Today is Memorial Day. Take the time to remember all the men who gave their lives that we might live in free in this great nation.
Also remember to Thank Jesus who gave His life so we could be free for eternity.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
IT IS GOD'S WORK 2
Nehemiah 6:15-16 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16)And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO TAKE RISKS
(Nehemiah 2:2-3) Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, {3} And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
Nehemiah took a great risk in allowing himself to look sad before the King. I personally believe that he was so upset and burdened over the condition of Jerusalem that he could not look cheerful if he had wanted to. He took a risk in telling the King what his problem was. Nehemiah
acted out of conviction rather than out of convenience.
SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO TAKE RISKS
(Nehemiah 2:2-3) Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, {3} And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
Nehemiah took a great risk in allowing himself to look sad before the King. I personally believe that he was so upset and burdened over the condition of Jerusalem that he could not look cheerful if he had wanted to. He took a risk in telling the King what his problem was. Nehemiah
acted out of conviction rather than out of convenience.
I can look back on my ministry at some times that I took some great risk (financially and otherwise), to do the work that I felt that God wanted me to do. I have never regretted it. If God convinces us that it is the right thing to do, there is no risk too great to take. Sometimes we want to play it safe. We are afraid of failure or we are afraid that God can't really care for us the way we want Him too.
God has all the resources to see us safely through anything. After all the worst this world can do is kill us. God has even taken the sting out of that. Serving God is worth the risk.
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, May 29, 2010
IT IS GOD'S WORK 2
Nehemiah 6:15-16 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16)And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
GOD'S WORK SHOULD BEGIN WITH PRAYER
Nehemiah 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven
Before Nehemiah started anything he prayed. He made sure that the work was of God. He prayed before he planned.
Many times when we decide to do something we form a committee, make plans, put the plans into action and then we finally decide to ask God to bless what we are doing. I believe in doing God's work that it is essential to do a lot of praying before beginning. Naturally there are some things that we automatically know we are to do. We are to love, we are to give, we are to help others, we are to witness in all situations.
Sometimes God's work is more involved than just doing the everyday things. When a man is called to preach he has some big decisions to make in his life. These decisions had better be made after much prayer. When a church starts a new program or a new ministry the praying should have started a long time before the actual planning.
If we are doing God's work, doesn't it make sense that we should consult Him on what He wants done and how He wants us to 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.
GOD'S WORK SHOULD BEGIN WITH PRAYER
Nehemiah 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven
Before Nehemiah started anything he prayed. He made sure that the work was of God. He prayed before he planned.
Many times when we decide to do something we form a committee, make plans, put the plans into action and then we finally decide to ask God to bless what we are doing. I believe in doing God's work that it is essential to do a lot of praying before beginning. Naturally there are some things that we automatically know we are to do. We are to love, we are to give, we are to help others, we are to witness in all situations.
Sometimes God's work is more involved than just doing the everyday things. When a man is called to preach he has some big decisions to make in his life. These decisions had better be made after much prayer. When a church starts a new program or a new ministry the praying should have started a long time before the actual planning.
If we are doing God's work, doesn't it make sense that we should consult Him on what He wants done and how He wants us to 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.
Friday, May 28, 2010
IT IS GOD'S WORK 1
Ne 6:15-16 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16)And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
In the last several devotionals I have written about disaster, I have written about rebuilding and about helping others rebuild. In all of this I hope that you have learned that even though we are involved as His agents and as His instruments, the work is God's work.
The work we do can not be our work, it has to be God's work for it to be lasting. A very popular evangelist once said that he was walking down the streets of a large city when a drunk man came recognized him and came up to him and said, "I know who you are. You saved me in a revival several years ago."
The evangelists replied, "Looks like I didn't do such a great job. Maybe you need to let God save you. He does better work than I do."
Sometimes we need to remember that God does so much better work that we do. It is just a blessing that He loves us enough to let us share in His work.
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.
In the last several devotionals I have written about disaster, I have written about rebuilding and about helping others rebuild. In all of this I hope that you have learned that even though we are involved as His agents and as His instruments, the work is God's work.
The work we do can not be our work, it has to be God's work for it to be lasting. A very popular evangelist once said that he was walking down the streets of a large city when a drunk man came recognized him and came up to him and said, "I know who you are. You saved me in a revival several years ago."
The evangelists replied, "Looks like I didn't do such a great job. Maybe you need to let God save you. He does better work than I do."
Sometimes we need to remember that God does so much better work that we do. It is just a blessing that He loves us enough to let us share in His work.
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, May 27, 2010
GOD CALMS OUR FEARS
God calms our fears
By Jeremy Burkes
Fear not;for I am with thee:be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee;yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteouness. ISAIAH 41:10
There are many kinds of fear and satan knows all of ours. I wrote in past devotionals how satan knows our weaknesses. Just like our weakness satan uses our fears against us. Some people are afraid of the dark. Some are afraid to be around crowds or talk in a big crowed. Most of us are afraid of failure. Satan uses this one more than others against us. He wispers in are ears, "if you were really saved, you would not sin". God tells us that He is there with us and He is willing to
forgive us no matter what. God sent Jesus to this earth to start His ministry and to show us the way To God. Jesus sent us the Holy Gost to live in us to help warn us of sin and to calm our fears.Whatever fear you have take it to God and let him have control of it.
By Jeremy Burkes
Fear not;for I am with thee:be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee;yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteouness. ISAIAH 41:10
There are many kinds of fear and satan knows all of ours. I wrote in past devotionals how satan knows our weaknesses. Just like our weakness satan uses our fears against us. Some people are afraid of the dark. Some are afraid to be around crowds or talk in a big crowed. Most of us are afraid of failure. Satan uses this one more than others against us. He wispers in are ears, "if you were really saved, you would not sin". God tells us that He is there with us and He is willing to
forgive us no matter what. God sent Jesus to this earth to start His ministry and to show us the way To God. Jesus sent us the Holy Gost to live in us to help warn us of sin and to calm our fears.Whatever fear you have take it to God and let him have control of it.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
GOD IN THE STORM
God is in the storm with us
By Jeremy Burkes
And when he was entered into a ship,his deciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, somuch that the ship was covered with the waves:but he was sleep.
By Jeremy Burkes
And when he was entered into a ship,his deciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, somuch that the ship was covered with the waves:but he was sleep.
Matthew 8:23-24.
