Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We Need To Look Upward To The Throne of God
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Grace means unmerited or undeserved favor. We certainly don't deserve God's favor but we certainly need it, and we are encouraged to approach God's throne boldly.
We need what God desires to give us. We need His mercy because we are so weak and temptations are so strong. Our strength is nothing but His is everything.
With His mercy and grace we can live the victorious and abundant lives that God intends for us to live. Look to Him for what you need to gain victory today!
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Looking the Right Way 2
Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We Need To Look Back To Calvary
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Jesus did for us, in our place, what we could not do for ourselves. He satisfied the demands of God for breaking the Law, He paid the sin debt for all who would believe and put their trust in Him.
When we look back at Calvary it should remind us of how much God loves us and cares for us. It should also remind us that Jesus has power even over death. If He can overcome death he can overcome anything He is eternal.
When you begin to look around and things become a little scary, look back to Calvary. The same power Jesus has to defeat death is available to you each day to give you victory.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
We Need To Look Back To Calvary
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Jesus did for us, in our place, what we could not do for ourselves. He satisfied the demands of God for breaking the Law, He paid the sin debt for all who would believe and put their trust in Him.
When we look back at Calvary it should remind us of how much God loves us and cares for us. It should also remind us that Jesus has power even over death. If He can overcome death he can overcome anything He is eternal.
When you begin to look around and things become a little scary, look back to Calvary. The same power Jesus has to defeat death is available to you each day to give you victory.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Looking the Right Way 1
Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Uncertain times are before us. It seems that when we turn on the news there is always something frightening for them to report. It seems that morality and. integrity no longer matter. People fear circumstances more than they fear God. When we open our eyes and take a look it can be very frightening if we fail to look in the right direction.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
We too must look to Jesus. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. In the next few devotionals we will be discussing the right way to be looking. I hope you receive a blessing from them.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Uncertain times are before us. It seems that when we turn on the news there is always something frightening for them to report. It seems that morality and. integrity no longer matter. People fear circumstances more than they fear God. When we open our eyes and take a look it can be very frightening if we fail to look in the right direction.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
We too must look to Jesus. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. In the next few devotionals we will be discussing the right way to be looking. I hope you receive a blessing from them.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Follow Me
by Jeremy Burkes
John 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
The first three commandments are about God. Here we see what we are to do for God. Jesus is talking to Peter, telling him what is wanted of him. It is the same thing he wants us to do -to follow Him.
We are to follow Him wherever He leads us or sends us. Later in Peter's life he had a great ministry. He did follow Jesus. Whatever God asks us to do, we must follow Him. trust that God will guide and direct you along the way.
Remember the song "I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, No turning back."
John 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
The first three commandments are about God. Here we see what we are to do for God. Jesus is talking to Peter, telling him what is wanted of him. It is the same thing he wants us to do -to follow Him.
We are to follow Him wherever He leads us or sends us. Later in Peter's life he had a great ministry. He did follow Jesus. Whatever God asks us to do, we must follow Him. trust that God will guide and direct you along the way.
Remember the song "I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, No turning back."
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
God's Name
by Jeremy Burkes
Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
This is a very important commandment to me. It seems like you are always hearing some one break thiscommandment and they have no shame or remorse in it. It is a part of their everyday speech. They all take his name in vain so lightly. Most of the time we as Christians don't say anything, either because we don't want to stand out or because we are intimidated.
We need to take a stand and tell them we are offended. It might not be popular but It is better to offend man than God.
Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
This is a very important commandment to me. It seems like you are always hearing some one break thiscommandment and they have no shame or remorse in it. It is a part of their everyday speech. They all take his name in vain so lightly. Most of the time we as Christians don't say anything, either because we don't want to stand out or because we are intimidated.
We need to take a stand and tell them we are offended. It might not be popular but It is better to offend man than God.
Monday, October 26, 2009
No Images
by Jeremy Burkes
Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
God is giving us a command concerning idols. An idol is anything we put before God. Sometimes were put family, our jobs or work at home before God.
Many times we put off Bible study to spend time with family or to merely watch TV. We wait until just before bed time, when we are really too tired, to study our Bibles and pray.
It is important to set aside a special time to pray and study God's word. Throw down your idols and replace them with scripture and time with God.
Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
God is giving us a command concerning idols. An idol is anything we put before God. Sometimes were put family, our jobs or work at home before God.
Many times we put off Bible study to spend time with family or to merely watch TV. We wait until just before bed time, when we are really too tired, to study our Bibles and pray.
It is important to set aside a special time to pray and study God's word. Throw down your idols and replace them with scripture and time with God.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
No Other God
by Jeremy Burkes
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
There is only one God and He wants to be first in your life. God wants to be the one we go to for forgiveness of sin. God sent his Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay our sin debt. Jesus paid for our sins and He sent the Holy Spirit to help us stand against sin each day.
When the devil tempts us we need to go to Gad in prayer and ask for strength to stand against temptation.
Make God number one in your life and let Him deal with your sins.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
There is only one God and He wants to be first in your life. God wants to be the one we go to for forgiveness of sin. God sent his Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay our sin debt. Jesus paid for our sins and He sent the Holy Spirit to help us stand against sin each day.
When the devil tempts us we need to go to Gad in prayer and ask for strength to stand against temptation.
