Daily Devotionals

Devotional - The Lord Is My Strength

2019-09-18T04:45:00Z

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” – Habakkuk 3:19

One Sunday evening Pastor Jim Cymbala, Pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, was about to preach when he was overcome with emotion. He sensed something was wrong in the congregation and he just sobbed. The organist played: “I Need Thee, Oh, I Need Thee.” Suddenly a young usher came forward, threw himself on the altar and cried: “I’m Sorry, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” It turned out the usher was stealing from the collection plate.

He later wrote how about the discovery he made as he acknowledged his weakness: "That evening, when I was at my lowest, confounded by obstacles, bewildered by the darkness that surrounded us, unable even to continue preaching, I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him. Our weakness, in fact, makes room for his power."

We cannot rely on our own strength; it will fail us. Today in prayer, pray that the Lord will be your strength in all that you do.

“We can never obey God in our own strength, but we can always trust Him to provide the strength we need. If we trust ourselves, we will faint and fall; but if we wait on the Lord by faith, we will receive strength for the journey.” – Warren Wiersbe

God’s Word: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Desire Renewal

2019-09-17T04:15:00Z

“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” – Habakkuk 3:2

In August 1801, Presbyterian minister Barton W. Stone of the Presbyterian Church at Cane Ridge, Kentucky, organized a camp meeting based on Scottish traditions of Holy Fairs. It would run from Friday night through Sunday. The camp included the "large number of ministers, the action sermon, the tables, the tent, the successive servings" of communion, all part of the evangelical Presbyterian tradition and "communion season" known in Scotland.

Crowds of 25,000 traveled by foot and wagon from the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States to attend the camp meeting. The gathering was noted for an awesome atmosphere that evoked spontaneous outbursts of repentance. It has been described as the "[l]argest and most famous camp meeting of the Second Great Awakening." This camp meeting was arguably the pioneering event in the history of frontier camp meetings in America.

The Lord desires us to be excited about Him and to turn our hearts toward Him! Today in prayer, praise the Lord for your new life in Jesus. Ask the Lord to renew that desire to love and follow Him.

“We've lost sight of the fact that some things are always right and some things are always wrong. We've lost our reference point. We don't have any moral philosophy to undergird our way of life in this country, and our way of life is in serious jeopardy and serious danger unless something happens. And that something must be a spiritual revival.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” – Psalm 80:7

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - He Is Our Refuge

2019-09-13T04:36:00Z

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” – Nahum 1:7

An area of refuge is a designated location within a building specially designed to hold people safely during an emergency. In other words, an area of refuge is set aside for situations when evacuation may not be possible or is otherwise unsafe. For example, patients in a hospital may not be able to use a stairwell to exit the building because there is a fire. People can wait in the area of refuge safely until rescued by firefighters or emergency rescue teams. This area may also have the name “area of rescue assistance.”

These areas are for the elderly, people with disabilities or operators in a critical facility who cannot leave their station (military base, power station, prison) or any person who cannot access an escape route.

The requirements for an area of refuge is a location adjacent to an emergency exit path, signs designated where to go to shelter, a fire barrier and fresh air. It must also have a communication system.

In many ways, God meets those requirements in our spiritual life. In Him we have safe shelter.

In difficult times, we can come to Our Heavenly Father and He will provide refuge. Today in prayer, thank Christ that in Him we can find refuge in times of trouble.

“When we stray from His presence, He longs for you to come back. He weeps that you are missing out on His love, protection and provision. He throws His arms open, runs toward you, gathers you up, and welcomes you home.” – Charles Stanley

God’s Word: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – John 14:18

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Living By Faith

2019-09-16T04:21:00Z

“See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright-- but the righteous will live by his faith” – Habakkuk 2:4

As a young man preparing to go to China, Hudson Taylor determined to learn to live by faith alone while he was still in England. His resolve was "to learn before leaving England to move man through God by prayer alone." He worked for a doctor and Hudson was paid quarterly. When the time drew near to receive his salary, Hudson was disturbed that his employer said nothing about it. Hudson had only one half-crown piece, but he determined not to break his resolution and ask for his salary. While visiting a needy home on a Sunday, Hudson felt led of God to give his last coin to the needy family. The next day he received an anonymous gift through the mail, four times what he had given to the poor! The following Saturday, the doctor finished up his work and said, "Taylor, is not your salary due again?" Hudson told him that it was and became disappointed when he learned that the doctor had forgotten about the salary due and sent all his funds to the bank! Hudson prayed about the matter (for he had bills of his own to pay) and left it with the Lord. That evening, the doctor visited Hudson and said that one of his richest patients had come over after business hours to pay his bill! He gave the money to Hudson, who rejoiced. He had learned he could trust God and therefore go to China as a missionary.

