Sunday, February 28, 2010

CLANKING SPEACH

by Jeremy Burkes

I Corinthians 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

When we were kids we used to say "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me". That is not always true. Sometimes words can hurt worse than getting hit with sticks or stones.

Words can also be used to help someone. We as Christians need to realize that what we say can be the very thing that someone needs to hear or it could be the thing that could end a friendship forever. Before we give advice or say anything critical we should ask God to give us the right words to say, and ask Him to help us say it in the right way.

Be sure and ask God to give you wisdom in your words when you are dealing with friends and family. Whatever your words they should always be spoken in love.


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, February 27, 2010

THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL RUIN 6

Zepheniah 3:1-5 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! (2) She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. (3) Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. (4) Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. (5) The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

INTRODUCTION: Watch your local and National news each day. Read your state and local papers. It is no secret that our country is headed down the road to spiritual ruin if we believe the Bible and the above scriptures. The next few devotionals will try to point out the things which are obvious that we might be overlooking. Remember, God never changes. What He said to Israel will still apply to any nation that calls Him God.

CONCLUSION:

Here are some simple questions to help you determine if you are headed in a dangerous spiritual direction.

1. Are you turning your back on God by your disobedience?
2. Are you disregarding the Word of God and His commandments.
3. Are you trusting God to provide for you are are you depending on something or someone else.
4. Are you concerned about the spiritual condition of others as well as yourself?

Let the Spirit of God speak to you about your own spiritual needs.

Everyone needs to be saved.
Salvation should lead to Baptism by and membership in a scriptural church that believes the Bible.
Everyone needs to be active and in fellowship with other Christians.

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, February 26, 2010

THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL RUIN 5

Zepheniah 3:1-5 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! (2) She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. (3) Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. (4) Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. (5) The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

INTRODUCTION: Watch your local and National news each day. Read your state and local papers. It is no secret that our country is headed down the road to spiritual ruin if we believe the Bible and the above scriptures. The next few devotionals will try to point out the things which are obvious that we might be overlooking. Remember, God never changes. What He said to Israel will still apply to any nation that calls Him God.

Zepheniah 3:2 ...she drew not near to her God.

If the Lord speaks clearly to us, most of us would not dream of running from Him or closing our ears, yet we fail to make an effort to draw near to Him. James tells us that the first step in resisting the devil is to draw near to God. If ever there was a time that Christian people should be doing their best to draw near to God, now is the time.

We can draw nearer to God by studying His Word. We can boldly approach God's throne in prayer. It is easy for us to criticize the politicians and political leaders. Certainly they do enough stupid and ungodly things to deserve criticism. It is our duty to pray for them. We must approach God on their behalf and pray for God to grant them the wisdom they are so sorely lacking. Prayer on our own behalf and on behalf of those around us will help us to draw nearer to God.

We can draw nearer to God by having a closer relationship with others who also know and love Him. That is one of the reasons that church attendance (In a Church that preaches and teaches the Bible... all of it) is important. If you are in a Church that doesn't accept the Bible as God's final Word on a subject then you are definitely in the wrong place. You might think that you can make it better by being there but that is not true. If you add a cup of clear spring water to a barrel of muddy water it doesn't do any good. If you add a handful of mud to a barrel of clear spring water it can pollute the whole barrel. Sometimes to draw near to God we have to separate ourselves from those who refuse to draw near to Him.

Drawing near to God will keep you from heading down the path of spiritual ruin.




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, February 25, 2010

THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL RUIN 4


Zepheniah 3:1-5 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! (2) She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. (3) Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. (4) Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. (5) The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

INTRODUCTION: Watch your local and National news each day. Read your state and local papers. It is no secret that our country is headed down the road to spiritual ruin if we believe the Bible and the above scriptures. The next few devotionals will try to point out the things which are obvious that we might be overlooking. Remember, God never changes. What He said to Israel will still apply to any nation that calls Him God.

Zepheniah 3:2 she trusted not in the LORD; ...

Remember that unbelief and disobedience go hand in hand. If the leaders of our nation truly believed God and His word, things would truly be much different. If the people in our nation truly believed God and His word it would be doubtful if many of our leaders would ever get re-elected.

