope that this will inspire you to open your Bible and study the text and the verses. I am going to do this for awhile and I would appreciate your input. This ministry is a ministry to help meet your spiritual needs and to help you to have a closer walk with Jesus.)

WHAT WILL THE LORD DO FOR US?

Psalm 25

INTRODUCTION: In this Psalm we find the word "Me" is the object of several statements. This morning remember that we are the object of God's Love and attention.

I. HE WILL DELIVER US VERSE 20

BEING DELIVERED FROM SIN IS THE BEGINNING OF ALL CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.

Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: {13} Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated into the kingdom of his dear Son: {14} In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins:

1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

II. HE TEACHES US: Verse 4

Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, {12} Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; {13} Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

III. HE LEADS US VERSE 5
Like a Shepherd: Leads to rest, to refreshent, to peace and courage, He is a shepherd who knows the way because He has been that way Himself.

IV. HE SHOWS US HIS WAYS: VERSE 4

One of the most intimate stages of our Christian relationship is when we trust God to show us His ways.
Psalms 103:7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
CONCLUSION:

GOD WANTS TO DELIVER US FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN TODAY

GOD WANTS TO TEACH US HIS PATHS FOR OUR OWN BENEFIT

GOD WANTS TO LEAD US AS A SHEPHERD LOVINGLY LEADS HIS SHEEP

GOD WANTS TO SHOW US THE BETTER WAY:

His way.

EVERY DAY I WILL TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT THE LORD

Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

It is sometimes hard to witness to others. We sometimes don't know what to say. We find it is easier to talk to those who we know already love the Lord. Teaching others about Jesus is one thing that makes our days fruitful and really great.
There are many ways to reach others. I hope through the ministry of these devotionals not only to encourage believers but that somewhere down the line that they might reach the lost.
You can hand out tracts with the plan of salvation. You can invite others to visit your church and worship with you. If you wish you can send these devotionals to someone you think may need to hear the message.
Just a suggestion: I know many of you e-mail the devotionals to others but are they usually others who you know share your faith?Why not try to find someone each day to send a devotional to that you think might not share your faith. Try to share your message with an unbeliever. You do not have to be a preacher, teacher or writer. There are many good resources you can use to send a message to the lost or to those who are out of fellowship with God.
If you are able to touch someones heart and lead them to Jesus then you truly will have a really great day.

EVERY DAY I WILL SEARCH AND FEED UPON THE WORD OF GOD

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

It would probably really hurt you if you sent a letter each day to someone you loved very much and then you found out that they bundled them up and kept them in a special place without ever reading them. No matter how much they told you they treasured the letters you would be hurt to know that they didn't cherish them enough to read them.
God loves you very much and he has sent you a letter filled with love and instruction. It is the Bible. If you are going to have a great day you should read some in your bible everyday. I know people are busy and that is why I write a daily devotional. It is but a small morsel each day from God's veritable feast but at least it is something. I almost always include the scripture because I want you to at least read a verse from God's word. His Word is the meat and my devotionals are just a garnish. It is from the Word that you get your nourishment.
At some time each day set aside time to feed upon God's Word. It will help you have a really great day!

EVERY DAY I WILL CALL UPON THE LORD IN PRAYER

Psalms 86:3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

If we are going to have a great day doesn't it make sense to start it in prayer?
My wife and I have been having prayer together at the start of each day for some time now. We have found that it really makes a difference. We pray for our family and for all those on our prayer list and for those with special prayer request. This is not all the praying we do but it is a good way to start each day.
It starts us off thinking about God and about His mercy and grace and His provision for us. It keeps us from forgetting to pray for those who have requested it. It keeps us from getting caught up in busy activities and getting so busy that we forget to pray.
If you are going to have a great day you need to start off each day calling upon the God who separated night from day.
Try starting your day with the one who can bless your day, and by the way , "Have a really great day!".

EVERY DAY I WILL OFFER MYSELF TO THE LORD

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

If you are going to have a great day you need to start by offering yourself as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. Someone once said that the problem with living sacrifices is they keep crawling off the altar. Sometimes we let problems or difficulties crowd us off the altar and sometimes we just get so caught up in the worldly activities that we crawl right off on our own.
This verse tells us exactly what it means to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. It is our reasonable service. What is reasonable?One hour a week, 6 hours a week or is it reasonable to say "My life is not my own but I belong to the One who created me."
What is reasonable to offer to our creator? What is reasonable to offer to the One who sustains us daily? What is reasonable to offer to one who has shown us His marvelous grace and saved us for all eternity? Isn't it reasonable to give Him our very best?
I hope you have a great day! If you offer yourself to the Lord as a Living sacrifice that is a great start.

