FOLLOWING JESUS 5

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

THE CALL STILL COMES LOUDLY FROM CHRIST FOLLOW ME:
WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS INTO THE FIELD OF SERVICE
Jesus looked on the multitudes and had compassion. If ever compassion was needed by the multitudes it is today. It is easy for us to shudder and shrug off those we see who are lost but that is not following Jesus.
Jesus saw the need and came from Glory to fill it by giving His life for us. We should also see the need and be willing to give of ourselves to witness to those who are lost.
We know it is not God's will that any should perish so it is truly sad when someone does perish without knowing Christ as His Savior. It is even sadder when we have the opportunity to point them to Christ and we fail to do so.
We are to labor in the fields. That means that witnessing and soul winning are not meant to be easy. It is work and we must be willing to put forth the effort it takes to spread the gospel to those who are lost. Let's follow Jesus into the field of 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.

FOLLOWING JESUS 4

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

THE CALL STILL COMES LOUDLY FROM CHRIST FOLLOW ME:
WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS TO THE MOUNTAIN OF PRAYER

Jesus taught the disciples to pray. Jesus Himself prayed for the disciples, He prayed for the world and He prayed for all those who would follow Him. That includes you and me. He prayed in the Garden and He prayed especially that His Father's will be done. We too should be praying for our Heavenly Father's will to be done in our lives.

When we follow Jesus to the mountain of prayer we find strength. The strength to face temptation, trials, and even persecution. Even though God knows our every thought and intent He wants us to communicate with Him and we do this through prayer.

We find comfort through prayer. When we pray during times of distress or duress if we pray sincerely seeking God we will know and feel His comforting presence.

When we pray we also find assurance. I am so often amazed when God plainly answers a prayer and yet I should not be. I should not be amazed but I should find assurance that God does care what is going on in my life and He does answer my prayers.

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.

FOLLOWING JESUS 3

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

THE CALL STILL COMES LOUDLY FROM CHRIST FOLLOW ME:
WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS TO THE WILDERNESS OF TEMPTATION.
Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the WILDERNESS to be tempted of the devil.

Jesus did not live a perfect life because He was never tempted. He lived His perfect life in spite of facing every temptation known to man. When you go through a difficult time in your life just remember that Jesus can identify with you.
We too must face temptation in life. That does not mean that we are to seek situations where we will be tempted. We don't have to, they will find us easily enough. It is however in temptation that we are tested and proved. It would be easy if we never faced temptation to live a Christian life. If it were easy we might wind up taking God's blessings for granted.
We are proved and approved for service through the temptations and trials and tests that we go through. Just remember when you are going through a difficult time that God might be preparing you for some greater service.
We truly experience the grace of God when we fight temptation and avoid sin. It strengthens us and draws us ever closer to Him.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.


If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

FOLLOWING JESUS 2

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

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

It was on the cross that Jesus paid our sin debt and paid the price for our sins with His perfection. We must follow Him there and accept what He did for us and lay aside our sins and accept His righteousness in exchange for it. Many people are trying to find a way that they can become acceptable to God. They may chose rituals, they may chose works, they may feel that they are already acceptable but the Bible teaches us that the way into God's favor is by way of the Cross.

It is at the cross that we find forgiveness of our sins. It is at the cross we find peace of mind because it is there that Jesus seals our destiny.

It is at the cross that we find a new beginning. A place to start over in a direction with God instead of away from Him. Have you followed Jesus to the cross. If you want more information on how you can have a new beginning please contact me or leave me a comment.

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.

FOLLOWING JESUS 1

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

THE CALL STILL COMES LOUDLY FROM CHRIST FOLLOW ME:
Introduction: Sometimes as I am doing devotionals I can't remember if I have used a certain text or written on a certain subject and then I think, "So what if I have." The best way to learn something or to remember it is by spaced repetition. That means going over it and then going over it again and maybe again. If I repeat myself too often just remember that I do a devotional almost everyday and sometimes I am bound to repeat myself. Jesus taught more than once on the same subject and I hope I am following Him as I try to address the subjects that I believe will help us have a closer walk with Him.

We are all called to follow Jesus and there are some specific places that we should follow him too. We get into trouble when we follow the crowd, follow the world or even follow our own instincts because we all have a sin nature. The only way to be truly victorious in our lives is if
we follow Jesus. Sometimes we have to follow Jesus through some hard experiences and the next few devotionals will deal with some of them. I hope you receive a blessing from these devotionals.

Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.


