BE AN UP CHRISTIAN 3

WALK UP

Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

If we are going to walk with the Lord it is important that we learn to walk together. We can help each other when they fall, stumble, or when they are attacked. It is so much easier to walk the Christian walk if we have others walking with us.

We must trust God as we walk. Sometimes we forget how much faith we have in the headlights of our car. They will only shine so far but as the car continues to move the lights are still illuminating the road in front of us. When we walk with God we must have at least as much faith in Him as we do our headlights. We can not always see the destination but each step we take in the right direction God will show us another step to take.

We must have on the right shoes. When Paul is describing the whole armor of God he says we are to have our feet shod with the gospel of peace. As we walk we need to walk with an intent to spread the gospel and reach people for Christ along the way.

Walk up as a Christian.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

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


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

BE AN UP CHRISTIAN 2

WAKE UP

Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Many Christians are driving along through life half asleep. When you sleep you might dream but you are not conscious of what is going on around you. You could be in danger and you would never know it until you wake up.

We need to wake up to the condition of the World. All the time we are being asked to embrace failed and failing cultures that have only brought poverty and slavery to the people belonging to them. It seems that the culture that has worked the best and provided the best living conditions in the history of the world is the culture that people want us to forsake. I am talking about the Christian culture of a Christian nation that wants freedom for everyone. Wake up. That way of life is under attack and is not holding up too well.

We need to wake up to the needs of the world. What the world really needs is Jesus. It is our responsibility to walk in the spirit and live for Jesus to the point that people will want to have what we have.

We need to wake up to responsibility. Is it just the responsibility of missionaries to reach foreign people with the gospel of Christ? Is it just the preachers or evangelists responsibilities to reach the many lost people here in America. No!! It is the responsibility of every one who knows Jesus to tell the world about Him.


Please feel free to contact me by email at

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


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

BE AN UP CHRISTIAN 1

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

INTRODUCTION: Luke 21 is filled with information on what the world will be like when Jesus returns. It is a sobering thought that you can read through this chapter of the Bible and then turn on the news and usually see more than one news item that matches an event or occurrence that Jesus described.

I am not surprised that there is trouble in the Middle East. It is no shock to me that our waters are being polluted and sea life is being destroyed. When I hear of an earthquake or other major disaster I am not caught off guard. The Bible has told us explicitly that as the end nears these things will come to pass.

As a Christian we should be aware of the events that are to take place before the return of Jesus and instead of being afraid we should be looking up with anticipation. He is coming back. He is coming back to judge the world and to hand out punishment. Thankfully He is coming back for His own first to take them out of this world.

The first "up" for us as a Christian is that we should be looking up because surely our redemption is drawing nearer.


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 LIVING WORD 7

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Conclusion:
THE WORD OF GOD SHOULD BE LOVED BY THE SAINTS

The Word of God tells us of God's love. It should be something we should all cherish and want to know about for ourselves as well as to share it with our family and friends.

The Word of God warns us of God's Judgement. It amazes me as I watch the news and see so many disasters at how many of the remind me of God's coming Judgements in the Bible. I believe that we should read His word so that we will be prepared for things to come and will not be so surprised.

The Word of God shows the way of salvation. Jesus is the way to eternal and abundant life and no other book so plainly describes that to us. If any other book does tell you about salvation it has to be a book about the Bible or using part of the Bible because in it are the Words of Eternal life.

The Word of God Guides us and helps us to grow spiritually. If a person fails to grow physically we know that there is a problem. If a person fails to grow mentally it is evident to us. Many people never seem to grow spiritually and we are not alarmed. Let us feed upon the Word of God to become the spiritual beings that God intends for us to be.

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 TJesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

THE LIVING WORD 6

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

THE WORD OF GOD IS A LIGHT TO GUIDE US
Psalms 119:105 Thy word a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalms 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple

These are simple verses that are easily learned by youngsters in Bible School. Just because they are simple in no way makes them any less life changing.

The world is filled with the darkness of sin and deceit all around us. It is hard to know which way to go, what decisions to make, and what path to follow in this dark age unless we allow God's Word to light the way.

