A Fitting Memorial

Matthew 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

 

This woman had anointed Jesus with oil from an alabaster box.  She had been criticized by the apostles for being wasteful but Jesus said she was anointing Him for His burial.  Her act was an act of faith and an act of worship.

 

The word memorial was used many times in the Old Testament but only three times in the New Testament and twice was referring to this incident.  Of all the people in the New Testament Jesus picked this woman to memorialize, wherever the gospel was preached.  The story stands out so much that most people know about her.

 

What will you be remembered for.  Will you be remembered for your faith and your worship?  I have always joked that on my tombstone I would like for them to write, "He did the best he could with what he had to work with."  After reading this story I sit here wondering if that is enough.  Maybe it would be better if I could be remembered for my faith and my acts of worship of Jesus.

 

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MOMENTS

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

This verse tells us that our life is short.  So short as a matter of fact that it seems like it is a mere vapor.  The reality of that hits me more as I grow older and my health deteroriates. It doesn't seem like so long ago that I was starting school. I now get senior citizen discounts without having to ask for them.  It went so quickly.

 

The days, the months and even the years seemed to have gone by so quickly and now I have a lot more memories than I do dreams.  The most precious memories though are not of days, months, or years.  They are of moments.

 

The moment I remember seeing my wife for the first time is indellibly printed on my mind.  The moments that my son and my daughter were born and the first times they looked up and said daddy. Brief moments that mean the world to me.

 

So many times we are so intent on filling our days, planning our months and living out our years that we forget the moments.  The special moments that make us smile.  The ones that make us feel special or sometimes make us laugh at ourselves.  These are what make up the substance of that vapor that is our life.

 

Maybe instead of telling someone to have a great day we should tell them, "I hope your day is filled with special moments."

 

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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.

IT CAME TO PASS

Genesis 8:6 And IT CAME TO PASS at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:

 

Have you ever been through a situation that you thought would never end?  I'm sure that Noah and his family listened to the downpour of the rain that fell on the roof of the Ark and wondered if it would ever stop.  Forty days and Forty nights of rain.  I am sure they felt like they were beginning to mildew.

 

It did stop as we all know.  Noah opened the window and sent forth a raven who and then a dove who brought nothing back.  He then sent fort a dove who brought back an olive branch.  The water was receding.  The flood had come to pass it had not come to stay.

 

That is the same with the things in our life.  Good or bad they come to pass and not to stay. It is all temporary so don't despair, bad times won't last forever, they come to pass.  Don't get too satisfied or become too at ease in the good times either, they too come to pass.

 

The only thing eternal is our relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

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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.

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! 4

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

Recently we have been bombarded with news of government shut downs, sequesters, budget cuts, national debt, defaults, and all sorts of scary big words.  The new Affordable? Health Care Act has people worried about their health insurance in the future.  Someone was commenting about it recently and I told them, "I depend on God to take care of me. When He gets through taking care of me here, I believe He will just take me on home with Him and take care of me there."  That is a healthcare plan that will give you comfort.

 

In my life I have been amazed at how God has provided for me.  Thankfully, I never really learned how to worry much.  Instead I have spent my time learning about God and learning to trust Him.

I can not guarantee that I will never go hungry but if I do, it will be for the glory of God. I might not have the latest designer clothes and the fanciest boots or running shoes but I have never been barefoot unless I wanted to be.

 

How dare we worry when our refrigerators are full of food.  How dare we worry with shoes and clothes in our closets.  How dare we worry while we have a roof over our head and a warm shelter to spend the night.  Even if these things are taken away, our God is greater than any adversity we can face and He has a place for us and has promised us that Jesus will come again and take us to it some day.

 

Worry?  Don't even think about it.  Seek ye first the kingdom of God.

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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.

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! 4

Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

A high school basketball coach was having a really bad season.  None of the taller boys in school had a desire to play on the team and his entire team was short.  After a really bad loss someone asked him if he felt it was his fault as a coach that they were losing. His answer was, "I'm not sure, but no matter how much I try and how much I coach I can't make them grow one inch."  You can't worry yourself one inch taller either.

 

There are a lot of things you can't worry yourself out of or in to.  You can't worry yourself out of debt. You can not worry yourself into a healthy condition, as a matter of fact, worry is detrimental to your good health.