We will all face storms throughout our lives. They come in all kind of ways. Just like a tornado and a thunderstorm
predicted by the weather man our storms have warning signs. Once we are saved God sends the Holy Spirit to live in
our hearts. When a storm front moves in the Holy Spirit goes to work defending us from it. It is up to us to let
Him do his job. A lot of times we are like the disciples here, we forget that God is going through the storm with us.
Whatever storm you are going through let God use the Holy Spirit to lead you through it.
We will all face storms throughout our lives. They come in all kind of ways. Just like a tornado and a thunderstorm
predicted by the weather man our storms have warning signs. Once we are saved God sends the Holy Spirit to live in
our hearts. When a storm front moves in the Holy Spirit goes to work defending us from it. It is up to us to let
Him do his job. A lot of times we are like the disciples here, we forget that God is going through the storm with us.
Whatever storm you are going through let God use the Holy Spirit to lead you through it.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
GOD GAVE US A GIFT
God gave us Jesus as a gift
By Jeremy Burkes
For God so loved the world, That he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believith in him should not perish but have everlasting life.For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world;but that the world through him might be saved.John 3:16-17.
After the events in the Garden of Eden sin entered the world. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sin. Jesus was not sent into this world to judge it. Jesus came to this world to do one thing. To offer a better way of life. Through out his ministry He had one goal. He repeated it over and over. He said I am come to do the will of my Father. He came to this world to save us from our sin. That is what the cross was all about. On the cross He paid for our sin. When we find ourselves lost in our sin we need to remember the one place where our sin was paid for. Sometimes we need to go back to the cross. Remember, Jesus was God's gift to us. The cross was Jesus' gift to us.
By Jeremy Burkes
For God so loved the world, That he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believith in him should not perish but have everlasting life.For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world;but that the world through him might be saved.John 3:16-17.
After the events in the Garden of Eden sin entered the world. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sin. Jesus was not sent into this world to judge it. Jesus came to this world to do one thing. To offer a better way of life. Through out his ministry He had one goal. He repeated it over and over. He said I am come to do the will of my Father. He came to this world to save us from our sin. That is what the cross was all about. On the cross He paid for our sin. When we find ourselves lost in our sin we need to remember the one place where our sin was paid for. Sometimes we need to go back to the cross. Remember, Jesus was God's gift to us. The cross was Jesus' gift to us.
Monday, May 24, 2010
WE MUST HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO HELP REBUILD
WE MUST HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO HELP REBUILD
Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
When we face opposition we must remain positive. We must believe in the work that we are doing.
We can not be selfish. It seems strange but people can be selfish even when they are helping others. One of the greatest lessons I have learned in my life is "It is not all about me."
We must know what our mission is and stay focused on it. When we are on God's side, He is on ours and the danger is to those who attack us.
Mostly we must have a mind to work. Ministering to others in time of need is never easy. We must sacrifice our time and our resources to help others. It ta takes a lot of effort and energy on our part. When you start something, be willing to stick it out and see it through. That is the way Nehemiah got the walls rebuilt. That is the way we can help others rebuild their lives.
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.
Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
When we face opposition we must remain positive. We must believe in the work that we are doing.
We can not be selfish. It seems strange but people can be selfish even when they are helping others. One of the greatest lessons I have learned in my life is "It is not all about me."
We must know what our mission is and stay focused on it. When we are on God's side, He is on ours and the danger is to those who attack us.
Mostly we must have a mind to work. Ministering to others in time of need is never easy. We must sacrifice our time and our resources to help others. It ta takes a lot of effort and energy on our part. When you start something, be willing to stick it out and see it through. That is the way Nehemiah got the walls rebuilt. That is the way we can help others rebuild their lives.
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, May 23, 2010
WE NEED TO COOPERATE WITH OTHERS TO REBUILD
WE NEED TO COOPERATE WITH OTHERS TO REBUILD
Nehemiah 2:17&18
"Then I said unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come , and (let us build up the wall of Jerusulalem) that we be no more a reproach.
vs. 18-Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the kings words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, (Let us rise up and build.) So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
As much as we would like to think we can sometimes, we can't do much by our self. Just like Nehemiah we need to enlist the help of others. There are many people who would love to get involved in helping others but they are not leaders and they just don't know what to do. If you see a need and and a way to minister to others don't be afraid to share that with others. It could be that they want to do something they just don't know what to do.
If you see a need you should tell others as Nehemiah did. You should let them know the situation and that you are wanting to do something about it. Then you should ask them to help. You may be the one who has to say "Let us rise up and...." do whatever it is that needs to be done.
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.
Nehemiah 2:17&18
"Then I said unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come , and (let us build up the wall of Jerusulalem) that we be no more a reproach.
vs. 18-Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the kings words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, (Let us rise up and build.) So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
As much as we would like to think we can sometimes, we can't do much by our self. Just like Nehemiah we need to enlist the help of others. There are many people who would love to get involved in helping others but they are not leaders and they just don't know what to do. If you see a need and and a way to minister to others don't be afraid to share that with others. It could be that they want to do something they just don't know what to do.
If you see a need you should tell others as Nehemiah did. You should let them know the situation and that you are wanting to do something about it. Then you should ask them to help. You may be the one who has to say "Let us rise up and...." do whatever it is that needs to be done.
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, May 22, 2010
WE MUST BE BURDENED FOR OTHERS
WE MUST BE BURDENED FOR OTHERS
Nehemiah 1:4
"And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,"
When Nehemiah heard about the sad shape Jerusalem was in and that the walls were in ruins it burdened his heart so much that he sat down and wept and mourned.
In this modern age of instant news and being able to see disaster in real time I am afraid that we have become hardened and we do not feel the burden we should for others distress.
Be very careful. If you are a Christian your heart can not become so hard that it can not be broken. My son is very tender hearted person and he gets heartbroken over other people's problems. Some have picked at him and criticized him for being so tenderhearted. Not me. It is one of the things I love the most about him. I am glad that he cares deeply, even about people he has never met.
Sometimes we need to get heartbroken over the condition of other people. There was a time when people wept over the sins of our nation. There was a time when people wept for the lost and prayed for their salvation.
Maybe we should weep, and pray, and mourn and yes, even fast, before the God of Heaven. Maybe we should ask God to help us be more concerned about the souls of a lost and dying world.
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.
Nehemiah 1:4
"And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,"
When Nehemiah heard about the sad shape Jerusalem was in and that the walls were in ruins it burdened his heart so much that he sat down and wept and mourned.
