Category: Daily Devotionals

Posted on

Day 6: POW

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

I realize a couple of days ago we had this same verse and we spoke about the freedom that we have through Christ. Today I want us to look at this freedom from a different perspective … from the perspective of a P.O.W. (Prisoner Of War).

Freedom means “independence; liberty; exemption from; privilege; a right; ease of movement.” I have never been a POW, but when I stop to think about it, it can be a very intimidating, scary thought what a POW goes through physically and mentally.

Yet, can you also imagine with me what the POW feels and thinks when he is finally set free? “Freedom is NOT free!”   Everything costs something. There is someone somewhere who has paid the price for our freedom in America.

Do you not think or know that that POW will never once see freedom the same again? Freedom has taken on a WHOLE new meaning to him. You will not find him sitting when our National Anthem is sung! When an American flag is flown or passes by him, you can guarantee that he will be the first one to his feet with his hand in salute! When the “Pledge of  Allegiance” is said, there is no question about this POW. He will be the one standing in the most respectful way and   speaking with the clearest, loudest voice. Why? Because He has personally experienced that FREEDOM!

I have told my Sunday School girls many times …. “Actions speak louder than words!” When a person has been truly saved … their lives have been set FREE from the bondage of sin FOREVER … there is going to be no question as to their FREEDOM! Why? Because they have experienced it on such a personal level. I have said before, “If we ever come face to face with a holy and righteous God, we will NEVER walk away the same!” NEVER!

The person, who has been truly saved, is going to be the first one at church on Sunday morning. They are the ones who pay attention to every word that leaves the pastor’s lips. They are the ones who sing the hymns with such gusto. They are the ones going to the pastor asking questions about the Bible. They are the ones who are working behind the scenes at the church, without anyone around and without any recognition. They are the ones finding things to do at the church without being asked first. What about you? Have you lost sight of your FREEDOM in Christ?

I have said it before … “A healthy person will desire to do healthy things.” and “Doing healthy things will not be a hardship for a healthy person.” This is so true physically AND spiritually. If you are finding it hard to read your Bible, or pray, or attend church every service, find a quiet place, my friend! Get on your face before God and ask Him to show you where you have gotten unhealthy. Sometimes it is very hard for us to see the sin, the unhealthy parts of our lives, so we must go to the true Physician for help and healing. Once He shows you, confess that sin and forsake that sin so that you may have that fresh spirit of freedom once again in your life! You will be so glad that you did!

Posted on

Day 5: Basics

“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.” Proverbs 16:1

Any person going into the military, no matter which branch, knows that they will first be required to attend … and pass … Basic Training aka boot camp. As Christians, God does not require our attendance. We will not get an “F” on our report card. But, if we fail to attend … and pass … then we will find ourselves constantly defeated with zero wins under our belts. This is definitely NOT a place that we want to find ourselves … always living defeated and under the circumstances. Nor does God desire for us to be there either! So, let us do some preparing of our hearts and ask ourselves these questions:

1) Have I prepared my heart? Proverbs 16:1 “The preparation of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.”

2) Have I confessed any known sin? Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (see also Isaiah 59:1-2)

3) Have I prayed about it? James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (see also Philippians 4:6)

4) Have I asked someone (in confidence) to pray with me? James 5:16 “… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

5) What does God say about it in His Word … have I searched His Word for answers and direction? II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (see also II Timothy 3:16)

6) Will what I want to do bring honor and glory to God? I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

7) Will what I want to do uplift others?  Romans 15:2 “Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.” (see also II Corinthians 13:10)

8) Will I be rude by doing or saying what I want to do or say? Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

9) Will it cause someone to stumble? I Corinthians 8:9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” (see also Romans 14:13)

10) Will it allow me to speak softly (in words and actions)? Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

11) Will it allow me to speak the truth in love? Ephesians 4:15 “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (see also I John 3:16)

This list is definitely not all-inclusive, but, I believe, it definitely gives us enough food for thought to keep us busy for a good while! What do you think? Do you think that this will help you to pass Basic Training? I believe it is a very good place for you and I to start. Sometimes getting back to the basics is where we need to be. So, let us begin today!