Make God number one in your life and let Him deal with your sins.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
UNWANTED MESSAGE 4
II Chronicles 18:6-7 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? (7) And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
We see from our scripture that Ahab didn't want to hear the truth. Ahab had Micah thrown in prison for speaking the truth but before the end of the day Ahab was dead!
Laws are being passed in our country today called "Hate Crime" bills that could possibly land preachers in jail for speaking out against sin and false religions. It angers me that anyone could consider preaching against such things an act of hate. They are not acts of hate anymore than a doctor speaking out against a devastating disease. It is not the patient the doctor is against. It is the disease.
I know that I can speak for most Bible believing preachers when I say it is not the sinner we hate, it is the sin that destroys the sinner that we are against.
Remember that we are all going to die. Maybe not before the end of the day, but someday we are all going to die. We had better listen to the message of salvation because we are all going to face the judgment also.
If any of this offended you, you had better take a close look at your life in the Light of God's Word.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
a
We see from our scripture that Ahab didn't want to hear the truth. Ahab had Micah thrown in prison for speaking the truth but before the end of the day Ahab was dead!
Laws are being passed in our country today called "Hate Crime" bills that could possibly land preachers in jail for speaking out against sin and false religions. It angers me that anyone could consider preaching against such things an act of hate. They are not acts of hate anymore than a doctor speaking out against a devastating disease. It is not the patient the doctor is against. It is the disease.
I know that I can speak for most Bible believing preachers when I say it is not the sinner we hate, it is the sin that destroys the sinner that we are against.
Remember that we are all going to die. Maybe not before the end of the day, but someday we are all going to die. We had better listen to the message of salvation because we are all going to face the judgment also.
If any of this offended you, you had better take a close look at your life in the Light of God's Word.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
a
Friday, October 23, 2009
Unwanted Messages 3
II Chronicles 18:6-7 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? (7) And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
II Chronicles 186 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?
Jehosophat , king of Judah was a good king who feared God. Thankfully even today there are good men who want to know the truth about what God teaches.
There are many in positions of leadership who seek guidance from God's Word. They are willing to listen to spiritual men and seek instruction. Our nation and our government was founded by such men. If our nation is to remain strong then those who are in positions of leadership must continue to seek God's guidance. Any other way is going in the wrong direction and leads to destruction.
God's message is filled with reproof and correction. It is also filled with encouragement and promise. The truth only angers us if we are in the wrong.
When you are headed down the road of destruction don't become angry when someone warns you of the consequences to come. They are trying to help. It is the one who encourages you to continue on a path of destruction that is doing you an injustice.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
a
II Chronicles 186 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?
Jehosophat , king of Judah was a good king who feared God. Thankfully even today there are good men who want to know the truth about what God teaches.
There are many in positions of leadership who seek guidance from God's Word. They are willing to listen to spiritual men and seek instruction. Our nation and our government was founded by such men. If our nation is to remain strong then those who are in positions of leadership must continue to seek God's guidance. Any other way is going in the wrong direction and leads to destruction.
God's message is filled with reproof and correction. It is also filled with encouragement and promise. The truth only angers us if we are in the wrong.
When you are headed down the road of destruction don't become angry when someone warns you of the consequences to come. They are trying to help. It is the one who encourages you to continue on a path of destruction that is doing you an injustice.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
a
Thursday, October 22, 2009
UNWANTED MESSAGES 2
II Chronicles 18:6-7 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? (7) And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
II Chronicles 18:5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.
Wicked men will surround themselves with men who will agree with them and tell them what they want to hear. I think they believe that if enough people will accept a lie that it will then become truth.
People want to be told that God doesn't hate sin. The want to believe that if enough people agree that something is not bad, then that will make it so. The truth is that no matter how common place a sin becomes, it is still wrong.
Most people who are not already saved don't want to hear about the reality of eternal punishment in Hell, but that does not do away with the existence of it.
Some try to believe that everything is relative to something else and that there are no absolutes. They say that there are mostly gray areas and nothing is black and white. The Bible is full of absolutes. Sin is bad. Hell is real. Thankfully salvation is free to all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior!
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
II Chronicles 18:5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.
Wicked men will surround themselves with men who will agree with them and tell them what they want to hear. I think they believe that if enough people will accept a lie that it will then become truth.
People want to be told that God doesn't hate sin. The want to believe that if enough people agree that something is not bad, then that will make it so. The truth is that no matter how common place a sin becomes, it is still wrong.
Most people who are not already saved don't want to hear about the reality of eternal punishment in Hell, but that does not do away with the existence of it.
Some try to believe that everything is relative to something else and that there are no absolutes. They say that there are mostly gray areas and nothing is black and white. The Bible is full of absolutes. Sin is bad. Hell is real. Thankfully salvation is free to all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior!
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
UNWANTED MESSAGES 1
II Chronicles 18:6-7 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? (7) And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
Sometimes we are like the king of Israel. We want to hear what we want to hear instead of the truth. Ahab was such a man. He was the wicked king of Israel and when you read of all his evil deeds it is not surprising that a true prophet of God would have little good to prophesy for him.
There are many today who would pervert the Word of God because the true Word of God condemns their wicked ways. Instead of trying to change their lives to conform to God's Word they want to change His Word to fit their wicked lifestyles.