In this modern age of instant news and being able to see disaster in real time I am afraid that we have become hardened and we do not feel the burden we should for others distress.
Be very careful. If you are a Christian your heart can not become so hard that it can not be broken. My son is very tender hearted person and he gets heartbroken over other people's problems. Some have picked at him and criticized him for being so tenderhearted. Not me. It is one of the things I love the most about him. I am glad that he cares deeply, even about people he has never met.
Sometimes we need to get heartbroken over the condition of other people. There was a time when people wept over the sins of our nation. There was a time when people wept for the lost and prayed for their salvation.
Maybe we should weep, and pray, and mourn and yes, even fast, before the God of Heaven. Maybe we should ask God to help us be more concerned about the souls of a lost and dying world.
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, May 21, 2010
SEARCH FOR NEEDS THAT AREN'T EVIDENT
SEARCH FOR NEEDS THAT AREN'T EVIDENT
Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
Sometimes some of the needs we might overlook are things that could really mean something to someone. One of the most touching stories I have read about meeting someones needs was about shining shoes. I would love to give credit to the author but I don't even remember where I read it.
A woman with several children had lost her husband in a terrible accident and one of the men in the neighborhood came over and asked some of her family for the children's shoes. He took all the shoes home and polished and shined them all and returned them to the family.
He knew that they would need to be shined and polished for the funeral and that the family would all be too busy and too distraught to think about it. The grieving widow felt that it was one of the most caring and kind gestures that she received.
Sometimes we have to humble ourselves and swallow our pride and be willing to do the little things. Sometimes it is the little things that mean the most.
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.
Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
Sometimes some of the needs we might overlook are things that could really mean something to someone. One of the most touching stories I have read about meeting someones needs was about shining shoes. I would love to give credit to the author but I don't even remember where I read it.
A woman with several children had lost her husband in a terrible accident and one of the men in the neighborhood came over and asked some of her family for the children's shoes. He took all the shoes home and polished and shined them all and returned them to the family.
He knew that they would need to be shined and polished for the funeral and that the family would all be too busy and too distraught to think about it. The grieving widow felt that it was one of the most caring and kind gestures that she received.
Sometimes we have to humble ourselves and swallow our pride and be willing to do the little things. Sometimes it is the little things that mean the most.
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, May 20, 2010
THE NEEDS ARE MANY
THE NEEDS ARE MANY
Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
There are many needs today. There are needs within the church. There is always a need for teachers and leaders. The church can always use more witnesses, prayer warriors and encouragers. I believe that we can fill these needs and reach out more to a hurting world that is in need of some rebuilding.
Sometimes all someone needs is an encouraging word or even a gesture to let them know you care.
I remember when my step-dad was in the hospital and about to die. My wife and I were both visibly upset as we got some bad news just before church services one morning. Many people offered words of comfort and encouragement but one thing stands out more than anything else. One of the men put his hand on my wife's shoulder and didn't say a word. He just gave it a light squeeze and looked at her with compassion and it meant the world to her.
If you know someone is going through a trial, or suffering a loss of some sort you might not need to say a word. Just give them a hug and let them know you share in their pain.
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.
Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
There are many needs today. There are needs within the church. There is always a need for teachers and leaders. The church can always use more witnesses, prayer warriors and encouragers. I believe that we can fill these needs and reach out more to a hurting world that is in need of some rebuilding.
Sometimes all someone needs is an encouraging word or even a gesture to let them know you care.
I remember when my step-dad was in the hospital and about to die. My wife and I were both visibly upset as we got some bad news just before church services one morning. Many people offered words of comfort and encouragement but one thing stands out more than anything else. One of the men put his hand on my wife's shoulder and didn't say a word. He just gave it a light squeeze and looked at her with compassion and it meant the world to her.
If you know someone is going through a trial, or suffering a loss of some sort you might not need to say a word. Just give them a hug and let them know you share in their pain.
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, May 19, 2010
YOU MUST SEE A NEED TO HELP REBUILD
YOU MUST SEE A NEED TO HELP REBUILD
Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
In times of physical disaster it doesn't take a genius to see the needs. People whose homes have been blown away need a place to stay, they need food, they need clothing, they need water and they need to know that people care about them.
I am so thankful for the Christian Groups that always show up in times of disaster. I have noticed that they are usually the first ones on the scene and are usually there long after others have left. Many church groups are still going to the coast to help rebuild after Katrina.
We might not as easily see the damage done when someone has a spiritual setback. It can be a great disaster. I have known people who were going through a divorce or the loss of a loved one and their Christian friends seem to pull away from them when they needed them most.
Sometimes we don't try to minister to people, especially people who are caught up in a sinful situation, because we simply do not know what to say. I can tell you all you need to say. " I love you, and I will be praying for you and I will help you if I can." Those words are enough to let someone know you still care about them.
I once visited a man in jail. He was an alcoholic and his wife asked me to visit him. He was embarrassed by my visit because he didn't want me to see him in jail. I looked him in the eye and told him, "I am not here to embarrass you. I am here to let you know that I care about what happens to you and to pray for you."
I didn't know the man well and I really don't know how much good that visit did, but I do believe he needed me to be there and he needed to know someone was praying for him. I hope that it was the beginning of him rebuilding his life.
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.
Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
In times of physical disaster it doesn't take a genius to see the needs. People whose homes have been blown away need a place to stay, they need food, they need clothing, they need water and they need to know that people care about them.
I am so thankful for the Christian Groups that always show up in times of disaster. I have noticed that they are usually the first ones on the scene and are usually there long after others have left. Many church groups are still going to the coast to help rebuild after Katrina.
We might not as easily see the damage done when someone has a spiritual setback. It can be a great disaster. I have known people who were going through a divorce or the loss of a loved one and their Christian friends seem to pull away from them when they needed them most.
Sometimes we don't try to minister to people, especially people who are caught up in a sinful situation, because we simply do not know what to say. I can tell you all you need to say. " I love you, and I will be praying for you and I will help you if I can." Those words are enough to let someone know you still care about them.
I once visited a man in jail. He was an alcoholic and his wife asked me to visit him. He was embarrassed by my visit because he didn't want me to see him in jail. I looked him in the eye and told him, "I am not here to embarrass you. I am here to let you know that I care about what happens to you and to pray for you."