People trust in the wrong things. Many put their trust in the government. Governments have been failing since the beginning of time. Many put their trust in riches. Riches can not buy happiness and that is evident by the number of the superstars who wind up losing their lives and reputations to drugs and immorality.

Some people only trust in themselves but I have found that I can be my own worst enemy at times. Others will let us down as well.

We must learn to trust in God above all else. Our nation's motto is "In God We Trust." If we are going to survive we must live up to our own motto.


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, February 24, 2010

THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL RUIN 3

Zepheniah 3:1-5 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! (2) She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. (3) Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. (4) Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. (5) The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

INTRODUCTION: Watch your local and National news each day. Read your state and local papers. It is no secret that our country is headed down the road to spiritual ruin if we believe the Bible and the above scriptures. The next few devotionals will try to point out the things which are obvious that we might be overlooking. Remember, God never changes. What He said to Israel will still apply to any nation that calls Him God.

Zepheniah 3:2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; ...

When I was young I lived with my grandparents for about three years. My grandmother was probably one of the sweetest women in the world. I know she was the sweetest woman that I have ever known. There is a but in here though, but.. she expected us to do what we were told. If we did not we would surely receive some type of punishment. We were to be respectful to all adults and being respectful meant that we were to be obedient. It was simple. Do what you are told to do.

There were different punishments for different levels of misbehavior. If our actions were severe we were switched. Today some would call that abuse. I look back and call it getting what we deserved and it was a great reminder that for us to correct our behavior. If our indiscretions were not to bad we were made to stand in the corner. Most of you may not remember but back then we boys put oil on our hair to help it stay combed. You could look in the two corners where my brother and I used to stand and could measure our growth by the greasy mark from our hair where we spent so much time standing in the corner. I learned a lot of good lessons from those types of corrections. That is what discipline is for. It is to correct behavior.

I really can't understand why some people don't understand why they go through some of the things they have to go through. Could it be that they have not obeyed the voice of God and then when he has corrected them they have not received it and changed their behavior. Continuously refusing to correct our actions will surely lead to spiritual ruin.


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, February 23, 2010

THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL RUIN 2

Zepheniah 3:1-5 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! (2) She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. (3) Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. (4) Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. (5) The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

INTRODUCTION: Watch your local and National news each day. Read your state and local papers. It is no secret that our country is headed down the road to spiritual ruin if we believe the Bible and the above scriptures. The next few devotionals will try to point out the things which are obvious that we might be overlooking. Remember, God never changes. What He said to Israel will still apply to any nation that calls Him God.

Zepheniah 3:1 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

I can remember a time when the city of Las Vegas, Nevada was called sin city because of the types of vice and other activities that were legal there. It seems with the spread of legalized gambling and many of the things that go along with it we could just about call any large city and some of the smaller ones in America "Sin City". The state and city governments have become filthy and oppressive when they allow activities to flourish that are harmful to it's citizens. They do this for the tax money and they easily convince people that it is for their own good.

I can remember when you could not sell hard liquor in my home state. There was a vote to legalize it and the proponents of it said that the tax revenue would support education in our state forever. We of course know that it did not. Later it was Casino Gambling. The tax revenue was supposed to cure all the monetary ills that the state had, including education. We are in the midst of a financial crisis calling for massive budget cuts in our state at this time and it kind of frightens me what sin someone will come up with to promote to raise money. Education may be important but it isn't doing the people whose lives have been ruined by gambling and alcohol one bit of good. I have noticed that when these things become legal it seems that no matter how much harm they do, we never have a chance to make them against the law again.

If this nation is to return to prosperity, it must return to 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.

Monday, February 22, 2010

THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL RUIN 1

Zepheniah 3:1-5 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! (2) She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. (3) Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. (4) Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. (5) The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

INTRODUCTION: Watch your local and National news each day. Read your state and local papers. It is no secret that our country is headed down the road to spiritual ruin if we believe the Bible and the above scriptures. The next few devotionals will try to point out the things which are obvious that we might be overlooking. Remember, God never changes. What He said to Israel will still apply to any nation that calls Him God.

We truly above all nations are peculiar. Our nation was founded and built upon the principals that men should be free to worship God and should be free from oppression. We have a political process (though somewhat tainted) that allows us to elect our own leaders. That makes us as responsible for the mess we are in as the people we have elected. If you fail to go to the polls you are in a sense saying, "I don't care." If you vote for an ungodly candidate with ungodly values you are in a sense saying, "I reject God from directing my life."