If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read
these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

FREEDOM 3

Galatians 5:13-15 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

FREEDOM TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD

When we are saved the Holy Spirit comes in and dwells within us. Many times we are not completely filled with the Spirit of God because we are too filled with worldly cares and worldly things.

A asked the preacher why some people seemed to walk in the spirit while others seemed to struggle and had a hard time walking with God. The preacher pointed out two dogs. One was well fed and seemed to be in great health. The other was almost starving and had not been cared for. He asked, "Which of those dogs do you think would win a fight."
"Why, the one who is well fed and healthy of course."
The preacher pointed out that there is a constant fight going on inside of each Christian. "There is a war between the flesh and the spirit. The outcome is similar to the dog fight. The one who is fed and cared for is going to win."
You have the freedom to fed and nourish your spirit by prayer and by studying God's word and also by sharing your faith with others. That will keep you strong. You are the one to decide if you are going to tend to spiritual things or to carnal things.

Use your freedom wisely.


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.

FREEDOM 2

Galatians 5:13-15 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

FREEDOM TO FULFILL THE LAW OF LOVE

We are free to love our families. We are free to love our friends. We are free to love our neighbors. We are even free to love our enemies. It doesn't matter what people think we should do. What matters is that God has freed us up from the bondage that comes from malice and hostility.

The very word malice comes from the same root word as malignant. What malice actually means is holding a grudge. Holding a grudge does to the spirit what cancer does to the body. It eats away at it and cause decay.

We are free to forgive and forget. We are free to help others and to love others in a special way. Sadly we sometimes don't exercise this freedom the way that we should. If there is something that you are holding on to that causes you pain and unhappiness just remember you are not obligated to hang on to it. You are free to let it go and love others.


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.

FREEDOM 1

Galatians 5:13-15 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

FREEDOM FOR BELIEVERS

True spiritual freedom is not the liberty do what you want to do. It is the freedom to do what you ought to do. We live in a nation that was built and founded upon those principles. If some people could do what they want to do it would be detrimental to the safety of others. When people do what they ought to do everyone benefits.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are liberated or made free. We are free from the penalty of sin. We are free from the punishment for sin which is an eternity in hell. We are free from the power of sin because we should no longer be in bondage to it. Some day we will be free from the presence of sin because we will be with Jesus in our glorified body.

We as Christians need to learn to enjoy the liberty that we have. I receive a blessing from the next two devotionals on freedom.


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.

PEACE 4

NOT PEACE WITH THE WORLD

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.


How many times have you heard the phrase, "You have to go along to get along"? That might seem true from the world's point of view but it certainly has not been the case of men who were willing to go against what was popular with the world because they knew it was not popular with God.

God wants us to be faithful to Him and His Word. No matter how popular something might be with the world we must make a choice to be on the Lord's side. We have read account after account through the Bible where one man and God made up the majority and won the victory.

Sometimes we are so caught up in trying to get along with the world that we forget that the world is headed for destruction. We must realize that God will give us ultimate victory and the ultimate peace. It is a wonderful peace that we have in knowing we are where God wants us to be and we are doing what God wants 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.

PEACE 3

THE PEACE OF GOD

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Phillipians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The peace of God is not the same as the peace the world speaks of. The world speaks of peace as an absence of hostility and war. We know that the absence of war does not really give us peace. There are many today who are in no danger from a foreign enemy who have absolutely no peace in their hearts. There are some who in reality face no physical danger at all but do not have peace.

Peace is not necessarily an absence of danger. When we trust God we can have peace even in the midst of a storm in our life. It is a peace that is of God and can come only from Him because we ultimately trust Him not only with our lives but with our souls.

Sometimes people ask me how I can always seem to be so positive. It is because I have read God's book, the Bible, and I know how it comes out in the end. Eternal life does not begin when you die. It begins when you are saved.

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.

PEACE 2

PEACE WITH GOD

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Ac 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

There certainly is a peace with God through knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We do not have to worry if our works are good enough or if our sins are too horrible. "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all righteousness."

I have a great sympathy for those who are not sure where they will spend eternity. Many times I have had people to ask me how I could possibly be so sure that I was going to Heaven. The answer is simple... FAITH. I have faith that the Bible is the Word of God. I have faith that God would not deceive us in His Word. I believe with all my heart that there is nothing in me worth saving but that God loves me anyway. I have faith that God is not willing that any should perish so He provided a way of salvation through His own Son Jesus.

True peace with God can only come by faith, and through the Lord 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.

