A PATTERN FOR PRAYER 4

Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Protection

Oar prayer life should be one that offers any protection. One only has to watch the News and pay a title attention to what is going on around us to realize that it is a dangerous world.

The Bible tells us that in the latter days perilous times will come. I believe we are in those days and perilous times have certainly come. Temptation is everywhere. Sin abounds at every turn and we are not very far away from being persecuted for our Christian beliefs.

David asks God to keep him I We should also pray for God's protection and care during these perilous times.

Have you prayed for God to keep you safe from sin and it's dangers?

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.

A PATTERN FOR PRAYER 3

Psalm 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

Inspiration
When we pray we need to also listen to God. It is hard to know what God says if we never study His Word, the Bible. It is with scripture we know that he speaks to us and answers our prayers.

Prayer should be an inspiring experience. After we pray we should be inspired to live better, serve better and do better in general. We hear a lot about inspirational music, inspirational reading and such things. These are all great and d highly recommend them. What we so often lack is an inspirational prayer time.

Some of the most inspirational times in my life were in prayer meetings. Sometimes it would be with a group who gathered to pour out their hearts to God and sometimes I was alone with God.

Is your prayer life inspiring you and others around you to have a closer walk with 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.

A PATTERN FOR PRAYER 2

Psalm 17:3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Resolution

As David prayed he acknowledged that God knew him completely. Sometimes we pray as if we think God doesn't really understand the situation. David was full of resolution to serve God. He said he was purposed.

I believe that when we pray we should be purposed. We should have a burning desire to do and say the right things when we talk to God. Our prayers. should be with a purpose to commune and fellowship with our Heavenly Father.

I really love for my grown kids to call and talk to me. I have always tried to be open enough that they could come to me with anything. I hope they always will, but I also am overjoyed when they call just because they love me and want to talk.

Have you sat down and had a real purposeful heartfelt talk with your Heavenly Father 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.

A PATTERN FOR PRAYER 1

Psalm 17

INTRODUCTION: Sometimes we downplay emotions. We certainly should not let emotions alone rule us and guide us but emotions are a very real part of us. When we look at any portion of the word of God some particular emotions should be brought about.

If you get the opportunity to read the entire 17th Psalm please do so. During the next few devotionals I will be using some of the verses to make some points about prayer.

Ps 17:1 A prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

When we pray we should have a sincere desire to be heard by God. We need to recognize that He is the only God and go before him with the proper attitude. That attitude must be one of humility coupled by faith. Humility because what other way could we possibly stand before an awesome God? We go before Him with faith because that is the only way to approach Him.

God does not want us to just memorize words or recite some prayer we have learned. He wants us to talk to Him. Just as we desire to communicate with our children and our loved ones, God wants us to communicate with Him.

When we pray we are not praying to be heard by others, but we are talking to Almighty 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.

APPLES OF GOLD 5

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.

WORDS OF LIFE

John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE.

We have the Bible. The Word of God. We too have the words of eternal life. It would be unthinkable for someone to have knowledge of a cure for cancer or some other disease and keep that to himself. Only a selfish and uncaring person would do that. Yet, we have the Words of Eternal Life and sometimes we fail to share them even though the consequences of not having them could be worse than for cancer.

Remember when you are hesitant to tell someone about Jesus and salvation through Him what the objective is. If you are just trying to get someone to come to church you are not as effective. If you genuinely want to glorify God and see this person saved for eternity then God will give you the words. It is always up to the person hearing the words to respond but that doesn't lessen our responsibility to share them.

The plan of salvation is truly Golden.


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.

APPLES OF GOLD 4

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

What have you done to encourage someone lately? Have you told them what a good job they are doing. How about your children? Do you tell them how thankful you are that God blessed you by giving them to you? Have you thanked your parents?

I guess I could go on with the questions but I think you probably get the idea. No one wants to be taken for granted. When people feel unappreciated they become discouraged. Tell an employee that they are a valued employee and it will encourage them to do a better job. Tell your employer that you appreciate your job and he will treat you more as a valued employee.

As a pastor I can not count the times that I have been down and discouraged that someone would come along and say just the right words to let me know that what I was doing was worthwhile. Words of encouragement are easy to give and they are certainly a treasure to receive. Encouraging words are Golden.

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.

APPLES OF GOLD 3

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.

WORDS OF COMFORT

When someone is going through a tragedy and especially the loss of a loved one it is not always easy to know what to say. I have been at funerals where people would tell someone not to grieve because after all their loved one was in heaven.

There is much comfort in knowing a loved one who has passed away is a Christian but that does not mean that we should not grieve. Some of my loved ones have been gone for nearly 40 years and I still miss them. Grieving is a natural process. The Bible tells us that "Jesus wept." That should let us know that it is a natural and acceptable act.