Posted on

Day 4: Armor

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

The devil is sly. He knows my weaknesses and he likes to zero in on those and just continue to torment me in those areas. Do you find yourself in my shoes? I Peter 5:8 tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a    roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” He is constantly on the prowl. We not only need to be aware of this, but we need to be equipped to fight him.

Remember yesterday we talked about how our battles are spiritual. Since they are spiritual, we must equip ourselves  spiritually. There are some very key things to know here when seeking the correct armor to fight our spiritual battles. Ephesians 6 goes on to tell us more specifically what that armor consists of.

1) Helmet of Salvation — If we are not saved, we have already lost the battle. Salvation provides the strength that cannot be found in our human flesh and nature. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

2) Breastplate of Righteousness — Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say, “Do right til the stars fall.” We must always strive, in everything that we do and say, to do right. I John 3:7 “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.” If we are God’s, we must do right, my friend!

3) Loins girt about with Truth — Truthfulness is a very valuable character trait. It is becoming more and more rare, even in our churches and in our pulpits. Being able to speak the truth at all times comes with maturity.  Listen to what Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:14-15 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

4) Sword of the Spirit — A sword is much more effective when fighting than our hands. Can you imagine going to a fight against another sword with your bare hands? That is not a pleasant sight, is it? We need a sword! God has given us His Word as our sword. Let us not neglect to pick it up, sharpen our skills with it, and fight against the devil and his foes! Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and  intents of the heart.”

5) Shield of Faith — May we not leave behind our shield … our faith. Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” May your faith stay strong during the heat of the battle!

6) Feet shod with Peace — John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you …” May we not only go forth with peace but may our words and our actions bring peace. I know it says feet in this verse, but my mind cannot help going to the tongue. Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” May we speak peace today!

Posted on

Day 3: Victory

“But thanks be to God which giveth us the VICTORY through our LORD Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 15:57

Who gives us the victory? The LORD Jesus Christ does! A few days ago, I asked on Facebook what are some trials that you are facing or have faced recently. I do not know if you read the responses or not, but I did. There was a myriad of          responses. Yes, some were similar, but yet there was still a wide variety.

Did you recognize one common thread in the responses on Facebook? It does not matter what age, or sex, or background we come from, if we are human, we will face trials. We will face obstacles in our lives. Christians will even face trials. So, if we are to overcome these obstacles in our lives … if we are to get the victory over them … we will need some trustworthy tactics. What better place to find them than in God’s Word! What does God’s Word tell us …

1. We need to realize that each of these battles are actually spiritual battles — Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” When someone says or does something to hurt us, what do we most often do? We lash back, right? Because they have hurt us. But, what we need to do is stop and recognize that what that person has said or done against us is not personal. It is a spiritual battle. A spiritual battle must be fought spiritually … not with physical retaliation.

2. We need to realize that the battle is the Lord’s to command — II Chronicles 20:15b “… for the battle is not your’s, but God’s.” Too often we are the problem. We step in and act before God has given us leave to do so. We throw words like arrows piercing anything and everyone in its path. The battle is the Lord’s, my friend. Let Him command our ways.

3. Like David, we must adorn ourselves with the armor of God, not man — Ephesians 6:13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Man’s armor will weigh us down. We will quickly tire and fall defeated. God’s armor gives strength, but we need His complete armor. Do not make the mistake of going forth to battle partially attired for it will only bring defeat!

4. We need to keep our stand — Exodus 14:13 “… Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you to day …” Sometimes we feel like we are down for the last count, but all we need to do is stand. Have you ever noticed that a standing position is an unmoving position? I had never thought about it before, but it is true. Moving positions are walking, jogging, trotting, running, or sprinting. Place your feet firmly and simply stand!

5. We are more than conquerors — Romans 8:37 “ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Two things to encourage ourselves in today here. One, we do not have to fight alone. Two, He will enable us to be MORE than conquerors!