I constantly hear people criticizing the "religious right". They try to confuse the general public by lumping God-fearing Christian people into the same boat as religious zealots and nuts. If Satan can not get by with telling an outright lie, he will twist the truth and tarnish it. He will make many areas look so gray that people have a hard time making the right decisions.

People seem to elect the politicians that promise them the most. The bold truth is that the government has nothing of it's own. Anything it gives to one person has to be taken from someone else and many have given them the power to take what they want and give it to whoever they want. Often they do this without any regard to what God's Word says about the situation.

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, February 21, 2010

AN ATHEIST SUES CHRISTIANS OVER PRAYER

There was a small town that had two churches and one distillery.
Members of both churches complained that the distillery gave the
community a bad image. To make matters worse, the owner of the
distillery was an atheist.
They had tried for years to shut down the place but had always
been unsuccessful. Finally, they decided to hold a joint Saturday
night prayer meeting and ask God to intervene and settle the matter
once and for all.
Saturday night came, the church folks all gathered together, and
all through the prayer meeting a terrible electrical storm raged.
To the delight of the church members lightening struck the
distillery and it burned to the ground.
The next morning the sermon in both churches were on the power of
prayer. Fire insurance adjusters promptly notified the distillery
owner that they would not pay for his damages. The fire was caused
by an act of God, they said, and coverage for "acts of God," was
excluded from his policy.
the owner of the distillery was infuriated and decided to sue the
churches-claiming they had conspired with God to destroy his
building and business. The defendants absolutely denied that they
had anything to do with the cause of the fire.
The judge in charge of the case opened the trial with these words:
"I find one thing about this case that is confusing. We
have a situation here where the plaintiff, an atheist, is professing
his belief in the power of prayer, and the defendants, all faithful
church members, are denying that very same power."
Pulpit Helps

Copied

Saturday, February 20, 2010

MY LOVE AND A BABY'S LOVE

A Christian man was seriously ill. He became bothered because
he did not feel the love in his heart for God that he should have
and he spoke of this feeling to a Christian friend.
The friend gave him great comfort when he explained," When I go
home from here, I expect to take my little baby in my arms, look
into her eyes and play with her. As tired as I am, her presence
will rest me, because I love her more than anything. She is just a
baby and she really loves me little. If my heart were breaking it
would not disturb her. If I was in terrible pain she would think
nothing of it and would not even stop playing. If I were dead she
would soon forget me.
Besides this, she has never contributed one cent to our
household and is in fact herself a great expense. I am not rich but
there is not enough money in the world to buy her. Is it because
she loves me, or because I love her? Do I withhold my love from her
until she feels this same great love for me? Do I wait for her to
do something worthy of my love before I extend it?"
This illustration of the Love of God for his children caused the
tears to roll down the sick man's cheeks as he exclaimed,"Oh I see,
it is not my love for God but his love for me that I should think
of. And I do love him now more than I have ever loved him before."

COPIED

Friday, February 19, 2010

HOLDING THE ROPE 5

2 Corinthians 11:32-33 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: (33)And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Introduction: We do not know which disciples were responsible for saving the life of Paul, however; God used them in a great way to help Paul continue his ministry. Sometimes people may never know what or who is helping them to carry on God's work. This incident was so important in Paul's life that he referred to it in recounting the perils he suffered.

SOME EXAMPLES OF HOLDING THE ROPE
(To get the full benefit of this devotional you should also read the previous 4 devotionals)

Be a prayer warrior. Pray for your pastor, pray for your church and for everyone who is serving there. Pray for missionaries and for lost souls. Pray for those with physical and spiritual needs. They may never know that you were praying for them but God does.

Give of your time, talents and money. It takes all of these things to carry on the ministry of the church. It doesn't matter if anyone knows you are doing this or not. God knows what you do.

Be an encourager. You can encourage everyone by just being present. Give an encouraging word to those who are trying to do their part. People might not even remember it, but it will make a difference.

You can make a difference in many ways by being a rope holder.