I hope to cover some of these instances in the next few devotionals. Some subjects are easier to write about than others. Please pray for me as I strive to follow the Lord's leadership in writing these devotionals.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Sometimes we are like the king of Israel. We want to hear what we want to hear instead of the truth. Ahab was such a man. He was the wicked king of Israel and when you read of all his evil deeds it is not surprising that a true prophet of God would have little good to prophesy for him.
There are many today who would pervert the Word of God because the true Word of God condemns their wicked ways. Instead of trying to change their lives to conform to God's Word they want to change His Word to fit their wicked lifestyles.
I hope to cover some of these instances in the next few devotionals. Some subjects are easier to write about than others. Please pray for me as I strive to follow the Lord's leadership in writing these devotionals.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Problems and Provisions 4
II Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul triumphed in depending on God's grace. We too can triumph if we depend upon His grace.
The answer is not always the removal of the problem. Sometimes it is continuing to serve in spite of the problem.
I have been having heart problems, sometimes severe, for over 20 years. I have certainly at times in the past asked God to restore my good health. I have no doubt that He could completely heal me. As I look back I can see where my health problems have led me into some areas of service that I would never have had the opportunity for if my health had been better.
God's grace is always sufficient for us if we one willing to trust God with our lives and our ministry.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Paul triumphed in depending on God's grace. We too can triumph if we depend upon His grace.
The answer is not always the removal of the problem. Sometimes it is continuing to serve in spite of the problem.
I have been having heart problems, sometimes severe, for over 20 years. I have certainly at times in the past asked God to restore my good health. I have no doubt that He could completely heal me. As I look back I can see where my health problems have led me into some areas of service that I would never have had the opportunity for if my health had been better.
God's grace is always sufficient for us if we one willing to trust God with our lives and our ministry.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Problems and Provisions 3
II Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Paul speaks of a thorn in the flesh. We are not exactly sure what it was but we do know that it was a serious problem to Paul. With all of the great things God used Paul to accomplish Bad could very easily have become prideful. Paul explained that whatever this difficulty was it was a humbling situation.
We might be able to relate to Paul if we realize that even in the most faithful Christians lives there will be problems. We may not know why God doesn't take some things out of our lives but like Paul we must understand that God's grace is sufficient.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Paul speaks of a thorn in the flesh. We are not exactly sure what it was but we do know that it was a serious problem to Paul. With all of the great things God used Paul to accomplish Bad could very easily have become prideful. Paul explained that whatever this difficulty was it was a humbling situation.
We might be able to relate to Paul if we realize that even in the most faithful Christians lives there will be problems. We may not know why God doesn't take some things out of our lives but like Paul we must understand that God's grace is sufficient.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Problems and Provisions 2
Problems and Provisions 2
II Corinthians 12:2-4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,
(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot
tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. (3) And I
knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell:
God knoweth;) (4) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard
unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Paul had an experience that was too wonderful to explain, Isn't it
amazing that the wonderful things that God does in our lives are
sometimes so wonderful that we can not put them into words? Even if
we could there are many who would never understand what we were
trying to say.
How can you possibly explain to an unbeliever that you have passed
from death unto life eternal? How do you convince a person who lives a
sinful life that there is really a better way to live?
I was with a friend a few weeks ago and we wound up in a very rundown
neighborhood. The houses were dilapidated, the vehicles were mostly
clunkers and the porches were filled with people who looked. like they
belonged there. I sat in the truck we were in and wondered why people
would want to live like that. The answer came to me, they don't know a
better way.
I know some of you are thinking that maybe they can't do any better.
That might be the case for some but most of them were there because
of the choices they had made in life.
I didn't have the opportunity to talk to any of them but I saw enough
tattoos on one man that he could have probably saved enough to better
his life if he had left them off. I am not being judgmental. What I'm saying
is that we do know a better way and we are obligated to share it with
those who don't know. Even if they don't really want to hear it.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even
suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for
our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this
devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer
relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read
these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
II Corinthians 12:2-4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,
(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot
tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. (3) And I
knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell:
God knoweth;) (4) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard
unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Paul had an experience that was too wonderful to explain, Isn't it
amazing that the wonderful things that God does in our lives are
sometimes so wonderful that we can not put them into words? Even if
we could there are many who would never understand what we were
trying to say.
How can you possibly explain to an unbeliever that you have passed
from death unto life eternal? How do you convince a person who lives a
sinful life that there is really a better way to live?
I was with a friend a few weeks ago and we wound up in a very rundown
neighborhood. The houses were dilapidated, the vehicles were mostly
clunkers and the porches were filled with people who looked. like they
belonged there. I sat in the truck we were in and wondered why people
would want to live like that. The answer came to me, they don't know a
better way.
I know some of you are thinking that maybe they can't do any better.
That might be the case for some but most of them were there because
of the choices they had made in life.
I didn't have the opportunity to talk to any of them but I saw enough
tattoos on one man that he could have probably saved enough to better
his life if he had left them off. I am not being judgmental. What I'm saying
is that we do know a better way and we are obligated to share it with
those who don't know. Even if they don't really want to hear it.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even
suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for
our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this
devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer
relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read
these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Problems and Provisions 1
II Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
Please take time to read the first ten verses of this chapter in your Bible Paul is telling of how Gods grace saw him through some very trying times.