 

I like the old saying, "Worry is like rocking in a rocking chair, even though it keeps you busy it is not getting you any where."

A lot of time is spent in worrying that could be spent in a much more productive way.  Most of the things we worry about never happen.  The thigs that do happen are going to happen whether we worry about them or not.

 

Instead of worrying why not just focus on trying to fulfill the purpose of God in your life.  Focus on Him and focus your energies on doing His will.  You won't even think about the trivial things you usually worry about when you learn to do this.

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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.

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! 3

Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

 

Have you ever really observed wildlife and their feeding habits?  They are amazing to watch and it puzzles me how an unbeliever can watch them and not believe in God.

 

Some animals eat only plants, some eat only meat and some will eat almost anything. Sometimes we get in the way of nature by trying to step in and help out and the animals become dependent on us. They forget how to forage for themselves.  Left in their natural state they usually do just fine.

 

As the seasons change and the food supply changes God has given them the built in instincts to follow the seasons and the food supply.  The only way to explain the flights of migratory birds such as ducks and geese is that God gave them the  directions they need to follow to survive.

 

Jesus is not saying that we should not be prudent in taking care of ourselves.  He is telling us that we shouldn't spend time worrying about it.

We should know that God loves us and that everything comes from Him.  Praying is the answer, not worry.  That way we focus on God instead of focusing on ourselves and the problem.

 

 

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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.

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! 2

Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

 

Look at the way God dresses His creatures that live free and wild.

 

God dresses them in clothes that are perfect for them.  Many are dressed in camouflage where they can not be seen easily by predators. Birds are especially beautiful in their colors and are dressed more festive than kings and queens.

 

My wife will be the first to tell you that I have never been one to care about the latest fashions. I sometimes think that I am more the John the Baptist type and would fare just as well draped in animal skins.  I'm sure this wouldn't go over well on Sunday Morning so I still wear my suit and tie to preach. I'm old fashioned enough to do that.

 

I am amazed at how much worry and thought some people put in to what they will wear.  I don't even think about it.  I think God took care of me being dressed when He gave me my wife.  She makes sure I don't look too awful.

 

Our lives would be much better if we would spend as much time working on what is inside of us and our relationship with God, than what we wear.

 

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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.

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! 1

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

 

Some people seem to be filled with worry.  They worry about what they eat, they worry about what they drink and they worry about what they wear and how they look.  Jesus is giving a great lesson here.  Don't even think about it.  Just trust God and dedicate your life to serving Him and these He will provide these things.

 

When it comes to worry some people will tell you to just try not to think about it.  That doesn't work.  If you don't believe me, just try not to think about an elephant.  If you try not to think about something, that is all you can think about.

 

What you have to do is to replace those thoughts with other thoughts.  That is why it is important to study God's Word and learn to meditate on His promises.  When you become focused on God and His provision for you it will clear your mind from all the worries.

 

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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.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS 3

Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Some day everyone will bow before Jesus.  Everyone will confess that Jesus is the Great and only King.

The sad part of this is that many will not recognize the fact before it is too late. Many need to recognize that you can bow before Him now and make Him Lord of Your life even as you read this by asking Him to come into your heart and save you and asking Him to be your Lord and King.

What will you do with Jesus?  Will you was your hands of him?  Will you just tolerate Him?  Will you recognize Him but not accept Him as Lord?  Do you just want Him when you need something?
Why not accept Him for what He truly is, King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

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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.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS 3

Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

 

SOME WANT HIM IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY

 

There are some who will acknowledge that Jesus is God in the Flesh.  They would not argue with anyone about Him being King of Kings and Lord of Lords but they treat Him and our Heavenly Father as sort of a spare tire.

 

When life is good and things are going great they don't pay much attention to Him.  When things start going bad or they begin to have troubles such as sickness or financial trouble they turn to Him and hope that He will  bail them out of trouble.

 

Sadly many when go through problems and become angry and wonder why God allows terrible things to happen to them.  They know about God, they know Jesus and claim Him as their Lord and Savior but they ignore Him until they get into trouble.