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, February 18, 2010

HOLDING THE ROPE 4

2 Corinthians 11:32-33 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: (33)And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Introduction: We do not know which disciples were responsible for saving the life of Paul, however; God used them in a great way to help Paul continue his ministry. Sometimes people may never know what or who is helping them to carry on God's work. This incident was so important in Paul's life that he referred to it in recounting the perils he suffered.

EVEN TASKS THAT AREN'T RECOGNIZED ARE IMPORTANT

Sometimes we think those who are most visible in doing something are the most important. I remember a clip from a TV show where the Newsman said something derogative about the man running the teleprompter. Suddenly he couldn't keep up as he tried to read the next news item because the teleprompter was moving too fast.

We seldom ever think of the people working behind the scenes on TV, in Sports, and especially in our Churches. I visited with my son in church a while back and I was amazed at the size of the services. They have several services each Sunday with over a thousand people in each service. We see the singers, the musicians, and the pastor and maybe someone else making announcements but I am sure there are many others that make the service possible. They have to have someone to film for the video ministry, there is someone to control the sound, and so many other things that we don't even notice going on.

You may be thinking, "Our church isn't that big." Well, maybe it could be if more people were willing to work behind the scenes without getting any recognition. Are you holding the rope?

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, February 17, 2010

HOLDING THE ROPE 3

2 Corinthians 11:32-33 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: (33)And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Introduction: We do not know which disciples were responsible for saving the life of Paul, however; God used them in a great way to help Paul continue his ministry. Sometimes people may never know what or who is helping them to carry on God's work. This incident was so important in Paul's life that he referred to it in recounting the perils he suffered.

EVERYONE CAN'T BE IN THE BASKET

Too often we want to be the one who gets all the benefits of who is in the limelight. We are much like the little boy who told his brother that they would share equally the new sled they had. He would ride it down the hill and his little brother could pull it back up.

While the pastor and leaders of the church get much of the credit and almost all the blame for how things are going we have to remember that every one of us can make a difference. If you want your church to be a friendly church then you can help to make it that way by being friendly with everyone. You can't do someone else's praying but you can probably do more than what you have been doing.

You may feel that you are never given credit for what you do and it might discourage you. Remember that the only recognition that matters is what God knows you are doing. While I don't have any idea who was holding the rope when Paul was lowered out that window, I have no doubt that God remembers it well.

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, February 16, 2010

HOLDING THE ROPE 2

2 Corinthians 11:32-33 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: (33)And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Introduction: We do not know which disciples were responsible for saving the life of Paul, however; God used them in a great way to help Paul continue his ministry. Sometimes people may never know what or who is helping them to carry on God's work. This incident was so important in Paul's life that he referred to it in recounting the perils he suffered.

This was a very turbulent time in Paul's ministry. The disciples were afraid of him and very suspicious of his motives. The Pharisees and Jewish leaders felt that he had betrayed them. The political leaders didn't like him stirring up things and many of the general population wanted to kill him. Paul wasn't exactly going through the best of times.

When we think of Paul we think of his great teachings and great missionary work. Sometimes we fail to remember that Paul was almost always being persecuted by someone. We also need to realize that through Paul's great ministry there were many people behind the scenes who were barely mentioned or were not mentioned at all. Paul might be the name of the man we remember the most but the actions of those not mentioned were important also.

Sometimes we fail to appreciate the people who work behind the scenes and are never in the spotlight. Without them there are a lot of things that never would get done. Who unlocks the doors to your place of worship? Who sets the thermostat? Who turns out the lights? Who makes sure that you have a Sunday School book on Sunday mornings? Sometimes we have custodians and paid personnel to do many of these things or sadly many times it is all left up to the pastor but sometimes there is just someone who does it because it needs to be done and no one ever knows who it is. These are the rope holders. They are the ones that just do things without needing to be recognized for 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.


Monday, February 15, 2010

HOLDING THE ROPE 1

2 Corinthians 11:32-33 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: (33)And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Introduction: We do not know which disciples were responsible for saving the life of Paul, however; God used them in a great way to help Paul continue his ministry. Sometimes people may never know what or who is helping them to carry on God's work. This incident was so important in Paul's life that he referred to it in recounting the perils he suffered.

