One old preacher read from Matt. 4:24 "...they brought unto him
all sick people that were taken with divers diseases."
He then proceeded to preach to the congregation about how he
felt that many there were suffering from divers diseases and that
only the Lord could cure them. He preached "There is an epidemic of
divers diseases among us today.'
"Some dive for the door after Sunday School is over. Some dive
for the TV set after church. Some dive into a list of excuses about
not working for the Lord. Others dive for the car and take a trip
over the weekend. some dive for their nickels and dimes for the
offering plate instead of paying their tithe. some dive for the
door as soon as the minister gives the appeal to pray at the altar
at the service. Yes it takes the Lord and the love of the church to
cure Divers Diseases.
Copied
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
LETTER TO ASPIRIN COMPANY
Dear Sir:
You manufacture aspirins that relieve suffering, colds and
fevers. The mixture used in your tablets makes it possible for
people to get out of bed and fight off headaches, muscle spasms, and
bad nerves. I have noticed that these tablets work very well
during the week and especially on Saturdays. The problem is that
people who take them on Sundays seem to get no relief. They can not
seem to get rid of their headaches and aches and pains and are not
able to attend church on Sunday.
Would you please see if there is some ingredient that you can add
to make these tablets work on Sunday?
Copied
You manufacture aspirins that relieve suffering, colds and
fevers. The mixture used in your tablets makes it possible for
people to get out of bed and fight off headaches, muscle spasms, and
bad nerves. I have noticed that these tablets work very well
during the week and especially on Saturdays. The problem is that
people who take them on Sundays seem to get no relief. They can not
seem to get rid of their headaches and aches and pains and are not
able to attend church on Sunday.
Would you please see if there is some ingredient that you can add
to make these tablets work on Sunday?
Copied
Friday, January 29, 2010
APPLES OF GOLD 5
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
WORDS OF LIFE
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE.
We have the Bible. The Word of God. We too have the words of eternal life. It would be unthinkable for someone to have knowledge of a cure for cancer or some other disease and keep that too himself. Only a selfish and uncaring person would do that. Yet, we have the Words of Eternal Life and sometimes we fail to share them even though the consequences of not having them could be worse than for cancer.
Remember when you are hesitant to tell someone about Jesus and salvation through Him what the objective is. If you are just trying to get someone to come to church you are not as effective. If you genuinely want to glorify God and see this person saved for eternity then God will give you the words. It is always up to the person hearing the words to respond but that doesn't lessen our responsibility to share 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.
I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
WORDS OF LIFE
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE.
We have the Bible. The Word of God. We too have the words of eternal life. It would be unthinkable for someone to have knowledge of a cure for cancer or some other disease and keep that too himself. Only a selfish and uncaring person would do that. Yet, we have the Words of Eternal Life and sometimes we fail to share them even though the consequences of not having them could be worse than for cancer.
Remember when you are hesitant to tell someone about Jesus and salvation through Him what the objective is. If you are just trying to get someone to come to church you are not as effective. If you genuinely want to glorify God and see this person saved for eternity then God will give you the words. It is always up to the person hearing the words to respond but that doesn't lessen our responsibility to share 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.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
APPLES OF GOLD 4
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to prefered guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
What have you done to encourage someone lately? Have you told them what a good job they are doing. How about your children? Do you tell them how thankful you are that God blessed you by giving them to you? Have you thanked your parents?
I guess I could go on with the questions but I think you probably get the idea. No one wants to be taken for granted. When people feel unappreciated they become discouraged. Tell an employee that they are a valued employee and it will encourage them to do a better job. Tell your employer that you appreciate your job and he will treat you more as a valued employee.
As a pastor I can not count the times that I have been down and discouraged that someone would come along and say just the right words to let me know that what I was doing was worthwhile. Words of encouragement are easy to give and they are certainly a treasure to receive.
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 read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to prefered guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
What have you done to encourage someone lately? Have you told them what a good job they are doing. How about your children? Do you tell them how thankful you are that God blessed you by giving them to you? Have you thanked your parents?
I guess I could go on with the questions but I think you probably get the idea. No one wants to be taken for granted. When people feel unappreciated they become discouraged. Tell an employee that they are a valued employee and it will encourage them to do a better job. Tell your employer that you appreciate your job and he will treat you more as a valued employee.
As a pastor I can not count the times that I have been down and discouraged that someone would come along and say just the right words to let me know that what I was doing was worthwhile. Words of encouragement are easy to give and they are certainly a treasure to receive.
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, January 27, 2010
APPLES OF GOLD 3
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
WORDS OF COMFORT
When someone is going through a tragedy and especially the loss of a loved one it is not always easy to know what to say. I have been at funerals where people would tell someone not to grieve because after all their loved one was in heaven.