 

Jesus wants to be there for us in or good times as well as in our bad times.  No matter how close we walk with God we are going to have both.  I remember a poem I once read (I am not sure of the author) that sums this up pretty well:

 

When it is time to go to church,
I try to pay a visit,
Because when they take my casket there,
I don't want God to ask "Who is it."

 

We should never be a stranger to God.  We should have daily fellowship with Him.

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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.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS 3

Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

 

SOME WILL WANT HIM IN THEIR SOCIAL CIRCLES

 

There are many who would say.  I look up to Him and I respect Him and I want to spend a little time with Him.  I will visit Him when I go to church and I will mention Him when I talk to others who know Him.  He can be a great influence on my life.

 

All of these things seem noble and good but these same people just don't want to go off the deep end.  They don't want Him to dominate their lives.  He would not fit into their lifestyle at all times.  No need for them to take Him Home with them.

 

Lots of people know about Jesus but do not have a real personal relationship with Him.  When we begin to know Him on an intimate basis and really understand who He is, we can not help but humble ourselves before Him and accept Him as Lord over all that we have.

 

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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.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS 2

Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

 

SOME WILL TOLERATE HIM

 

Unlike the crowd who would have Jesus crucified there are some who would think themselves kind to just let Him go, and tolerate Him.  After all, what harm can He do?

 

In many Christian organizations today that is the way that Jesus is being treated.  They say things like, "We don't want to go overboard."  "We believe in Jesus but we don't believe that He is the only way."

 

Jesus is not a way...He is THE Way.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

 

Jesus doesn't want you to accept Him as a great man and a great teacher.  He doesn't want to be accepted as a prophet.  He is the Son of God who gave His life for us and He wants to be your Lord and Savior.

 

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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.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?

Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

 

Most of us who are at all familiar with the Bible know of Pilate and how he washed his hands of the whole matter of what to do with Jesus.  He felt like it was not his problem and he really didn't want to deal with it.

 

The mob that gathered called for Jesus to be crucified.  Many in the world today would cry out for Jesus to be crucified again.  When they sue to have a Nativity scene removed from a public park they might just as well be screaming, "Crucify Him."  When they sue because some government official is praying in Jesus name they just as well shout, "Crucify Him!"

 

Pilate asked the crowd what they would have him do and then he washed his hands and turned Him over to them.

 

When we fail to take a stand for Jesus we are no better than Pilate.  What will you do with Jesus.

 

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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.

MAN WITH A PURPOSE 5

GREAT THINGS ARE DONE BY MEN WITH GOD'S PURPOSE IN THEIR HEART

 

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 

Daniel did not just do right out of habit, though it is good to form the habit of doing right.  He made a decision to do the right thing and followed it through.

 

Daniel did not just decide to do right because it was convenient. He did it many times in spite of dire circumstances. 

 

When you study your Bible you find that great things were done for God by men who had a purpose given to them by God.  Surely the apostle Paul was a man of purpose as were the Old Testament Saints.

 

History and even current events show us how men with a purpose further the cause of God.  The pilgrims had a purpose to establish a place where they could worship freely.  The founding fathers of our nation had a purpose to guarantee that freedom to generations to come.  Missionaries and Pastors that are preaching the truth from pulpits around the world are men with a purpose.

 

Propose in your heart to serve God with all your strength and abilities.

 

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MAN WITH A PURPOSE 4

THEY TOOK PLEASURE IN PLEASING GOD

 

Daniel 1:5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 

I hope you will go to your bibles and read this entire account and you would do well to read the other accounts of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah being faithful to God.

 

These four outstanding examples to us all took great pleasure in pleasing God.  Wouldn't our lives be more fulfilled if we took as much pleasure in pleasing God as we do in pleasing others and ourselves?

We should take pleasure in worship.  Some do, while others seem to get little pleasure from it.  We should take pleasure in laboring for the Lord by witnessing.  When we can reach a spiritual level where we take pleasure in pleasing Him, we can then enjoy the abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

 

 

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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.

MAN WITH A PURPOSE 3

HIS PURPOSE WAS NOT PLEASURE

 

Daniel 1:5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 

Daniel didn't decide to eat pulse and water instead of the Kings best table fare for pleasure.  I'm not really sure what pulse is but it doesn't sound all that tasty to me.  I am sure the food that was fit for a King was well... just that, fit for a King.

