30Sep
28Sep
Clean, Inside And Out
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Luke 11:41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.O-bservation:
Jesus had just finished a discourse on how the Pharisees clean the outside of the way things are, but on the inside they're full of greed and wickedness. Jesus said if you will just give to the poor you'll clean up on the inside and the outside.A-pplication:
I don't know what it is about snobs that makes them change the moment they begin to GIVE. And, I'm not just talking about giving to their personal high society foundation that all the cool hipsters are seen giving to. NO! I'm talking about doing what Jesus said and just flat out giving to the poor. Giving of one’s time, talent, and treasure. Somehow, when we do we clean up. Our desires become pure; our motives become purer still. Let's just decide, “I'm done with SNOBBERY! I'm Clean, Inside and Out!"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, Clean me up Lord, Inside and Out! I don't ever want to be a snob! Amen
28Apr
Lip Service Or Heart Surrender?
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Matthew 15:8 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.O-bservation:
These words of Jesus were in response to the questioning of the Pharisees concerning what they perceived to be the breaking of the law by Jesus' disciples. Jesus was upset and referenced the words of Isaiah and basically said, "You people say great words but your hearts are far from God."A-pplication:
Have you ever met a salesman who could sell anything imaginable but you could tell they didn't believe in the product? These Pharisees were called out by Jesus for the same thing. They talked about their devotion to God, but their hearts were in another County. The challenge for every "Follower Of Jesus" as time goes on is can you keep your heart in it? We know the TALK is there, but the heart is the first to go in a relationship that breaks up. It's imperative that we stay devoted in our heart to Jesus. It's up to you and me. Will it be "Lip Service Or Heart Surrender?"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, This AM I lay my heart on Your altar again. It will always be my heart first! Amen
26Nov
What’s My Motivation?
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Matthew 23:5a Everything they do, is done for people to see.O-bservation:
Jesus condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for their desire to impress people. They were guilty of dictating the laws of Moses while unwilling to practice the very laws they were forcing on others.A-pplication:
If Jesus, the greatest lover of all mankind, was quick to judge these religious people, surely we can take a look at ourselves. I rarely speak of this, but as a pastor, I'm always asking myself,"What's My Motivation?" If it's to impress people, I'm definitely in the wrong work. On the other hand, if I really want to love and help people, the instruction I give from God's Word will be to help them lift their own thinking. Not only that, I will do everything to model the life of Christ and His great "Sermon on the Mount," by His grace. The best way other people decide to follow Jesus is when you and I live what we preach, in love. Probably it's a good thing to start this AM by asking..."What's My Motivation?"P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, I'll practice what I'm preaching this AM, with Your help, by asking, "What's My Motivation?" Lord, help it to be for others! Amen
25Apr