The point is that there was someone holding the rope that lowered Paul out the window in a basket so that he was able to make his escape... and carry on the ministry that was before him.

This was very early in Paul's ministry. People were still a little afraid of him and were a little wary of his past when he had been persecuting the church. Those facts make it even more fascinating that there were those who were willing to help him.

We can't all do great things like the Apostle Paul, or some great evangelist or foreign missionary but we can all hold the rope in certain circumstances. I want to give a few examples of this in the next few 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, February 14, 2010

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

THIS IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF LOVE EVER GIVEN TO MANKIND.

HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Saturday, February 13, 2010

WARNING MISUNDERSTOOD

A pilot guiding a steamer down the Cumberland saw a light,
apparently from a small craft, in the middle of the narrow channel.
His impulse was to disregard the signal and run down the boat. As
he came near, a voice shouted, "Keep off, Keep off!" In great
anger he cursed what he supposed to be a boatman in his way. On
arriving at the next landing he learned that a huge rock had fallen
from the mountain into the bed of the stream, and that a signal was
placed there to warn the coming boats of the unknown danger. Alas!
Many regard God's warnings in the same way, and are angry with any
who tell them of the rocks in their course. They will understand
better at the end.

COPIED

Friday, February 12, 2010

GETTING THINGS IN FOCUS 4

Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

INTRODUCTION: Many times in our spiritual walk we do not understand some things because we are not properly focused. The next few devotionals will discuss some things we should be focused on.

FOCUS ON SPIRITUAL MATTERS AND NOT EARTHLY ONES

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

One of the richest men in the world died and someone wondered out loud, "I wonder how much he left behind." The answer is simple. He left the same amount behind that we are all going to leave behind when it comes to worldly possessions, he left it all.

We hear news reports daily of those who have cheated and stolen millions and then are caught. I wonder if they think about how they could have been much happier with much less if they had gained it honestly.

One day all our earthly possessions are going to be burned up. The only things left are the treasures in Heaven and they consist of the rewards we have earned by doing things which are motivated out of love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

How sad it will be for the one who only focused on this world but never asked Jesus to save his soul. That person will surely lose it all because he is focused on the wrong things.


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, February 11, 2010

GETTING THINGS IN FOCUS 3

Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

INTRODUCTION: Many times in our spiritual walk we do not understand some things because we are not properly focused. The next few devotionals will discuss some things we should be focused on.

FOCUS ON THE WONDER WORKING POWER OF GOD

Daniel 3:17-18 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. (18) But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Nebuchadnezzar had ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to worship a golden image he had set up and the above verses was their answer. They were not focused on the heat of the fiery furnace. They were not focused on the wrath of the king. They were focused on the wonder working power of an Almighty God.

As a young preacher I was once told that I had better learn to please certain people if I was going to get along in the church I pastored. I told him it was my goal to please God and that is what I would do first. He laughed and said that I wouldn't last very long with that attitude. I was there long after the people he mentioned had left. The lesson that I learned was that God was really the only one I had to please.

God is still in the miracle working business. His power has not diminished one bit since he delivered these three men from the fiery furnace. He can still part the sea, calm the storm. and give victory as He did throughout the Bible. Focus on Him and His wonder working power.

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, February 10, 2010

GETTING THINGS IN FOCUS 2

Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

INTRODUCTION: Many times in our spiritual walk we do not understand some things because we are not properly focused. The next few devotionals will discuss some things we should be focused on.

FOCUS ON GOD'S PLAN AND NOT THE WORLD AROUND US

Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the HEATHEN RAGE, and the people imagine vain things?

It is easy to focus on the raging heathen. They are loud, they are powerful, they are obnoxious and they are wrong. Sometimes we let them bully us into giving them their way when we know very well that it is contrary to the will of God. They attack us, call us closed minded, and accuse us of intolerance. If we aren't careful we will find ourselves giving in to them.

While we are in subjection to government because it is ordained of God we still have a higher power to answer too. Daniel and Joseph both were captives in heathen lands but they were still faithful to God and His teachings. We should follow their examples. We live in a democratic nation where we have the privilege of electing our own rulers. If we continue to elect people to represent us that have no fear of God then I believe that we are all in trouble.

We are not to be distracted by the circumstances around us. If our focus is on God and not on the world it will certainly help us to see things in the proper perspective.

