tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54965137852939790442024-03-13T11:05:33.508-07:00Food for the SoulPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-49596445110619361112015-03-07T13:39:00.000-08:002015-03-07T13:39:55.599-08:00Motivation that we need! Philippians 3:12-14Hello and God bless each of you,<br />
After a long absence of nearly 2 years and 2 months, I've returned. Pray that I be consistent in getting out His word! If you are in need of motivation, look up. If you are in need of Holy motivation, look all the way to the Son! Don't look back because you will always be held in check. You will not reap the bountiful blessings that God has in store for you. You will have obstacles that will offset His Holy motivation. <b style="background-color: yellow;">Philippians 3:12-14 says, 'Not that I have obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' </b> God the Creator saw that you were needed in His creation. Jesus Christ was sent as Redeemer for your transgressions and the Holy Spirit was provided so that you would have the Guide and Counselor that you would need so that you could stay on His path! Everything you need is provided! Will you take the opportunity or will you brush it off because you are too busy doing things that don't really matter? Once you are prompted with the fact that you are in need of something better than what you have, ask Him to fill that void! Ask Him to show you all that He has in store so you can see that Holy motivation is at work! Give Him all the praise and glory and see what follows!!!<br />
Your brother in Christ,<br />
PaulPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-73603613867546844762013-01-10T07:21:00.001-08:002013-01-10T07:21:59.418-08:00Transitions in Life! Daniel 2:22; Job 27:8; Psalm 25:5<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">If I were to ask you a question regarding how you handle transitions or changes in your life, what would you say? Maybe for some of you, you don't feel as though you've really had to make any big transitions. Well I'm here to tell you, if you live long enough, they are going to take place. For some of those changes, it is fairly easy to make the necessary adjustments without too much sweat. For others, well needless to say they are quite a bit more challenging. Today I would specifically like to focus on the more difficult choices you will have to make. <strong>Daniel 2:22</strong> tells us that He changes times and seasons; He disposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. That verse is evident that the more we connect with the Father, the better choices we are going to make about decisions throughout our lives. As we age, we will have to make tougher and tougher decisions about things that we really might not have control over. As I write this devotional this morning, I am reminded of my good friend Scott Arnold who is struggling with life because of a brain tumor. Every breath is a transition of sorts for him because of the uncertainty of what will come next. The tumor is the culprit of many other ailments that he has to keep in balance. Over the next five days he will need injections to help restore his white blood cell count which in turn will allow more treatments needed for other ailments. His body is but a shell of the once vibrant man that I knew just a few years ago. Yet his countenance and his faith are as strong as ever! When I speak with him, in between his naps, he will lighten up at the mention of praying or reading scripture. Life has become so precious to him that every breath is a gift from the Savior. Do each of us need to have something so life altering to be reminded of just how short life on earth is? <strong>Job 27:8</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">asks a question that all should consider. For what hope have the godless when they are cut off, when God takes away their life? So Scott can smile and know his eternal home is waiting on him when he draws his last breath. Can you? <strong>Psalm 25:5 </strong>leads us to ask God to guide us in His truth and to teach us for He is our God and Savior, and our hope is in Him all day long.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"><strong> </strong>Scott would be the first to tell you that you can have the same hope that has already been etched on his heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-70174590651632901282012-12-16T06:20:00.002-08:002012-12-16T06:24:50.691-08:00What mighty things are you grateful for? Luke 1:46-47<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As I awake this morning to start my day, I look out the window of my hotel in amazement that yet another day is to begin! What happened yesterday is history; what happens today is really all that any of us are assured of having! What happened some 2000 years ago to a small child is still a mystery and who is to say that He might not pick you as a participant in one of His present or future amazing feats. Luke 1:46-47 says, And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, <strong>for the Mighty One has done great things for me</strong>---holy is His name." Mary may have questioned why God picked her to be the mother of the Savior of the world but she was obedient in everything that He ask her to do. Are you listening to Him to carry out what He is asking you? If you are like Mary, you probably won't feel worthy of what He is probably going to ask you to do. The real issue is missing the opportunity of a lifetime. When we are given an opportunity that is definitely God directed and God's timing, we shouldn't question it! Instead we should ask God how to carry it out to fruition. Start by praising Him for the mighty things that He has done for you! If you are having a mental block about blessings that He is responsible for, let me remind you of one of those. Each one of you is a blessing in my life and I believe that none of you are happen chance that receive this devotional this morning. Just like Mary, be available to the Lord first and foremost and then don't question His direction of where He takes you. Just be willing to hold on by pulling up your boot straps and digging your heels tight into the stirrups! He is ready to give you the ride of your earthly lifetime! May God richly bless each of you as you discover how praising Him leads to connection to the One who really cares about your future!