15Aug
14Aug
Surely I Can Praise Jesus Too!
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Psalm 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.O-bservation:
King David, the great singer and songwriter, signals the entrance of each instrument into his song like an animated orchestra conductor. The Heavens are brought in to rejoice, then the Earth is conducted to be glad, and now, with a mighty crescendo, the Seas are signaled to roar. Why? Because the Lord reigns! (vs. 10)A-pplication:
The Heavens, the Earth and the Seas are all part of Gods "Inanimate Kingdom." We know this form of God’s creation is ruled by "Cause and Effect." God is the originator or "Cause" of each, and He has instilled in each of those unique creations a desired EFFECT that He has programmed into His "Inanimate Creation." And to be truthful, God’s "Inanimate Creation" has no choice in the matter. This is also true of the "Animal Kingdom" which is ruled by "Instinct." Once again, God's response from His "Animal Kingdom" is 100%! There is no rebellion from the "Animal Kingdom" whatsoever. Only with God's creation of "Humankind" is there any "Pushback!" God gave we humans "Free Will." The gift of God's love is that we have a CHOICE to love Him back. Sadly, many folks refuse to love Him back. But as I read this passage this AM, I thought of the greatness and the expanse of the Heavens and Earth and the Seas and I thought ... "Surely I Can Praise Jesus Too!"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, This AM I cannot sit by and watch all of Your creation exalt You while I arrogantly sit in the stands and say nothing! "Surely I will Praise You TOO!" Amen
13Aug
The Big Tree Trunk
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.O-bservation:
The great metaphor by Jesus in John 15 is of the vine or tree trunk and the branches. He tells us that He (Jesus) is "The Big Tree Trunk," and that we the "Followers Of Jesus" are the branches. He says if we stay connected to Him, and if we keep His Word in our heart, anything we ask for will be given to us.A-pplication:
Of course, Jesus is the Author of this Word, and He is the Judge for every one of our "Asks." By that, I mean He is the one who knows if we have really purposed to stay attached to Him and whether or not His Word has truly abided in us. So often, if we're not careful, we serve God out of convenience. When the pressure comes, we are tempted to detach from "The Big Tree Trunk." Consequently, if we're continually detaching from "The Big Tree Trunk" when it doesn't feel "Convenient" or "Politically Correct" to stay attached, then we're not really remaining in "HIM." Thus, His Word is not remaining in "US." When this happens, our prayers are not answered in the fashion we had hoped for. Here's the truth ... Jesus Promised! But we must follow His prescription for answered prayer. Stay attached to ... "The Big Tree Trunk."P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, This passage woke me up this AM!! I realize I'm just a Branch. I only have real life when I stay connected to "The Big Tree Trunk." I will, with Your help. Amen
12Aug
Why Lord?
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Jeremiah 12:1 You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?O-bservation:
Jeremiah acknowledged God's righteousness towards him, but he voiced an age-old complaint. He asked God the same question King David asked the Lord. Why do the wicked prosper? "Why Lord?"A-pplication:
I suppose it's just human nature to wonder about the "Other Guy." When Jesus told Peter he would one day die for the cause of Christ, Peter looked at John and asked Jesus ... "What about him?" Jesus basically answered, "Don't worry about him, just do what I called you to do" (John 21:18–23). This question, WHY, is what in time increases our knowledge. Without the question Why, there would be no colleges or universities. There would be no advancement in technology or cures for diseases discovered. Indeed, it is in our nature to question WHY, but when it comes to the "Other Guy" and his or her sins or achievements, that's God's business. I've lived long enough to witness God's Word is true. God repays people for good and God repays people for evil. Let God be God, and leave the Judging to Him.P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, This AM I'm thinking about all the times I've asked, "Why Lord?" But I've also learned it's best for me to simply say "Yes Lord" to Your will and to Your way. Amen
11Aug