Hello everyone,
No matter where you find yourself, God is right where you are! You may be going through a trial or just getting over one but realize that another one is just around the corner. When we go through the valleys, I think it is important to reach out to those that love us and ask them to pray for us! It is important to draw close to the Father and He also wants us to share our struggles with those closest to us! Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:21-24, 'For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better. Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ. I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to live, and sometimes I long to go and be with Christ. That would be far better for me, but it is better for you that I live'. I shared with my wife and best friend yesterday that I am going through a period where I feel numb! I'm not sure if it is depression or just a time that I need to be available because God is trying to tell me something. I know personally He is working on me to not be so judgmental and to not be so hypocritical! Even a 52 year old can eat humble pie several times a day! As I opened my Bible yesterday on the flight to Minneapolis, He gave me new insight on Genesis 1! He told me that He created something so magnificent that there is no way even the smartest scientist can grasp the maginude of His creation. A couple of statistics really stand out: the vast galaxy we live in is spinning at the incredible speed of 490,000 miles an hour. At that breakneck speed, our galaxy still needs 200 million years to make one rotation. And there are over one billion other galaxies just like ours in the universe. My head hurts now, but I want to end this devotional by saying that regardless of numbers we don't understand, God created you and I not by accident, but by 'divine appointment'. On such and such a day He brought each of us into the Creation that we can't fully grasp. Scientists believe that there are more stars than the grains of sand upon this earth! Okay, my head just exploded. With all of that said, He created you because He Loves you and you are even more important than the Creation I gave you numbers about that we will never be able to comprehend!
Thought for today: As you ponder on the magnificence of our Creator and Lord and while you have breath to breathe and blood pumping through your veins, just maybe He wants you to share that same Love with others!!!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
No matter where we are, He wants us to reach out to Him!!!!
Hey everyone,
Praise God from whom all Blessings flow!!!!! For 69 days, 33 miners wondered and probably doubted if they would ever come out of the hole that had become their temporary home. Trapped over 2200 feet below the surface and really all they had was each other. On October 13, 2010, each miner emerged from that scary place to a beautiful place called freedom. As each miner surfaced, the adolation and thankfulness that showed on each man was almost too much to contain. The rescuers and family members all seem to anticipate the joy of having husbands, boyfriends, or family members back. Every miner would bring hugs, kisses and jubulation to those in waiting as they exited what has seemed an eternity for each one. Due to technology, a miracle happened because a company in Pennslyvania designed a tubular cage contraption that was lowered and raised some 40 times to bring those men out of their temporary hell! It was really the back up vehicle that ended up being the only vehicle. Anybody watching the event take place should realize that there is a 'power' at work that is so much greater than the actual rescue. God's hand was on this situation from the very start until the completion. Not only did the entire operation go smoothly; for the most part, each man seem to give credit where credit was due and that is to their Lord and Savior! Remember, God wants us to be faithful when there are trials and tribulations and He wants us to give Him credit when He rescues us from those perils showing others how He allowed us to endure!!! Whatever situation you find yourself in, realize that even death is not the end because we have eternity in Christ. May each of these men continue to seek His face in serving the One who wants them to share about His marvelous grace!!!!!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
Praise God from whom all Blessings flow!!!!! For 69 days, 33 miners wondered and probably doubted if they would ever come out of the hole that had become their temporary home. Trapped over 2200 feet below the surface and really all they had was each other. On October 13, 2010, each miner emerged from that scary place to a beautiful place called freedom. As each miner surfaced, the adolation and thankfulness that showed on each man was almost too much to contain. The rescuers and family members all seem to anticipate the joy of having husbands, boyfriends, or family members back. Every miner would bring hugs, kisses and jubulation to those in waiting as they exited what has seemed an eternity for each one. Due to technology, a miracle happened because a company in Pennslyvania designed a tubular cage contraption that was lowered and raised some 40 times to bring those men out of their temporary hell! It was really the back up vehicle that ended up being the only vehicle. Anybody watching the event take place should realize that there is a 'power' at work that is so much greater than the actual rescue. God's hand was on this situation from the very start until the completion. Not only did the entire operation go smoothly; for the most part, each man seem to give credit where credit was due and that is to their Lord and Savior! Remember, God wants us to be faithful when there are trials and tribulations and He wants us to give Him credit when He rescues us from those perils showing others how He allowed us to endure!!! Whatever situation you find yourself in, realize that even death is not the end because we have eternity in Christ. May each of these men continue to seek His face in serving the One who wants them to share about His marvelous grace!!!!!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Psalm 24-Everything belongs to God
Hello everyone,
When we think of a scripture that is read many times, especially when we need strength through a tough time, you probably think of Psalm 23! But as I opened my Bible today,
my attention was caught by Psalm 24. The theme is 'Everything belongs to God-the glorious eternal King. Let us worship Him and welcome His glorious reign. I would encourage you to find a Bible and read the 10 verses of this chapter. I'm reminded that really 'Everything' belongs to the Father. The possessions we call ours are really His! He has just given us the opportunity of loaning those to us while we are here. In this scripture David asks us Who is this King of Glory? Then he gives us the answer. The Lord Almighty---He is the King of Glory! As manager of our smallest to the grandest possessions, may we be thankful for God allowing us to manage His property. Everything from the food that sustains us to the brothers and sisters that He ask us to love, may we honor Him in the way we 'Care'! Have a Blessed day in the name of Jesus and know you are 'Loved'!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
If you want a good project over the next month, read one Proverb and three Psalms each day and you will have read both books!