We should make all our life changing decisions based upon Biblical principles. God has given us a map, and He has given us a Lamp to light the way. There is really no excuse for us to keep stumbling around in the dark is there?

Please feel free to contact me by email at

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


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

THE LIVING WORD 5

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

THE WORD SHOULD BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Someone asked a little boy if he knew what was in the Bible. He answered, "I sure do, there is an old letter, a picture of grandma and grandpa, and mom and dad's marrige license in there."

We might laugh at the little boy's interpretation of the question but sadly many people who claim to be Christians don't really know much more than he does about what is in the Bible.

We need to commit certain passages to heart. We need to not only read what God says but we should take time to meditate on what he means. If we truly hide His word in our heart it helps us through temptation.

I have purposely not brought up the debate about which version of the Bible you should use. I personally use only the King James Version because I believe it to be an accurate translation of the original text and I am in doubt about some of the later versions. Some say that the language is too hard to understand but I believe that the Holy Spirit is my teacher and he makes the language very clear to me.

I really like what one man said about the version he prefered. He said that he prefered his mother's version, "She read it, and then she lived it ." he said.

Put it in your heart and then live that version of 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 TJesus. I do appreciate you taking the time to read these devotionals and please keep us in your prayers.

THE LIVING WORD 4

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

THE BIBLE IS OF GOD AND NOT MAN
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake moved by the Holy Ghost.

When we study the Bible we must remember that it comes from God and not man. God used many men to write the books of the Bible and each of them wrote in his own style, yet each of them still wrote what God wanted them to write.

Many people will use the argument that it was written by men to try to discredit it.

It would be very hard for me to believe that God created man and then did not have some way to instruct and direct them and to communicate with them.

Knowing that the Bible comes from God makes it very important that we study it prayerfully and do not just read it the way that we would any other book.

Can you imagine saying that you really love someone and receiving a long letter from them but never taking the time to read it. I believe that the Bible is God's letter filled with love to us and we should take the time to read it and read it with an attitude of love for 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.

THE LIVING WORD 3

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

THE BIBLE IS FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary .

I personally believe that we live in an age of undernourished Christians. I am speaking of being spiritually undernourished. We live in a country where one of the biggest problems people face is being overweight physically but I believe that we are awful puny when it comes to the spiritual part.

We know what we must have to feed our bodies but sometimes we feel that we can go to church on Sunday and get enough from the preacher to sustain us all week spiritually. This is why so many do not have the strength to fight their spiritual battles as they face them day after day.

If all you are getting from the Word of God is what someone else is telling you, then, you are no better off than the people in the dark ages who did not have access to the Bible.

Regardless of where you are spiritually it is time for you to desire to feed your spirit from the Word of God,
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

If you are a babe in Christ take in that which is easy for you to digest. If you are a little more mature then you should be desiring the meat of the Word that will make you spiritually stronger and better able to do the will of God.
Please feel free to contact me by email at

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


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

THE LIVING WORD 2

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

THE BIBLE IS THE BOOK OF THE AGES

Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

The Bible is the oldest know recorded history of the World. There was a time that it was very carefully written by hand and copied by scribes so that it would remain true and without error. I think one of the greatest inventions of all time was the printing press that made it possible to print the Bible (which was the first book printed on the printing press). The printing press made it possible for the common man to own and read the Bible himself and not have to depend on someone else to explain it to him.

Satan has always attacked the Bible and will always continue to attack it until the end but it will stand for all time. The Word of God is settled in Heaven and all the forces on earth can never unsettle it.

I once heard someone say , "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it." I will go one step farther. "If God said it, that settles it." It doesn't matter whether you or I believe it or not. God's Word is settled in heaven and on earth.

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 LIVING WORD 1

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

INTRODUCTION:
In this day of unbelief I believe it is important to stress the fact that the Holy Bible is truly the Divinely Inspired Word of God. Many say they believe some but not all of the Bible. I find that to be a little hard to swallow. The very essence of the Bible is to reveal God to mankind and if all of it can not be trusted then none of it can be trusted because we would have no way of knowing which parts to believe.