Sometimes the greatest words of comfort come from just letting a person know that you care, that you love them, and that you are hurting with them. Once when we were going through a loss one of our church members just walked up, put his hand on my wife's arm and gave her a little squeeze. She said that was more comforting than anything he could have said.

When people are hurting, words of comfort and gestures of caring are priceless. I think the greatest Words at these times are the words we always need to hear, "I Love You." Those are truly golden words.

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.

APPLES OF GOLD 2

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.

WORDS OF HOPE

In this country that has been blessed so greatly it is hard for some of us to grasp the feeling of having no hope. This past year has been one that has witnessed a lot of disaster and devastation because of tornadoes, floods and other disasters. There have been tragedies worldwide as well.

Just as it always does in any worldwide tragedy, the people of United States have opened their hearts and opened their wallets to give help to those who truly need it.

We also must offer hope. It means much to people in times of tragedy or disaster to know that we care. It comforts them to know that we are praying for them. We can offer them apples of gold as well as financial help.


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.

APPLES OF GOLD 1

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

I read somewhere that in those days it was a custom at a feast to have a silver basket filled with golden yellow apples and they were offered to preferred guest. It was a great honor to receive one of these apples. The right word at the right time is also a way to honor a person.

In the next few devotionals we will be discussing some fitly spoken words. I hope you receive a blessing from them.

WORDS OF WARNING

Sometimes when we warn people if we are not careful it can sound a lot like nagging. Just like when we were children and our mothers told us not to run with scissors in our hand or one of the many other things our mothers warned us about, we can let it go in one ear and out the other.

It makes a difference how we warn others. If we act as if we have an air of superiority it will not get us very far. If we act like a know it all, or even act like we don't really care, then it is as the apostle Paul said:

1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

Without genuine compassion and care for the one we are warning it is just noise.

When we witness to someone it should be with charity, or love and compassion in our hearts. People can tell if you really care about them and a word of warning from someone who really cares is like "apples of gold in pitchers of silver."

Please feel free to contact me by email at

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


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

A GOOD CALL FOR MOST OCCASIONS

Psalms 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

IT IS A PRAYER FOR MANY OCCASIONS

Help Lord. I am facing temptations that I can not resist on my own. Please give me the strength that can only come from you. Help my faith and my love for Jesus keep me from sin.

Help Lord. I am so weak and I need your strength to see me through this rough time that I am having.

Help Lord. Satan is casting doubt on my relationship with you and I know that only you can dispel those doubts.

Help Lord. I feel sorrow in my heart because I am looking at things from a now viewpoint. Help me realize that eternity is long and that all things work together for good to those that love you.

Help Lord. I want to serve you but I really don't know what to do. Please guide me and help me along the way that you might be glorified.

Help Lord. Help me know how to live that I will learn how to die. Help me to have a longing in my heart to be with you in your presence forever.

Conclusion:
This is just a short list but it is a good list. You might want to write them down or print them out and meditate on them so that you will always be ready to cry out for help to the One who can help.
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.

A HUMBLE CALL

Psalms 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

IT IS A HUMBLE CALL

So often we walk through our lives acting like we are in charge and in complete control of all the things around us. Reality then hits us in the face and shows us that there are some situations that we are not strong enough, or smart enough, or even spiritual enough to handle.

These are the situations that cause us to humble ourselves and call out to God for help. I can imagine that God is like a parent watching a child doing something all wrong and having the child be adamant about doing it themselves. It is finally a relief when they realize they don't know what they are doing and they ask for help.

There are many instances where we must just plain out confess our inability to do some things. We have to back up and say, "Help, Lord; I can't do this on my own."

When we pray for help with a humble heart we can know that help is not very far from us.


Please feel free to contact me by email at

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


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

A CLEAR CALL

Psalms 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

IT IS A CLEAR CALL

There is no mistaking this call. It is plain and it is clear. It is also direct.

I need help. Regardless of the circumstances it is an admission that we are in a situation that we can not handle on our own. In most cases it is a clear case of being in a situation where our friends, family or acquaintances can not help us.

When we pray this prayer it is a prayer that is filled with faith. We believe that God has the power and the ability to help us when we can't get help anywhere else.

Sometimes when we pray we really don't know how to pray or what to say exactly. When we cry out "Help, Lord" there is no mistaking what we mean. We mean that we want God to do something for us that we can not do on our own. That shows faith.

It might be in something big, or even something that seems small to other people but it is an admission that we are dependant upon 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.

HELP LORD!

