Category Archives: Devotional

Per-Severe Through Per-secution

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From a sermon by Robert J. Morgan

“We must never forget that the word perservere comes from the prefix per, meaning though, coupled with the word severe.  It means to keep pressing on, trusting God, looking up, doing our duty — even through severe circumstances.”¹

The apostle Paul wrote about our journey through  severe circumstances:

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed (2Corinthians 4:8 & 9).

 Did you notice that Paul also used a few ‘per’ words –perplexed and persecuted?  I thought I would, therefore, continue in Pastor Morgan’s thought.

Perplexed
In Greek:      (aporew aporeo ap-or-eh’-o)   perplexed indicates having no way out.

In English:    The use of the term plex indicates a combining form meaning “having parts or units”

 Persecuted
In Greek:     (dioko dee-o’-ko)   being pursued (but the rest of the verse indicates that because we are never forsaken by God, we are not overcome when pursued).

In English:   (Se)cute –cute being a 1615 aphetic variant of acute, meaning sharp or severe in effect; intense or extremely great or serious; crucial; critical

Putting that all together, we may “pursued” by very acute trials, and it may seem there is no way out, but  we will only go through these trials  in parts – or perhaps a better term would be seasons.

 Again, the Apostle Paul speaks of trials and summarizes the previous thoughts well:

 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a SEASON, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  (I Peter 1: 6, 7 – emphasis mine)

 Are you going through trials and temptations right now?  Keep pressing on!  God will never leave you nor forsake  you – Furthermore, those trials and temptations are only for a short season and the Lord  will walk right through that fiery furnace of affliction with you !

¹Morgan quote taken from Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes. Robert J. Morgan. Thomas Nelson Publishers. Nashville, Tn. 2000

Do You Measure Up?

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“The only man who behaved sensibly was my tailor; he took my measurement anew every time he saw me, while all the rest went on with their old measurements and expected them to fit me.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              — George Bernard Shaw

 We read that King David was a man after God’s own heart. But according to Scripture, there were many people –even amongst his own countrymen- that did not believe David measured up to his role as king, nor as a child of God. King David’s critics probably couldn’t let go of his past failures and mistakes, which is understandable because even David struggled with them occasionally.

I very much doubt that you and I will ever be exempt from that kind of scrutiny either. As long as there is breath in our bodies, someone is bound to question whether or not we measure up in one way or another.  Truthfully, as long as God considers you to be a man or woman after His own heart, it doesn’t matter in the least what anyone else thinks.

 Here’s the kicker: that includes us! Most of us need to learn to forgive ourselves a little more readily.  Why is it so easy to forget others mistakes but cling to our own like some well-deserved trophy when the Lord promised: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Furthermore, He takes our iniquities and casts them into depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).

 Dear reader, the next time you are tempted to dredge up your own past failures, remember that you don’t even know where God’s sea of forgotten iniquity is. Even if you did, there’s nothing in there worth retrieving.

 The next time an enemy throws your past in your face just smile and hand him a mirror.  Oops, scratch that –I was just thinking out loud; I’m sure you can think of something a little more spiritual.

 Finally, every time the devil tries to bring condemnation by reminding you of your past, simply remind him of his future.

 None of us are perfect, but if we remain faithful to the Lord and His instruction, we will measure up in the end –He will see to that!

The Life-Guard

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Even Christians can feel overwhelmed and downcast at times. I felt that way as I sulked in the far corner of the swimming pool. There was only one other person in the pool and he and the lifeguard were having quite a chat.

“I could drown right here and you wouldn’t even notice,” I thought. Yes I can swim, that wasn’t the point. I was just miffed that the lifeguard was so engrossed in conversation that he wasn’t paying attention to his job. But that was just my bad attitude rearing its ugly head; I knew in my heart that the lifeguard was doing his job even if it didn’t seem so.