2 Timothy 3:16 All [scripture] given by [inspiration] of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

The word inspiration means God breathed. Many will argue that the Bible sometimes contradicts itself. I have never found anywhere if it is studied and read in context that it contradicts itself. I have, however, found many places where it contradicts me.

I hope you enjoy the next few devotionals on the Living Word as we take a look at what God is saying to us... through His Word, the Holy Bible.

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.

ADVERSITY

ADVERSITY
C.S. Lewis likened God's use of adversity to walking a dog. If
the dog gets its leash wrapped around a pole and tries to continue
running forward, he will only tighten the leash more. Both the dog
and the owner are after the same end, forward motion, but the owner
must resist the dog by pulling him opposite the direction he wants to
go. The master, sharing the same intention but understanding better
than the dog where he really wants to go, takes an action precisely
opposite to that of the dog's will. It is in this way that God uses
adversity.

THE TEN MOST WANTED MEN

THE TEN MOST WANTED MEN

1. The man who puts God's business above any other business.
2. The man who brings his children to church instead of sending them.
3. The man who is willing to be the right example to every boy he
meets.
4. The man who thinks more of his Sunday School class than
his Sunday Sleep.
5. The man who measures his giving by what he has left rather than by the amount he gives.
6. The man who has a passion to help rather than to be helped.
7. The man who can see his own faults before he
sees the faults of others.
8. The man who goes to church for Christ's sake rather than for himself or someone else.
9. The man who stands firm in his convictions, based on the Word of God, that is a "backbone" Christian.
10. The man who is more concerned about winning souls for Christ than he is about winning honor.
(copied)

GOD IS WITH US 6

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

GOD IS WITH US WHEN WE NEED TO MAKE LIFE'S DECISIONS

1 Kings 19:12-13 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Sometimes as we make decisions in life we just do things on the spur of the moment. Sometimes we really want some guidance but we look for an answer from God in the wrong places..

We might want some spectacular sign like a fire or an earthquake (or an oil spill in the Gulf) but most of the time God speaks to us in that still small voice.

Sometimes I have been where I shouldn't have been and that still small voice would ask me, "What are you doing here?"

It could be a place where God is through with you there. It could be a place of indecision in your life. It could be that like Elijah you are having a little bit of a pity party yourself and you need to be asked, "What are you doing here?"

God is always with us. We sometimes just need be still and listen to that quiet voice giving us directions.

In closing this series remember, God is not only with us now, He will be with us eternally.

GOD IS WITH US 5

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

HE IS WITH US DURING TIMES OF PERSECUTION

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

IF YOU FOLLOW JESUS IT WILL COST YOU

When you decide to follow Jesus it might cost you some friends. A young Christian once remarked that he was afraid that living a life might cause him to have to give up some of his friends. A wise old preacher told him, "Don't worry. If you follow Jesus and they don't you won't have to give them up. They will give you up."

Following Jesus could cause you to be ridiculed, especially if you are a younger person and they don't think being Christian is the popular thing to do. Just remember that Jesus was ridiculed too, and He still gave His life for us.

Following Jesus might cause the world to give you a hard time but remember, you will not have to face it alone because Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. He will always be there with 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.

GOD IS WITH US 4

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

GOD IS WITH US IN TIME OF PRAYER

I remember a story of an old soft spoken man who often prayed at church. Someone told him they wished he would speak up a little because they couldn't hear him. He answered, "That's alright, I'm not talking to you when I pray anyway."

When we pray we need to always remember that God is the one we are speaking to.

Isn't it wonderful that God is never too busy to hear our prayers. If everyone in the world were praying at one time we would still have God's full attention. Maybe we should strive a little harder to give Him our full attention when we pray.

I have noticed on my cell phone that I have a lot of areas where I have no service. I think they call them dead zones. There are no dead zones when we pray. God is never too far away and we always have a prayer connection to Him.

I confess that sometimes when people call or talk to me that my mind is on something else and I am not as concerned with what they are saying as I should be. That is never true with God. God is never unconcerned. He cares about you and he listens to you. He is always there for 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.