PEACE 1

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The world seems to be forever in a turmoil and the prospects for world peace seem to be only a dream for a few who refuse to accept reality. If we study the Bible we know that there will never be a worldwide peace until Jesus comes back to set up His earthly kingdom.

This does not mean that we can not have a personal peace by knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and by realizing that God is ultimately in control of all things.

Our situation is unlike the saying I read, "If a man is at peace when all the world around him is in chaos it is probably because he does not understand the situation." We can be at peace because we know in our hearts that "All things work together for the good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose."

There is a popular bumper sticker that says, "No God, No Peace, Know God, Know Peace." I hope the following devotionals will help you to "know the peace that passeth understanding."

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.

Spiritual Alarm Clock

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

Some people can't stand the sound of the alarm clock in the mornings. It means they have to crawl out of their comfortable beds and face another day. Many will press the snooze alarm and keep dozing until the last minute when it is absolutely imperative that they get out of bed.

Physical sleep is needful to restore the body and give us renewed physical energy. If we sleep well it is even enjoyable, we are able to rest, relax and perhaps dream pleasant dreams. If we look forward to sleep as an escape from reality and the problems of the world we need to look at our life and ask ourselves if we are where God wants us to be and doing what God wants us to do.

Everyone doesn't dread the alarm clock. Some people look forward to the opportunity to get up and begin a new day. A new day is exciting and filled with opportunity for them. Some people don't even need an alarm clock, they just seem to get up and get started on their own(Usually these are the ones who are smart enough to go to bed at a decent hour).

We are all familiar with the need for physical sleep and the problems sleeping disorders cause us, but what about spiritual sleep. Sometimes we don't hear the alarms in our own life when we are asleep spiritually. We don't even realize that great spiritual strength is awaiting us if we will just wake up. We should be alarmed if we are not aware of the presence of God in our lives. If we are not seeking a closer relationship with the Lord then we are probably not as spiritually awake as we should be.

Is your prayer life faltering? Are you neglecting the Word of God? Do you often go long periods of time without thinking of spiritual things? Is your fellowship with other Christians not as strong and fulfilling as it once was? Are you lacking in your desire to reach others for Christ?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions maybe your spiritual alarm clock should be going off right now. Paul didn't say it is about time to awake. He said it is high time to awake! We can't sleep until the Lord comes back. There is much work to do and we should look forward to it, not with dread, but with great anticipation.

DELIVERED ME FROM FEARS

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

I can remember that as a young boy I used to fear going to sleep at night and dying in my sleep. The child's prayer that had the line "If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take" was a frightening choice of words to me. Because of sin somehow I realized that if God took my soul in my sleep that it would be so rotten that he would cast it away.

I never shared those fears with anyone. I didn't want anyone to know how worthless I really was. I was the only one in the world who really knew me and I think I even fooled myself sometimes.

When I finally realized that there was nothing I could do about it on my own I gave my worthless soul to Jesus and trusted Him to do what I could not. "He washed it white as snow."

At that time God delivered me from the terrible fear of what He would do with my soul. He cleaned it up and made it worthy of spending eternity of Him. That is something I could have never done myself. Only Jesus can do that.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR 5

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

MANY CHURCHES HAVE SHUT THE DOOR ON JESUS
Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy FIRST LOVE.

We can have many things going on in the church but if we are honest many churches have left their first love. If you ask most people what they love most about their church you would get a multitude of answers.

Some would say they love the fellowship of the people. There are those who would say they love their pastor. Some would say they really love the music ministry, Sunday school, potluck suppers, and even the church building. All of these things are great and there is nothing wrong with any of them but, our primary reason for loving our church should be that it is Christ centered.

The fellowship should be in Christ. Think of your basic conversations at church (outside of class or worship services) and ask yourself how may of those conversations are centered on Jesus. Does your pastor preach Jesus in each of his messages? Are you looking for a closer relationship with Jesus when he preaches or are you looking to be entertained? Are your music, fellowships, and classes Christ centered?

Jesus should be the First Love of every church member. He will then be the First Love of the church. It is sad but Jesus has been shut out of many churches today but I believe He is still knocking and will come in to all who invite Him.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

Please feel free to email, printout, place in your church bulletins, or use these devotionals in any way you feel that God would be honored. These all belong to Him. Please pass them along.
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KNOCKING ON THE DOOR 4

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

HAVE WE SHUT THE DOOR OF OUR HOMES TO JESUS

A little boy noticed a large book on the top shelf of the bookshelf and asked his mother, "What is that big book up there?"
His mother answered, "Why that is the Bible. It is God's book."
The little boy looked thoughtful and said, "Then shouldn't we give it back to God. We don't ever read it?"