There is much comfort in knowing a loved one who has passed away is a Christian but that does not mean that we should not grieve. Some of my loved ones have been gone for nearly 40 years and I still miss them. Grieving is a natural process. The Bible tells us that "Jesus wept." That should let us know that it is a natural and acceptable act.
Sometimes the greatest words of comfort come from just letting a person know that you care, that you love them, and that you are hurting with them. Once when we were going through a loss one of our church members just walked up, put his hand on my wife's arm and gave her a little squeeze. She said that was more comforting than anything he could have said.
When people are hurting, words of comfort and gestures of caring are priceless.
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 read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
WORDS OF COMFORT
When someone is going through a tragedy and especially the loss of a loved one it is not always easy to know what to say. I have been at funerals where people would tell someone not to grieve because after all their loved one was in heaven.
There is much comfort in knowing a loved one who has passed away is a Christian but that does not mean that we should not grieve. Some of my loved ones have been gone for nearly 40 years and I still miss them. Grieving is a natural process. The Bible tells us that "Jesus wept." That should let us know that it is a natural and acceptable act.
Sometimes the greatest words of comfort come from just letting a person know that you care, that you love them, and that you are hurting with them. Once when we were going through a loss one of our church members just walked up, put his hand on my wife's arm and gave her a little squeeze. She said that was more comforting than anything he could have said.
When people are hurting, words of comfort and gestures of caring are priceless.
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, January 26, 2010
APPLES OF GOLD 2
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
WORDS OF HOPE
In this country that has been blessed so greatly it is hard for some of us to grasp the feeling of having no hope. In the past two weeks we have been witnessing a tragedy in Haiti and one of the things that I have noticed is that even before the earthquake many of those people had no hope.
Just as it always does in any worldwide tragedy, the United States has opened her heart and opened her wallet to give help to those who truly need it. I have also noticed that most of the Americans that were there were teachers, missionaries, or some type of aid workers. They were not only there to help, they were there to give hope.
There is hope. We can offer them hope by providing opportunity, education, and motivation. I am not a politician and I am certainly no expert on any foreign country but I know that true hope comes from trust in Jesus Christ. Help without hope is not really much help at all. When we give anyone words of hope we are truly sharing a blessing with 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.
I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
WORDS OF HOPE
In this country that has been blessed so greatly it is hard for some of us to grasp the feeling of having no hope. In the past two weeks we have been witnessing a tragedy in Haiti and one of the things that I have noticed is that even before the earthquake many of those people had no hope.
Just as it always does in any worldwide tragedy, the United States has opened her heart and opened her wallet to give help to those who truly need it. I have also noticed that most of the Americans that were there were teachers, missionaries, or some type of aid workers. They were not only there to help, they were there to give hope.
There is hope. We can offer them hope by providing opportunity, education, and motivation. I am not a politician and I am certainly no expert on any foreign country but I know that true hope comes from trust in Jesus Christ. Help without hope is not really much help at all. When we give anyone words of hope we are truly sharing a blessing with 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.
Monday, January 25, 2010
APPLES OF GOLD 1
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
In the next few devotionals we will be discussing some fitly spoken words. I hope you receive a blessing from them.
WORDS OF WARNING
Sometimes when we warn people if we are not careful it can sound a lot like nagging. Just like when we were children and our mothers told us not to run with scissors in our hand or one of the many other things our mothers warned us about, we can let it go in one ear and out the other.
It makes a difference how we warn others. If we act as if we have an air of superiority it will not get us very far. If we act like a know it all, or even act like we don't really care, then it is as the apostle Paul said:
1co 13:1 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.
Without genuine compassion and care for the one we are warning it is just noise.
When we witness to someone it should be with charity, or love and compassion in our hearts. People can tell if you really care about them and a word of warning from someone who really cares is like "apples of gold in pitchers of silver."
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 read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.
In the next few devotionals we will be discussing some fitly spoken words. I hope you receive a blessing from them.
WORDS OF WARNING
Sometimes when we warn people if we are not careful it can sound a lot like nagging. Just like when we were children and our mothers told us not to run with scissors in our hand or one of the many other things our mothers warned us about, we can let it go in one ear and out the other.
It makes a difference how we warn others. If we act as if we have an air of superiority it will not get us very far. If we act like a know it all, or even act like we don't really care, then it is as the apostle Paul said:
1co 13:1 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.
Without genuine compassion and care for the one we are warning it is just noise.
When we witness to someone it should be with charity, or love and compassion in our hearts. People can tell if you really care about them and a word of warning from someone who really cares is like "apples of gold in pitchers of silver."