GOD IS WITH US 3

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

GOD IS WITH US IN TIME OF SORROW AND SUFFERING

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

As much as we hate to admit it we are going to face times of sorrow and suffering. In my ministry I have dealt with all types of people as they mourned the loss of a loved one. Sometimes in tragic situations.
I can tell you there is very much a difference between the people who know the Lord and those who don't know Him as they deal with their sorrow.

That does not mean that the loss is less to believers than it is to non-believers. It just means that they do not have to bear the burden of their sorrow alone. They are aware of the presence of God and His love and comfort strengthens them during their period of grief.

The same is true with suffering. I have prayed at the bedside of many who were terribly ill and were suffering. Those who were closer to God were able to handle it much better than the ones who did not know Him.

God is always there to help those who trust Him. He will especially make His presence known during sorrow and suffering when we need Him 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.

GOD IS WITH US 2

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.


GO IS WITH US AT THE TIME OF SALVATION
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

God is very much with us at the time of salvation. Salvation is of the Lord. He planned it. It is not our plan, the churches plan, or some other persons plan that saves us. It is God's plan of salvation that will free us from the bondage of sin.

He provided a way for us to be saved even though we can never be deserving of salvation. We are separated from God by our sins and can only be reconciled to Him by accepting Christ as our Savior. He paid the penalty for our sins and offers us salvation as a gift. It is His provision and our acceptance of it that brings us salvation.

The wonderful thing is that He offers that salvation to everyone and invites all men to come to Him for salvation.

He calls us and convicts us with His Holy Spirit. He is involved in our salvation and He is with us all the way.

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 IS WITH US 1

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

INTRODUCTION: Even though we might not always be aware of the presence of God in our lives He is always with us.

Others might leave us but God never will. Sometimes others leave us by choice. Many homes are broken up because one parent or the other just chooses to leave and start a new life with someone else.

Sometimes we move to a new area and we leave behind close friends with every intention of staying in touch but then we slowly drift apart until we are no longer in contact

Some people leave due to means beyond their control. They might get transferred, they might even pass away but either way sometimes people leave us and they can't help it.

Jesus Christ, the light of the world stands in the midst of mankind and says :
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.


Please feel free to contact me by email at

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


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

ONE ANOTHER 5

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

WE SHOULD BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS

Galations 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ

We must first learn to bear our own burdens. There are some things we need to spend time alone with God and work out with Him and Him alone. Prayer, study and meditation can help us work through many of the burdens we face each day. Many times as a pastor I have had people to ask me to pray for them. In most cases they really mean that they want me to be praying along with them but in some cases I think that is exactly what they mean. They want me to do their praying for them because they have no intentions of doing much of it themselves. It is much better if you ask someone to pray with you about something. Do your own praying and don't expect someone to do it for you.

Just because I suspect that someone is not doing their own share of the praying doesn't mean that I am excused from helping them bear their burden. I can still pray on their behalf and I am obligated to do that. So often we tell people we are praying for them and we really never give it another thought. We need to be sincere when we tell someone that. It is serious business.

My wife and I have our prayer time together each day and there are many we pray for in certain circumstances and there are many we pray for daily. There have been those that have come to us and said, "I know you have been praying for me... I can feel your prayers." It is a blessing to hear that because then you realize that you are helping to bear someone else's burden.


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 ANOTHER 4

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

WE MUST BE CAREFUL HOW WE JUDGE ONE ANOTHER

Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Have you ever been around someone who was very judgemental about everyone they knew? When I am around someone like that I always feel a little sorry for them because I know the verse above. I always wonder if people like that can't see their own faults and realize that they are as bad as some of the people they are passing judgement on.

People do a lot of things I don't approve of. I am even offended by a lot of things some people do, but... It is not my job to be their judge. It is my job to pray for them, and to try to set a positive example for them.