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-59461871439930523162012-12-14T06:23:00.001-08:002012-12-14T06:23:31.703-08:00Christmas all year long! Mark 12:43-44; Joshua 24:15<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It seems as though I've been hearing Christmas music even before Thanksgiving. At heart, that is okay with me because it reminds me of a lot of old memories but it also is how I think we should be all year long! Instead of making it a holiday that you remember about what you got, make an effort to make it a holiday about what you give. I'm not necessarily talking about physical gifts; I'm talking about giving the gift of your heart. Do you know how many people suffer this time of year for various reasons; loss of a loved one, homelessness, being alone, being hungry, separation due to miles, financial difficulties and the list goes on and on. You will quickly forget about the previous gift you were given or you purchased, but I can guarantee you will not very quickly forget serving a homeless person a meal! It has become very apparent that I have been given way more than I deserve and who knows for what reasons. We can justify that we deserve things because we work hard for them and we manage our money like we think we should. Do we manage it like the widow who <strong>gave</strong> <strong>all</strong> she had or do we use it to satisfy our own wants and desires. Mark 12:43-44 says, Calling His disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on." You may say to yourself that you have no idea where you can help out because there are many scam artists out there that misrepresent being needy. Remember to ask God to provide you with a need that needs to be met and I promise you He will not steer you wrong! Look at you own situation and praise Him for something you are thankful for and He will duplicate that blessing. See, we all have difficulties that we could choose to focus on or we could praise Him for the air that we breathe! He will multiply ever thankful praise in more ways than you can imagine. Joshua 24:15 says, choose for yourself this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-36239661187457018672012-12-13T03:28:00.001-08:002012-12-13T03:28:37.891-08:00No sense complaining or trying to run away! Jonah 1:10<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes sleep eludes me as well as it does many of you! You have a choice of whether you lay there and be miserable wondering why you can't sleep or you do something. Most of the time, I feel it is the Lord telling me to get up because He has work for me to do. It is times like those that give me some of the best connecting times with Him that I've experienced. For many years, I've fought restless nights because I thought it was eating too late or just too many thoughts running through my brain. Sometimes it is one of those reasons but more so than not, it is His way of getting my attention. He wants to spend time with me and if I'm not going to give Him the time of day during the day (which happens more than not), then He simply wakes me up for His 'special' time! See, I can run from Him, but when I'm at my weakest, then He simply tells me He has me right where He wants me. I'm too tired to elude Him and I find that I pour my heart out to Him in those moments. There is no sense complaining about what is eventually the best thing for me. It is ironic that we run, a lot of the times, from the things that are good for us. Are you running from Him? Moses tried to, David tried to, Jonah tried to and many other Biblical characters tried to. Jonah 1:10 says, This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had told them so.) It didn't make much sense because when they became tired of running, they finally decided to listen. When they did, each of them had 'God life changing' moments! Are you ready to stop complaining and start listening to Him more intently. He is persistent and He will accomplish much through you if you will just spend time with Him. Don't try and figure out the process. He has a much better plan than the one you are conjuring up! He knows you because He created you and He wants you to accomplish so much more in His name than you think you are capable of accomplishing. Jeremiah 1:5 says, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.' He doesn't make junk, so (as my wife would say), quit complaining and do something!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-6426568972571529292012-12-12T06:40:00.001-08:002012-12-12T06:40:33.965-08:00Plunge into the deep part! Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 25:10; 145:17<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">When you go swimming, whether it be in a pool, a creek, a lake, or the ocean, do you plunge in or do you tip-toe into the water? I know with my wife, if you can't see the bottom then you don't need to even get wet. The mystery for some folks is just too much to handle. For folks who are just plumb scared of the water, they stay as far as they can from the water. When you ask Jesus into your heart and begin the relationship with Him, He doesn't want you to just tipsy-toe around. He wants you to plunge in with all of your gusto. Humanly, we have a tendency to check the temperature of the water before we decide if want to enter. We do the same thing with our relationship with Him much of the time. If it gets a little uncomfortable (hot or cold) in what needs to change about us, we have a tendency to want to retreat! Anytime we enter into the water, we are going to be changed immediately, if we plunge in with our whole body. You can't hold on to the things that are the old self because He wants to change you completely. That right there folks is an extremely hard lesson for me because I live in a comfort zone with my income and life style that affords the things I think are important. Does God have that same attitude toward my comfort? I don't think so! I'm learning life lesson #5000 as we speak or is it #5001? To recklessly abandon my old ways, checking with Him first, and trusting that His ways are better than mine! Deuteronomy 32:4 says, 'He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.' Stop depending on your own intellect to make your pathway smooth. The more you allow intellect to rule in your decisions, the less you will rely on Him to make the impossible, possible! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Trust and obey,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> for there's no other way</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> to be happy in Jesus,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> but to trust and obey.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-83644360740851008092012-12-11T04:51:00.001-08:002012-12-11T04:52:10.869-08:00What signs have you had lately? Isaiah 7:14<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you ever felt as though you were just going through the motions and wondering what the next step would need to be? Sometimes I believe God puts us in that state so that we will depend on Him completely! We have a choice to proceed in a manner that seems to be chaotic or we can surrender to the fact that we need help. This past year has been a challenging year for the Hicks' family but it has been a year where I can see God moving in ways that I've never seen Him move before. God is the Creator of solutions for every situation you are faced with if you will allow Him to work in and through you. It may not be the route that you had intended to take for the solution but it can be the solution that will reveal His pure and perfect will. Deborah and I have come to a cross-roads of sorts in our life, as I suppose a number of you have, and it is at those times that He stretches us in ways that we may not like how He twists us at the time, but the results are rewarding in His name. When you are given signs from Him, do you trust His leadership or do you question Him too much and miss the opportunity that He is presenting to you? When Mary was chosen by the Lord to be the mother of Jesus Christ, she was at a cross-roads of sorts in her own life. Would she decide to get on board or would she say, 'Lord, not me!' Isaiah 7:14 tells us, 'Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.' See when God gives you a Godly job to complete, only God can help you complete it! If you are placed with a situation that seems too much for you to handle, it is probably time to consider including Him in the decisions that you will be making. My wife has tried to tell me for several years that the decisions we make are not wrong, even if they seem wrong to us, as long as they are done with Him benefiting from the decision. May God richly bless each of you as you seek Him to make those changes that need to occur in your life!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-88353712638880651472012-11-20T14:56:00.003-08:002012-11-20T14:56:39.371-08:00Conversation about Creation! Matthew 6:26<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A few mornings ago I was headed to work when I noticed a bunch of birds sitting completely still on an electrical wire and I had these thoughts. What are they thinking right now? Are they concerned about where their next meal is coming from or do they worry about being cold tonight? Immediately I thought of the Scripture in Matthew 6:26 and it says, 'Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. <strong>Are you not much more valuable than they?</strong>' They don't worry about the things that they can't control. How about you? Do you sit around and worry yourself about the things that you can't control? Do you consult Him regularly about helping you focus on the more important issues of the day? He wants you to be aware of the things that He created just for you to notice and praise Him for doing it! The next time you go outside, make sure and notice something that He created and ask Him to fill you with a sense of 'awe!' Those little birds are plentiful and forgotten for the most part but I felt as though He said, 'they were important enough to create for your enjoyment so you better start paying more attention.' Ask God to remind you, if you've forgotten, to be keenly aware of the detail that He has produced so you will be totally amazed! And then remember the last of that verse because it really identifies how much He cares about you!