11Feb
10Feb
Some Will Always Want More
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Acts 17:32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”O-bservation:
Toward the middle of Acts 17, Saint Paul approached a group of men gathered on Mars Hill in Athens and began to preach. He quickly noted the idols to the many different gods of worship in Greece. As he concluded by speaking on the resurrection of the dead some made fun of him, but still others wanted to hear him speak on another occasion.A-pplication:
This is one of the most encouraging passages of Scriptures in my life. Whenever I read of Paul's trip to "Mars Hill," I'm reminded that in any given situation there is always a group of men and women who are in search of Jesus. After Paul finished preaching, a whole group of people actually "SNEERED" at him ... BUT ... there was a group who wanted to hear him preach again ... AND ... out of that preaching event on "Mars Hill," a group of people who heard Paul that day became "Followers of Jesus." This is a story of not giving up, not fading to black, and not shrinking in our proclamation of the Good News of Jesus. No matter what, keep on proclaiming, living, loving, forgiving, just like Jesus did. Why? Because ... "Some Will Always Want More!"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, I just can't stop proclaiming the Good News! I can't stop loving people and forgiving people and living for You! It's all I know. And I know that if I don't quit, there will be a harvest in time, because ... "Some Will Always Want More!" Amen
09Feb
He’s Much More Than Just The Man Upstairs
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Leviticus 10:2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.O-bservation:
Just before this tragedy occurred, Nadab and Abihu, the two eldest sons of Aaron the High Priest of Israel, had offered "Strange Fire" before the Lord. Immediately God consumed them with fire from His divine presence. This response from God Almighty assured everyone that the young men had broken holy protocol, and that no one opposes the Holiness of Almighty God.A-pplication:
Recently, I was watching a famous sports star be interviewed by the reporters after a big win. They asked him what he would do next? He said, "I'm going home and drink a lot of beer and then thank the man upstairs!" Quickly I stopped my own levity and thought of this shocking story from the Old Testament. Only a few days earlier, Nadab and Abihu had been ordained as priests of Israel under their father Aaron. Certainly Aaron and Uncle Moses were happy and grateful for such wonderful young men. However, these two young men evidently looked at their calling as being something that came from sheer luck. The moment they fell dead at their father’s and uncle’s feet, all of Israel knew that God ... well ... "He's Much More Than Just The Man Upstairs." This story shouldn't discourage us, rather it should encourage us. We all are very fortunate that our God is high and lifted up, and that He is Almighty and All-Powerful, and that He will share His glory with No One. This AM, this story leaves me in total worship of our Great God.P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, I'm asking You to help me NEVER forget Who I'm praying to. When I want to question You, remind me Who I'm questioning. When I want to disagree, help me remember Who set the bar. Amen
08Feb
Let The Holy Spirit Do It
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Acts 15:19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.O-bservation:
Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, preaching the Good News, when certain religious leaders came down from Judea to argue with them over what was required of these new "Jesus Followers." Paul and Barnabas decided to head back to the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Once there, Peter also decided to come. It turned into a theological summit of sorts. Peter gave his testimony and Paul and Barnabas gave their testimony concerning God’s miracles among the Gentiles, and finally James, the leader of the Church, stood up to speak. In a nutshell, he said, "Let's don't put a 'Ball and Chain' full of our religious Jewish rules around these people’s necks. They just got saved!"A-pplication:
Here's what I've found in my life. Jesus' Grace is beyond measure or human understanding. Man’s laws, on the other hand, are very understandable. They go like this: Do this, Don't Do That. And if you don't do what we're saying, you're in big trouble! We've heard of the "Fashion Police." This must be the "Religious Police." It's nothing new. We humans try to play the part of the Holy Spirit in the lives of new "Jesus Followers” way too often. We cannot be the ones trying to convict other "New Believers" of sin based upon our own personal standards of "Right Living." The only answer is ... "Let The Holy Spirit Do It!"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, Today I want to thank You for your Grace. For so many years, I tried to line people up in my direction. But You still loved me through my religious leaning so that now I lead people toward You! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Amen
07Feb