I didn't know the man well and I really don't know how much good that visit did, but I do believe he needed me to be there and he needed to know someone was praying for him. I hope that it was the beginning of him rebuilding his life.
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, May 18, 2010
HELPING OTHERS REBUILD 1
HELPING OTHERS REBUILD 1
Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
INTRODUCTION:
This is more or less a continuation of the last series of devotionals. In those devotionals I wrote about rebuilding after a disaster. In these devotionals I want to discuss helping others to rebuild.
In light of the past tornadoes and many worldwide disasters that we have witnessed or heard about I believe there is a great need for people to help others to rebuild their lives. I mentioned in the previous series that there are people that will help.
I hope that these devotionals will encourage you to become one of those people.
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.
Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
INTRODUCTION:
This is more or less a continuation of the last series of devotionals. In those devotionals I wrote about rebuilding after a disaster. In these devotionals I want to discuss helping others to rebuild.
In light of the past tornadoes and many worldwide disasters that we have witnessed or heard about I believe there is a great need for people to help others to rebuild their lives. I mentioned in the previous series that there are people that will help.
I hope that these devotionals will encourage you to become one of those people.
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, May 17, 2010
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO REBUILD
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO REBUILD
Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah knew what needed to be done. The walls of Jerusalem needed to be rebuilt. He set about that task and didn't waiver from it. That is a good example for us when we need to rebuild.
We need to know what we are rebuilding. You have to know where you need to be in relation to the Lord and you need to make specific plans to get there.
You may need to find a good church family and get involved. You might need to increase your Bible study so that you will be more familiar with what God expects from you. You may need to increase your prayer life so that you will have a more intimate relationship with Jesus.
There are many things we can do when disaster strikes in our spiritual lives. You are the only one who can figure out what you have to do to rebuild that relationship with God.
Maybe as you have read these devotionals on rebuilding you might not have been able to identify with any of the things I said. Beware, spiritual storms will come. There will come a time when you too will have to rebuild in some way or another.
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.
Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah knew what needed to be done. The walls of Jerusalem needed to be rebuilt. He set about that task and didn't waiver from it. That is a good example for us when we need to rebuild.
We need to know what we are rebuilding. You have to know where you need to be in relation to the Lord and you need to make specific plans to get there.
You may need to find a good church family and get involved. You might need to increase your Bible study so that you will be more familiar with what God expects from you. You may need to increase your prayer life so that you will have a more intimate relationship with Jesus.
There are many things we can do when disaster strikes in our spiritual lives. You are the only one who can figure out what you have to do to rebuild that relationship with God.
Maybe as you have read these devotionals on rebuilding you might not have been able to identify with any of the things I said. Beware, spiritual storms will come. There will come a time when you too will have to rebuild in some way or another.
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, May 16, 2010
YOU HAVE TO KEEP A WATCH
YOU HAVE TO KEEP A WATCH
Nehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
I am amazed and appalled at the bottom feeders who come out in times of tragedy to take advantage of those who have enough problems already. People have to hire security in many incidences to keep looters from stealing what few usable belongings they have left. Looting to me is one of the most terrible of crimes because the people the people that they prey upon are already hurting and having enough problems.
After a storm in your spiritual life you have to keep watch also. When you have gone through a bad experience sometimes it will leave you vulnerable to other people. Everyone who says he is trying to help you isn't always sincere. I am not suggesting that you can't trust anyone, I am just saying know the character and the testimony of the ones you do trust.
There are many good Christian people who will help you through a crisis. How can someone who doesn't know Christ and therefore doesn't know how to live themselves, help you to get over the problems in your life.
Keep a watch. Keep your eyes on God and trust 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.
Nehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
I am amazed and appalled at the bottom feeders who come out in times of tragedy to take advantage of those who have enough problems already. People have to hire security in many incidences to keep looters from stealing what few usable belongings they have left. Looting to me is one of the most terrible of crimes because the people the people that they prey upon are already hurting and having enough problems.
After a storm in your spiritual life you have to keep watch also. When you have gone through a bad experience sometimes it will leave you vulnerable to other people. Everyone who says he is trying to help you isn't always sincere. I am not suggesting that you can't trust anyone, I am just saying know the character and the testimony of the ones you do trust.
There are many good Christian people who will help you through a crisis. How can someone who doesn't know Christ and therefore doesn't know how to live themselves, help you to get over the problems in your life.
Keep a watch. Keep your eyes on God and trust 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.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
REBUILDING IS NOT EASY
Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
You may not believe it but rebuilding is sometimes much harder than starting new. Even when you start new to build something there is often a lot of work that goes into just preparing to get started.
You would think having land and putting a Mobile home on it would be automatic and easy. When my wife and I bought the land that we live on now it was thick with trees and underbrush. We started to clean it up with a pair of limb loppers and a kaiser blade. It was slow work. We eventually got a space cleared out just big enough to park a mobile home.
When I think how much work we did I still realize that if a disaster struck our home it would be even worse than what we started with. We would have to clean up the debris. We would have to move all the old stuff out of the way and then we would be back to where we were when we started the first time.
It is that way in our lives. Living the Christian life and walking in the spirit is not easy even when you start out as a new Christian. You have to work at it and put forth some effort. Idealistically you should grow and become stronger and the Christian walk should become more automatic. Realistically though you will face life's storms and you will be shaken and you will receive damage.
It is then that you have to clean up. You might even have to repair some damage that you have done to others. It is not easy but it can be done if you trust God and allow Him to help you.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
You may not believe it but rebuilding is sometimes much harder than starting new. Even when you start new to build something there is often a lot of work that goes into just preparing to get started.
You would think having land and putting a Mobile home on it would be automatic and easy. When my wife and I bought the land that we live on now it was thick with trees and underbrush. We started to clean it up with a pair of limb loppers and a kaiser blade. It was slow work. We eventually got a space cleared out just big enough to park a mobile home.
When I think how much work we did I still realize that if a disaster struck our home it would be even worse than what we started with. We would have to clean up the debris. We would have to move all the old stuff out of the way and then we would be back to where we were when we started the first time.
It is that way in our lives. Living the Christian life and walking in the spirit is not easy even when you start out as a new Christian. You have to work at it and put forth some effort. Idealistically you should grow and become stronger and the Christian walk should become more automatic. Realistically though you will face life's storms and you will be shaken and you will receive damage.