HAVE A GREAT DAY

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

For years now people have been telling each other "Have a nice day." It is a nice sentiment but I have noticed that a lot of people have been saying it out of habit and do not really seem enthusiastic about it. Recently many have changed and started saying, "Have a blessed day." I really like that better and the first few times I heard it it did my heart good. I felt like the people who said it really wanted God to bless me. I hope people don't start saying that just out of habit.
I have thought about it a lot and what I like to say to people is, " I hope you have a really great day!" You can't hardly say it out of habit. You have to say it with enthusiasm and a little excitement in your voice. You almost certainly have to look the person in the eye and smile at them when you say it and that means you have to really notice the person. Believe me, it is almost impossible to say it and say it right unless you really mean it.
The next few devotionals will discuss some things that will help us to have a great day and I hope they do help you. I sincerely do hope you have a really great day!

FOLLOWING JESUS

John 21:18-19 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. (19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

THE CALL STILL COMES LOUDLY FROM CHRIST FOLLOW ME:
I. WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS TO THE CROSS

A. TO FIND FORGIVENESS

B. TO FIND PEACE WITH GOD

C. TO FIND A NEW BEGINNING

II. WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS TO THE WILDERNESS OF TEMPTATION

A. WHERE WE ARE TESTED

B. WHERE WE ARE PROVED AND APPROVED FOR SERVICE

C. WHERE WE EXPERIENCE HIS GRACE IN AVOIDING SIN

III. WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS TO THE MOUNTAIN OF PRAYER

A. WHERE WE FIND STRENGTH

B. WHERE WE FIND COMFORT

C. WHERE WE FIND ASSURANCE

IV. WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS INTO THE FIELD OF SERVICE

A. TO SEE THE NEED

B. TO FIND HIS WILL

C. TO LABOR FOR SOULS

V. WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS TO THE GARDEN OF SORROW

A. WHERE WE ARE TOUGHENED

B. WHERE WE ARE TAUGHT

C. WHERE WE ARE TENDERED

VI. WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS INTO THE RESURRECTED LIFE

A. A NEW START

B. A NEW NATURE

C. A BRIGHTER FUTURE

VII. WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS INTO HIS ETERNAL GLORY

A. A NEW BODY

B. A PERFECT ENVIRONMENT

C. A PERFECT LIFE

BE DEPENDABLE

1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Sometimes we may not be as dependable as we think we are. We could ask ourselves a few questions. Are we as devoted to God as we are our family? Are we as anxious to hear from God as we are from an old friend or loved one? Are we as faithful to His service as we are to our jobs or school?
It is kind of upsetting to ask ourselves questions that and not really like the answers.
Increase your faith and increase your service by becoming more dependable. Be a face that people can count on seeing in your area of service. (Believe me when I say that people notice you when you are not there)
I once had the priviledge of leading a lady to the Lord who was very excited about becoming a Christian. She came to church on Sunday Morning, again on Sunday Night and even on Wednesday nights. She approached one of her good friends who was a member of the church and mentioned not seeing her one Sunday night and Wednesday night. The Lady responded, "Oh, hardly anyone goes except on Sunday morning."
This was a hindrance to the new Christian lady and it broke my heart to know that someone was really excited about their Christian walk and they were being discouraged by someone who had been saved for years but was not dependable.
If you want to increase your faith you must make a special effort to be dependable. God will bless every effort you make.

BE DETERMINED

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Many people have great dreams and good intentions but don't lack the determination to really accomplish things for the Lord. They sometimes get all enthusiastic but the minute they run into an obstacle they are ready to quit. I remember when Hurricane Katrina blew through our area I watched large Oak trees being twisted and blown around like willows. It was awesome (and quiet scary) to see God's power in the Hurricane. Many times that day I was sure that those old oaks could not possibly stand the punishment of those 100 mile per hour winds. I was wrong. I see those same old oak trees several times each week still standing in the same spot they were in that day. They were steadfast and unmovable.
When God leads us to do something we need to plant our feet firmly as the roots of those old oaks and be determined to fulfill the purpose of God. The punishment that comes will only strengthen us and make us stronger. If we are to increase our faith then we must have determination. That determination should be based in faith in an all powerful God. If he can not fail, then we can not fail when we are doing His will.