We grow in righteousness when we live by faith in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can trust Him more.

“The essence of faith is being satisfied with all God is for us in Jesus.” – John Piper

God’s Word: “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” – Romans 1:17

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Love Mercy

2019-09-12T15:09:00Z

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Henri Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer and theologian. He took a sabbatical from teaching and for a year researched the subject of compassion. Among other things, he decided to interview significant leaders. This took them to Washington, D.C., and to an appointment with then Senator Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota. He walked into his office and sat down as he remained behind his desk. Senator Humphrey said, “How can I help you?” Henri replied: “I’ve come to ask you, what is compassion?” The senator was taken back by a most unusual question in a congressional office. He got up from behind his desk, came around, and sat with them. He then picked up a #2 pencil and said, “In our country the whole lead and yellow length of this pencil is competition. Then at the very end of it we have this little eraser, and that in our country is compassion. Ours is not a country based on compassion but rather in its length and breadth is based on competition. But when we smear, blot, mess up things and people with our competition, we turn it around and, with this little fixer up of what we have messed up, we tidy things with compassion.

We need to appreciate the Lord’s compassion and mercies toward us and extend mercy to others. Today in prayer, praise Lord for His mercy and follow His example.

“The essence of justice is mercy.” – Edwin Hubbel Chapin

God’s Word: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” – Matthew 23:23

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Show Mercy

2019-09-12T04:39:00Z

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

We need to appreciate the Lord’s compassion and mercies toward us and extend mercy to others. Today in prayer, praise Lord for His mercy and follow His example.

“The essence of justice is mercy.” – Edwin Hubbel Chapin

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - God's Plan

2019-09-11T04:46:00Z

“But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, he who gathers them like sheaves to the threshing floor.” – Micah 4:12

Christian author and speaker Zig Ziglar talked about how in God’s plan redeeming people is the priceless act of God. He put it in great perspective when he asked his readers to think about the priceless masterpieces painted by DaVinci or Michelangelo. Then Zig wrote, “I am roughly familiar with the price of the canvass and the paints. In and of themselves, they are not worth much at all. No -- The value of the painting comes from the touch of the Master’s Hand.”

We are priceless, because we were created by the greatest Master of all. Our lives have great value, because we were formed by the Hand of God for His good purpose.

The Lord’s plans for us are much greater than our own. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that God has a plan for your life and seek to do His will in all that you do.

“Since God is the highest good, He would not allow any evil to exist in his works unless his omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil.” – Augustine

God’s Word: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.” – Isaiah 55:8

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - The Reluctant Missionary

2019-09-10T04:39:00Z

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.’” – Jonah 1:1-2

In an article entitled “Confessions of a Reluctant Missionary,” Barbara Pocius wrote:

“My husband, Michael, and I are regular people. So when our church put out the call for people to go to Peru for missions work, we were ready to drop an extra offering in the bucket and pray for the safety and success of the adventurous travelers.

But as we heard more about the trip, I became aware of a nagging in my head as well as a tugging in my heart.

I’m sure it’s not nice to call the sound of God’s voice nagging, but I wasn’t going to Peru. Other people go on missions trips. You know the kind: young, daring, outdoor-loving. But the nagging got worse.

One early morning, as the sun was coming up, I called out to God with the type of prayers He wasn’t used to hearing from me. This is a bit of how the conversation played out:

‘Heavenly Father, about this Peru trip . . . . You can’t possibly want me to go. I’m old. I’ve never been camping. I don’t like bugs. I don’t like roughing it. Maybe there’s something I should do here at home.’

The Lord’s reply seemed clear to Barbara: ‘Meet the need’.

Barbara continued to wrestle with God’s call until she and Michael surrendered to it. She went on the mission trip to Peru and they were blessed. She wrote: “I could almost hear His proud response: Well done! Gracias!”

The Lord promises to bless us if we follow His call. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that His calling is sure.

“Following Christ is not our initiative, merely our response, in obedience.” – Os Guinness

God’s Word: “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” – Jonah 3:2

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Woe To Complacency

2019-09-06T04:37:00Z

“Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!” – Amos 6:1

In October 2018, a married couple died while taking a “selfie” photograph in Yosemite National Park. Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, and her husband, Vishnu Viswanath, 29, were Indian expats living in California.