 

Sometimes we look at what will bring us instant gratification instead of what is best for us in the long run.  Looking back over my life I can see where I made some terrible decisions that I am paying for today.

 

Don't let anyone tell you that there is no pleasure in sin.  If it were not pleasurable it would not be a problem to avoid sinning. The point is that sin has built in penalties of it's own.  A famous preacher once said, "Sin will take you farther than you want stray, it will keep you longer than you want to stay, and it will cost you more than you want to pay."

 

Don't look for the instant pleasures in life.  Do the right thing and you will be better for it in the long run.

 

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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.

MAN WITH A PURPOSE 2

MAKING UP YOUR MIND

 

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 

Daniel did that which was best for him because he purposed in his heart to do the right thing.  In more modern terms he made up his mind to do the right thing.  Sometimes the first step to a closer walk with God is just making up your mind to do it.

 

He didn't do it because it was expedient.  It wasn't the easiest thing he could have done but sometimes the easiest thing is not the best.  Most of the time the greatest rewards come from putting in more effort.

 

My wife and I are very seldom if ever late getting to church, or to anywhere else that we are supposed to be at a certain time.  It takes some effort but we make up our minds to start on time and you would be surprised at the amount of stress that can be reduced from your life if you just decide to be on time. (The world will not wait on you.)  It might be easier to be late for church or stay home altogether but you miss many blessings if you do.

 

Sometimes it is easier not to witness than to witness to someone but when we pass up an opportunity it may never come again.  The blessing of telling someone about Jesus is one of the biggest blessings of being a Christian.

 

Sometimes it might seem easier to just sit still and stagnate instead of being an alive and vibrant member of the Lord's church.  It might be easier but if you make up your mind to serve the Lord with all your effort you will not regret it.

 

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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 MAN WITH A PURPOSE 1

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 

Daniel made a decision to do what he felt God would have him do and decided to stick with it.  While the King and his servants (the government) thought they knew what was best for Daniel and the others Daniel knew better and was not about to be forced to do something he felt was against God's teachings.

 

We are all under authority of some form of Government and certainly we should obey the laws of the land.  It becomes a different situation completely when those laws are contrary to the teachings of God.  When there is a conflict between man's law and God's law we are obligated to choose the higher authority, which is always God.

 

The next few devotionals will deal with Daniel knowing his purpose was to obey God.  I hope you can gain something from this that will help you in your every day experiences.

 

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How Should We Speak?

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

 

This is a pretty good lesson on how we are to guard our speech.  Grace.  God's grace is unmerited favor or to put it simply, God's love even though we don't deserve it.  If we are to keep our conversations filled with grace I believe it means that we are to love those we are talking to...or about whether they deserve it or not.

 

We should speak respectfully even to those who do not show us the proper respect.  Even children appreciate being shown respect when we talk to them.  Jesus showed respect in His speech regardless of who He was talking to and he didn't talk down to them.  We are to follow the example of Jesus.  I know it is a struggle for me but thankfully I am growing a little in that area.

 

If we are to season our speech with salt I think this means we are to show our Christian faith as we speak.  Salt is a preservative.  Salt adds flavor.  Jesus preserves us and adds some flavor to our lives and we should share that as we speak to others.

 

Maybe it would be a good thing if we all spent time in the Bible and got some speech lessons from Jesus.

 

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UNRIGHTEOUS SPEACH

Romans 3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

 

In this letter to the church at Rome the writer here is speaking of the unrighteous.  Who are the unrighteous?  We all were at one time and we definitely have no righteousness of our own.  The unrighteous are those who have never accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and applied His righteousness to their lives.

 

Even though I watch very little TV there is seldom a week that I don't hear or see someone who is attacking Christianity.  The one thing I notice about them all is that they seem so full of bitterness, anger and hatred, all the while accusing others of the same thing.  I am sure their anger comes from deep within, mixed with a little fear that they could be wrong and hoping that if they keep God's people quiet their own guilt will not eat away at them.

 

People say things on TV and out in public that were not discussed in mixed company when I was young. (I liked it a lot better then.)  Now it seems that there is no shame.

 

Don't let the unrighteous ruin your day.  Turn to God's Word which is filled with "Peace that passes understanding", "joy unspeakable and full of glory" and most of all "hope".