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, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
FEAR NOT 5
I Chronicles 28:20) And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
WE MUST STRIVE TO BRING GLORY TO GOD IN OUR WORK
There have been way too many people start out with good intentions that somehow leave God by the wayside as they move toward their goals. Sometimes ministries that start out in a great way and give glory to God get caught up in worldly ambitions and other personalities seem to be in the limelight.
There is an old country song that asks the question, "Would Jesus wear a Rolex on His television show?" I think the answer to that is a definite no. I am not saying that everyone doing God's work should take a vow of poverty but I am saying that they should be good stewards of what they have and they should make sure that God is their focus and that glorifying Him is their main ministry.
Sometimes if we are to really do the work of God we must do it without bringing any attention to our self. Another great lesson I learned early in my ministry is that it is not about me. I had better not try to make it about me and I had better make it all about God.
Fear not. God has great things for you to do and He wants you to do them for His Glory!
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 MUST STRIVE TO BRING GLORY TO GOD IN OUR WORK
There have been way too many people start out with good intentions that somehow leave God by the wayside as they move toward their goals. Sometimes ministries that start out in a great way and give glory to God get caught up in worldly ambitions and other personalities seem to be in the limelight.
There is an old country song that asks the question, "Would Jesus wear a Rolex on His television show?" I think the answer to that is a definite no. I am not saying that everyone doing God's work should take a vow of poverty but I am saying that they should be good stewards of what they have and they should make sure that God is their focus and that glorifying Him is their main ministry.
Sometimes if we are to really do the work of God we must do it without bringing any attention to our self. Another great lesson I learned early in my ministry is that it is not about me. I had better not try to make it about me and I had better make it all about God.
Fear not. God has great things for you to do and He wants you to do them for His Glory!
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, January 21, 2010
FEAR NOT 4
I Chronicles 28:20) And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
WE SHOULD KNOW THE PURPOSE OF OUR WORK
The purpose of the Temple was not so that God would have a house here on Earth. It's purpose was to reveal God to man. Each ritual, each sacrifice, each part of the temple was built to point people to the need of a Savior. That Savior was Jesus.
So many times we put major effort into activities, events, and programs without ever really asking ourselves if it serves the real purpose of the Church. We must have the right motive. If we do not have the right motive then our intentions are destined for failure.
Having the right motive does not always guarantee us the results that we seek. One of the earliest lessons I learned in my ministry was that It was my job to be obedient to God and do as I felt He was leading me. It was God's job to work on people's hearts and get the results.
Remember when you have the purpose of revealing God to the world that you are not responsible for how they react. Each person is himself responsible how he reacts to the Good News about Jesus Christ.
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 SHOULD KNOW THE PURPOSE OF OUR WORK
The purpose of the Temple was not so that God would have a house here on Earth. It's purpose was to reveal God to man. Each ritual, each sacrifice, each part of the temple was built to point people to the need of a Savior. That Savior was Jesus.
So many times we put major effort into activities, events, and programs without ever really asking ourselves if it serves the real purpose of the Church. We must have the right motive. If we do not have the right motive then our intentions are destined for failure.
Having the right motive does not always guarantee us the results that we seek. One of the earliest lessons I learned in my ministry was that It was my job to be obedient to God and do as I felt He was leading me. It was God's job to work on people's hearts and get the results.
Remember when you have the purpose of revealing God to the world that you are not responsible for how they react. Each person is himself responsible how he reacts to the Good News about Jesus Christ.
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, January 20, 2010
FEAR NOT 3
I Chronicles 28:20) And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
COURAGE COMES FROM TRUST
We all do things every day that require courage even though we might not realize it at the time. Courage comes from trust. You have the courage to get into a two ton automobile and drive down the highway at 55 mph or more because you trust the car to stay together, you trust the steering wheel to turn and you trust the brakes to stop you. You probably do it so often that you never even consider the dangers.
Many people are afraid of flying because they just can't trust the fact that something that big and that heavy should be able to fly. There are others, especially pilots, who love the experience and have no fear whatsoever of flying. It is all a matter of trust.
If we are serving the Lord then we should trust Him. If we put our trust in Him and not our own abilities then we will have the courage to accomplish anything He would have us to do.
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.
COURAGE COMES FROM TRUST
We all do things every day that require courage even though we might not realize it at the time. Courage comes from trust. You have the courage to get into a two ton automobile and drive down the highway at 55 mph or more because you trust the car to stay together, you trust the steering wheel to turn and you trust the brakes to stop you. You probably do it so often that you never even consider the dangers.