Paul makes it very clear that he is not telling these things to bring glory to himself. He is telling them in order to reveal the work of Jesus Christ through him.
That should be our motivation in telling our own testimony to others. It is not about us or what we have done for Him It is about Him and what He has done for us, through us, and sometimes in spite of us.
Remember that we have nothing to glory in. It's not about us. It is supposed to be about Him.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Please take time to read the first ten verses of this chapter in your Bible Paul is telling of how Gods grace saw him through some very trying times.
Paul makes it very clear that he is not telling these things to bring glory to himself. He is telling them in order to reveal the work of Jesus Christ through him.
That should be our motivation in telling our own testimony to others. It is not about us or what we have done for Him It is about Him and what He has done for us, through us, and sometimes in spite of us.
Remember that we have nothing to glory in. It's not about us. It is supposed to be about Him.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Friday, October 16, 2009
BE READY 3
WE SHOULD BE READY BECAUSE THE CONSEQUENCES ARE GREAT
Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
It is not very popular to talk, preach or write about Hell. Hell is a real place and it will be filled with real people along with Satan and his angels. There is no nice way to describe hell. It is a place of torment where there will be awareness, there will be every craving that man has ever had and they will all go unsatisfied.
Many joke about hell but hell is no joking matter. It is a place that was prepared for the devil but men will go because they reject salvation through Jesus Christ.
As you read this might be thinking, "Well, I'm ready, I'm Saved."
I hope that is the case but the question is, "Are all the ones you care about saved?"
Matthew 24:40-41 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. {41} Two grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Wives shall leave behind husbands, husbands shall leave behind wives.
Many will leave behind family members and friends. I don't know of any one that I don't want to go to heaven.
Are you ready? Is there some decision you need to make or is there someone that you might need to tell about Jesus and His saving grace?
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
It is not very popular to talk, preach or write about Hell. Hell is a real place and it will be filled with real people along with Satan and his angels. There is no nice way to describe hell. It is a place of torment where there will be awareness, there will be every craving that man has ever had and they will all go unsatisfied.
Many joke about hell but hell is no joking matter. It is a place that was prepared for the devil but men will go because they reject salvation through Jesus Christ.
As you read this might be thinking, "Well, I'm ready, I'm Saved."
I hope that is the case but the question is, "Are all the ones you care about saved?"
Matthew 24:40-41 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. {41} Two
Wives shall leave behind husbands, husbands shall leave behind wives.
Many will leave behind family members and friends. I don't know of any one that I don't want to go to heaven.
Are you ready? Is there some decision you need to make or is there someone that you might need to tell about Jesus and His saving grace?
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
BE READY 2
WE SHOULD BE READY BECAUSE HIS COMING WILL BE QUICK
Matthew 24:42-44 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (43) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. (44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
1 Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as
[a thief in the night].
A couple received a pair of tickets to a sold out ballgame and they were in an envelope that was not signed. They tried hard to figure out who sent them but could come up with no answer. They could hardly enjoy the ball game because they were still wondering who sent the tickets.
When they returned home their house was empty. Thieves had broken in and stolen all that they had that was of any value. There was a note
taped to the telephone that said. Just so you don't keep wondering I
sent you the tickets. Signed the thief.
Jesus is coming at a time that no man knows the day nor the hour and yet many are not ready. If Satan can, he will keep you preoccupied with other things so that you are not ready. Jesus is coming. When He comes He will come quickly. Be ready.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
Matthew 24:42-44 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (43) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. (44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
1 Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as
[a thief in the night].
A couple received a pair of tickets to a sold out ballgame and they were in an envelope that was not signed. They tried hard to figure out who sent them but could come up with no answer. They could hardly enjoy the ball game because they were still wondering who sent the tickets.
When they returned home their house was empty. Thieves had broken in and stolen all that they had that was of any value. There was a note
taped to the telephone that said. Just so you don't keep wondering I
sent you the tickets. Signed the thief.
Jesus is coming at a time that no man knows the day nor the hour and yet many are not ready. If Satan can, he will keep you preoccupied with other things so that you are not ready. Jesus is coming. When He comes He will come quickly. Be ready.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
BE READY 1
Matthew 24:42-44 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (43) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. (44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
We have heard this message so often that I am afraid that we have become complacent. Many of us go about each day acting as if we do not believe that Jesus is coming again and that it could be very soon.
Once a man visited a great estate and the grounds were immaculate. He was complimenting the gardener and he asked the question, "When was the last time the owner of the estate came here?"
The gardener thought and said, "I am not exactly sure but I believe it was about 25 years ago."
The man was astonished and he exclaimed, "But you keep up the grounds of this place as if you expect him to come tomorrow!"
The gardener smiled and said, "No, I expect him today. Each day I try to keep the grounds as if this will be the day that he comes and I want to be ready."
There is a great example there for us. We should live our lives each day as if we expect this to be the day that Jesus returns. Are you ready?
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
We have heard this message so often that I am afraid that we have become complacent. Many of us go about each day acting as if we do not believe that Jesus is coming again and that it could be very soon.