It is then that you have to clean up. You might even have to repair some damage that you have done to others. It is not easy but it can be done if you trust God and allow Him to help you.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Friday, May 14, 2010
HELP IS ON THE WAY
Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
After a disaster it is amazing how people will open their hearts and their wallets and sacrifice their time and effort to help people rebuild. In Yazoo County there were Christian relief agencies from several different states on the scene the very next day. The Salvation Army is always right there when there is a need. It was not only the organized agencies but individuals were there with their chainsaws and their equipment helping others even though they received no damage themselves.
Volunteers from Scotland Baptist Church in Bentonia were at my daughter's home on the Sunday afternoon after the tornado hit on Saturday. They did their best to secure their belongings and put tarps over the roof so that they would not get further rain damage.
Sometimes we get cynical and think everyone in the world is rotten but a disaster can prove us wrong. There are many great people out there who are ready, willing and able to help in time of disaster.
The same is true in our personal and spiritual lives. When disaster strikes there are many people who will be there for you. They will encourage you, they will help you, and they will pray with you if you will only ask. You need to build your relationship with your church and your spiritual friends so that they will know when you need them. Usually they will come... even if you don't ask.
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.
After a disaster it is amazing how people will open their hearts and their wallets and sacrifice their time and effort to help people rebuild. In Yazoo County there were Christian relief agencies from several different states on the scene the very next day. The Salvation Army is always right there when there is a need. It was not only the organized agencies but individuals were there with their chainsaws and their equipment helping others even though they received no damage themselves.
Volunteers from Scotland Baptist Church in Bentonia were at my daughter's home on the Sunday afternoon after the tornado hit on Saturday. They did their best to secure their belongings and put tarps over the roof so that they would not get further rain damage.
Sometimes we get cynical and think everyone in the world is rotten but a disaster can prove us wrong. There are many great people out there who are ready, willing and able to help in time of disaster.
The same is true in our personal and spiritual lives. When disaster strikes there are many people who will be there for you. They will encourage you, they will help you, and they will pray with you if you will only ask. You need to build your relationship with your church and your spiritual friends so that they will know when you need them. Usually they will come... even if you don't ask.
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, May 13, 2010
ENEMIES OF REBUILDING
Nehemiah 4:2-3 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? (3) Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
One of the things I have noticed are the people that are a hindrance to rebuilding after a catastrophe. There have been reports on the news that people are looting the tornado victims. It is hard for me to comprehend how someone could further injure someone who has practically lost everything in the first place.
There are others who stand in line for help when they haven't really received any damage. They are taking from the ones who really need help. As long as man is in the world there will be sin in the world and there will be people doing evil things. We just have to trust that God will settle up with them some day.
When you are going through a time of spiritual building or rebuilding you will also face similar hindrances. You will find people who will try to keep you down. You will find people who will tempt you and try to keep you from growing. As we see more and more you will find people who will actually attack you because of your Christian faith.
As we strive to build spiritually we must keep our minds on the task and hand and not on the detractors. We must stay focused on God and allow Him to help us and strengthen us.
Don't let Satan and his crowd distract you. Just keep building and know that God is on your side.
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.
One of the things I have noticed are the people that are a hindrance to rebuilding after a catastrophe. There have been reports on the news that people are looting the tornado victims. It is hard for me to comprehend how someone could further injure someone who has practically lost everything in the first place.
There are others who stand in line for help when they haven't really received any damage. They are taking from the ones who really need help. As long as man is in the world there will be sin in the world and there will be people doing evil things. We just have to trust that God will settle up with them some day.
When you are going through a time of spiritual building or rebuilding you will also face similar hindrances. You will find people who will try to keep you down. You will find people who will tempt you and try to keep you from growing. As we see more and more you will find people who will actually attack you because of your Christian faith.
As we strive to build spiritually we must keep our minds on the task and hand and not on the detractors. We must stay focused on God and allow Him to help us and strengthen us.
Don't let Satan and his crowd distract you. Just keep building and know that God is on your side.
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, May 12, 2010
GETTING RID OF THE GARBAGE
Nehemiah 4:10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.
Nehemiah and his workers were trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem but they were having a hard time because of all the rubbish there from the prior destruction.
This reminds me of the scenes of destruction I have seen from the recent tornado destruction in our area. It amazes me that so much damage could be done by a storm. There are trees, buildings, utility poles, and all sorts of debris scattered around where nice beautiful neighborhoods used to be.
People need to rebuild but they can't start to rebuild until they do some cleaning up. Where many of their houses used to sit on nice landscaped lots, now there is just a large pile of rubbish. They have to clean this up before they can move forward to rebuild.
Sometimes personal and spiritual disasters are a lot like that. Life seems to be going along well with everything so peaceful and then a storm or other disaster hits us. Many times it leaves a pile of rubbish that must be cleaned up before we can rebuild.
The storm might leave us with anger, resentment, bitterness,
or other things that will hinder us rebuilding our lives. We might have sin that is blocking constructive growth and activity. Sometimes it is evident but sometimes we have to take a close look to see if we have garbage in our lives that keeps us from building.
Have you taken out the trash lately?
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.
Nehemiah and his workers were trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem but they were having a hard time because of all the rubbish there from the prior destruction.
This reminds me of the scenes of destruction I have seen from the recent tornado destruction in our area. It amazes me that so much damage could be done by a storm. There are trees, buildings, utility poles, and all sorts of debris scattered around where nice beautiful neighborhoods used to be.
People need to rebuild but they can't start to rebuild until they do some cleaning up. Where many of their houses used to sit on nice landscaped lots, now there is just a large pile of rubbish. They have to clean this up before they can move forward to rebuild.
Sometimes personal and spiritual disasters are a lot like that. Life seems to be going along well with everything so peaceful and then a storm or other disaster hits us. Many times it leaves a pile of rubbish that must be cleaned up before we can rebuild.
The storm might leave us with anger, resentment, bitterness,
or other things that will hinder us rebuilding our lives. We might have sin that is blocking constructive growth and activity. Sometimes it is evident but sometimes we have to take a close look to see if we have garbage in our lives that keeps us from building.
Have you taken out the trash lately?
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, May 11, 2010
REBUILDING 1
Nehemiah 4:10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.
Introduction:
During the past couple of weeks I have really become more aware of how many natural disasters are happening all over the world.
There have been numerous earthquakes, a volcano has grounded air traffic all over Europe, an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the recent tornadoes in our area.
The destruction and devastation have been enormous. One thing I have noticed is the rubbish...the debris... all the dirt and garbage left by all of these disasters. Rebuilding is impossible until you clean up things first.