This would be humorous if it wasn't so close to the truth in many homes. Look at the things we do allow into our homes. We have television, Internet, videos, books and magazines of all kinds.
While these things are not all bad (at least you shouldn't allow the bad stuff in at all) they take up much of our time.

Families should have a time together to pray and to discuss their relationship with God. We can not expect our children to have a great relationship with Jesus if we fail to make Him a major part of our home life.

Is Jesus knocking on the door to your home? He will only come in where He is welcome. He will not break your door down.


Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

Please feel free to email, printout, place in your church bulletins, or use these devotionals in any way you feel that God would be honored. These all belong to Him. Please pass them along.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR 3

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

JESUS IS LOCKED OUT OF OUR CLASS ROOMS

When I was in school we started our day off each day with prayer and Bible reading. The public schools were safe for everyone in those days. Today many parents send their children to private schools or home school them because the schools their children would have to go to are not even safe in elementary school.

Children can study any lifestyle in school (some very contrary to our Christian beliefs) except that of a Spirit filled Christian. Is it any wonder that discipline is a problem in the schools?

Children can learn about any culture they choose except the one that this Nation was built upon. Instead of learning what is expected of them they are taught what they are entitled too, with never any thought of who is required to provide it.

You can find religious studies of almost any religion but the teachings of Christianity are scorned, ridiculed and even banned.

Most of the early institutions of higher education in our country were founded to provide education and training for the ministry. Now even some of the so called religious institutions have turned their back on the Bible.

I believe Jesus is still knocking on the door of our schools. The question here is will we ever have the courage to demand that He be let in?


Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

Please feel free to email, printout, place in your church bulletins, or use these devotionals in any way you feel that God would be honored. These all belong to Him. Please pass them along.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR 2

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR OF THE NATION
Psalms 33:12 BLESSED IS THE NATION whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Our nation was founded on Christian, not just religious principles. Most of our founding fathers had a deep and abiding respect for God and His Word. It is amazing how the courts and the lawmakers have twisted the Constitution into making laws that it was initially written to protect against.any

People are up in arms over the very things this country was founded and built upon. It was these things that I believe helped our Nation grow into the most prosperous and powerful nation in the history of the world. People want to do away with the very things that have made our country great.

"In God We Trust," has always been the motto of our nation and I believe partly what made our nation what it is today, yet many people would have us do away with that motto.

We have been "One Nation Under God" since our very foundation yet people want to strike that from our pledge of allegiance to our flag.

Now judges get in trouble for displaying the Ten Commandments in their courtrooms. No Nativity scenes or Crosses are allowed on public property.

Jesus was once a central figure in the government of America but now he is being thrown out and the door is being barred behind him. Is it any wonder we are facing some of the greatest problems this nation has known in ages?

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

Please feel free to email, printout, place in your church bulletins, or use these devotionals in any way you feel that God would be honored. These all belong to Him. Please pass them along.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR 1

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Introduction:

Before I write the devotionals for the next week I look through notes and sermon outlines that I have used before. I ask God to direct me to the devotional thoughts that we most need. Today I ran across some things that made me think, and I hope you will too, about how we are shutting the doors on Jesus instead of opening them.

When we look around at all the terrible tragedies such as
wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, terrorism. and terrible accidents it is evident to me that we need Jesus closely with us more than ever before. I hope you get a blessing from these devotionals in this series.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.

If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

Please feel free to email, printout, place in your church bulletins, or use these devotionals in any way you feel that God would be honored. These all belong to Him. Please pass them along.

BE A PROMOTER

BE A PROMOTER

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may EDIFY another.


STRONG'S CONCORDANCE defines the word edify as the act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, holiness.

Someone once said that in society there are two types of people, the builders and the wreckers. That is also true in the Church and the Christian community. The wreckers are the ones who criticize, complain, and become barriers to those who are trying to accomplish something.
Wouldn't it be much better to be a builder. One critical or insulting remark can wreck a persons day, disrupt a meeting, break up a friendship, and alienate people. It is certainly true that everyone doesn't always do things the way we would like them too. Without a doubt most of us can stand a lot of improvement. It is hard to improve something by tearing it down.
If you are looking for ways to build up yourself and to grow in your Christian life why not start by building up someone else. Share a blessing with a friend. Compliment someone who is not expecting one from you. Let someone know how much you admire something about them. Encourage someone who is trying something new or difficult.
You will be surprised how much difference it will make in your own life. You will be more positive. You will gain strength from those you strengthen. You will feel better when you build someone else up. Let us edify one another.