Do not despair, my friend! God is still in command. Victory is just on the horizon. Follow His command and let VICTORY be your battle cry!

Posted on

Day 2: Liberty

“… where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is LIBERTY.” II Corinthians 3:17

Can you just hear the silence that followed Patrick Henry’s proclamation of, “Give me liberty, or give me death?” The silence was so strong that I am sure that if a pin were dropped, it would have been heard as if a bullet had been shot. There is a reason for this … a lot was weighing in the balance. Therefore, it was a very profound statement, was it not?

Liberty means the state of being free from restrictions. Where liberty can found, life can be found. Where no liberty is found, death is found. This is true both physically and spiritually. So, spiritually speaking this also is a very profound statement for us … if I do not have liberty (spiritually), I will suffer death (spiritually).

Where is liberty found? Well, our verse tells us that it is found in the Spirit. At the moment of salvation, we received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us. God gave us His Spirit when He gave us life. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Yesterday we talked about that sacrifice that gave us our freedom, which in turn gives us our liberty.

Some people come to Christ for liberty thinking that once they have surrendered their lives to Him, that they will now live a peaceful, drama-free life. When that does not happen, they are very upset. What they fail to realize is that Christ may have paid that price for their liberty, but liberty must be lived out every single day of our lives. Many of us truly have the Holy Spirit living within us, but we live a dead, defeated life. That is not what God intended for us at all, my friend!

Yes, we will have struggles. Yes, we will get beaten up from time to time. Yes, we will have doubts and fears and people and things will pull us downward. But, we do not have to stay there. God has promised us liberty! We must act on it! That action is what helps us to proclaim to all those who see us that we live in liberty … through Christ!

We have had the privilege of going to New York City a few times because we have a supporting church there. We have not gotten to go to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close, but we have seen it from a distance. She stands so tall and so proud with her torch raised high. What is she proclaiming to all who see her? Liberty!

“In New York Harbor, stands a lady, with a torch raised to the sky; and all who see her, know she stand for Liberty for you and me. I’m so proud to be called an American, to be named with the brave and the free; I will honor our flag and our trust in God, and the Statue of Liberty. On lonely Golgotha, stood a cross, with my Lord raised to the sky; and all who kneel there, live forever as all the saved can testify. I’m so glad to be called a Christian, to be named with the ransomed and whole; as the statue liberates the citizen, so the cross liberates the soul. Oh, the cross is my Statues of Liberty, It was there that my soul was set sfree; unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross is my Statue of Liberty!” (written by the Gaithers)

Raise your torch high, my friend, that it may proclaim to all who see that you have chosen LIBERTY!

Posted on

Day 1: Freedom

“If the Son therefore shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” John 8:36

As I sit here praying and meditating on this verse many things come to my mind. In fact, they are in an over-abundance! Yet, they continue to float and bounce around with no seeming order … and no seeming hurry to settle down. I like      decisiveness. I like clarity. I like black and white … no fuzzy pictures allowed! But, do you know what? God does not always bring the whole picture into focus at one time. I will move forward in trust that He knows what He is doing this month. He has a plan even though He has not revealed it completely to me yet. So, are you ready?

In just a few short days, we will be celebrating Independence Day aka July 4th, as it is often referred to as. Independence Day in the United States represents a freedom that was gained … through sacrifice. Am I correct? To be free means to not be subjected to the power and reign of another person or object.

Life, in general, brings its own bondage (control by others), but what we often do not recognize is that we face another bondage as well … a bondage to sin and Satan. It is true that as Christians God has saved us from that bondage of sin. He has destroyed the chains. If it is a done deal, why do we continue to allow sin to reign over us? I believe the Apostle Paul was wondering the same thing because he admonishes the Romans in chapter 6 verses 1 and 2, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

The Galatians also must have been having issues with this very same thing because Paul then admonishes them to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1 Let us face it, we all find ourselves faced with issues that drag us down, do we not? Some of those issues are sin and some are not, but even if they are not sin, they can cause us to sin through our actions and attitudes towards them.