Many people are afraid of flying because they just can't trust the fact that something that big and that heavy should be able to fly. There are others, especially pilots, who love the experience and have no fear whatsoever of flying. It is all a matter of trust.
If we are serving the Lord then we should trust Him. If we put our trust in Him and not our own abilities then we will have the courage to accomplish anything He would have us to do.
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, January 19, 2010
FEAR NOT 2
I Chronicles 28:20) And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
YOU WILL FACE OPPOSITION
When you really set out to do something for God you can count on God's help and God's support but you can also count on some opposition. If we didn't have any opposition we wouldn't have fears about doing things.
Opposition can come from a lot of directions. The world certainly opposes any efforts of Christianity to combat sin. We expect opposition from without the walls of the church but sometimes it shocks us when we find opposition from within.
Be prepared to face opposition when you serve the Lord. It might even come from within your own family or from your closest friends. Just remember when you do face opposition, face it with a Christian attitude. We are supposed to love people even when they don't agree with what we are doing. If you are sure that God is with you in your work, you can be sure He will give you the grace to deal with opposition.
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.
YOU WILL FACE OPPOSITION
When you really set out to do something for God you can count on God's help and God's support but you can also count on some opposition. If we didn't have any opposition we wouldn't have fears about doing things.
Opposition can come from a lot of directions. The world certainly opposes any efforts of Christianity to combat sin. We expect opposition from without the walls of the church but sometimes it shocks us when we find opposition from within.
Be prepared to face opposition when you serve the Lord. It might even come from within your own family or from your closest friends. Just remember when you do face opposition, face it with a Christian attitude. We are supposed to love people even when they don't agree with what we are doing. If you are sure that God is with you in your work, you can be sure He will give you the grace to deal with opposition.
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, January 18, 2010
FEAR NOT 1
I Chronicles 28:20) And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
JUST DO IT
Everyone has seen the Nike shoe logo. Just do it. It seems that this didn't originate with Nike. This was the advice David gave to Solomon. I think it is very sound advice for anyone that God has called to a ministry. There are a lot of people with a lot of good intentions. They have plans, they select committees, they have meetings and they do everything besides "it".
If it is from God and it is for God, do it.
If it is the right thing to do, do it.
Even though you are scared, do it.
Even when others say you will fail, do it.
The people who get the job done are not the one's that say it can't be done. They are the ones that see that it must be done and do it.
I know you have probably seen the news reports of the devastation in Haiti this past week. Situations like that seem hopeless and sadly there are many who will die and many more with permanent injuries but there are many who will survive and many who will be okay because someone saw a need and decided to do something.
You can do something too. You can pray. You can care. You can give if you have the opportunity.
There are many things that need to be done. Not just the Earth shattering news events but in your own communities, churches and families. If you see something that needs to be done, just do 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.
JUST DO IT
Everyone has seen the Nike shoe logo. Just do it. It seems that this didn't originate with Nike. This was the advice David gave to Solomon. I think it is very sound advice for anyone that God has called to a ministry. There are a lot of people with a lot of good intentions. They have plans, they select committees, they have meetings and they do everything besides "it".
If it is from God and it is for God, do it.
If it is the right thing to do, do it.
Even though you are scared, do it.
Even when others say you will fail, do it.
The people who get the job done are not the one's that say it can't be done. They are the ones that see that it must be done and do it.
I know you have probably seen the news reports of the devastation in Haiti this past week. Situations like that seem hopeless and sadly there are many who will die and many more with permanent injuries but there are many who will survive and many who will be okay because someone saw a need and decided to do something.
You can do something too. You can pray. You can care. You can give if you have the opportunity.
There are many things that need to be done. Not just the Earth shattering news events but in your own communities, churches and families. If you see something that needs to be done, just do 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.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
DESTRUCTION FROM WITHIN
I read of an experiment in a science lab with a small glass
beaker. The beaker had a very small neck and was enlarged to about
seven inches just below the neck. The beaker would hold about a
quart. The demonstrator took the beaker and drove a nail into a
board. The glass was so well tempered that it did not break. He
then took a small steel ball about the size of a pea and dropped it
into the beaker through the opening in the neck. When it struck
bottom the beaker shattered from the tiny blow within.
The Church , when perfectly united and tempered together with
love can resist the heaviest blows from the outside. But just a
small force on the inside can destroy it.
copied
beaker. The beaker had a very small neck and was enlarged to about
seven inches just below the neck. The beaker would hold about a
quart. The demonstrator took the beaker and drove a nail into a
board. The glass was so well tempered that it did not break. He
then took a small steel ball about the size of a pea and dropped it
into the beaker through the opening in the neck. When it struck
bottom the beaker shattered from the tiny blow within.