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-37971888156281023732012-11-16T12:30:00.002-08:002012-11-16T12:30:48.966-08:00Doing the things we don't want to do! Psalm 119:18<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">None of us like to do things that are troublesome! For the most part, I think most of us would prefer to do things that are desirable. In other words, with the results having a positive outcome. But if we really think about that scenario, it didn't exist with Jesus Christ. He was always willing to do what no one else was willing to do. If we would just stop and understand the magnitude of the place we are in, He will create the phrase, 'For a time such as this' in every situation we face. If we really trusted Him every waking moment, we would not throw our arms up in disarray! We would embrace each opportunity as a 'golden opportunity' to trust Him and for His perfect will to be completed! We want to say, O Lord, if You would but take this bitter cup from me....His perfect will is secured in the things that we see as troubles and inconveniences! He is your 'Azar' which means helper! How much are we willing to understand? If you are like me, I'm simply asking Him to let me know on a 'as needs basis!' Anything else will be too much information or it will keep me distracted because my desire is to do the things that I don't want to do with a cause for Him that passes all understanding! Psalm 119:18 says, 'Open mine eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.' May He open up our mines so that we hear His voice and our hearts so that He can steal them away from the distractions of this world. He will never leave you, nor will He forsake you! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://foodforthesoul-paul.blogspot.com/">http://foodforthesoul-paul.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-80485010041709626472012-11-15T08:01:00.001-08:002012-11-15T08:02:08.530-08:00Simply amazing if God is your measure! Romans 12:3; Proverbs 11:2; Ephesians 4:13<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I really don't know where to begin because I'm not even sure where I've come from or where I'm headed. I do know that God is with me and has been with me all along the way over these past few months. As I talked with Deborah this morning, it became clear to me that God is simply amazing in any facet of life if you allow Him to be your measure! Romans 12:3 says, 'For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.' We have a tendency to measure our days on how much we have to deal with and from that, the results seem to effect our ebb and flow. With God in control, every ebb and flow can brightly shine His character if we allow Him to use us as the vessel He created us to be! Deborah reminded me that if God needs to keep you in a place that keeps you drawn to Him, then that is His will and that is good! Proverbs 11:2 says, 'When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.' Whatever He needs to do to me to keep me in the place that directs my attention to Him, that is where I want to be!! Ephesians 4:13 says, 'until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.' Brothers and sisters, I love each of you and let me encourage you to know that you have the same 'Blessed Assurance' available to you that has been given to me! I'll leave you with the beautiful words of that song:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Oh what a </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">foretaste of glory divine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Heir of salvation, purchase of God,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> This is my story, this is my song.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <strong>Praising my Savior, all the day long</strong>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-24575107823761677832012-10-24T05:59:00.002-07:002012-10-24T06:00:48.673-07:00Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! Proverbs 9:10; Hebrews 2:14-15; 4:16<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">When you fear something, do you really have a reason to fear it anyway? God tells us that we should fear Him only! Proverbs 9:10 tells us, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.' If you are like me, I can get in a tizy before I ever need to get in a tizy. The same One who gave us confidence and assurance is the same One who can enable us to endure a situation that might otherwise cause us to implode. When you feel as though you are about to unravel, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power to overcome. If you don't ask, you are going to be frustrated and rung out without any sense of 'real calmness.' Hebrews 4:16 tells us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. If you fear death, ask Him to give you the power to overcome what satan has enslaved upon you. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, 'Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death -that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.' See, if we trust Him with our life itself, death really has hold on us. We can approach death with a whole new sense that life is continuing with the Savior!