Once a man visited a great estate and the grounds were immaculate. He was complimenting the gardener and he asked the question, "When was the last time the owner of the estate came here?"
The gardener thought and said, "I am not exactly sure but I believe it was about 25 years ago."
The man was astonished and he exclaimed, "But you keep up the grounds of this place as if you expect him to come tomorrow!"
The gardener smiled and said, "No, I expect him today. Each day I try to keep the grounds as if this will be the day that he comes and I want to be ready."
There is a great example there for us. We should live our lives each day as if we expect this to be the day that Jesus returns. Are you ready?
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
HOW CAN WE BE SURE?
WE CAN BE SURE BY BELIEVING
By Knowing That God Desires To Save You
2Timothy 1:11-12 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (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.
Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from
the dead, thou shalt be saved. {10} For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. {11} For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
We must believe that Jesus is who He says He is. He is the Son of God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We must believe that He died for over sins and God raised Him from the dead. This gave Him victory over death, hell, and the grave and he gives that same victory to all who believe this in their heart and call on Him to save them.
Don't try to complicate God's plan of salvation I Trust it. Believe it. Enjoy it. It pleases God for people to get saved and be secure in Him.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
By Knowing That God Desires To Save You
2Timothy 1:11-12 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (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.
Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from
the dead, thou shalt be saved. {10} For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. {11} For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
We must believe that Jesus is who He says He is. He is the Son of God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We must believe that He died for over sins and God raised Him from the dead. This gave Him victory over death, hell, and the grave and he gives that same victory to all who believe this in their heart and call on Him to save them.
Don't try to complicate God's plan of salvation I Trust it. Believe it. Enjoy it. It pleases God for people to get saved and be secure in Him.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Monday, October 12, 2009
HOW CAN WE BE SURE? 3
By Knowing That God Desires To Save You
2Timothy 1:11-12 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (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.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that [all should come] to repentance.
It is God's desire to save you. He has done everything necessary to provide you a wary of salvation. Mary act as though Gad is trying to trick them in some way or another. They look for little hidden things and take a verse or two out of context as if they are trying to find a way to separate themselves from the love of God. It is the devil who is the deceiver.
God has made His plan. simple and clear so that even a child can be saved. Some people try to complicate Gods plan of Salvation. He desires to save you. He provided the way of salvation through His Son Jesus. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Don't try to complicate matters.
Salvation is available to everyone and it is free to us. We can never deserve it and we can never earn it. Jesus paid it all. When we realize how little we deserve to be saved, then we can begin to comprehend God's magnificent grace.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
2Timothy 1:11-12 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (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.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that [all should come] to repentance.
It is God's desire to save you. He has done everything necessary to provide you a wary of salvation. Mary act as though Gad is trying to trick them in some way or another. They look for little hidden things and take a verse or two out of context as if they are trying to find a way to separate themselves from the love of God. It is the devil who is the deceiver.
God has made His plan. simple and clear so that even a child can be saved. Some people try to complicate Gods plan of Salvation. He desires to save you. He provided the way of salvation through His Son Jesus. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Don't try to complicate matters.
Salvation is available to everyone and it is free to us. We can never deserve it and we can never earn it. Jesus paid it all. When we realize how little we deserve to be saved, then we can begin to comprehend God's magnificent grace.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
HOW CAN WE BE SURE? 2
2Timothy 1:11-12 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (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.
Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul
shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the sure mercies of David.
We should truly listen to God as He speaks to us through His word. We should consult our Bibles to see what God has to say about things. We too often know what someone tells us that them Bible says but we fail to look into the Word and search the scriptures for ourselves. God's Word is full of wonderful promises and we should search them out and learn for ourselves what he has promised us.
Many times what we have heard comes from the preacher or from a Sunday school teacher or someone else. The promises God makes to his children are too important to learn second hand. We need to learn them from Him directly through His word.
Romans 10:17 So then [faith by hearing], and hearing by the
word of God.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul
shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
We should truly listen to God as He speaks to us through His word. We should consult our Bibles to see what God has to say about things. We too often know what someone tells us that them Bible says but we fail to look into the Word and search the scriptures for ourselves. God's Word is full of wonderful promises and we should search them out and learn for ourselves what he has promised us.
Many times what we have heard comes from the preacher or from a Sunday school teacher or someone else. The promises God makes to his children are too important to learn second hand. We need to learn them from Him directly through His word.
Romans 10:17 So then [faith
word of God.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
HOW CAN WE BE SURE?
2Timothy 1:11-12 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (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.
Today many have doubts. They are not certain whethIer they are
saved or not. They live in constant fear and confusion about
where they will spend eternity. There are some ways to be sure. I am a firm believer that God wants to assure us of our salvation and give us the freedom to worship Him out of love and adoration and not fear of losing salvations.
I believe that people will serve God more motivated by love and gratituted for their salvation than if they live in doubt of whether they will make it to heaven or not. Remember that we are saved by what Jesus did and we have never done anything worthy of salvation. When we come to the point of realization that salvation is in Jesus and in Him alone it will bring us the freedom to worship and serve Him the way we should, with thanksgiving in our hearts.