The Church , when perfectly united and tempered together with
love can resist the heaviest blows from the outside. But just a
small force on the inside can destroy it.
copied
Saturday, January 16, 2010
BEING A CHRISTIAN WITHOUT GOING TO CHURCH
Being a Christian without going to church is like being:
A student who will not go to school. A soldier who will not join the
army. A citizen who does not pay taxes or vote. A salesman with no
customers. A seaman without a ship. A business man on a deserted
island. An author with no readers. A tuba player without the rest of
the band. A parent without a family. A football player without a
team. A politician who is a hermit. A scientist who does not share
his findings. A bee without a hive.
copied
A student who will not go to school. A soldier who will not join the
army. A citizen who does not pay taxes or vote. A salesman with no
customers. A seaman without a ship. A business man on a deserted
island. An author with no readers. A tuba player without the rest of
the band. A parent without a family. A football player without a
team. A politician who is a hermit. A scientist who does not share
his findings. A bee without a hive.
copied
Friday, January 15, 2010
What Will You Give? 5
I Chronicles 16:23-29 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. (24) Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. (25) For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. (26) For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. (27) Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. (28) Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. (29) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
GIVE GOD AN OFFERING
When we speak of offerings too often people think we are talking about money. While money is a means of giving an offering to God it is certainly not the only means.
We need to give ourselves to God first. We need to give Him our very best. We give ourselves by giving him first place in our lives, our hearts, our families, our jobs and especially in our church.
We it comes to church we should offer our attendance, our attention but even more our worship.
If we are not careful we sit, we soak it up, and we sour. We should be filled to overflowing and then let it spill over onto all those we come in contact with.
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.
GIVE GOD AN OFFERING
When we speak of offerings too often people think we are talking about money. While money is a means of giving an offering to God it is certainly not the only means.
We need to give ourselves to God first. We need to give Him our very best. We give ourselves by giving him first place in our lives, our hearts, our families, our jobs and especially in our church.
We it comes to church we should offer our attendance, our attention but even more our worship.
If we are not careful we sit, we soak it up, and we sour. We should be filled to overflowing and then let it spill over onto all those we come in contact with.
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, January 14, 2010
What Will You Give? 4
I Chronicles 16:23-29 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. (24) Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. (25) For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. (26) For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. (27) Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. (28) Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. (29) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
GIVE THE LORD THE GLORY DUE HIS NAME
You can give the Lord the glory due His name by your lifestyle. Try to conform it to the teachings in God's Word. Over the past years there has been a lot of debate over different translations of the Bible. One man said that he liked his mother's translation better than any of them. When asked what his mother's translation was he answered, "She read it faithfully and then translated into the way she lived so others could see it." I think that is a pretty good translation that surely gives the Lord the glory due His name.
We can give Him glory through our conversation. It is sad that whenever you hear the name of the Lord on TV it is usually either taken in vain or those who believe are being criticized for their faith.
We should talk freely about God but we should be reverent about it.
We can give the Lord our hearts in worship. Many people are not even sure exactly what worship is. The best definition I have ever heard was, worship is an overflowing adoration. That means our hearts are so full of love for God that it is spilling over so that it effects those around us. We don't have to wait until we meet together on Sunday morning to worship 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.
GIVE THE LORD THE GLORY DUE HIS NAME
You can give the Lord the glory due His name by your lifestyle. Try to conform it to the teachings in God's Word. Over the past years there has been a lot of debate over different translations of the Bible. One man said that he liked his mother's translation better than any of them. When asked what his mother's translation was he answered, "She read it faithfully and then translated into the way she lived so others could see it." I think that is a pretty good translation that surely gives the Lord the glory due His name.
We can give Him glory through our conversation. It is sad that whenever you hear the name of the Lord on TV it is usually either taken in vain or those who believe are being criticized for their faith.
We should talk freely about God but we should be reverent about it.
We can give the Lord our hearts in worship. Many people are not even sure exactly what worship is. The best definition I have ever heard was, worship is an overflowing adoration. That means our hearts are so full of love for God that it is spilling over so that it effects those around us. We don't have to wait until we meet together on Sunday morning to worship 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.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What Will You Give? 3
I Chronicles 16:23-29 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. (24) Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. (25) For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. (26) For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. (27) Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. (28) Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. (29) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
DECLARE HIS GLORY AMONG THE HEATHEN
The Bible refers to those who don't know Him as God as Heathen. We should be doing or very best to declare the living God to those who don't know Him. We can do that through praise and thanksgiving. We should praise God verbally in the world as well as in our church services. We need to declare Him and His glory wherever we are.