When we think of a scripture that is read many times, especially when we need strength through a tough time, you probably think of Psalm 23! But as I opened my Bible today,
my attention was caught by Psalm 24. The theme is 'Everything belongs to God-the glorious eternal King. Let us worship Him and welcome His glorious reign. I would encourage you to find a Bible and read the 10 verses of this chapter. I'm reminded that really 'Everything' belongs to the Father. The possessions we call ours are really His! He has just given us the opportunity of loaning those to us while we are here. In this scripture David asks us Who is this King of Glory? Then he gives us the answer. The Lord Almighty---He is the King of Glory! As manager of our smallest to the grandest possessions, may we be thankful for God allowing us to manage His property. Everything from the food that sustains us to the brothers and sisters that He ask us to love, may we honor Him in the way we 'Care'! Have a Blessed day in the name of Jesus and know you are 'Loved'!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
If you want a good project over the next month, read one Proverb and three Psalms each day and you will have read both books!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Overcoming temptation-----Gen 3:1-6; Matt 26:40-41
Hello everyone,
Today I'm in beautiful Flatrock, N.C. and instead of waking up to busyness, Deborah and I woke up to lookin out across a huge valley on to the next mountain from our good friends living room! So this may be the only devotional I get out until next week! Prayer is the key to maintaining connection with our Creator! Temptation comes in many different disguises. In Genesis 3:1-6, temptation happens for the first time in recorded history which leads to sin being born. Satan deceived Eve into eating what God had said was forbidden which lead Adam into doing the same. How could Eve have resisted temptation? By following the same guidelines we can follow.
First, we must realize that temptation itself is not sin! We have not sinned until we give into the temptation. To resist temptation, we must:
(1) Pray for strength to resist
(2) Run, sometimes literally.
(3) Say no when confronted with what we know is wrong.
In James 1:12, James reminds us that God Blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the 'crown of life' that God has promised to those who love Him.
Have a Blessed day and know that you are loved!!!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
Today I'm in beautiful Flatrock, N.C. and instead of waking up to busyness, Deborah and I woke up to lookin out across a huge valley on to the next mountain from our good friends living room! So this may be the only devotional I get out until next week! Prayer is the key to maintaining connection with our Creator! Temptation comes in many different disguises. In Genesis 3:1-6, temptation happens for the first time in recorded history which leads to sin being born. Satan deceived Eve into eating what God had said was forbidden which lead Adam into doing the same. How could Eve have resisted temptation? By following the same guidelines we can follow.
First, we must realize that temptation itself is not sin! We have not sinned until we give into the temptation. To resist temptation, we must:
(1) Pray for strength to resist
(2) Run, sometimes literally.
(3) Say no when confronted with what we know is wrong.
In James 1:12, James reminds us that God Blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the 'crown of life' that God has promised to those who love Him.