She was a self-described "adrenaline junkie," and he took "wow-worthy photos" of the couple posing at the edge of cliffs and jumping from planes. Those pictures appeared on social media and a travel blog that attracted thousands of followers.

The couple's Yosemite trip turned out to be their last. They set up their tripod near a ledge at a scenic overlook in the California park. Visitors saw the camera the next morning and alerted park rangers, who "used high-powered binoculars” to find their bodies about 800 feet below Taft Point. Taft Point is where visitors can walk to the edge of a vertigo-inducing granite ledge that offers spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley below. The couple had become complacent on the dangers of being on the ledge of a cliff.

We need to examine our lives and rid ourselves of any spiritual complacency. Today in prayer, ask the Lord that “Thy will be done, not my will” and follow Jesus in all that you do.

“I hate to see complacency prevail in our lives when it's so directly contrary to the teaching of Christ.” – Jimmy Carter

God’s Word: “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them” – Proverbs 1:32

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Foolish Pride

2019-09-09T04:21:00Z

“Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down," declares the LORD. – Obadiah 1:4

In January 2011, then nineteen-year-old Rodney Knight Jr. broke into the home of Washington Post journalist Marc Fisher, stealing a coat, cash, and a laptop belonging to Fisher’s son. Knight was so proud of his little heist that he felt the need to do a little bragging.

Knight fired up the laptop that belonged to Fisher’s son and then took a picture of himself wearing the jacket and flaunting the cash he had taken. Unbelievably, Knight then posted the photo on the Facebook page of Fisher’s son – which all of Fisher’s 400+ friends instantly saw.

It didn’t take long for police to track down Knight and arrest him. Kyle Roe, the DC police officer working the case, said, “I've seen a lot, but this is the most stupid criminal I've ever seen.”

Foolish pride will bring about our fall. Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride in your life and humble yourself before the Lord.

“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.” – C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Helping The Poor

2019-09-05T04:28:00Z

“This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. They sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as upon the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name.” – Amos 2:6-7

In the summer of 1946 when a pastor challenged a group of youth to give their lives to the foreign mission field, Rosemary Jensen felt compelled to step forward and answer the call. That one step began a seven-decade journey in God’s service, first as a missionary to Tanzania, then as the executive director of Bible Study Fellowship International, and most recently as the president of The Rafiki Foundation, Inc.

She began the Rafiki Foundation in 1985 with the desire to help Africans. "Rafiki" means friend in Swahili and depicts the purpose of the foundation -- to befriend orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27). Rafiki’s work expanded from Tanzania into Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Rafiki ministers to the poor through Villages that provide living and educational facilities through Rafiki’s five programs: Bible Study, Education, Teacher Training, Orphan Care, and Widows.

Today they house more than 800 orphans and provide a Christian classical education to an additional 450 students from the surrounding areas.

The poor are always on the Lord’s heart. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He has blessed you with many material blessings. Ask Jesus how you can give to those in need.

“The cry of the poor must either be heard by us, or it will ascend up against us into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” – F.D. Maurice

God’s Word: “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” – Galatians 2:10

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - God's Love

2019-09-04T04:34:00Z

“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” – Joel 2:13

Pastor Charles Spurgeon once told the story of the preacher who was walking in the countryside and stopped by a farmhouse for a drink of water. The old farmer who lived there went out to talk to the preacher. As they were talking the preacher noticed that the barn had a weather vane on it that was spinning around in the wind.

On the weather vane the words “GOD IS LOVE” were engraved.

The preacher said to the man, “I don’t think that is a very good way to talk about God’s love. Are you saying that God’s love is wishy washy and changes depending on the way the wind blows?”

“No, no” said the farmer. “That Weather Vane is saying, “No matter which way the wind blows, God is Love.”

The love of God can find us in any situation into glory to God. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His love and rejoice that Jesus is compassionate towards you.

"The dying Jesus is the evidence of God's anger toward sin; but the living Jesus is the proof of God's love and forgiveness." - Lorenz Eifert

God’s Word: “"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Repent Of Your Sins

2019-09-03T04:25:00Z

“Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: ‘Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.’” – Hosea 14:1-2

Cameron Clark professed faith in Christ as a boy, but in high school, he began being drawn to new age philosophies. “I would have still said that I was a Christian, but I didn't think drinking or smoking pot was wrong. I thought that was just fun. I just looked for, well, maybe there's like a spiritual way to justify the life choices that I was making: crystals or magic or whatever, was fine.”