We can declare that glory by caring for others. The easiest way to get unbelievers to accept the gospel is by letting them know that you genuinely care about them and only wish the best for them. A witness is someone who has seen something firsthand. We need to show the world firsthand that Jesus makes a difference in our lives.
Try to make an effort to declare His glory as you go about your daily activities this week.
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.
DECLARE HIS GLORY AMONG THE HEATHEN
The Bible refers to those who don't know Him as God as Heathen. We should be doing or very best to declare the living God to those who don't know Him. We can do that through praise and thanksgiving. We should praise God verbally in the world as well as in our church services. We need to declare Him and His glory wherever we are.
We can declare that glory by caring for others. The easiest way to get unbelievers to accept the gospel is by letting them know that you genuinely care about them and only wish the best for them. A witness is someone who has seen something firsthand. We need to show the world firsthand that Jesus makes a difference in our lives.
Try to make an effort to declare His glory as you go about your daily activities this week.
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, January 12, 2010
What Will You Give? 2
I Chronicles 16:23-29 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. (24) Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. (25) For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. (26) For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. (27) Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. (28) Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. (29) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
WE NEED TO SHOW HIS SALVATION TO THE WORLD
WE NEED TO SHOW HIS SALVATION TO THE WORLD
We need to show His Salvation to the world. We can't just tell people about it. We must set an example that others can see in our lives. It is a wonderful salvation that we share. It is a salvation that changes lives. Can people see the difference Jesus makes in your life?
Our salvation is one that gives us security. We should be bold in serving the Lord knowing that we are secure in Him. The security we find in Jesus should also give us peace. "If God be for us who can be against us?"
Salvation through Jesus Christ is a salvation that makes a difference in our lives. We should show that difference to the world in the way we treat them, in the way we act ourselves, and in the way we react to the situations around us.
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, January 11, 2010
What Will You Give?
I Chronicles 16:23-29 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. (24) Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. (25) For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. (26) For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. (27) Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. (28) Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. (29) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
So many times we feel like if we show up at Church, sing a few hymns, give our tithes and listen to a sermon we have done all we need to do. There is so much more we should do if we are truly to enjoy the fullness of the blessings God has for us. One of the greatest lessons we need to learn is that God wants to give us his very best but we must prepare ourselves to receive it. We can't just go through the motions and dare God to bless us if He can.
During this week we will be discussing some things we should do so that we might truly enjoy the blessings God wants to give us. I hope you enjoy the 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.
So many times we feel like if we show up at Church, sing a few hymns, give our tithes and listen to a sermon we have done all we need to do. There is so much more we should do if we are truly to enjoy the fullness of the blessings God has for us. One of the greatest lessons we need to learn is that God wants to give us his very best but we must prepare ourselves to receive it. We can't just go through the motions and dare God to bless us if He can.
During this week we will be discussing some things we should do so that we might truly enjoy the blessings God wants to give us. I hope you enjoy the 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.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Convicted of Sin 7
Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
WE ARE CONVICTED BY GOD'S WORD BEING FAITHFULLY PREACHED
1Corinthians 1:18 For the PREACHING of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
As a preacher no one is more aware of how many people think that preaching is foolishness. Even many in Church enjoy most of the Church services more than they do the preaching service. If Christians can not sit and listen to a sermon longer than 30 minutes you certainly can't expect lost people to find any value in it.
It is through faithful and scriptural preaching of God's Word that many people are convicted.
Someone was telling me recently that they thought that the preacher must have been peeping through their window because his sermon was directed straight at them. God knows what people need. He works on the hearts of the listener and on the heart of the preacher, in the study as well as the pulpit.
Pay close attention to the preaching. God may use it to speak to your heart about something that is going on in your life.
Please feel free to contact me by email at a
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 ARE CONVICTED BY GOD'S WORD BEING FAITHFULLY PREACHED
1Corinthians 1:18 For the PREACHING of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
As a preacher no one is more aware of how many people think that preaching is foolishness. Even many in Church enjoy most of the Church services more than they do the preaching service. If Christians can not sit and listen to a sermon longer than 30 minutes you certainly can't expect lost people to find any value in it.
It is through faithful and scriptural preaching of God's Word that many people are convicted.
Someone was telling me recently that they thought that the preacher must have been peeping through their window because his sermon was directed straight at them. God knows what people need. He works on the hearts of the listener and on the heart of the preacher, in the study as well as the pulpit.
Pay close attention to the preaching. God may use it to speak to your heart about something that is going on in your life.