 

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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.

Who Said?

Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

 

Pro-choice?  That is such a misleading word.  It seems that the one who has the most at stake has no choice at all, the unborn baby.  When I hear them call themselves pro-choice I cringe because I know that it really means pro-abortion.  It means never giving the unborn baby a chance to come into the world and grow into someone who has a free will.

 

It is amazing how we see people lie by trying to twist God's Word and the Bible.  Gay?  I remember when that meant happy and carefree.  It should never have been used to rationalize a sinful lifestyle and try to promote a destructive agenda to society.  No, this is not hate speech because I will go on record as saying that I don't hate anyone.  I will also say that this is not the only sin that people seem to want to legitimize in our society today and sin is sin and even though I don't understand this type sin,  I do know that I am not free of sin myself.

 

If I have a tendency to steal though I should not try to rationalize it and make everyone else think that it should be embraced and accepted.  If I have a tendency to lie it would be presumptuous of me to try and change the laws of our nation to make it acceptable.

 

If we want to know what is right and what is wrong we need to immerse ourselves in God's Word, the Bible.  It teaches of sin.  It warns of judgment.  It offers salvation.  There is no truth in the world that is not in harmony with God's Word.

 

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Email us atshilohkosciusko@gmail.com \
We welcome 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.

They Said What?

Proverbs 15:2 The TONGUE of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Isn't it amazing how some of the new technologies work.  Using a small laser beam delicate surgeries can be performed, even on something as small as an eyeball.  The same laser technology can be used to guide weapons of destruction with unbelievable precision.  A nuclear reactor can produce enough electricity to power thousands of homes, businesses and hospitals.  Nuclear power can also be used to produce weapons of mass destruction.

Certain things are neither good nor bad.  It is all in how they are used.  I hear much talk today about education and how our people need to be better educated but they still want to keep God out of education and government.  A person with a head full of knowledge and facts but no belief in God is not only foolish but dangerous.

How do we use knowledge right?  We must use it to spread the Gospel, to glorify God, and to edify our Christian brothers and sisters.  We must be courageous to speak out in this day of political correctness and sometimes we are going to offend someone.  The truth hurts.  Sometimes surgery hurts too but it can save our lives.

I hope you bear with me during these devotionals. I have a heavy burden that we are being bombarded with propaganda, lies and half-truths, from the media, politicians and the world in general.

Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged

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Email us at
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We welcome 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.

WHAT WERE YOU SAYING

Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

 

Wow!  Some verses in the Bible just jump out at you and kind of slap you upside the head.  I know a lot of people who seem to just open their mouth enough to change feet.  They are worse than those who say whatever is on their mind.  They say things without them ever going through their mind.  Not only do I know people like that sometimes I see one in the mirror because we can all be like that at times.

 

Thankfully as I have aged I have learned a little better to think before I speak.  I have learned that I don't have to say everything I think. Even now my mouth sometimes gets me in trouble but I am getting better at keeping it under control.

 

Someone once said that trying to un-say something is like trying to un-shoot a gun.  It just can't be done.  We can apologize and be truly sorry when we say hurtful things but we can never erase the pain that we cause.

 

If someone spreads a damaging false rumor it can do it's damage and destroy someone's reputation. No matter how sorry you might be for starting it you can not undo all the damage.

 

The tongue is mentioned frequently in the scriptures and of all the parts of our body  it seems that it can be the hardest to control and do the most damage.  Remember though, it is not just the ones who hear it that are damaged.  The one letting his tongue go wild will not escape unscathed either.

 

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We welcome 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.

Lukewarm

Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

 

"You really have a warm and friendly church." What would you think if someone said that to you about your church.  Even though I am sure it would be meant as a compliment and it is probably true about many churches it is in reality an insult.  Being warm is so bad that Jesus said He would spew the Laodicean church out of his mouth.

 

The problem with most of us in church is that we are comfortable with being warm.  At least we are not cold.  I have visited churches that were almost frigid and after a visit or two at the most I knew that I would not want to go back.  I have visited the warm and friendly churches where to be honest, I was comfortable, at least until the preacher made a great point and I said, "Amen!".

Almost half the church turned around to look at me and I felt a little uncomfortable.