When Cameron went off to college, his interest in New Age grew. “It felt like I was taking control and like could have some kind of control over what was happening in my life. It's cleverly worded as ‘healing,’ or "evolving." The New Age told me that Jesus was an ascended master; He was just a human who realized He was God. Beginning to believe them, you run up against what you were taught, or what you learned when you were younger.”

About that same time, Cameron read an article--ironically in a New Age magazine--that made him question his new beliefs. “Jesus was in there with His words from Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:28, ‘Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who persecute you.’ And I thought, "Okay, Jesus, can you help me do these things?”

Through a mutual friend, Cameron met Pastor Chad Osborne and his wife Hunter, a former Wiccan who had turned to Christ, for dinner.

That night Cameron bowed his knees, repented, and gave his life to Jesus.

The Lord not only wants us to repent and turn away from our sins. Today in prayer, confess any sin and your life and take the needed steps of repentance.

“A Christian is not one who never goes wrong, but one who is enabled to repent and begin over again after each stumble—because of the inner working of Christ.” – C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Thirst For Righteousness

2019-09-02T04:52:00Z

“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” – Hosea 10:12

Years ago, when sailing ships traveled on the Atlantic Ocean near the equator, they ran into problems because the winds would die down. Often the ships who had never been in an area off of South America would cry out in distress because they not only were still in the water, but they also ran out of fresh water.

Ships familiar with the area would respond “Dip it up; you are in the mouth of the Amazon River.”

You see, the Amazon River is the largest freshwater river in the world. Its fresh waters reach some 200 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. Often men would perish of thirst, ignorant that the boundless, fresh water they desired was right below them.

Just as our body thirsts for water to keep it healthy, our soul thirsts for God’s righteousness. Today in prayer, desire Christ in all you do and thirst for His righteousness.

"My only hope is that I shall be clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ." - M. Lloyd-Jones

God’s Word: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” – Ephesians 6:14

DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS

Devotional - Don't Be A Grumbler

2019-08-30T04:34:00Z

“These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.” – Jude 1:16

People will find just about anything to grumble about. Below are actual customer complaints: One person wrote: “We went on a canoe trip but were very disappointed that no one told us there would not be a bathroom onboard. It was very inconvenient.”

Another complained: “There was no sign telling you that you shouldn’t get on the hot air balloon ride if you’re afraid of heights.”

One person did not know: “My trip was ruined when I got sunburned and got sick because of it. They should warn you that the sun is brighter in Mexico than it is in the United States, I would have used sunscreen.”

One person was not told: “We booked an excursion to a water park, but no one told us we had to bring our swimming costumes and towels.”

Another person did not think: “Tour company did not warn me that I would get wet during the river rafting trip. It ruined my $300 leather handbag.”

Finally, one tourist wrote: “I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts.”

Grumbling begets grumbling. When we complain we are only practicing for our next complaint. Today in prayer, confess any constant grumbling in your own life and seek to find peace in Jesus Christ.

“By murmuring you undo your prayers, for it is exceedingly contrary to the prayer that you make to God. When you come to pray to God, you acknowledge his sovereignty over you, you come there to profess yourselves to be at God's disposal.” - B.J. Stockman

God’s Word: “Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” – James 5:9

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - Beware of Charlatans

2019-08-29T04:52:00Z

I apologize if you received this devotional too early. Sincerely, Peter Kennedy

“For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” – Jude 1:4

In 1971, Jimmie T. Roberts, son of a former Pentecostal minister, created a movement called “The Brethren.” Roberts had become convinced that mainstream churches were too worldly, and wished to create a wandering discipleship patterned on the New Testament apostles. He began recruiting a core of followers in Colorado and California. At first they adopted a communal lifestyle, but later the Brethren lived as itinerants. They acquired the nickname "the Garbage Eaters" after being observed collecting discarded food from dumpsters. During the 1970s, members wore monk-like habits and single members were not allowed to marry.

The movement directs new members to sell their possessions and break ties with their families as a necessary part of earning salvation. Any finances generated are distributed according to need. Families of members have asserted that their relatives are moved about to keep them from reestablishing familial contact.

There are many imposters trying to lead people astray. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that as we study the Bible, we get to know better the only true God, Jesus Christ.

“By entertaining of strange persons, men sometimes entertain angels unawares: but by entertaining strange doctrines, many have entertained devils unawares.” – John Flavel

God’s Word: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” – Titus 1:16

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - His Peace

2019-08-28T04:45:00Z

“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” – Jude 1:1-2

On July 20, 2012, Marie Isom went to a movie theater with her two teenage daughters in Aurora, Colorado.