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, February 9, 2010

GETTING THINGS IN FOCUS

Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

INTRODUCTION: Many times in our spiritual walk we do not understand some things because we are not properly focused. The next few devotionals will discuss some things we should be focused on.

FOCUS ON OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Jesus was stressing the importance of pleasing our Heavenly Father. Even He did not seek his own will but sought the will of His Father. There is a great lesson for us to learn there.

We can be so focused on our own agenda and what we want that we completely forget to seek God's leadership and His counsel in our every day lives. We are aware that God is interested in the big things in our life but we also must understand that He is involved in our every day decisions.

When we fail to focus on Him then our whole life can get out of balance. We should take time each day as we start the day to focus on God, ask his guidance and do our best to conform to His will during the course of the day. When we do this things will become much clearer and more in focus for 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, February 8, 2010

SATAN KNOWS OUR WEAKNESS 3

By Jeremy Burkes

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

THE PRIDE OF LIFE

People in our time seem to want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and their own little world. Kids want to be popular with everyone. People try to impress their co-workers. No one wants to be left out for any reason. Everyone wants to be somebody special.

It is only when we realize how small we are and how big God is that we can be used by God. If we are not careful we can become involved in things we have no business being associated with.

Satan will try to tell us, as he did Adam and Eve, that we can make our own decisions better than God can. That is Satan's lie. God only wants what is best for us. God wants us to have an abundant life and not just go through the motions. He wants us to live the life He has given us to the fullest. We can do that by loving Him, honoring Him, trusting Him, and being obedient to Him.

Give God control of your life and you will certainly find fulfillment.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

SATAN KNOWS OUR WEAKNESS 2

By Jeremy Burkes

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Satan uses many tactics to get us to sin. I think he really likes the bright and shiny method. The bright and shiny method is that Satan shows you something that you think you just have to have. He puts it before your face and tries to make it irresistible to you. Satan can not force us to sin so he presents us with something that will entice us.

He first shows us something and makes us want to do it. He then convinces us that there is no harm in it. He is persistent. If you resist he will keep trying until you give in or he is absolutely sure that you will not give in. (That is your decision.)

God gave us Jesus to take the punishment for our sins. He paid the price for them on the Cross. Through Him we can have forgiveness for our sins. Satan keeps reminding us of our past sins to try and make us feel insecure. When we go to the Throne of God we can take our sins there and leave them and resist Satan's bright shiny lie.

Like the song says, "Take your burdens to the Lord and Leave them there." Leave your sins with God when you pray.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

SATAN KNOWS OUR WEAKNESS

By Jeremy Burkes

1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Many people might think of lust of the flesh just as referring to sexual sins but it can be so much more. There are commercials on TV for weight loss, being healthy, and all manner of self improvement that says for just two easy payments you can be a better person.

Society has a pill for just about everything and people are looking for a quick fix to the problems in their lives.

The devil knows what our biggest weaknesses are and he will pound on them like a hammer on a nail. When we invite Jesus into our hearts to be our Savior the Holy Spirit moves in. The Holy Spirit is there to fight off the devil when he comes to tempt us.

If you let God fill the inside of your life, He will take care of the outside as well.

Friday, February 5, 2010

TURNING BACK TO GOD 5

2 Chronicles 29
INTRODUCTION: During the reign of Hezekiah there was a Revival in Israel. It was brought on by the leadership of King Hezekiah. He had a desire to return to the glory of the former Israel as it had been under David, and under Solomon. He knew that returning to God was the
answer.

THE LORD HAS CHOSEN US EVEN AS HE CHOSE HEZEKIAH
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an
holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of
him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We are to stand before Him and minister as his royal
priesthood. We are to serve him as his loyal and Royal subjects. We
are to minister to Him and for Him. We minister to Him by ministering
to others.

We are to worship Him and do our best to lead others into a
worshipful relationship with Him.

If we are to have a real revival in America we should seek
the salvation of our friends and family. We should try our best to
conform to the image of Christ. We should strive to serve Him and be
obedient. We must be submissive to Him and His will.

If you really would like to see a real revival in our nation then
you should be praying that it will start in your own heart.