Please feel free to contact me by email at a
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, January 9, 2010
Convicted of Sin 6
Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
WE ARE CONVICTED BY THE LIVES OF OTHER CHRISTIANS
WE ARE CONVICTED BY THE LIVES OF OTHER CHRISTIANS
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove
We admonished by the Bible not to judge others but we are told here that we are not to accept sinful actions openly. Judging refers to their spiritual position. We have no way of knowing whether someone else is saved of lost except by their own testimony. We do however have the Bible to teach us what sin is. If someone is openly involved in sin we are to warn them of the dangers, and ... we are not to fellowship with them, especially in the sinful activities.
We would think nothing of warning someone of a bridge that is out, yet we hesitate to reprove them when they are headed for danger as a result of open sin in their life. Hidden sin is no less dangerous but if it is hidden we can not warn them of it.
Remember that when you reprove someone of sin you must do it with love and not a feeling of superiority. People respond much better if they know you really care.
Please feel free to contact me by email at a
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, January 8, 2010
Convicted of Sin 5
Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
WE ARE CONVICTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, He not only convicts us that what we are doing is sin but He convicts us of the seriousness of sin. It is much more than our conscience bothering us.
When the Holy Spirit convicts us we realize just how guilty we are and how hopeless the situation is for us. The Holy Spirit will always guide us to Jesus as the only hope for our sinful condition.
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 ARE CONVICTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, He not only convicts us that what we are doing is sin but He convicts us of the seriousness of sin. It is much more than our conscience bothering us.
When the Holy Spirit convicts us we realize just how guilty we are and how hopeless the situation is for us. The Holy Spirit will always guide us to Jesus as the only hope for our sinful condition.
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, January 7, 2010
Convicted of Sin 4
Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
WE ARE CONVICTED BY JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
WE ARE CONVICTED BY JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
John 3:19-20 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved DARKNESS rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved
Jesus is the Light of the World. His perfection sheds light on our sins. When we are not living as we should and we know we have sin in our life it causes us to shun church or other spiritual situations. We are convicted of our sins when we are in the prescence of the Light.
Did you ever notice that the nights are more filled with crime, violence and even accidents caused by sin. Evil loves darkness. When we let the Light of the World shine in our lives it drives the sin from us.
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, January 6, 2010
Convicted of Sin 3
Romans 2:14-15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: {15} Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;
I once read of an Indian who was asked how he would describe the conscience. He said it was like a triangle in the heart that would spin when you did wrong and would cut your heart with each turn.
I don't know about you but I have felt the cutting edge of that triangle in my heart many times.
The truth is that most of the time when we do wrong we know it is wrong without having to be told. There is something inside us that lets us know that what we did was wrong. If you never have that feeling then you have a serious spiritual problem. God has instilled in us that conscience to help us avoid the pitfalls of sin. It is for our own protection that God uses our conscience to convict us. It lets us know when we are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 once read of an Indian who was asked how he would describe the conscience. He said it was like a triangle in the heart that would spin when you did wrong and would cut your heart with each turn.
I don't know about you but I have felt the cutting edge of that triangle in my heart many times.
The truth is that most of the time when we do wrong we know it is wrong without having to be told. There is something inside us that lets us know that what we did was wrong. If you never have that feeling then you have a serious spiritual problem. God has instilled in us that conscience to help us avoid the pitfalls of sin. It is for our own protection that God uses our conscience to convict us. It lets us know when we are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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, January 5, 2010
Convicted of Sin 2
Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
GUILTY OF THE WHOLE LAW
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the WHOLE LAW, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
If you do much visiting on behalf of your church or witnessing to people you will inevitably run into someone who will begin comparing himself with others, especially to wayward church members. The point we must not miss is yes, he is right. He is as good as we are. The problem is he is also as bad as we are. When we begin to compare ourselves to others we always need to make that same comparison.
James made a point. If we have broken the law at any point we are guilty of breaking the whole law. The Bible says "...for all have sinned." According to James if all have sinned then we are all guilty of all sin. It was sin that Jesus died for on the cross. It was the awful sin debt that we all owe that he paid the price for.
We belong to Him only by grace through faith in what He did for us. We are guilty of all sin. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are pardoned from the punishment of all sin.
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.
GUILTY OF THE WHOLE LAW
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the WHOLE LAW, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
If you do much visiting on behalf of your church or witnessing to people you will inevitably run into someone who will begin comparing himself with others, especially to wayward church members. The point we must not miss is yes, he is right. He is as good as we are. The problem is he is also as bad as we are. When we begin to compare ourselves to others we always need to make that same comparison.
James made a point. If we have broken the law at any point we are guilty of breaking the whole law. The Bible says "...for all have sinned." According to James if all have sinned then we are all guilty of all sin. It was sin that Jesus died for on the cross. It was the awful sin debt that we all owe that he paid the price for.
We belong to Him only by grace through faith in what He did for us. We are guilty of all sin. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are pardoned from the punishment of all sin.