Psalms 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

"Help, Lord;"
IT IS DIRECT

When we are in a fix or have a problem we sometimes go directly to God. We think of Him so often when we have exhausted all other means of getting help. I sometimes think if we would pray and ask God for direction before we do things we wouldn't have to ask for help in this way so often.

The wonderful thing is that when we find our self needing help we can go directly to the Source of our help. We do not have to go through any other mediator to reach the throne of God.

Many times I have people to ask me to pray for them in certain circumstances and of course I agree to, and I make every effort to keep my word. What I really want to say so many times is I will pray with you about it.

I have my suspicions that many people ask me to pray on their behalf or in their stead. They want me to do their praying for them. Each of us has a direct prayer line to our Heavenly Father. We should use it often and not depend on others to pray on our behalf if we are not willing to pray 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.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

Psalms 12:1 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

INTRODUCTION:

Sometimes we try to complicate our prayer life. We argue about what we must say and how we must say it.

Three preachers were arguing about the proper posture for prayer. One said that he felt that a person should be standing with his hands raised to God. The second one said he felt that prayer was more effective if a person was on their knees. The third said he believed a person must lay on his face to show he was contrite.

A utility worker was close enough to overhear them and he interrupted them and said, "I don't know about you guys but some of the best praying I have ever done was hanging upside down from a light pole."

I think the utility worker might have been able to teach these three theologians something about prayer.

The first two words of this psalm of David were a simple and powerful prayer, Help, Lord. I have prayed that prayer many times in my life and I believe that God has heard and answered it. When I prayed it I didn't pay much attention to my posture either.

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.

GOING STRAIGHT 5

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but one thing , forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

WE NEED TO KEEP OUR EYES UPON THE THINGS SET BEFORE US

The world and it's pleasures can easily distract us from truly serving God and walking with Jesus. People seem to get sidetracked from what is really important. Many will sacrifice their souls for riches and the souls of their children for careers and status.

Many sacrifice the spiritual well being of their families for the benefit of some corporation. Whatever your career is just remember that jobs are a way to support your life. They are not life itself. God has given you abilities and talents to use for His honor and glory. Don't waste them all acquiring things in this world that will too soon perish or be left to others.

Education is a good thing but just like many other good things it can get you sidetracked. Our schools have taken a nose-dive in their quality and effectiveness ever since they expelled God and His word.

Every goal should be Christ centered and Christ oriented. Keep your eye on the real goal.

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.

GOING STRAIGHT 4

Joshua 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it the right hand or the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

GOD'S WAY IS NOT FILLED WITH OPTIONS

Many times I have heard people say that they think everyone should worship in their own way. God is not interested in being worshiped in our way. He has made it plain that He is to be worshiped in His way. God is not silent on the way we should worship. We are to worship Him in "spirit and truth". He has taught us these things in the Bible.

There seems to be a move on today to throw out many things that God has plainly stated are sins. When we stress this point we are accused of being filled with hate. I don't hate anyone. It is childish, immature and downright sinful to accuse someone of hate because they don't agree with what you do.

God's way is straight and narrow. You can call it old fashioned and out of date if you want to but no matter how much the world and customs change God is steadfast and unchangeable.


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.

GOING STRAIGHT 3

Deuteronomy 5:32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE IS STRAIGHT AND NARROW

There is a feeling among some today that think that we are trying to find the easy way out by not depending on good works, church ordinances, rituals or acts of personal sacrifice. It takes some humility to accept the fact that there is nothing I can do. In no way can I ever be acceptable to God besides through His grace and the sacrifice Jesus made for me.

Pride will send a lot of people to hell. It might be hard to accept the fact that I deserve to go to hell but it really makes me thankful that I don't have to because God loved me enough to send His only begotten Son to die and pay the sin debt that I owe.

Knowing that Jesus loved me enough to suffer for me and die for me that I (who does not deserve it) might have eternal life causes me to serve Him out of a thankful Heart. I can stay focused on Him and not on me and my works and whether I can be good enough or not.

That is cause for rejoicing.

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.
Deuteronomy 5:32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE IS STRAIGHT AND NARROW

There is a feeling among some today that think that we are trying to find the easy way out by not depending on good works, church ordinances, rituals or acts of personal sacrifice. It takes some humility to accept the fact that there is nothing I can do. In no way can I ever be acceptable to God besides through His grace and the sacrifice Jesus made for me.

Pride will send a lot of people to hell. It might be hard to accept the fact that I deserve to go to hell but it really makes me thankful that I don't have to because God loved me enough to send His only begotten Son to die and pay the sin debt that I owe.

Knowing that Jesus loved me enough to suffer for me and die for me that I (who does not deserve it) might have eternal life causes me to serve Him out of a thankful Heart. I can stay focused on Him and not on me and my works and whether I can be good enough or not.