The next few devotionals will be devoted to being sure of your salvation. I hope you receive a blessing from them.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Today many have doubts. They are not certain whethIer they are
saved or not. They live in constant fear and confusion about
where they will spend eternity. There are some ways to be sure. I am a firm believer that God wants to assure us of our salvation and give us the freedom to worship Him out of love and adoration and not fear of losing salvations.
I believe that people will serve God more motivated by love and gratituted for their salvation than if they live in doubt of whether they will make it to heaven or not. Remember that we are saved by what Jesus did and we have never done anything worthy of salvation. When we come to the point of realization that salvation is in Jesus and in Him alone it will bring us the freedom to worship and serve Him the way we should, with thanksgiving in our hearts.
The next few devotionals will be devoted to being sure of your salvation. I hope you receive a blessing from them.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Friday, October 9, 2009
THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE CAN ALL DO
1 Peter 4:8-11 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (10) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
There are some things that we can all do. We can all be hospitable to others them as we would have everyone treat us.
We can all tell others about what Jesus means to us and about what He has done in our lives. We can all do the little things that will make life better and nicer for those around us.
Remember, Faith, Hope, and Charity are the greatest gifts and I believe they have been given to everyone who is saved. Show your faith by trusting God daily. Show your hope by looking upward and looking forward to His return. Show your charity (love) by surrendering to His will and by sharing that love to everyone you come in contact with.
Everyone can be encouraging to someone. Everyone can be a witness and everyone can contribute their time, talents, and material blessings. Make yourself available to God and see how He blesses you.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
There are some things that we can all do. We can all be hospitable to others them as we would have everyone treat us.
We can all tell others about what Jesus means to us and about what He has done in our lives. We can all do the little things that will make life better and nicer for those around us.
Remember, Faith, Hope, and Charity are the greatest gifts and I believe they have been given to everyone who is saved. Show your faith by trusting God daily. Show your hope by looking upward and looking forward to His return. Show your charity (love) by surrendering to His will and by sharing that love to everyone you come in contact with.
Everyone can be encouraging to someone. Everyone can be a witness and everyone can contribute their time, talents, and material blessings. Make yourself available to God and see how He blesses you.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
PREPARE OURSELF TO MINISTER
1 Peter 4:8-11 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (10) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 2:15 STUDY TO show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We must prepare ourselves by studying God's word. Sometimes the opportunity comes to minister to others and we don't know what to say. Sometimes we will even be asked what the Bible says about a subject and we don't know what it says.
Don't just read your Bible casually. Take notes in class and listen to sermons. Write down questions and then get you a good concordance and look them up in the bible. If you have a computer there are many inexpensive computer Bible programs. The one that I use cost me around $10 and I have been using it for years. It is so easy that you can type in a phrase and it will find where that phrase is in the Bible. There is a place for notes and where I store many of my outlines. It has a strongs concordance and dictionary so I can know the exact meaning of certain words.
Knowledge of the Word of God takes some effort but it is effort that will enhance your ability to minister to others. Set aside some time each day to really study the Bible. You will be surprised how much you can learn.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
2 Timothy 2:15 STUDY TO show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We must prepare ourselves by studying God's word. Sometimes the opportunity comes to minister to others and we don't know what to say. Sometimes we will even be asked what the Bible says about a subject and we don't know what it says.
Don't just read your Bible casually. Take notes in class and listen to sermons. Write down questions and then get you a good concordance and look them up in the bible. If you have a computer there are many inexpensive computer Bible programs. The one that I use cost me around $10 and I have been using it for years. It is so easy that you can type in a phrase and it will find where that phrase is in the Bible. There is a place for notes and where I store many of my outlines. It has a strongs concordance and dictionary so I can know the exact meaning of certain words.
Knowledge of the Word of God takes some effort but it is effort that will enhance your ability to minister to others. Set aside some time each day to really study the Bible. You will be surprised how much you can learn.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
MINISTER AS HE HAS GIVEN YOU THE ABILITY
1 Peter 4:8-11 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (10) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
I love to hear someone who has a beautiful voice sing specials. Sadly everyone (especially me) has not been blessed with a beautiful voice. Everyone can not sing and that is just a plain fact.
I love to preach. I think preaching and writing are the two things I enjoy more than anything but I realize that I could do neither if God had not called me to do them. I also realize that everyone can't preach or teach. That does not mean that you can't minister in some way.
Many of the jobs in our church go unappreciated and unnoticed. I appreciate the ushers who take the offering each Sunday. If you feel that you don't have any other ability your service in greeting people as they come in to worship is worth everything. I am not just talking about visitors either. When a person comes to church it makes them feel better to be greeted and made to feel welcome.
There are many things and I can't list all of them but Nursery workers, youth workers, people to mail cards, visitors for shut-ins, someone to call absentees, and the list goes on, are jobs that require little skill. They only require making yourself available and doing the job, yet they mean so much to the ministry of the church.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
I love to hear someone who has a beautiful voice sing specials. Sadly everyone (especially me) has not been blessed with a beautiful voice. Everyone can not sing and that is just a plain fact.
I love to preach. I think preaching and writing are the two things I enjoy more than anything but I realize that I could do neither if God had not called me to do them. I also realize that everyone can't preach or teach. That does not mean that you can't minister in some way.