This scripture came to mind:

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. ~Psalm 42:11

It occurred to me that my frustrations ran deeper than a seemingly negligent lifeguard. The real issue was that I felt God himself was not paying attention to my needs. But that was just my carnal mind speaking. I KNOW with certainty that the Lord God is watching out for His children at all times regardless of what my tattered emotions say.

Jesus is not just a lifeguard standing by in case we start to sink, He is always there guarding every part of our lives whether we feel His presence or not. And He is never negligent! The Bible says to cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us. I asked myself again: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

I was given a fresh reminder that day; though our Heavenly Father guards our lives, we have a responsibility to guard our thoughts. Rather than letting our downcast emotions rule our thoughts, we must bring them into subjection. How? By praising God!

Easy CZ Christianity

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Bottom line, a diamond’s desirable qualities are summed up in two words: fire and brilliancy.  Fire is the essences of its sparkle; brilliance comes from its ability to refract light.

As temples of the Holy Spirit, Christians  should have both fire and brilliancy.  What would that look like in a human?  Galatians 5:22 sums it up pretty well.  The fruit of the Spirit are these:

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.

Yet we find an interesting passage of Scripture in Matthew 7:22, 23. Here we read about people who consider themselves to be Christians being denied entrance into God’s kingdom.  Why?  The Lord Jesus tells them “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

I wonder how many people in the church thought these workers of iniquity had fire and brilliance because they were doing the work of the Lord -pretty convincing works at that?  Yet, the Bible indicates that these men and women were not true diamonds -they were Cubic Zirconia.  To the untrained eye, Cubic Zirconia (CZ)  looks like a diamond and many are fooled by it in the same way that pyrite (fool’s gold) deluded the masses during the gold rush.

But Cubic Zirconia is not the real deal and therefore it does not have the value of a real diamond. Any true diamond collector would not only recognize CZ immediately, they would reject it.

My friends, God will not be mocked.  He knows the difference between the authentic and the counterfeit.  I pray that we all take the time to examine our lives, our motives, and our relationships with the Lord God while there is still time, and make any necessary changes so that he can look at our fire and brilliance on judgement day and say “Well done … Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:23, 34).

Of the two gems  pictured above, which is the real diamond and which is the cubic zirconia?  Are you sure?

HE’s Got Your Back

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What would you do if you were enjoying an outing in the woods and a bear attacked your 8-year-old son? That’s a no-brainer –you would go after that bear without a moment’s hesitation, with your bare hands if need be, to protect the one you love so dearly.

John Pala, a 43-year-old salesman from Florida could tell you what that is like.  He and his sons were vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when a black bear pounced on his youngest son and began to maul his head. Without hesitation, Mr. Pala who did not have a weapon, nor any backwoods experience, grabbed the bear’s face and pried his mouth open, allowing his son to escape. However, Evan slipped and fell while running away; this allowed the bear to pounce him again.  Mr. Pala then tackled the bear a second time, pulling him off the boy.  All three were then able to run to safety.

Do you ever feel that you are lying helpless beneath the weight of a  vicious “bear?”  Like that aggressive beast, problems sometimes jump on us unexpectedly  –problems which we are no match for– leading us to believe that we will be devoured.  Rest assured, my friend, that at times like those, our Heavenly Father will be right on top of that “bear” forcing it to release its grip on you.

Young Evan left that encounter with some minor injuries, but his life was spared.  We are not guaranteed that some of our “bears” won’t leave us broken or bleeding, but if we call upon the LORD, He will rescue us. And, He will satisfy us with long life showing us His salvation.  In other words, not only will He rescue us, He will heal our wounds.

My friends, you don’t ever have to live your life in fear because  the LORD’s got your back!

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” —Psalm 91:14-16

[You may read Evan’s story at USA Today online 8/12/2008]

Never Alone

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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ~ Psalm 46:1

Sometimes people just need a reminder that they are not alone. For my friends who are battling breast cancer, or any illness for that matter, I want to remind you that even in your darkest hours, your heavenly Father is walking through this valley with you. And when you stumble beneath the burden, He will scoop you up in His loving arms and carry you.