We should not be "warm and friendly".  The friendly is fine but we should be on fire for the Lord. 

 

We should be like Jeremiah who said,

Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning FIRE shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

 

He had made up his mind to keep his mouth shut but the Word of God lit a fire in him.  Maybe if we would allow God's word to consume us we would be on fire for Him.

 

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We welcome 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.

FIRST LOVE

Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

 

The church at Ephesus seemed to be doing everything right. They were doctrinally sound, they were ministry minded and they were thriving. What more could they do.

 

They needed to remember why they were doing those things. Much of the work being done in the churches today seems to be people oriented instead of purpose oriented.  What is our purpose?  We are created to gloriy God. How do we glorify God?  The best I can understand is that we glorify God by showing the world our love for Jesus and His love for us.

 

My wife and I have been married for 42 years and I cannot imagine life without her.  My son just turned 40 and I love him more each day.  My baby girl has a 13 year old son and she will always be my baby girl.  You don't even want to me to get started on how much I love my grandkids.  With all these people in my life and all the love I have for them, my first love should always be Jesus.

 

Churches should love their Senior Citizens.  They should love their Youth Ministries.  It is a wonderful thing to be missions minded.  Every member of the church should be loved and ministered to.  That doesn't change the fact that the main motivation for the church should be because they love Jesus.  When we focus on Him all the other things will be blessed.

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We welcome 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.

GIVE AN ACCOUNT

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

This was written to the Christians at Rome and it is referring to the Judgment Seat of Christ.  While we will not face the judgment of the damned at the White Throne Judgment we will be called into account for our works and our service as Christians.

 

The faithful will receive rewards for things they did out of love for Jesus and then they will be able to lay them at His feet in tribute.

 

The Bible teaches us that all our carnal works will be burnt up and all that will last are the works that are motivated out of love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  Many will stand before Jesus, saved but empty handed.

 

I have been taking a personal inventory this morning and I'm not sure that I want to give an account.  How do I account for the time I have wasted?  Can I justify the many times I could have witnessed and didn't.  Have I spent more time trying to acquire material things than I have making deposits in my spiritual account?

 

I am so thankful for Jesus and my salvation.  It is a blessing to be assured that my name is written in the Lambs Book of Life and I will miss the terrible judgment of the lost.  I don't have to do anything about that, Jesus paid it all.

 

We need to pray for each other that we will start "Laying up treasures in Heaven" because one day we will have to give an account for that.

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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.

FOUND WANTING

Daniel 5:27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.

 

This was part of the message to Belshazzar in the handwriting on the wall.  I'm not really sure why I think of certain scriptures as I go about my daily routine unless it is God's way of speaking to my heart.

 

I woke up this morning at my usual time around 5:00 am and proceeded with my regular routine. I made coffee, checked my email and thought about my plans for the day. The rest of the details are unimportant but basically I began my day in a casual manor without first spending time with God.

My wife and I usually have prayer together each day to begin our day.  Since I get up before she does most of the time I usually just fill in the time until she gets up.  This morning this scripture came to my mind and I decided to sit down and write because it made me think of what message God might have for me and maybe for some who read these devotionals.

 

While I would like to think that God would say something like "You are a good and faithful servant", I am afraid that might not be the case. He might say "You have been weighed in the balance and found wanting."

 

I am thankful that even though my actions can never merit my entrance into heaven that I have Jesus to tip the scales in my favor.  My works won't weight enough.  My service is severely lacking.  I am not really as good a person as I should be and am probably not as good a person as most people think I am. (Now that is kind of scary.)  My devotion to God could certainly use some help and my ministry to my fellow man is not all it could be.  The scales are not balanced at all.

 

I am so thankful that God's wonderful grace outweighs my sin and all my shortcoming.  When I am weighed in the balance my faith in Jesus Christ keeps me from being "found wanting".

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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.

WE NEVER KNOW

1 Samuel 20:3 And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

 

Sometimes we forget how sudden and unexpected death can be. Earlier today(this post was written last Monday) a mass killer went into a secure Navy facility and killed at least 13 people. While I was shocked and saddened it didn't dawn on me to use this as a wake up call for those who are not ready until I read the post of a fine Christian friend on Facebook encouraging all to be ready at all times.