In these devotionals I want to discuss rebuilding our lives after we have had a personal or spiritual disaster. I will discuss some of the things that hinder us and some of the things that we can do in spite of the hindrances.
Maybe you have had a terrible event in your life and you need to do some spiritual rebuilding. I think we can learn a lot from the disasters that we have recently witnessed. Please pray for me as I try to write these. These are a little different from my normal devotionals and I do want them to be a help and a blessing to you.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Introduction:
During the past couple of weeks I have really become more aware of how many natural disasters are happening all over the world.
There have been numerous earthquakes, a volcano has grounded air traffic all over Europe, an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the recent tornadoes in our area.
The destruction and devastation have been enormous. One thing I have noticed is the rubbish...the debris... all the dirt and garbage left by all of these disasters. Rebuilding is impossible until you clean up things first.
In these devotionals I want to discuss rebuilding our lives after we have had a personal or spiritual disaster. I will discuss some of the things that hinder us and some of the things that we can do in spite of the hindrances.
Maybe you have had a terrible event in your life and you need to do some spiritual rebuilding. I think we can learn a lot from the disasters that we have recently witnessed. Please pray for me as I try to write these. These are a little different from my normal devotionals and I do want them to be a help and a blessing to you.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Monday, May 10, 2010
BATTER UP
by Andrew McClean
This is my idea of life as a new Christian and Child of God.
It is almost like being on a baseball team with God as our coach. When you first get saved and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and become a child of God, He throws underhand pitches, slow and gentle. He gives you plenty of time to think about what you are doing. He helps you learn the fundamentals and to get them into your head.
This is so that you can get a good swing and some base hits. As you grow and become more proficient in hitting and running you start advancing the bases until you finally have a home run but the game is not over.
God has lots more to teach you, so he changes to overhead pitches. They come a little harder and a little faster with less time in between them. Sometimes you don't have much time to think about it.
He teaches you to learn from the mistakes of your past in underhand pitching.
The same is true as you get base hits and advance. When you strike out he lets you think about your mistakes you made and how to correct them. He wants to see if you come to Him for advice, guidance and comfort. Finally you advance and hit a home run and you seem to have figured out what God wants you to do, what He expects from you, and what His standards are.
When you fail you know who to go to when you want to reach another level. As you advance he pitches harder, faster and he might even throw in some sinkers, curves, sliders, change-ups, and knuckle balls in there.
You will never become perfect but you will know that in life there are many ups and downs, twists and turns, mistakes, and some wise choices. When all goes wrong you know that sometimes God has thrown you a pitch that you weren't expecting, but He does not want you to fear the pitch but to fear and honor Him.
Know that He will not give you a pitch at any speed or style that He feels you are not ready to face. He wants you to give your best and when you don't hit a homer or even a base hit He wants you to come to Him for reassurance and comfort. He will dust you off, give you some Fatherly advice and encourage you to give it another swing.
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.
This is my idea of life as a new Christian and Child of God.
It is almost like being on a baseball team with God as our coach. When you first get saved and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and become a child of God, He throws underhand pitches, slow and gentle. He gives you plenty of time to think about what you are doing. He helps you learn the fundamentals and to get them into your head.
This is so that you can get a good swing and some base hits. As you grow and become more proficient in hitting and running you start advancing the bases until you finally have a home run but the game is not over.
God has lots more to teach you, so he changes to overhead pitches. They come a little harder and a little faster with less time in between them. Sometimes you don't have much time to think about it.
He teaches you to learn from the mistakes of your past in underhand pitching.
The same is true as you get base hits and advance. When you strike out he lets you think about your mistakes you made and how to correct them. He wants to see if you come to Him for advice, guidance and comfort. Finally you advance and hit a home run and you seem to have figured out what God wants you to do, what He expects from you, and what His standards are.
When you fail you know who to go to when you want to reach another level. As you advance he pitches harder, faster and he might even throw in some sinkers, curves, sliders, change-ups, and knuckle balls in there.
You will never become perfect but you will know that in life there are many ups and downs, twists and turns, mistakes, and some wise choices. When all goes wrong you know that sometimes God has thrown you a pitch that you weren't expecting, but He does not want you to fear the pitch but to fear and honor Him.
Know that He will not give you a pitch at any speed or style that He feels you are not ready to face. He wants you to give your best and when you don't hit a homer or even a base hit He wants you to come to Him for reassurance and comfort. He will dust you off, give you some Fatherly advice and encourage you to give it another swing.
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, May 9, 2010
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Be sure and call your mom today and wish her a Happy Mother's Day or better yet. Why don't you go to church with her?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
DISASTER SURVIVAL KIT 6
Mark 13:7-8 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (8) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
.SEEK REFUGE FROM THE DISASTER
Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God
Many times with weather radar and such warning systems we will be warned way in advance of a storm or some other disaster that is going to come. We are always warned to seek shelter.
When I lived in Arkansas there were a lot of people who had storm shelters. I laughed and called the "Fraidy Holes". After riding out Hurricane Katrina while sitting in my car for about 6 hours because I was afraid a tree would fall on my house I have a new respect for storm shelters and some day I might have a "Fraidy Hole" myself.
It just makes good sense to seek refuge from a coming storm.
We might not always have a warning that a storm is coming in our spiritual life but we can always have a shelter in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Seek refuge... there is certainly a storm coming in the future.
CONCLUSION:
The greatest disaster you could ever have is to go out into eternity lost. You need to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Friday, May 7, 2010
DISASTER SURVIVAL KIT 5
Mark 13:7-8 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (8) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
HAVE GOOD INSURANCE
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
It is sad to see disaster strike someone and then find out they had no insurance. The insurance industry thrives because most people know that some form of disaster will strike sooner or later. It is wonderful if you never have to use the insurance but it really gives you peace of mind to have it.
One thing is certain. Everyone is someday going to die and face judgement. The only insurance one has that He will have eternal life is knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Are you prepared for eternity?
CONCLUSION:
The greatest disaster you could ever have is to go out into eternity lost. You need to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
HAVE GOOD INSURANCE
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
It is sad to see disaster strike someone and then find out they had no insurance. The insurance industry thrives because most people know that some form of disaster will strike sooner or later. It is wonderful if you never have to use the insurance but it really gives you peace of mind to have it.