He will also place caring people in your lives to help you through. I love the pink and blue breast cancer awareness pins. Why? They are such a nice reminder that for every woman who is facing this giant, there are other men and women who lovingly support them and refuse to let them go it alone.

Perhaps you, dear reader, are facing a devastating battle other than cancer. You are not alone in that either, even if is sometimes feels as though you are. I’ve been there on more than one occasion. But they don’t have a lapel pin for that, so I wear my I.D. bracelet instead. You see, my bracelet doesn’t have my name on it –it has my very favorite scripture. I wanted to share this Scripture today because someone needs to hear it:

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
   ~Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Count It All Joy

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I thank you for the bitter things
They’ve been a friend to grace,
They’ve driven me from the paths
    of ease
To storm the secret place
                 ~Florence White Willett

You’ve heard it said ‘You can’t have a test-imony without a test.’  Scripture has much to say on suffering and persecution; it is inevitable for the believer.  In fact, Paul  stated that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 17:11).

Nevertheless, scripture instructs us In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).  Let’s be honest, how many of us instinctively thank the Lord when we get knocked off our feet by some unexpected life storm?

There is so much I could say to you, dear reader, about the trials you are enduring right now, but I would much rather let scripture speak to your heart.

But now thus says the LORD that created you… and he that formed you … Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame scorch you.  For  I am the LORD your God.    (Isaiah  43:1-3)        

Our God  is the same yesterday, today and forever my friend  –He will never leave you nor forsake you! (Hebrews 13:5).  I don’t know what you are going through, but God does.  May you find blessed assurance, as did Ms. Willett, that in every bitter thing we can taste the sweetness of God’s grace.

Too Heavenly Minded?

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stairway

Through the years I have heard a few preachers say that we can be “too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good.” Modern translation: Radicals need not apply. When I read my bible, however, I find numerous accounts of “radical” servants of the Most High who turned their worlds upside down with their passion for God and His kingdom.

The first sermons of Jesus recorded in scripture were about the kingdom of Heaven. In fact, everything He taught, every miracle He performed, every body He healed, even His death on the cross, were all about the kingdom of Heaven. Who amongst us would ever think Him to be so heavenly minded as to be of no earthly good? And we are supposed to be imitators of Jesus Christ aren’t we?

No, I don’t think it possible to be too heavenly minded. In regard to God’s instructions, scripture commands that you impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 6:7)
In other words, all the time!

Furthermore, blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. (Psalms 1:2)

Why is he blessed? When a man meditates on God’s word, he acts on God’s word. It is the heavenly minded who does this world the most good –that which lasts for eternity. The more “radical” believers are, the more likely they are to turn this world upside down for the furtherance of God’s kingdom.

So then, can a believer be too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good? Again, I don’t think so. I doubt that is what we should be asking anyway. Perhaps we should be asking the opposite:

Can a person be too earthly minded to be of any heavenly good?

–just a little food for thought.

This Book

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“Never compare this Book with other books. This Book is from heaven. It does not contain the Word of God; it is the Word of God. It is supernatural in origin, eternal in duration and value, infinite in scope and Divine in authorship. Read it through! Pray it in! Write it down.”

~ “Apostle of Faith” Smith Wigglesworth speaking of the Holy Bible.

Of this book, he also said:

“Some like to read the Bible in the Hebrew. Some in the Greek. I like to read it in the Holy Ghost.”

Mr. Wigglesworth, I like the way you think!

Dying to Self

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My dear friends Yomi and Marie Opeola-Messiri live in his native Nigeria and work tirelessly to preach the gospel and minister to the needs of the people. I was reading through their newsletter this evening and I found the following to be well-worth sharing:

Dying to Self

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger arise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence;

That is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did;

That is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, and offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God;

That is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown;

That is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances;

That is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart;

That is dying to self.

~~Thank you Yomi for sharing.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6:14

[This is not my original work and is copied with permission from Yomi Opeola-Messiri, B. I. F. A. M…bibles for Africa Missions -author unknown]