Many of the jobs in our church go unappreciated and unnoticed. I appreciate the ushers who take the offering each Sunday. If you feel that you don't have any other ability your service in greeting people as they come in to worship is worth everything. I am not just talking about visitors either. When a person comes to church it makes them feel better to be greeted and made to feel welcome.
There are many things and I can't list all of them but Nursery workers, youth workers, people to mail cards, visitors for shut-ins, someone to call absentees, and the list goes on, are jobs that require little skill. They only require making yourself available and doing the job, yet they mean so much to the ministry of the church.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
WE ARE THE INSTRUMENTS OF GOD
1 Peter 4:8-11 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (10) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
God has already given us what we need to minister to others. It is our hands that He uses to help those in need. First He
touches our hearts and then we can use our hands to reach out to help others. It doesn't take a degree in social work to help those that are in need.
God has given us feet. We can carry the gospel message to the world. The world was first evangelized by those who went on foot, even to foreign countries to spread the message. Today many have not even tried to tell their next door neighbor the good news that Jesus died for sinful men.
It is our voice that God uses to spread His message. We are quick to tell of everything else but we are so slow to speak up to someone concerning their salvation. God has given you what you need to minister, make yourself available.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
God has already given us what we need to minister to others. It is our hands that He uses to help those in need. First He
touches our hearts and then we can use our hands to reach out to help others. It doesn't take a degree in social work to help those that are in need.
God has given us feet. We can carry the gospel message to the world. The world was first evangelized by those who went on foot, even to foreign countries to spread the message. Today many have not even tried to tell their next door neighbor the good news that Jesus died for sinful men.
It is our voice that God uses to spread His message. We are quick to tell of everything else but we are so slow to speak up to someone concerning their salvation. God has given you what you need to minister, make yourself available.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Monday, October 5, 2009
THE ABILITY TO MINISTER TO OTHERS
1 Peter 4:8-11 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (10) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Someone once said that it is not our ability but our availability to serve God that is most important. I whole heartedly agree with that. I have known Sunday School teachers and some preachers with little or no formal education that God used in a great way.
If we have a great love for our Savior and a fervent love for our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as a burden for the lost we can be used regardless of our abilities. God will always equip us to do the work that he calls us to do if we will make ourselves available to Him.
The next few devotionals are devoted to encouraging you to allow God to enable you to minister to others. I hope you recieve a blessing from them.
Please feel free to contact me by email at shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Someone once said that it is not our ability but our availability to serve God that is most important. I whole heartedly agree with that. I have known Sunday School teachers and some preachers with little or no formal education that God used in a great way.
If we have a great love for our Savior and a fervent love for our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as a burden for the lost we can be used regardless of our abilities. God will always equip us to do the work that he calls us to do if we will make ourselves available to Him.
The next few devotionals are devoted to encouraging you to allow God to enable you to minister to others. I hope you recieve a blessing from them.
Please feel free to contact me by email at shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
GOD'S ABUNDANT SUPPLY
Ephesians 3:19-21
GOD HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF EVERYTHING WE NEED. WHAT'S MORE, HE IS MORE THAN WILLING TO GIVE TO US OUT OF HIS ABUNDANCE.
1. ABUNDANT GRACE TO SAVE US
Romans 5:20
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
2. ABUNDANT PARDON TO FORGIVE US
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
3. ABUNDANT SATISFACTION TO FILL US
Psalms 36:8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
4. ABUNDANT PEACE TO QUIETEN US
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
5. ABUNDANT LIFE TO EQUIP US
John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have more abundantly.
6. ABUNDANT JOY TO GLADDEN US
Philippians 1:26
That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
7. ABUNDANT POWER TO ENERGIZE US
Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
GOD HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF EVERYTHING WE NEED. WHAT'S MORE, HE IS MORE THAN WILLING TO GIVE TO US OUT OF HIS ABUNDANCE.
1. ABUNDANT GRACE TO SAVE US
Romans 5:20
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
2. ABUNDANT PARDON TO FORGIVE US
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
3. ABUNDANT SATISFACTION TO FILL US
Psalms 36:8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
4. ABUNDANT PEACE TO QUIETEN US
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
5. ABUNDANT LIFE TO EQUIP US
John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have
6. ABUNDANT JOY TO GLADDEN US
Philippians 1:26
That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
7. ABUNDANT POWER TO ENERGIZE US
Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Saturday, October 3, 2009
WHAT I WANT Part 2
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
If we are to walk in the Spirit it will take a decision of whether we want to be what God wants us to be or whether we want to let our fleshly desires direct us. I just want to share some thoughts about what I want.
PART 2
I WANT TO BE MORE PATIENT:
WITH EVERYONE: MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS,
WITH THOSE I DON'T AGREE WITH AS WELL AS THOSE I DO AGREE WITH
I WANT TO BE MORE PATIENT BECAUSE GOD HAS BEEN MORE PATIENT WITH
ME.
I WANT TO BE MORE GENTLE:
MORE CARING, MORE TENDER AND MORE SYMPATHETIC
I WANT TO BE BETTER:
BY ALLOWING GOD TO HAVE MORE OF ME THAN HE ALREADY HAS
I WANT TO BE MEEK:
MEEKNESS IS POWER IN CONTROL AND TO KNOW THE POWER OF GOD IS IN US AND TO ALLOW HIM TO CONTROL OUR PASSIONS IS MEEKNESS.