I love Easter time as it is a time to reflect back on what Christ did for us that day there on Calvary. I love to hear the song sung, “It is Finished.” He finished the work there that day. Let us not go back and make Him suffer all over again because we cannot trust His work. He has set us FREE, my friend! Since He has set us free, we are FREE indeed [for sure; without a doubt; never to be changed]!

Proverbs 26:11 tells us that “a fool returneth to his folly” just “as a dog returneth to his vomit.” Are we doing that very same thing without realizing it? Are we continuing to live in bondage, when Christ so willingly set us free? We live near the original monument of the battle of Iwo Jima. We have watched the film numerous times. In that 36 day battle, there were over 26,000 casualties!! I do not know the total number who stormed those beaches and so valiantly fought there, but if you were to talk to them today and ask them to go back and fight that battle all over again, do you think they would do it? I wouldn’t! Once was enough, my friend! Let us not do the same thing in our spiritual lives. Our freedom from sin has been paid for. Let us accept that payment and let us live in freedom today!

Posted on

Day 30: The Difference

“And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Luke 1:22

What a wonderful month as we have followed David’s musings [reflections] in Psalm 37. I do not know about you, but I have been encouraged, I have been rebuked, I have had my toes stepped on, I have fallen on my face in repentance, and I have come forth stronger!

Did you just see what happened? David made a difference (in my life)! Did he make a difference in yours also? How did he make a difference? By having enough compassion [care] to share! What I think is so incredible about David’s musings in chapter after chapter in the Bible is that although he starts out all stressed out … hello, drama!! … he always ends by getting his focus right and rejoices in God’s power and God’s deliverance that is freely made available to not only him but you and I as well, my friend! God never leaves us stranded. He never leaves us helpless. Hallelujah!

Last Sunday morning I spoke to the ladies Sunday School class in Indiana and I shared this verse with them, as well as, five areas that we can make a difference in someone else’s life. I would like to share those few thoughts here in an               abbreviated manner.

1. We can make a difference through PRAYER (James 5:16) … How many of us like for others to pray for us? I am sure that all of us will have our hands raised right now. There IS power in PRAYER so find someone to pray for today!

2. We can make a difference through TIME (Matthew 6:33) … Each of us has 24 hours in a day. The key is how we prioritize those hours. My first desire is to grow closer to the Lord. My second is to balance my time for family, friends, ministry, and others.

3. We can make a difference through CARING (Psalm 142:4) … Compassion is having your hurt in my heart. Take time to care for others!

4. We can make a difference through our VISION (Proverbs 29:18) … We easily get caught up in our own world that we fail to have eyes to see the needs of others … not just to the unsaved, but often for the person that sits at the end of our pew! Help us, God, to see others as you see them!

5. We can make a difference by REACHING out to others (Acts 1:8) … Often we fail to realize that we a living witness to those we come in contact with every day. Do not pass these opportunities up! Seek God’s face … have Him show you someone that needs your touch today!

Please pray for me as I study and seek God’s face for each devotional next month in the month of July! I am a nobody. David was a nobody. But, God used him to make a difference and I want Him to use me to make a difference in someone else’s life as well. It is becoming clearer in my mind what direction I believe that God is leading me, so stay tuned! I am not sure how it all is going to flow, but I will leave you with one little hint … until tomorrow … “Freedom is not Free.”

Posted on

Day 29: The Way

“Wait on the LORD, and keep his WAY …” Psalm 37:34

There are two basic definitions for the word way. The first is a track or path. The second is the method or style of doing something. Both of these, I believe, can be applied to this verse for we are to keep God’s way … follow His path … and follow His example in that way. Let us look at some of those verses that speak of the way or the path that God wants for us.

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.”

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

Proverbs 16:25 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Isaiah 30:21 “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

Psalm 37:5 “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

Proverbs 3:6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

I have not expounded on these verses because I believe that they speak for themselves. In fact, I have memorized them at some time in my life. You may have also, but the question is, “Have you followed them?” Which one are you not following? Which one did the Holy Spirit prick your heart about? This is a good time for us to seek repentance and to get back on the path that God desires for us!