One thing is certain. Everyone is someday going to die and face judgement. The only insurance one has that He will have eternal life is knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Are you prepared for eternity?
CONCLUSION:
The greatest disaster you could ever have is to go out into eternity lost. You need to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
DISASTER SURVIVAL KIT 4
Mark 13:7-8 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (8) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
HAVE A SOURCE OF LIGHT
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the [light] of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the [light] of life.
We went to survey the damage to our daughter's home and our grandson went home with us to spend the night. He had a little battery powered lantern that he had been wanting to use and it really came in handy. When we got back to the parsonage the electricity was off all over town, including in the parsonage and his little lantern came in very handy. When a whole city is in the dark it is kind of spooky. Imagine what it is like when the whole world is darkened with sin.
One of the things we are told to do to prepare for natural disasters is to have flashlights and plenty of batteries on hand. Everyone knows that it is much easier to deal with problems if you have a source of light. When the lights go out people seem to always run for the flashlights and candles so they can see more clearly.
The same is true for spiritual disasters. We need a source of light. Jesus is that light and He can truly illuminate any spiritual disaster we find ourselves faced with. Many times in my life when things have seemed the darkest and I didn't have any idea which way to turn my faith in Jesus has given me the light to see the solution. Knowing that there is nothing that God can't handle brings light to our spiritual life in times of disaster. I know it really brightens up my day.
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.
HAVE A SOURCE OF LIGHT
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the [light] of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the [light] of life.
We went to survey the damage to our daughter's home and our grandson went home with us to spend the night. He had a little battery powered lantern that he had been wanting to use and it really came in handy. When we got back to the parsonage the electricity was off all over town, including in the parsonage and his little lantern came in very handy. When a whole city is in the dark it is kind of spooky. Imagine what it is like when the whole world is darkened with sin.
One of the things we are told to do to prepare for natural disasters is to have flashlights and plenty of batteries on hand. Everyone knows that it is much easier to deal with problems if you have a source of light. When the lights go out people seem to always run for the flashlights and candles so they can see more clearly.
The same is true for spiritual disasters. We need a source of light. Jesus is that light and He can truly illuminate any spiritual disaster we find ourselves faced with. Many times in my life when things have seemed the darkest and I didn't have any idea which way to turn my faith in Jesus has given me the light to see the solution. Knowing that there is nothing that God can't handle brings light to our spiritual life in times of disaster. I know it really brightens up my day.
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, May 5, 2010
DISASTER SURVIVAL KIT 3
Mark 13:7-8 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (8) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
HAVE A SUPPLY OF SPIRITUAL FOOD
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the [bread of life]: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
In our modern day and age it is hard to prepare food without running water and electricity and the people who come to a disaster sight and provide meals, not only for those whose homes were damaged, but for the workers as well, are truly a blessing. Many Christian relief organizations and especially the Salvation Army can always be found to help provide food for those in need. Sometimes you might be somewhere that it is hard to get help to. You should always have a supply on hand to last at least 3 days if disaster strikes.
I have heard the saying all my life "You are what you eat." When we take food into our body it becomes a part of our body. If we eat healthy food we will usually have healthy bodies. If we don't (and believe me I know from experience) then we will ultimately pay the price with our health. I have been trying to lose weight and I haven't yet got down to what I didn't want to get up to.
The same is true with us spiritually. If we consume Jesus in our life we become more like Him. The way that we consume Him spiritually is by getting to know him intimately. Incorporate Him into our lives and strive to imitate him. We then become strong and will be sustained during a spiritual disaster. It is also sad when someone else comes to us seeking spiritual food and our spiritual cupboards are bare. We should have enough of Jesus in our own lives that we can share Him with others who have spiritual needs.
Do you have a supply of spiritual food on hand?
That comes from having a close personal relationship with Him through prayer and study of His word. Don't put yourself in a position to have to have it from an outside source. Always be ready to draw upon the spiritual streams within you and be willing to share your faith with others in a disaster.
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.
HAVE A SUPPLY OF SPIRITUAL FOOD
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the [bread of life]: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
In our modern day and age it is hard to prepare food without running water and electricity and the people who come to a disaster sight and provide meals, not only for those whose homes were damaged, but for the workers as well, are truly a blessing. Many Christian relief organizations and especially the Salvation Army can always be found to help provide food for those in need. Sometimes you might be somewhere that it is hard to get help to. You should always have a supply on hand to last at least 3 days if disaster strikes.
I have heard the saying all my life "You are what you eat." When we take food into our body it becomes a part of our body. If we eat healthy food we will usually have healthy bodies. If we don't (and believe me I know from experience) then we will ultimately pay the price with our health. I have been trying to lose weight and I haven't yet got down to what I didn't want to get up to.
The same is true with us spiritually. If we consume Jesus in our life we become more like Him. The way that we consume Him spiritually is by getting to know him intimately. Incorporate Him into our lives and strive to imitate him. We then become strong and will be sustained during a spiritual disaster. It is also sad when someone else comes to us seeking spiritual food and our spiritual cupboards are bare. We should have enough of Jesus in our own lives that we can share Him with others who have spiritual needs.
Do you have a supply of spiritual food on hand?
That comes from having a close personal relationship with Him through prayer and study of His word. Don't put yourself in a position to have to have it from an outside source. Always be ready to draw upon the spiritual streams within you and be willing to share your faith with others in a disaster.
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, May 4, 2010
DISASTER SURVIVAL KIT 2
Mark 13:7-8 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (8) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
HAVE PLENTY OF WATER
John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of [living water].
My daughter, whose home was destroyed in the tornado this week made a comment that kind of struck me. She said that she could make it without electricity fine but she really missed having running water and indoor plumbing. I guess we don't really realize how much we appreciate certain things until they are gone.
In a time of disaster you will notice that bottled water quickly disappears from the shelves of stores. It is one of the first things that disaster relief agencies carry into an area. People can not survive without the water.
It is true in our spiritual disasters too. To often when tragedy hits people do not have the spiritual strength to handle a crisis and they desperately have try to draw their strength from others. We do not need bottled spritual water or a supply nearby. We need to have the rivers of living water flowing within us. We need to be filled with a love of Jesus and a trust in Him that he "will never leave us nor forsake us."
That comes from having a close personal relationship with Him through prayer and study of His word. Don't put yourself in a position to have to have it from an outside source. Always be ready to draw upon the spiritual streams within you and be willing to share your faith with others in a disaster.