I WANT TO BE MORE TEMPERANT:
MORE RESTRAINED AND IN CONTROL, BY ALLOWING GOD TO HAVE CONTROL.
WHAT I WANT TO IS A SPIRIT FILLED, SPIRIT LED CHRISTIAN.
Please feel free to contact me by email at .shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
If we are to walk in the Spirit it will take a decision of whether we want to be what God wants us to be or whether we want to let our fleshly desires direct us. I just want to share some thoughts about what I want.
PART 2
I WANT TO BE MORE PATIENT:
WITH EVERYONE: MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS,
WITH THOSE I DON'T AGREE WITH AS WELL AS THOSE I DO AGREE WITH
I WANT TO BE MORE PATIENT BECAUSE GOD HAS BEEN MORE PATIENT WITH
ME.
I WANT TO BE MORE GENTLE:
MORE CARING, MORE TENDER AND MORE SYMPATHETIC
I WANT TO BE BETTER:
BY ALLOWING GOD TO HAVE MORE OF ME THAN HE ALREADY HAS
I WANT TO BE MEEK:
MEEKNESS IS POWER IN CONTROL AND TO KNOW THE POWER OF GOD IS IN US AND TO ALLOW HIM TO CONTROL OUR PASSIONS IS MEEKNESS.
I WANT TO BE MORE TEMPERANT:
MORE RESTRAINED AND IN CONTROL, BY ALLOWING GOD TO HAVE CONTROL.
WHAT I WANT TO IS A SPIRIT FILLED, SPIRIT LED CHRISTIAN.
Please feel free to contact me by email at .shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Friday, October 2, 2009
WHAT I WANT Part 1
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
If we are to walk in the Spirit it will take a decision of whether we want to be what God wants us to be or whether we want to let our fleshly desires direct us. I just want to share some thoughts about what I want.
Part 1
I WANT TO BE MORE LOVING:
Help me to love those who need loving the most.
Help me to love those who do not love me.
Help me to love unconditionally.
I WANT TO BE MORE JOYFUL:
TO FIND JOY IN THE SIMPLE THINGS.
TO PROJECT THAT JOY IN SUCH A WAY THAT OTHERS WILL ALSO BE JOYFUL.
I WANT TO ENJOY MORE PEACE:
BY THINKING MORE ON THE SPIRITUAL AND LESS ON THE CARNAL
BY TRUSTING GOD MORE EACH DAY AND REALIZING THAT :
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that[love God], to them who are the called according to
purpose.
Please feel free to contact me by email at .shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
If we are to walk in the Spirit it will take a decision of whether we want to be what God wants us to be or whether we want to let our fleshly desires direct us. I just want to share some thoughts about what I want.
Part 1
I WANT TO BE MORE LOVING:
Help me to love those who need loving the most.
Help me to love those who do not love me.
Help me to love unconditionally.
I WANT TO BE MORE JOYFUL:
TO FIND JOY IN THE SIMPLE THINGS.
TO PROJECT THAT JOY IN SUCH A WAY THAT OTHERS WILL ALSO BE JOYFUL.
I WANT TO ENJOY MORE PEACE:
BY THINKING MORE ON THE SPIRITUAL AND LESS ON THE CARNAL
BY TRUSTING GOD MORE EACH DAY AND REALIZING THAT :
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that[love God], to them who are the called according to
purpose.
Please feel free to contact me by email at .shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
GOD'S SUPPLY AND OUR NEED 5
OUR NEED IS SUPPLIED BY CHRIST JESUS
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Whether man realizes it or not, his greatest need is to be reconciled to God. Man's sin has seperated Him from God and no amount of good works or deeds can bridge that gap. Only trusting in Jesus as your Lord an Savior will reconcile you to God.
It is God's wish to see mankind turn their hearts toward Him and accept Him, the one and only true God. God is not willing that any should die and go to hell. That is why Jesus came and paid our sin debt by dying for our sins on the cross.
So often when we think of needs we think of our immediate needs and leave it at that. Jesus can supply your eternal need of Salvation and reconciliation to God.
I feel very sorry for the lost. Not only are they seperated from God for eternity, they are seperated from God right now. I can not imagine not being able to depend on God to supply my daily needs, yet there are millions in the world who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, therefore they are seperated from God.
Depend upon God. He shall supply all your need through Jesus.
Please feel free to contact me by email at .shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Whether man realizes it or not, his greatest need is to be reconciled to God. Man's sin has seperated Him from God and no amount of good works or deeds can bridge that gap. Only trusting in Jesus as your Lord an Savior will reconcile you to God.
It is God's wish to see mankind turn their hearts toward Him and accept Him, the one and only true God. God is not willing that any should die and go to hell. That is why Jesus came and paid our sin debt by dying for our sins on the cross.
So often when we think of needs we think of our immediate needs and leave it at that. Jesus can supply your eternal need of Salvation and reconciliation to God.
I feel very sorry for the lost. Not only are they seperated from God for eternity, they are seperated from God right now. I can not imagine not being able to depend on God to supply my daily needs, yet there are millions in the world who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, therefore they are seperated from God.
Depend upon God. He shall supply all your need through Jesus.
Please feel free to contact me by email at .shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
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