Have a Blessed day and know that you are loved!!!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
An encouraging word! Romans 15:4
Hello again everyone,
Too many thoughts going around in this head of mind that I feel like I need to share. In Romans 15:4, we are reminded of the importance of knowing Scripture. The verse goes on to say that they give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises. I just spoke to a friend of mine via email and I was reminded of a simple thing that can be 'life saving'! Encouraging words are like medicine to the soul. When you're down, and sometimes you can't pinpoint why you're down, a few words of encouragement may be what is needed to get you out of that huge 'sinkhole'! We often feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders and we try and carry it alone. God has much broader shoulders than we do and He is capable of carrying that plus much more. In James 1:3-4, we are reminded, For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. Brothers and sisters, when you read a Scripture that really touches you, share it with a friend because it could be the life raft they need in order to stay a float!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
Too many thoughts going around in this head of mind that I feel like I need to share. In Romans 15:4, we are reminded of the importance of knowing Scripture. The verse goes on to say that they give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises. I just spoke to a friend of mine via email and I was reminded of a simple thing that can be 'life saving'! Encouraging words are like medicine to the soul. When you're down, and sometimes you can't pinpoint why you're down, a few words of encouragement may be what is needed to get you out of that huge 'sinkhole'! We often feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders and we try and carry it alone. God has much broader shoulders than we do and He is capable of carrying that plus much more. In James 1:3-4, we are reminded, For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. Brothers and sisters, when you read a Scripture that really touches you, share it with a friend because it could be the life raft they need in order to stay a float!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
Brightness of His Glory is beyond our comprehension!!! Isaiah 24:23
Hello everyone,
How bright is bright? Think about the brightest sun you have ever encountered. When I was a child, individuals would often dare me to look up at the sun. Okay even though I would do that (which would usually lead to temporary blindness), I would have to look away because the intensity was too much! I would see stars for quite a while. Well, in Isaiah 24:23, we are told that the Lord Almighty will mount His throne on Mount Zion. He will rule gloriously in Jerusalem, in the sight of all the leaders of His people. There will be such Glory that the brightness of the sun and moon will seem to fade away. Glory is defined as honor bestowed; splendor or majesty (magnificence); a distinguishing quality, asset or attribute; eternity; to boast or take credit for. In reference to this scripture, I feel as though splendor, magnificense, and eternity stand out. For those who know Him, it will be a beautiful sight to behold!!! For those who don't, it will be an eternity of emptyness! The beautiful thing is while you still have breath to breathe, He is waiting for you to reach out to Him and enter into His presence. He wants to dine with you and fellowship with you regularly. It starts by saying 'Yes' Lord and making Him your first priority. Get your instructions when you first open your eyes and the rest of the day will start to look a whole lot differently. God Bless you and know that you are loved!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
How bright is bright? Think about the brightest sun you have ever encountered. When I was a child, individuals would often dare me to look up at the sun. Okay even though I would do that (which would usually lead to temporary blindness), I would have to look away because the intensity was too much! I would see stars for quite a while. Well, in Isaiah 24:23, we are told that the Lord Almighty will mount His throne on Mount Zion. He will rule gloriously in Jerusalem, in the sight of all the leaders of His people. There will be such Glory that the brightness of the sun and moon will seem to fade away. Glory is defined as honor bestowed; splendor or majesty (magnificence); a distinguishing quality, asset or attribute; eternity; to boast or take credit for. In reference to this scripture, I feel as though splendor, magnificense, and eternity stand out. For those who know Him, it will be a beautiful sight to behold!!! For those who don't, it will be an eternity of emptyness! The beautiful thing is while you still have breath to breathe, He is waiting for you to reach out to Him and enter into His presence. He wants to dine with you and fellowship with you regularly. It starts by saying 'Yes' Lord and making Him your first priority. Get your instructions when you first open your eyes and the rest of the day will start to look a whole lot differently. God Bless you and know that you are loved!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
Monday, October 4, 2010
Prayer-Ask God anything but expect anything! Genesis 18:33; 17:22; 35:13; 22:1
Hello Everyone,
When you pray, do you expect God to answer according to your hearts desire or do you pray that God will give you an answer so that you can see His will at work? When you pray, does your heart change? Often, I feel we pray and when the answer doesn't come quickly or it isn't answered like we want it, we stop praying! Why? Keep praying and ask the Lord to show you the desires of His heart! Amazing things will happen. Ask Abraham! When he prepared to sacrifice Isaac on the alter (Genesis 22:1), I'm sure that he wrestled with the thought of what he was about to do! Everything Abraham did in this situation, he demonstrated his complete obedience to the Lord and this developed his character. He never doubted that the Lord would provide an alternative or that the Lord himself would be accountable for having done something far bigger than what Abraham was capable of putting his mind around!! With that kind of obedience, God will allow us to 'move mountains' in His name! If we are obedient in our prayers, then we are likely to have a better understanding when prayers are answered with a different outcome than the way we expected or wanted!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
When you pray, do you expect God to answer according to your hearts desire or do you pray that God will give you an answer so that you can see His will at work? When you pray, does your heart change? Often, I feel we pray and when the answer doesn't come quickly or it isn't answered like we want it, we stop praying! Why? Keep praying and ask the Lord to show you the desires of His heart! Amazing things will happen. Ask Abraham! When he prepared to sacrifice Isaac on the alter (Genesis 22:1), I'm sure that he wrestled with the thought of what he was about to do! Everything Abraham did in this situation, he demonstrated his complete obedience to the Lord and this developed his character. He never doubted that the Lord would provide an alternative or that the Lord himself would be accountable for having done something far bigger than what Abraham was capable of putting his mind around!! With that kind of obedience, God will allow us to 'move mountains' in His name! If we are obedient in our prayers, then we are likely to have a better understanding when prayers are answered with a different outcome than the way we expected or wanted!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
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