LIFE IS SHORT

LIFE IS SHORT

Jas 4:13-14 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: (14) Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

I can remember when I was a child. I could not wait to be a teenager and get my driver's license. Then I could not wait to be 21 and be considered an adult. It seemed that the year between birthdays lasted forever.

I can also remember when I turned 39. It dawned on me that I was a middle aged man. Now when I go into a restaurant they ask if I get the senior citizen discount. Unlike when I was young it seems that I have a birthday about every month. I guess you go much faster when you are going downhill.

The one thing I have learned is that life is short. As James says it is like a vapor, here only briefly. Your life is not just made up of decades and years. It is made up of days and of moments.

Time is the stuff that life is made of and that is why it is important to use it wisely. Let us learn to savor the moments, the days, and get the most out of life. Let us dedicate every day to the Lord and allow Him to fill it with blessings. It is way too short to waste even a part of it.

(I woke up at 3:00 am on the day of this writing. I tossed and turned for thirty minutes trying to go back to sleep. I decided that it was a waste of time. I got up and began to work on my devotionals. I feel a whole lot better than I would have if I had just got up and sat there and pouted.)

PERILOUS TIMES 5

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?


WE CAN FACE PERILOUS TIMES BECAUSE WE HAVE NO REASON TO FEAR

Many of the trials that we face in these perilous times might be a refining process to get us to where we need to be to really serve God and to be a witness. As you go through a difficult time it is always wise to stop and ask yourself if God is trying to show you something.

Please don't misunderstand me. Bad things happen to good people all the time. I am not saying that if you are going through a trial that you are being punished. Actually if you are a Christian you are going to go through a lot of things because our enemy Satan is going to attack you and try to keep you from being a witness. What I am saying is that you need not go through these things with a defeated attitude.

God is on our side. We are promised victory through our belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. If God is on your side... You are victorious.

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.

PERILOUS TIMES 4

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:


WE CAN FACE PERILOUS TIMES BECAUSE GOD HAS WARNED US IN HIS WORD THAT THEY ARE COMING

We are warned in the Bible that we may have some fiery trials to face. They can come in many forms and we need to be very close to God sometimes to recognize what is happening. When we are close to God at such times we will look at those trials in a different way.

Sometimes we might have our Faith tested. One of the hardest things I ever had to do was to be willing to give up my ministry. The key word here is my. God convinced me that I had to be willing to give it up before I could be used by Him. He never let me get away from it but I had to be willing to give it to God before he would fully bless it. It was a test of faith.

Many times I have had to stand up for things that were not popular because it was the right thing to do. Sometimes these trials are a test of our courage and the more we stand, the greater our courage.

There are times when we will have a trial concerning our true convictions. How strongly do we really believe what we say we believe. Do not think it strange when you have trials. As a matter of fact you should think it odd if you do not.

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.

PERILOUS TIMES 3

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

WE CAN FACE PERILOUS TIMES BECAUSE GOD IS TAKING CARE OF US

Our God is a personal God who is interested in every one of us. He knows us by name, He knows what we are going through each day and each moment. God is aware even of the thoughts and intents in our hearts and minds. If we are not careful too often we look at God in an impersonal way as if He is watching the world as a whole but is not interested in us as individuals.

The Bible is filled with instances where God spoke to different individuals and He called them by name. When we are saved we become his children. Surely an almighty God knows each of His children on an intimate basis. When we are facing perilous times it will do us good to remember that not only is God aware of what we are going through but that He will give us the grace to face it if we just trust Him.

We are identified with Christ when we openly confess Him and we are bound together with a bond stronger than our earthly family. We are bound together by the blood of Jesus.

As we face perilous times, remember that nothing can separate us from the love of God

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, {39} Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



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.

PERILOUS TIMES 2

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

WE CAN FACE PERILOUS TIMES BECAUSE WE BELONG TO GOD

The word redeemed means that we have been bought back by God. Our sin sold us into bondage but Jesus paid the ultimate price on Calvary to pay our sin debt and purchase us back to God.

As our times become perilous we must at all times remember as Christians who we belong to. We are not to be slaves to the world or slaves to sin because we have been redeemed by Jesus to be a part of the family of God.

We truly should be a peculiar people. A people who do that which is right because it is right and not because it is popular. A people who realize that it is not all about us but about a just and Holy God who created us for fellowship with Him.