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, January 4, 2010
Convicted of Sin
Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
We know what the word convicted means in terms of the law. When there is enough evidence against a person accused of a crime to prove that he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt he is convicted. The same is true in a spiritual sense. It is amazing how many people commit sin but do not really believe they are guilty. Sin is kind of sneaky.
Sin
At first we fear them and shun them.
We then begin to ignore them.
Next we begin to tolerate them.
This is followed by accepting them.
It will not be long until we embrace them,
And eventually we will pursue them.
We must measure ourselves and our actions against the Bible, God's Word, to define sin, and to realize that we are guilty of it.
In the next few devotionals we will be discussing things that will convict us of our sins. 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.
We know what the word convicted means in terms of the law. When there is enough evidence against a person accused of a crime to prove that he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt he is convicted. The same is true in a spiritual sense. It is amazing how many people commit sin but do not really believe they are guilty. Sin is kind of sneaky.
Sin
At first we fear them and shun them.
We then begin to ignore them.
Next we begin to tolerate them.
This is followed by accepting them.
It will not be long until we embrace them,
And eventually we will pursue them.
We must measure ourselves and our actions against the Bible, God's Word, to define sin, and to realize that we are guilty of it.
In the next few devotionals we will be discussing things that will convict us of our sins. 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.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
PRAYER AND OUR NATION
Prayer in 1620 safely guided the Mayflower with the Pilgrims to a new world.
Prayer in 1623 saved the Pilgrim fathers from starvation.
Prayer in 1777 at Valley Forge saved the Continental Army and won the war for American Independence.
Prayer at Philadelphia saved the Constitutional Convention and gave birth to the American way of life.
Prayer in 1857 saved America from economic destruction.
Prayer in 1918 ended World War I and lack of prayer started World War II.
Prayer saved England at Dunkirk. Myriads of fliers and service men of all nations lost at sea were saved through prayer.
Copied
Note: Prayer is the only hope the United States of America has today. Let us each one pray fervently for God's guidance and blessings on this great nation.
Prayer in 1623 saved the Pilgrim fathers from starvation.
Prayer in 1777 at Valley Forge saved the Continental Army and won the war for American Independence.
Prayer at Philadelphia saved the Constitutional Convention and gave birth to the American way of life.
Prayer in 1857 saved America from economic destruction.
Prayer in 1918 ended World War I and lack of prayer started World War II.
Prayer saved England at Dunkirk. Myriads of fliers and service men of all nations lost at sea were saved through prayer.
Copied
Note: Prayer is the only hope the United States of America has today. Let us each one pray fervently for God's guidance and blessings on this great nation.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
With Us Through It All 5
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
GOD WILL BE THERE ETERNALLY
It brings us great sadness when we lose someone. Sometimes they move away. Sometimes they are taken from us by death. No matter theme it leaves us wish a sense of loss.
I have moved long distances in my ministry. I have moved away from family and I have left friends behind and it has always been hard to deal with. The one thing that gives me comfort is knowing that some day we will be reunited forever in Heaven and that no matter where I go Jesus will be with me forever.
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 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
GOD WILL BE THERE ETERNALLY
It brings us great sadness when we lose someone. Sometimes they move away. Sometimes they are taken from us by death. No matter theme it leaves us wish a sense of loss.
I have moved long distances in my ministry. I have moved away from family and I have left friends behind and it has always been hard to deal with. The one thing that gives me comfort is knowing that some day we will be reunited forever in Heaven and that no matter where I go Jesus will be with me forever.
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, January 1, 2010
With Us Through It All 5
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
GOD IS THERE WHEN WE NEED TO MAKE LIFE'S DECISIONS
1 Kings 19:12-13 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
Sometimes when we are trying to make important decisions in our life we seem to seek advice from every place except from the Lord. We ask friends, family and sometimes total strangers.
When we do seek guidance from the Lord we often look for the answer in some dramatic fashion. Sometimes it is best just to study His Word, pray and let Him speak to us in that still small voice. Most of the time when God wants to speak to my heart it is through His Word, and in that still small voice that comes when we are alone and I realize that He is there.
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 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
GOD IS THERE WHEN WE NEED TO MAKE LIFE'S DECISIONS
1 Kings 19:12-13 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
Sometimes when we are trying to make important decisions in our life we seem to seek advice from every place except from the Lord. We ask friends, family and sometimes total strangers.
When we do seek guidance from the Lord we often look for the answer in some dramatic fashion. Sometimes it is best just to study His Word, pray and let Him speak to us in that still small voice. Most of the time when God wants to speak to my heart it is through His Word, and in that still small voice that comes when we are alone and I realize that He is there.
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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