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-54913912016834896652012-10-23T03:18:00.001-07:002012-10-23T03:18:55.786-07:00Anything worth having is worth fighting for! Galatians 6:2<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Galatians 6:2 tells us that we are instructed to carry each other's burdens, and in this way we will fulfill the law of Christ. Jesus Christ made each and everyone of us so that we would fight for His Kingdom. Everyone matters to the Kingdom and He loves us so much that He set the table over 2000 years ago so that we would dine with Him at the most extravagant banquet that has ever been given. He wants you and I to attend to show us His appreciation for the life that we lived for Him. We make things difficult by saying we don't have time for Him daily because we get caught up in the busyness of the day. We have a tendency to tell Him that we just simply don't have time. That is unless we make the time! When we get instructions from our employers, we either carry them out or we no longer work for that company. It is as simple as that! With Jesus, He gives us opportunity after opportunity to simply carry out His instructions. If we start the day by spending time with Him, we are more likely to carry Him with us all day long. Think for a moment about why you were created. Whatever your thoughts are, it is much more than you can imagine! See you are His creation and He doesn't create junk. No matter what your past has been like, it doesn't have to determine your future! Determine today that you want to make Him a priority and I promise you that you will see that you are worth fighting for!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-24342217985893761132012-10-19T03:30:00.002-07:002012-10-19T03:39:43.863-07:00Are you finishing well? 2 Timothy 4:7<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, I have been out of sorts as of late and I am moving forward on what is in reserve. He tells us that He will carry us when we are out of gas! 2 Timothy 4:7 says, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.' When it doesn't make sense for us to plunge forward, He gives us reason after reason why it makes sense to finish the race! Not by just begrudgingly doing it, but doing it because of the faith that He gives us. When your body wants to give up and just roll over, He is the One that can help you accomplish the details that you might say don't matter. Remember, 2 Corinthians 6:7 reminds us that we are to walk by faith, not by sight. In essence, Paul goes on to say that his body is finished and he is ready to be with the Lord, but he knows that he still has a job to accomplish for the Lord and as long as he is here, he is going to allow his faith to help him finish strong! Don't we all need that sort of faith brothers and sisters? Let me encourage you to approach each moment as a tipping point and ask God to fill you so that your decisions will be to lean toward His ways! Choices are plentiful in any given day. As we approach this day, ask Him to help you make the ones that please Him!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-54176324406076999862012-10-11T15:53:00.001-07:002012-10-11T16:02:06.774-07:00Why it makes sense to plunge forward! 1 John 5:3-5<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Good afternoon everyone,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Today was one of those days that it probably made sense to stay in bed because I didn't really have the energy or stamina that I needed to make it through a long workday. I have traveled non stop over the past couple of weeks and have not really had a lot of down time! Sometimes it is best not questioning what we need to do; it is better to just plunge forward and trust that God will give you a new sense of vitality! When we do that, amazing things happen. He has a way of taking our minds off what we dread and placing them on getting our jobs done with an improved sense of gratitude! When we realize that there is very little we can do to change the obvious, He seems to give us a whole new attitude adjustment. He is always ready to work with us and show us ways we quickly have forgotten that existed. We forget to include Him in our mayhem! Plunging forward is really something that is contagious also because when you endure, others see your tired body still performing at levels that don't make sense. The next time you want to give up, ask Him to give you a new sense of drive and direction. Be ready though because He may have you complete the project in a much different way in which you intended. 1 John 5:3-5 says, 'In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Go forth and endure for Christ knowing that He will be with you all along the way!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-53316354342633603062012-10-09T07:28:00.000-07:002012-10-09T07:29:12.743-07:00There to break your fall! Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 9:9-10<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">As I was preparing to start my work day yesterday, I had stopped by a fast food restaurant for a bit of lunch and as I turned to find a seat after ordering, I met a hostess face to face. We both were startled, both stepping aside to avoid a collision. As we did so, I became off balanced and another hostess caught me to upright me. Her comment was that she at least was good for breaking someones fall. I sort of laughed but that is exactly what our Lord and Savior does for us all the time. Deuteronomy 33:27 tells us that <strong>the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the <u>everlasting arms</u></strong>. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, 'Destroy them!' Psalm 9:9-10 tells us that <strong>the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a <u>stronghold in times of trouble</u>. Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have <u>never forsaken those who seek You</u></strong>. God is the same yesterday that He will be today and what He will be tomorrow. He never changes! That means that we can trust Him to break our falls and upright us to a better position. Ladies and gentlemen, you are blessed to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You may know someone that is hurting and can't see past the hurt. Encourage them with these verses to assure them that He is capable of carrying them when they can't go on! Psalm 23 is a great chapter to share because it gives hope when all hope has been lost! See, when we go through the darkest valley and realize that there is no evil to fear because God is with us, then we realize He is always with us! May He comfort you this day as only He can!