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, February 4, 2010

TURNING BACK TO GOD 4

2 Chronicles 29

INTRODUCTION: During the reign of Hezekiah there was a Revival in Israel. It was brought on by the leadership of King Hezekiah. He had a desire to return to the glory of the former Israel as it had been under David, and under Solomon. He knew that returning to God was the answer.

HEZEKIAH ACKNOWLEDGED THEIR SINS AND PROBLEMS

2 Chronicles 29:6-7 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs. (7) Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel.

I personally believe that the first step toward getting things right with God is confession. We must acknowledge that some things in our life are sinful. We can try to sugarcoat them and clean them up all we want to but the fact is that in the sight of God sin is still sin. Once we confess our sins then we need to repent. We need to turn away from these things and turn to the things of God. God always wants what is really best for us.

They had shut up the porch. That was a place of greeting and fellowship and we need to make sure that we are filled with hospitality and fellowship with our fellow Christians. They had put out the lamps. I believe there are a lot of saved people who need to have their lamps rekindled so that the world can see their light shining in the darkness that surrounds us.

They had failed to burn incense. I believe that our praise and prayers are as incense to the Lord.

They had failed to offer offerings. The greatest sacrifice we can make to God is the living sacrifice which is our reasonable service.




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, February 3, 2010

TURNING BACK TO GOD 3

2 Chronicles 29

INTRODUCTION: During the reign of Hezekiah there was a Revival in Israel. It was brought on by the leadership of King Hezekiah. He had a desire to return to the glory of the former Israel as it had been under David, and under Solomon. He knew that returning to God was the answer.

HEZEKIAH AND THE PEOPLE DID SOME CLEANING UP

2 Chronicles 29:5 And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.

He asked the people to clean up themselves first. He asked them to set themselves apart from the world and dedicate themselves to the work of the Lord. If we are to have revival it will start in the hearts of individuals. It will take getting some things out of our lives that are not pleasing to the Lord. It will mean making some drastic changes that might cost us some of our comforts.

We can not expect to get the filthiness out of our places of worship and out of our nations unless we put the bad things out of our own lives. After all, once we become saved we are Holy vessels and we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.


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, February 2, 2010

TURNING BACK TO GOD 2

2 Chronicles 29

INTRODUCTION: During the reign of Hezekiah there was a Revival in Israel. It was brought on by the leadership of King Hezekiah. He had a desire to return to the glory of the former Israel as it had been under David, and under Solomon. He knew that returning to God was the answer.

HE OPENED THE DOORS OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

2 Chronicles 29:3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them.

Hezekiah made public worship a priority. In my years as a pastor I have heard "you can worship anywhere and it doesn't have to be in a church" more times and than I care to remember. While the statement is certainly true, we can worship anywhere, I still feel that it is important to gather with other Christians, share our faith, study God's word, and Worship Him.

If we are to have a great Revival in our Nation our spiritual leaders need to be at the forefront of it. Hezekiah realized this.

2 Chronicles 29:4 And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,

Pray for the spiritual leaders you know in your church and in your denomination. Pray for your pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers and others in positions of spiritual leadership that they might be consumed with a desire to be revived and to walk closer with God. There is power in prayer. It is easy to criticize people who are spiritual leaders but it doesn't help a thing. Pray for our leaders in government that God will touch their hearts too. It doesn't matter what party they belong to, their hearts can still be touched by 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.

Monday, February 1, 2010

TURNING BACK TO GOD 1

2 Chronicles 29

INTRODUCTION: During the reign of Hezekiah there was a Revival in Israel. It was brought on by the leadership of King Hezekiah. He had a desire to return to the glory of the former Israel as it had been under David, and under Solomon. He knew that returning to God was the answer.

HE DID THAT WHICH WAS RIGHT

2 Chronicles 29:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.

He knew what was right. It amazes me how many people act like they really don't know what is right. I believe that many people will publicly support things because they are popular with certain groups when in reality they know that they are not right.

Hezekiah knew what was right, and he knew what needed to be done. He didn't just think about it, pray about it, and talk about it. He made up his mind that if it was right that was what he was going to do.
He put his faith into action.

If everyone in Christian churches throughout our Nation would just make up their mind to do the right things in the sight of God then we would see the start of a nationwide revival like we have never witnessed before.

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.