That is cause for rejoicing.

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.

GOING STRAIGHT 2

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide the gate, and broad the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: {14} Because strait the gate, and narrow the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

People today are accusing Christians of being narrow minded. They say we need to broaden our horizons and look at things from other people's perspectives. Jesus told us just the opposite. He said that the broad way leads to destruction.

THE WAY TO DESTRUCTION IS WIDE

There are those who do nothing. They feel no conviction to trust God and His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. Many try to compare themselves to others and think that they are as good as anyone else. In a way they are right but we have to consider that we are all sinners and we have all come short of the Glory of God. Doing nothing is on the broad path to destruction.

Some will try to earn a place in Heaven. They do good works. They have an agenda that they think they can perform to earn their way into heaven. This type of thinking is on the broad path to destruction, "for by grace are ye saved, not of works, lest any man should boast".

Others will trust in their own righteousness. It will be a surprise to them when they realize that the Bible meant what it said when it stated that "there is none righteous, no not one."

The only way to Heaven is by way of the Cross. By trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. All other methods are on the broad path to destruction.

I guess I am narrow minded. Jesus told me to be in His Word.

The way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ and there is no other 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.

GOING STRAIGHT 1

Proverbs 4:23-27 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (24) Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. (25) Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. (26) Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. (27) Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

INTRODUCTION:
In the confusion of today's world it seems that many people are just going in circles. People are unable to set their sights on a spiritual goal and pursue it. The Bible admonishes us to neither turn to the left or the right but to go straight.

The next few devotionals will deal with going straight toward the greatest goal we can pursue, the way to eternal life which is through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide the gate, and broad the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: {14} Because strait the gate, and narrow the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ and there is no other 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.

BE READY 3

WE SHOULD BE READY BECAUSE THE CONSEQUENCES ARE GREAT

Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.


It is not very popular to talk, preach or write about Hell. Hell is a real place and it will be filled with real people along with Satan and his angels. There is no nice way to describe hell. It is a place of torment where there will be awareness, there will be every craving that man has ever had and they will all go unsatisfied.

Many joke about hell but hell is no joking matter. It is a place that was prepared for the devil but men will go because they reject salvation through Jesus Christ.

As you read this might be thinking, "Well, I'm ready, I'm Saved."
I hope that is the case but the question is, "Are all the ones you care about saved?"

Matthew 24:40-41 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. {41} Two grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Wives shall leave behind husbands, husbands shall leave behind wives.
Many will leave behind family members and friends. I don't know of any one that I don't want to go to heaven.

Are you ready? Is there some decision you need to make or is there someone that you might need to tell about Jesus and His saving grace?


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 READY 2

WE SHOULD BE READY BECAUSE HIS COMING WILL BE QUICK

Matthew 24:42-44 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (43) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. (44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

1 Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as
[a thief in the night].

Just as we have seen recently many people and many things will try to distract us so that we will not be ready when Jesus comes. Be prepared, he could come at any time.


A couple received a pair of tickets to a sold out ballgame and they were in an envelope that was not signed. They tried hard to figure out who sent them but could come up with no answer. They could hardly enjoy the ball game because they were still wondering who sent the tickets.
When they returned home their house was empty. Thieves had broken in and stolen all that they had that was of any value. There was a note
taped to the telephone that said. Just so you don't keep wondering I
sent you the tickets. Signed the thief.

Jesus is coming at a time that no man knows the day nor the hour and yet many are not ready. If Satan can, he will keep you preoccupied with other things so that you are not ready. Jesus is coming. When He comes He will come quickly. Be ready.


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 READY 1

Matthew 24:42-44 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (43) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. (44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

We have heard this message so often that I am afraid that we have become complacent. Many of us go about each day acting as if we do not believe that Jesus is coming again and that it could be very soon.

Ever so often someone will announce that they know the exact date of Jesus' return. Never listen to someone who says that. Jesus said that "only the Father in Heaven knows." When someone thinks they are smarter than Jesus they are not ready for His return anyway.

We are to be ready at any time because He can come back at any time.

Once a man visited a great estate and the grounds were immaculate. He was complimenting the gardener and he asked the question, "When was the last time the owner of the estate came here?"

The gardener thought and said, "I am not exactly sure but I believe it was about 25 years ago."

The man was astonished and he exclaimed, "But you keep up the grounds of this place as if you expect him to come tomorrow!"

The gardener smiled and said, "No, I expect him today. Each day I try to keep the grounds as if this will be the day that he comes and I want to be ready."

There is a great example there for us. We should live our lives each day as if we expect this to be the day that Jesus returns. Are you ready?

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.