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">p </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-7442140055038584282012-10-08T07:17:00.000-07:002012-10-08T07:17:59.198-07:00Choices! There are a lot of them but One is most important! Proverbs 19:23<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">The choices we make everyday are numerous to say the least. We don't usually even think of the impact that they play on who we are unless we have a regular exchange with the Lord Almighty. The next section of this devotional is taken from a daily devotional I get from 'Family Life Today.' </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Fearing God means we reverence Him. We set Him apart and live our lives under His watchful eyes. To be sure, He is the God of love, but He is also the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! He is a righteous Judge who should be feared. You and I are accountable to Him for the life we live and choices we make. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Do you fear men more than God? Are you preoccupied with what people think about you? Are you living your life for the grandstands of heaven or Earth? Only the fear of God is able to deliver you from the fear of man. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was A. W. Tozer who said, "<strong>What you think about God is the most important thing you think</strong>." <strong>Knowing God--really knowing Him and who He is--calibrates all of life</strong>. He is the ultimate measurement because He is in control. When we see God as Creator, Maker, Redeemer, Judge, Consuming Fire, Sovereign King and the One who knows all things, we begin to practice His presence in our lives. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He is God. He is holy. And as fervently as He is to be loved, He should also be fiercely feared. He is worthy of it. And we are in need of fearing Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">God wants to know you intimately and the closer you get to Him, the more you will find out that He is 100% trustworthy! Your thoughts about Him determine what choices you will make. Calibrating life means that you let Him fine tune you to His liking so that you operate in a manner that is pleasing to Him! When we make wrong choices, and if we have Him as our calibrator, He is always ready to adjust us so that we are back in line with His way of thinking! All of us are subject to the decisions we make daily and choosing Christ is the most important! Proverbs 19:23 tells us that the <strong>fear of the Lord leads to life</strong>, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. Don't fear what is temporal; fear what is eternal!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-20903319491328801002012-10-04T08:17:00.002-07:002012-10-04T08:17:56.050-07:00A gaggle of geese, a raft of ducks! James 1:5-7<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yesterday when I went to bed in Northern Minnesota, the temperature was 62 degrees. This morning when I woke up, the wind was howling and the temperature had dropped to 37 degrees. The hotel is on the Big Detroit Lake and the lake will be frozen over with 'ice houses' stationed all over it in less than 4 weeks! Needless to say, people take their fishing here very serious. As I look out upon the lake, I notice a gaggle of geese and a raft of ducks floating along trying to maneuver the wind blown waters. It is interesting to say the least that birds have a tendency to stick together. As the snow blows sideways, their closeness reminds me of how important it is for each of us to stick together with other like minded people. God made us so that we can bear burdens together much better than trying to bear them alone. The ducks and geese get it and they stick together to help the lesser ones to keep up. We were made to help our brothers and sisters out and to pray for folks when they struggle and have lost their way! Instead of giving up on the folks that have lost their way, consider that you were once lost before He found you. Your encouragement may be the difference in whether or not someone finds their way back through the 'wind blown waters!' Believe that you can make a difference in peoples lives and ask God to show you how to give encouragement! James 1:5-7 says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-51148198347534461232012-09-25T16:05:00.003-07:002012-09-25T16:19:24.794-07:00Truth! John 8:31-32<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good afternoon everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">If I were to ask each of you what your definition of truth is, what would your answer be? This devotional goes out to a number of people and in asking, I probably would get a number of different answers. If you plug the word truth into Bible Gateway, you will get approximately 137 different times that truth is used in Scripture. <strong>I've often heard that truth is only as good as the object in which it is placed</strong>! If you place it in ideas and suggestions, you end up with the result being the furthest thing from the truth! Truth has been defined from an online dictionary as a verified or indisputable fact. Biblical Truth (Absolute) is a word that is synonymous with Christ. In John 8:31-32, Jesus is speaking to the disciples and He tells them if they hold to His teaching, then they are really His disciples. Then they will know the <strong>truth</strong>, and the <strong>truth</strong> will set them free. Are you set free or are you stumbling around trying to locate the truth? We can get answers from many sources, but unless our 'go to' source is Christ, we are going to have let down after let down! Let me encourage you to use God's example of truth in your walk and I think you will find that it will help you avoid obstacles and have less headaches. Everyone of us has choices that determine the direction we are going to go on a daily basis and with Christ being our compass, He will keep us going the way of Truth! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-49707192910607787772012-09-20T06:05:00.001-07:002012-09-20T06:17:50.680-07:00Still reason to believe! John 11:25; Genesis 1:1; Revelation 22:13<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you noticed lately that science people have tried over and over again to discredit the very existence of God? It is as if they are more qualified to make statements about creation than the Creator Himself! I find it very sad that people for thousands of years have spent their whole life trying to disprove His existence when it makes more sense to experience the 'joy' of His existence! John 11:25 says, 'Anyone who believes in Me will live.' If you believe part of the Bible, you are to believe all of Scripture! Genesis 1:1 says, 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth!' Revelation 22:13 says, 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.' From the first of Scripture to the end, God identifies Himself as the Creator, the Beginning, and the End! The main source of literature that you read should be Scripture so that you get your instruction as well as correct information. Don't let the popular internet or other propaganda steer you into false truths! May God richly Bless each of you as you dig into the best literature that will ever be written, 'The Holy Bible!'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-72155663088056707292012-09-19T09:30:00.002-07:002012-09-19T09:37:59.448-07:00You make all things work together for my good! 1 Corinthians 13<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">A popular Christian song titled, 'Your Love Never Fails', comes to mind this morning and it has so many incredible lyrics that I decided to share some of them with you! Nothing can separate, even if I ran away; Your love never fails! You make all things work together for my good. 1 Corinthians 13 has often been penned as the love chapter of the Scriptures. '<strong>If</strong> <strong>I</strong> speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but <strong>do not have love</strong>, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, <strong>I am nothing</strong>. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing....' Verse 8 echos the title of the song by saying, <strong>'Love never fails</strong>. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. Ladies and gentlemen, your Lord and Savior has made it very simple. We make it difficult! Love requires for you and I to allow Him to change us from the inside out. He teaches us how to release the selfishness, bitterness, greediness, and negative thoughts through a changed heart. No one is ever too far from His amazing love! Seek His face and you will find that He will continually be there to make all things work together for His good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-82489450624589676042012-09-14T09:39:00.001-07:002012-09-14T10:13:10.535-07:00Sing it till you live it; Once you live it, keep singing it! Psalm 7:17; 30:12<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes it is hard to figure out whether you are coming or going. My wife would say, 'Quit trying to figure it out and let Him determine the process.' See, if we make ourselves available to the Savior, I believe He can change our minds when we are coming and we should be going! Connection to the Savior is the key to determining our meaningful output on any given day. Without it, we probably ought to stay in bed. When you plug an appliance (that is operational) into a live electrical outlet, the minute you turn it on, it comes to life. The minute we plug ourselves into the Savior, we come to life! If you praise Him when it makes no human sense, you are praising Him on a Spiritual level that makes no sense in trying to figure out. Sing it till you live it; Once you live it, keep singing it! In Psalms, David repeatedly sings praises to the Lord. Psalms 7:17 says, 'I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the Lord Most High.' Psalm 30:12 says, 'that my heart may sing You praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will <strong>praise You forever</strong>. David messed up a bunch of times, but he realized that by asking for forgiveness and giving praise to the Most High, God's grace was much bigger than his dilemmas! Life is going to be hard to figure out at times but the Almighty is willing and ready to redirect your thoughts and actions back to Him!