I once knew a preacher who left his wife for another woman. His brother, also a preacher, seemed to never tire of running his brother down for what he did. They moved away and we still stayed in contact with them and one day we received a letter from his wife telling us that he had left her for another woman. The very thing happened to him that he had been so openly critical of his brother for. We should never say it can't happen to me. Instead we should pray for those who do wrong and pray that God will keep us from temptation.

When you are judging someone harshly it is good to ask yourself how you might react if you were faced with the same circumstances and the same temptations. God can do a great job of judging without our help. Let's just try to keep ourselves from temptation.
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 ANOTHER 3

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

WE ARE TO BE CONSIDERATE OF ONE ANOTHER
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

I really don't have a lot of pet peeves but I guess people being inconsiderate is one of them. When my wife and I see someone doing something that is really inconsiderate we refer to them as "Special People."

These are people who don't think the rules apply to them. They are the ones who park in no parking zones or take up two spaces so no one can park close to their car. They are the ones who rush in front of you in the express check out lane with twice the number of items they should have. They are the ones who break in line or who think you should make exceptions to the rules from them. You all know who I am talking about and I hope none of you are the ones I am talking about.

It doesn't cost us much if anything to be courteous to others. As a matter of fact I have seen that it encourages good works in others just like the scripture above says. Remember your actions have an effect on others and on your testimony. Be considerate not only to one another but to everyone else as well.


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


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

ONE ANOTHER 2

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

WE ARE TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

For Christians to love one another is not optional. It is a commandment from Jesus. I have found that some people are a whole lot easier to love than others are. It has also sadly come to my attention that everyone is not going to love me. I really don't understand that but it is just a fact.

That realization came to me early in my ministry. I was trying to do everything and be everything that I was supposed to do and be and still some people did not love me. It was then that I realized that God did not call me into the ministry for me to be loved. He called me into the ministry to love others.

I learned, through much prayer and some agonizing that you can love even those who don't love you. If they don't love you that is their problem. If you don't love them that is your problem. Sometimes the people who are hardest to love are the ones that need loving the most.

You might not owe your Christian brothers much but one thing you do owe them is your love. After all, God replaces all you give away with special love from 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.

ONE ANOTHER 1

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


INTRODUCTION: HOW WE TREAT ONE ANOTHER

As Christians we might not realize it but the world is watching us very closely. Many times they are watching us just hoping that we will mess up and they can say, "See, I knew this Christianity stuff wasn't real."

They watch what what we say, what we do, where we go and how we treat people. It is not just how we treat those who are not Christians but they are watching how we treat one another. The next few devotionals will be based on some things the Bible has to say about how we are to treat one another.

I hope you receive a blessing from these devotionals and I hope you learn a little something along the way that will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord and with one 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.

Patience 6

PREPARE TO WAIT

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, PATIENCE, meekness.


I used to hate waiting. I didn't like to wait in line at the bank or wait for hours in a doctor's office but after years of waiting I have learned to prepare to wait.

I used to go to one doctor who would almost always see me about three or four hours after my scheduled appointment. I learned that if I took my laptop or a good book to keep me occupied while I waited that the time was not wasted.

Now with modern technology what it is I use my phone to text message, check email, or even look for bargains on EBay. I have taken a pad and pen if I had things I wanted to draw or write and I use the waiting time as productive time instead of wasted time.

You know that you are sometimes going to have to wait. Be prepared to use that time productively and the waiting will not be so hard on you. At times it could even give you an opportunity to slow down and do something enjoyable.

Don't pray for patience. Just practice it. Patience will make your life more enjoyable.

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.

Patience 5

BE PATIENT WITH OTHERS WE MEET

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, PATIENCE, meekness.


Patience is a virtue. It gives you strength and strengthens your position in any endeavor. Losing your temper at a waiter or waitress or store clerk doesn't really accomplish much.

I live in an area where many of the people working in public jobs think that they are doing you a favor by serving you. They fail to smile, they seldom say thank you or have a nice day or actually anything that is friendly.

This is the kind of behavior that used to try my patience. I have developed a new way of dealing with this. One, I try to look at things from their perspective. Most of the time they have been dealing with people with that same attitude all day long and they are tired or in a bad mood anyway. They know that when they go home for the day all they have to look forward to is another day of dealing with the same type people they dealt with today. I try to give them a little something different so that they know that there is something better. I give them a smile, I say thank you and I tell them to have a nice day.