 

I am ready to go whenever the Lord calls me home and because of severe heart trouble I am well aware as David was that "there is but a step between me and death".  Sadly this is true of everyone and so many are not ready.

 

None of those people who went to work today were expecting it to be their last day of life.  They were going about their business as usual never expecting a mad killer to take their lives. We hear more and more of these kinds of tragedies but sadly these are not the only instances where death comes suddenly. Sadly many do not realize this and are not prepared.

 

Death is not so frightening to those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It should be very scary to those who do not.

 

It doesn't take a serial killer or a terrorist to bring sudden death.  It came come from disease, from an automible or any other kind of accident. It can come from a storm or flood or even a falling limb from a tree.  The fact is thaat there is but a step between all of us and death.

 

It is my hope that if you have never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior that you will confess your sins and ask Him to come into your heart and save you.  You can never be saved too early but you can wait too late.

 

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We welcome 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.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

 

Many become spiritually weak and sick because they don't truly nourish their spirit by feeding on the Word of God.  The Bible is the way that we incorporate God into our life.  When we neglect to spend time in the Bible we are neglecting our spiritual growth.

 

This verse is to spiritual babes who have not become mature Christians.  Those are the ones who have not come to a point to where they can feed themselves from God's Word.

 

If all you ever get is what you hear from the preacher or the Sunday School teacher you are still on the milk of the Word

. 

As you mature as a Christian you should be able to pray, study the Bible and allow God to teach you and work in your life.

 

The Bible is very important to all Christians:
It tells of God's love.
It warns of God's Judgement.
It shows us the way of salvation.
It guides us and helps us to grow spiritually.

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We welcome 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 BIBLE IS THE BOOK OF THE AGES

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

 

Forever is a long time.  Customs and society might change, and the changes I am seeing are not for the best, but God's Word doesn't change.

 

We might change our attitudes toward sin, toward God, and toward His Word but His Word is settled in Heaven and it is not going to change. I am getting tired of being considered backward and closed minded because I still believe that the Bible means what the Bible says.

 

Sadly the criticism of the Bible doesn't all come from those who completely deny God.  There are many churches and groups calling themselves Christian today who want to discount some parts of the Bible as being outdated and old fashioned.

 

The Bible is even more current than today's Newspaper because it can tell us what is going to happen.  The Bible is stronger than the laws of any government because God is the Supreme lawgiver of all.  No president, dictator, or prime minister can discount the Bible because it is the story of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

 

If the Bible says it, that settles it, whether you believe it or not.

 

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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.

Living Word 1

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

 

God has much to say concerning His Word. It is given to us so that we might learn His truth. It is inspired or God breathed.

 

Many people claim that the Bible is just another book written by men.  While it is true that God used men to record His Word, He inspired them or directed them in writing it.

 

One of the problems men have with the Bible is the reproof part.  It does point out our sins and our failures but it also tells us how we can correct those failures.  We are given instruction in righteousness.

 

If one spends enough time prayerfully studying the Bible he will know that it is the Living Word of God.  God reveals mans sinfulness, His own Holiness,  His Righeousness, and then He shows His Grace to man by sending His Son Jesus to redeem them.

 

When people fall in love with God's Word, it draws them closer to God, it changes them so that they conform more to what God would have them to be.

 

FREE .PDF E-BOOK
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Email us atshilohkosciusko@gmail.com \
We welcome 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.

Pity Party

Psalm 42:11 Why art thou CAST DOWN, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God

 

Every once in a while we all have a little pity party for one reason or another.  I always say that it is not so bad as long as you don't invite too many people and the party doesn't last too long.

 

When our health is failing, we fail at other ventures or sometimes when we just don't get our way we can tend to feel sorry for ourselves.  I have always found the best way to end such a party is to look around and count our blessings.

 

If we really think about it we are truly blessed and we should have thankful hearts.  Once we have established the fact that we are blessed then we can focus on the One who is responsible for our blessings.

 

How can I be cast down when I have Jesus to lift me up.  How can I be discouraged when I know that I have victory in Jesus.  It is almost impossible to feel defeated when you know that you have victory in Jesus.

 

I guess sometimes we start looking at ourselves instead of looking to a great and mighty God.

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Email us atshilohkosciusko@gmail.com \
We welcome 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.