Posted on

Day 28: The Perfect

“Mark the PERFECT man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.” Psalm 37:37

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you tried, you just cannot seem to reach that perfect state? Well, I have good news for you! You will never be perfect (as defined by the world)! Hey, no stone throwing! That is good news! Why?    Because now you do not have to worry and struggle to meet that expectation.

By the way, where would that expectation even come from? Why would we even want to frustrate ourselves with such an unattainable feat? Because self or others aka human, fallible man makes us believe that we need to do so! It is a lie! My friend, do not be deceived!

The dictionary defines the word perfect as flawless, exemplary, or having the highest qualities or characteristics. I know that I said that this is a humanly impossible, unattainable state, but does that mean that we can be lazy (or the total opposite)? No! Definitely not! Why? Because biblically and spiritually perfect means a different thing, am I not correct? It means maturity. Now, this is something that we can attain! Yay!

Why would David tell us to “mark” or to take notice of “the perfect [mature] man?” Well, for starters have you watched a toddler or child and how they act? Very immature, correct? They pout and shout and can cause all sorts of havoc and  uproar when they do not get their way … or they are tired … or they are hungry … or they (add your own thoughts here).

David has spent a good bit of his time in this chapter telling us much about the evil man or the wicked man. Now he is telling us to look at the “perfect” or mature man. He is saying to watch or take notice … or notes, if necessary … of how this man acts. He wants us to see the great contrast … for there is a very marked contrast, my friend, just waiting for us to take note of. How many times have we wallowed in defeat with our heads and our bodies bowed low, when all we had to do is look up and take note?

I just got back earlier this week from flying up north to spend some first-time-ever time away with my sisters. It seems like the normal pattern for traveling by air is to hurry and wait. You hurry to the counter to get checked in only to have to wait in line. Then once checked in, you hurry off to TSA to what? Wait in line again! Then, if you are like me, you throw a red flag EVERY time that you go through the scanner (yes, I am telling the God’s honest truth!). So, then they pull you aside and pat you down and search your luggage … that you have to point to but not touch! Once all that is cleared, then you hurry off to the gate to then wait some more! While you wait, what do you normally do? I people watch and boy, howdy, you can see a lot of different people in an airport in a short period of time if you are watching!

I do not know about you, but I do not desire to act like a child during my adult years. Yet, I often find myself doing just that! Ugh! Is it just me or do you find yourself in my shoes as well? Let us take David’s advice and “mark the perfect man” … so that we too may learn the steps to becoming that perfect and mature child of God!

Posted on

Day 27: The Law

“The LAW of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” Psalm 37:31

What is the law? It is a system of rules or guidelines which define correct procedure or behavior. Our lawbook, as  Christians, is the Bible. In addition to that, God gives us the Holy Spirit as our inner guide to direct and rule in our lives. What a blessed thing when we can allow that Holy Spirit to lead and guide us … to fill our hearts with right … to fill our hearts with God’s law.

Many things and even people will vie for that spot in our lives … that spot that controls us. How do we keep from following other ways and others? Well, Deuteronomy 6 has some good advice for us:

V. 4 “Here, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.” — Listen up, child of God! There may be many gods, but there is only one true God!

V. 5 “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” — Where does your love lie today, my friend? Where your love is, there will your heart be also!

V. 6 “And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.” — What are you filling your heart with? Are you filling it with things of the world or things of God? Do you spend time EVERY day praying, reading His Word,    studying His Word, fellowshipping with His saints, and attending His house every time the doors are open?

V. 7 “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” — How often do we talk about the things of God? How often do we share and discuss God’s Word with others … family, friends, and co-workers?

V. 8 “And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” — Each day we have the opportunity to choose what goes into our days? Do you put God first? Or do you leave Him home on the shelf?

V. 9 “And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” — We have all heard the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” This can be true with the things of God as well. Let us strive to keep our focus on Him today! May the law of our God be in our hearts today and every day!