This might not do anything to improve their behavior but by showing them patience, it certainly keeps me from getting stressed out over it. Give it a try. If everyone becomes more patient and has a better attitude it could make all our days more pleasant.

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.

Patience 4

BE PATIENT WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, PATIENCE, meekness.

As Christians patience is one of the traits we should exhibit. Most importantly we should exercise patience in dealing with our family and friends. Our loved ones are not perfect. We must be patient with them as they grow.

As parents we know that we must be patient with our children. We hope they will eventually grow out of some of their bad habits. We hope they will eventually grow up and become responsible for themselves. Sometimes we expect that to happen way too soon.

One point I want to make is that being patient does not mean we have to tolerate wrong behavior. I just means that we have to deal with it in a loving way that will hopefully bring better results.

We not only have to be patient with our kids but I think it is important for kids to learn to be patient with their parents. Remember, God isn't through with us yet either.

Married people really do need to learn to be patient with their spouses. Impatience can wreck a home as fast as anything else.
Remember the definition of patience in the first devotional. We will all learn to be more patient with others when we realize "it ain't about us."
Our purpose is to glorify God by becoming more Christlike ourselves.


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.

Patience 3

IMPATIENCE GETS YOU NOWHERE

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience

Have you ever noticed an impatient person pull up to a red light. He will often start patting the steering wheel and racing his engine in hopes to get the light to change sooner. An impatient person will arrive at a business that is supposed to open at a certain time and they will be a few minutes late and he will shake the locked door and rattle it. I suppose he thinks it will magically open and he can then enter. He really looks foolish when the business owner comes up behind him and unlocks the door to let him in.

I have to admit that sometimes preachers do get a little long winded with their sermons. One preacher said he did not mind when people began to look at their watches but it kind of disturbed him when they began to hold them up and shake them. Wouldn't that time be better spent trying to get something from the message.

We are too often like the man who prayed, "Lord, I want patience and I want it now." Remember the first devotional in this series. He could be in for some trials and tribulations...now.

If you are an impatient person you need to ask yourself some questions.

1. Why am I so impatient?
2. Has being impatient helped me to accomplish anything?
3. Do I really want enough trouble in my life to teach me to be patient?
4. How is my impatience hurting me and others around me?
5. Is my impatience hurting my testimony?

There are many more questions you can ask yourself but these will get you started on examining your own patience.



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.

Patience 2

GOD IS PATIENT WITH US

Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:


Whenever you are feeling a little (or a lot) impatient remember how patient God is with us. God is all knowing and therefore knows that our process of becoming Christlike is a growing and learning experience. If God was impatient He probably would have destroyed mankind a long time ago.

God does not condone or excuse sin and bad behavior but He is patient with us. He allows us to make some mistakes and helps us to learn from those mistakes. He lovingly chastens and corrects us to try and mold us into intruments of service that glorify Him.

We can see a perfect example of God's patience in Peter. He often spoke and acted without thinking much about it. Jesus responded to Peter's denial of Him with love, understanding and instructions for Peter to move on and do the work that he was chosen to do.

God is much more patient with you and me than we sometimes realize. When you begin to feel impatient just remember how patient God is with 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.

Patience 1

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience

Sometimes people will come to me and ask me to pray that they will have more patience. I have heard people on numerous occasions say that they have been praying for patience.

Here is a word of caution. Patience is not a gift. Patience is a learned craft that comes from dealing with trials and troubles. If you pray for patience you are asking God to send you enough trials and trouble that you will eventually learn to be patient. I don't know about you but I would rather use what I have already learned, or learn from the trials and problems that are sure to come anyway.

Strong's concordance defines patience as the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. When we look at this definition our impatience should embarrass us somewhat.

During the next several devotionals I want to discuss patience and the benefits of being patient and the foolishness of being impatient. I hope you learn something and receive a blessing from these lessons.


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.