That should encourage us and motivate us to do the good works that this verse mentions. Some people are trying to work their way into God's favor which is impossible. We must accept His wonderful grace through Jesus Christ and then we work out of a heart filled with love and thanksgiving because we are saved, not by our own works but by His grace. That really does make us peculiar doesn't it.

In these perilous times we must remember who we belong to and we must become that peculiar person that puts God and His will first.

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.

PERILOUS TIMES 1

2 Timothy 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. {2} For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, {3} Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, {4} Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; {5} Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Introduction: One needs only to read the papers and watch the news to realize that we are living in perilous times. Neither I, nor anyone else knows for sure if we are in the last days but the social climate of our times surely matches the description in the above scripture. What we must do in perilous times is to persevere. We must do that which we ought to do even when others will not and even when it is very difficult to do.

The next few devotionals will be dealing with perseverance in perilous times. To persevere basically means to keep on going when it is hard to do. I hope you will receive both a blessing and encouragement from the devotionals 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.

ALIVE FOREVER

Mt 28:6 He is not here: for HE IS RISEN, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

As we celebrate this Easter I hope we will not forget what it is all about. It is a day to celebrate the victory Jesus has over death. He is alive and will be alive forever and He offers eternal life to all who believe.

Christianity is not just a religion. It is a way of life following the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Celebrate this Easter Sunday by joining in that Victory.

Happy Easter!

TO ACHIEVE VICTORY 7

1 Corinthians 15:50-54 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (51) Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

For the last several days the devotionals have been about why we fail to live the victorious life in Christ that He would have us to live. Knowing what you are doing wrong does not solve the problem. It just identifies it. You have to make some corrections. Sometimes you have to completely change the way you do things. Here are some tips for living the victorious life.

1. LEARN TO LISTEN TO GOD
He might speak to you in many different ways and in many different places but you can make a good start by going to church with the right attitude. Listen to the message and take notes. Ask yourself what you can take from the message that will help you in your spiritual walk?

2. TAKE GOD INTO CONSIDERATION IN ALL THINGS
Give Him the place He deserves in the center of your life. Serve Him with thanksgiving for all He has done and all He is doing in your life.

3. YIELD YOURSELF TO THE WILL OF GOD
It might not be popular and it certainly won't be easy but you must learn that God is on your side. The world system is your enemy.

4. DO NOT BE TOO QUICK TO JUDGE OTHERS
Try to help a fallen brother or sister restore their relationship with God. You might need them to help you do the same at some future time.

5. WATCH
Look forward to the coming of he Lord Jesus to receive us unto Him. You should remember that what God wants for you is infinitely better than anything the world has to offer. Don't fall asleep while you should be on guard duty.



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.

FAILING TO ACHIEVE VICTORY 6

WE FAIL BECAUSE WE FAIL TO WATCH

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed willing, but the flesh weak.

POMPEII'S SENTINEL
When Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius there were many persons buried in the ruins who were found in many different positions.
. The one that was found which is most impressive was the Roman Sentinel found standing at the city gate ,still in his position with his hands clasped to his weapon.
While the earth shook beneath him there, while the floods of ashes and the cinders and lava covered him he stood at his post; and there after a thousand years he was found.
Christians should stand by their duty and post and watch lest they fall into temptation.

We are too often panicked and then we are blindsided by circumstances that keep us from achieving our spiritual victories. We must watch, the destroyer is coming. We must watch, temptation does not announce it's arrival but sneaks up on us when we are least expecting it. We must watch because our enemy never sleeps and he never rests.

We also much watch because Jesus is coming again and we should be watching and waiting as if we were expecting Him to come today, because He just may 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.

FAILING TO ACHIEVE VICTORY 5

PEOPLE FAIL TO ACHIEVE VICTORY BECAUSE THEY ARE QUICK TO JUDGE OTHERS

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

It is easy for us to look at others and compare ourselves to them. We are much like the pharisee who thanked God that he was not like the publican. It gets even worse when we begin to quickly judge our Christian brothers and sisters.

Someone once said, "The Lord's army is the only one I have ever heard of who shoots it's own wounded." That may sound a little harsh but have you not witnessed it. A brother or sister in Christ stumbles and gets out of fellowship with God and instead of trying to help them we only criticize and talk about them.

We never really know what someone else is going through or what the circumstances are leading up to their situation. Instead of judging them we should be praying for them and encouraging them and most of all letting them know that we love them without reservation. Be very careful how you judge others. You never know when it will be you who is going through a similar situation.

We fail to have victory when we judge others too quickly and too harshly.

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.