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">p </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-26184076507487685742012-09-13T05:40:00.001-07:002012-09-13T06:20:15.473-07:00Not forgetting to praise Him at all times! John 14:15-16<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is an honor and priviledge to be one of His children! John 14:15-16 says, "If you love Me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another helper (the Holy Spirit) to be with you forever." Jesus lived the example that we are to live while we are on this earth. In order to carry that out, the Father has given us the Holy Spirit to help us and correct our walk as we stumble along! The above verses are a request and a promise all wrapped up together to insure us that He will be with us forever. No matter what you are going through, He is there to carry you through it. Has anyone else stepped up to the plate and offered that same guarantee to you lately? No one is capable of taking care of all of your needs like He can! If that doesn't give you reason to praise Him, we need to talk. Pastor Chuck Swindoll has a daily radio talk show and He recently asked the question, 'Do you ever have a dialogue with God's Word as you're reading it?' In order that you personalize Scripture, insert your name. God wants to reveal Himself to each of us so that you see the need for His guidance. He literally can carry you through the valley of the shadow of death! Don't you want that? Praise Him in everything and see what happens!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-71651224471346380212012-09-11T09:41:00.002-07:002012-09-11T09:41:50.870-07:00How important is prayer? Matthew 6:9-13<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Over the weekend, Pastor Bro. preached a sermon that gripped those in attendance with a sense of compassion but with urgency. The Lord has gifted Him with preaching the Scripture with passion like very few that I've ever seen! The things he shared with us were electrifying! He quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson as saying, 'Prayer is contemplating life from the highest point of view!' If we look at Matthew 6:9-13, we should see that Jesus taught the disciples how to pray and if Jesus taught it, we ought to implement it! "Pray then, in this way: Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." If He thought it was important enough to teach those closest to Him (His disciples) how to pray, don't you think that we should follow the same example that has already been set? Ask Him to touch you in a way that will lead and guide you as you explore your relationship with Him. The closer we draw to the Savior, the more He will give you guidance in knowing what you should pray about!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p </span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-12472977939413795532012-09-08T11:07:00.002-07:002012-09-08T11:14:22.359-07:00Level ground! Psalm 143:10; Colossians 3:16<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">Do you ever feel as though the ride of life is anything but level? It is kind of like flying an airplane. You are going along smoothly and then you hit turbulence and you feel like you might lose anything that you just ate. Psalm 143:10 tells us that we are supposed to ask the Lord to teach us His ways! It says, 'Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.' If we go through life and we only try and get direction when things get turbulent, what does that show about our dedication to Him? He wants to build a relationship that is not always wanting but it is also giving. This past week, I've dealt with mixed emotions about receiving God's direction. At times, I've felt like He was hard to reach and at other times, I've felt like He assured me He was there but He was very quiet. Cling to Him giving Him praise and ask Him for constant direction and see if your walk doesn't become more balanced! Even when we don't hear Him respond, He wants to know the level of our dedication. He wants you to seek His face at all times giving Him glory and honor while others are complaining. Gratitude is an attitude that shows Him reverence! Colossians 3:16 tells you to let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing with gratitude in your hearts. He gave you a heart so that others might see Him revealed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496513785293979044.post-2357256962274535472012-09-05T05:53:00.002-07:002012-09-05T05:53:40.364-07:00To be an overcomer! Psalm 118:7<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good morning everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As you go about your day, you may run into folks who seem to want to cause you heartache and pain. For whatever reason, it seems as though you are a target for their ridicule. Psalm 118:7 says, 'The Lord is for me among those who help me; therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me.' Even though it hurts when people throw accusations and ridicule at you, remember that God would prefer you to clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:13). Most people expect you to bite back with the same hostility that they show you. When you can respond like Christ would, it might just be that you have shown them a side that they have never seen. Remember that many live in this world without any sign of love in their life. They are constantly on the defence because they have been treated harshly themselves. If we show love to a world that is dieing, God might have compassion on the lives of the people we run across. When the opportunity presents itself, ask God to give you the compassion you need to offer to someone so that they receive it as a gift! When we do something that the world is not familiar with, great things happen! It could be an opportunity for you to share hope with someone who previously was hopeless. You may have recently been down yourself, so remember that God uses our weaknesses to reveal His strengths! Planting seeds is what Christ ask us to do! He can show them how to overcome just like He showed you!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your brother in Christ,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">p</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08161569664643347777noreply@blogger.com0