HAVE PLENTY OF WATER
John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of [living water].
My daughter, whose home was destroyed in the tornado this week made a comment that kind of struck me. She said that she could make it without electricity fine but she really missed having running water and indoor plumbing. I guess we don't really realize how much we appreciate certain things until they are gone.
In a time of disaster you will notice that bottled water quickly disappears from the shelves of stores. It is one of the first things that disaster relief agencies carry into an area. People can not survive without the water.
It is true in our spiritual disasters too. To often when tragedy hits people do not have the spiritual strength to handle a crisis and they desperately have try to draw their strength from others. We do not need bottled spritual water or a supply nearby. We need to have the rivers of living water flowing within us. We need to be filled with a love of Jesus and a trust in Him that he "will never leave us nor forsake us."
That comes from having a close personal relationship with Him through prayer and study of His word. Don't put yourself in a position to have to have it from an outside source. Always be ready to draw upon the spiritual streams within you and be willing to share your faith with others in a disaster.
Monday, May 3, 2010
DISASTER SURVIVAL KIT 1
Mark 13:7-8 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (8) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
INTRODUCTION:
I think I might have used this outline in some earlier devotionals but I had a glitch in my computer and lost some of the records where I keep up with such things. I guess it is just as well that I did because I feel in light of last week's destructive tornado it might be time for us to have another reminder that destruction can come upon us quickly and we should have a survival kit on hand. If you remember me using this topic in the past then this will just be a refresher coarse for you.
As I sit here writing these devotionals I know that many are still in the process of cleaning up and repairing their property from the devastating storm that hit last weekend. We never know when things will physically affect us or when we might be spiritually overwhelmed. It is good to be prepared in either case.
This week's devotionals will be dealing with disaster survival and I hope you receive a blessing from them.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
INTRODUCTION:
I think I might have used this outline in some earlier devotionals but I had a glitch in my computer and lost some of the records where I keep up with such things. I guess it is just as well that I did because I feel in light of last week's destructive tornado it might be time for us to have another reminder that destruction can come upon us quickly and we should have a survival kit on hand. If you remember me using this topic in the past then this will just be a refresher coarse for you.
As I sit here writing these devotionals I know that many are still in the process of cleaning up and repairing their property from the devastating storm that hit last weekend. We never know when things will physically affect us or when we might be spiritually overwhelmed. It is good to be prepared in either case.
This week's devotionals will be dealing with disaster survival and I hope you receive a blessing from them.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
FOLLOWING JESUS 7
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 WILL FOLLOW JESUS INTO A BETTER LIFE AND EVENTUALLY INTO AN ETERNAL LIFE
Following Jesus gives man a new start. He gets another chance and things can truly change because he acquires a new nature. He becomes spiritually alive to walk in the Spirit. We can see a brighter future when we walk in the Light.
Some day we will follow Jesus on to Glory where we will receive a new body, free of sin and imperfection. A body without blemish or pain or suffering. We hear much about the environment today but we will never experience the perfect environment without following Jesus. Where He is, we will be and it is a perfect place.
Our life will never be perfect until such time as we are with Him in Heaven. Follow Him now. Follow Him daily. Follow Him for all eternity. You will be glad you did.
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.
THE CALL STILL COMES LOUDLY FROM CHRIST FOLLOW ME:
WE WILL FOLLOW JESUS INTO A BETTER LIFE AND EVENTUALLY INTO AN ETERNAL LIFE
Following Jesus gives man a new start. He gets another chance and things can truly change because he acquires a new nature. He becomes spiritually alive to walk in the Spirit. We can see a brighter future when we walk in the Light.
Some day we will follow Jesus on to Glory where we will receive a new body, free of sin and imperfection. A body without blemish or pain or suffering. We hear much about the environment today but we will never experience the perfect environment without following Jesus. Where He is, we will be and it is a perfect place.
Our life will never be perfect until such time as we are with Him in Heaven. Follow Him now. Follow Him daily. Follow Him for all eternity. You will be glad you did.
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, May 1, 2010
FOLLOWING JESUS 6
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:
SOMETIMES WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS TO THE GARDEN OF SORROW
When I was a young man I had a terrible time dealing with death. I could barely handle the death of a friend or loved one and I really had a hard time going to funerals. My dad really was concerned about that when I surrendered to the ministry. I won't go into details but God used some things to toughen me up to where I could minister to others in their time of grief and I could still handle my own grief.
Just a note to everyone- Remember at a funeral the one who preaches the funeral, those who are there to comfort you, and others in your family are many times grieving too.
We are taught so many things during times of sorrow. Many books have been written on dealing with sorrow and loss and those authors have certainly dealt with the subject much better and much more specific than I can. One thing we should remember is that sometimes grieving and sorrow are a learning process for all of us. As you go through times of grief keep your heart open for God to teach you during the process.
In the garden of sorrow our hearts are made tender. Can you imagine how hard and callous we would become if we didn't have our hearts broken every once in a while. This dawned on me early in my ministry. The best way to keep this from happening is to do our very best to keep our hearts tender and compassionate at all times.
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.
THE CALL STILL COMES LOUDLY FROM CHRIST FOLLOW ME:
SOMETIMES WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS TO THE GARDEN OF SORROW
When I was a young man I had a terrible time dealing with death. I could barely handle the death of a friend or loved one and I really had a hard time going to funerals. My dad really was concerned about that when I surrendered to the ministry. I won't go into details but God used some things to toughen me up to where I could minister to others in their time of grief and I could still handle my own grief.
Just a note to everyone- Remember at a funeral the one who preaches the funeral, those who are there to comfort you, and others in your family are many times grieving too.
We are taught so many things during times of sorrow. Many books have been written on dealing with sorrow and loss and those authors have certainly dealt with the subject much better and much more specific than I can. One thing we should remember is that sometimes grieving and sorrow are a learning process for all of us. As you go through times of grief keep your heart open for God to teach you during the process.
In the garden of sorrow our hearts are made tender. Can you imagine how hard and callous we would become if we didn't have our hearts broken every once in a while. This dawned on me early in my ministry. The best way to keep this from happening is to do our very best to keep our hearts tender and compassionate at all times.
Please feel free to contact me by email at
shilohkosciusko@gmail.com with questions, comments or even suggestions for further devotional studies.
If you know of someone new to the Kosciusko area and would like for our church to visit them please let us know. Our prayers are that this devotional ministry will be an outreach to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.
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