Marie said she sat fidgeting in her seat, some 40 or 50 feet away from the man with a gun, who was identified by police as 24-year-old James Holmes. He killed 12 people and injured 70 others in the movie theater that night.

“In that moment, as the rapid-fire shots continued, I truly thought I was going to die” Marie remembers. “And I realized that I was ready. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the redeemer of my soul, and there wasn’t the slightest doubt that I would be received into heaven, not because of any good thing that I have done but because of His merciful nature and the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Marie continued: “Still, as I lay over my daughter, I began praying out loud. I don’t even remember what I prayed, but I don’t imagine it really matters. I’m sure it was for protection and peace. It drew me closer into the presence of God. When there was a pause in the shooting, people began to clamor for the exits. The girls and I jumped up and joined the masses.”

When asked how the shooting had affected her daughters’ faith, Marie replied:

“If anything, both of my girls said it made Him (Jesus) a much more real presence to them; the youngest shared this verse: ‘Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your feet from being caught.'”

Peace and protection can only be found in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that in Jesus Christ, no matter what our situation is in life, we have peace.

“Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?” – Gerald Majella

God’s Word: “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” – 2 Peter 1:2

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - Be Reconciled

2019-08-27T04:47:00Z

"Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good-- no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.” – Philemon 1:15-16

John M. Perkins was born in 1930 in New Hebron, Mississippi. He was raised by his grandmother and extended family, who worked as sharecroppers. In 1947, he moved away from Mississippi at the urging of his family, who worried that he might be in danger following the fatal shooting of his brother, Clyde, by a police officer. He settled in southern California. In 1957, John's son, Spencer, invited him to church and he gave his life to Christ.

In 1960, John moved with his wife and children from California back to Mississippi.

Initially concerned solely with evangelism and Bible literacy, John had a growing conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ addressed spiritual and physical needs.

He supported civil rights and in the fall of 1969, John became the leader in an economic boycott of white-owned stores in Mendenhall, Mississippi. On February 7, 1970, following the arrest of students who had taken part in a protest march in Mendenhall, Perkins was arrested and tortured by white police officers in Brandon Jail.

Remarkably, Perkins emerged from this terrible experience with a commitment to his vision of a holistic ministry — one that saw the bondage racism inflicted on whites as well as the damage and deprivation of the black community. He summarized his philosophy of Christian ministry in the "three Rs" — relocation, redistribution and reconciliation.

For the last decades of his life, John invited white Mississippians and black Mississippians to be reconciled to God and to each other.

The Lord desires us to be reconciled to Him and to others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that you are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and seek to be reconciled to others.

“The number one problem in our world is alienation, rich versus poor, black versus white, labor versus management, conservative versus liberal, East versus West . . . But Christ came to bring about reconciliation and peace.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” – 2 Corinthians 5:18

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - Share Your Faith

2019-08-26T04:30:00Z

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” - Philemon 1:6

Howard Hendricks was a longtime professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and speaker for Promise Keepers. He was active in sharing his faith, but the one person he could not reach was his father George Hendricks. George was a military man and rejected the gospel for most of his life.

It wasn’t until the last year of his life that George met Butch Hardman. Butch had heard a sermon Howard had given stating his desire to see his father come to the Lord. He only met Howard once.

One Sunday, Butch was driving a church bus in Arlington, Virginia. He had discharged all of his passengers when he saw a man standing on the corner who reminded him uncannily of Howard Hendricks. Could it possibly be...? He backed up the bus, stopped, got off, and went over to the man.

"Are you by any chance Howard Hendricks' father?"

George was startled, but answered yes. The two sat down for a cup of coffee. A friendship developed.

For a long time Butch did not invite him to attend his church. He simply suggested that George drop by the office for coffee. Patiently he endured dad's cigars and his endless repertoire of war stories. Before long he also learned that dad had been diagnosed as having a terminal throat cancer.

Months later Butch was at his bedside. "Mr. Hendricks, I'll be leaving shortly for a Holy Land trip. Instead of my listening to you tonight, would you let me tell you a story?"

Butch led George to the Lord that night.

We need to share our faith in the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His Gospel and share His good news with others.

“The real problem of Christianity is not atheism, or skepticism, but the non-witnessing Christian trying to smuggle his own soul into heaven.” – James S. Stewart

God’s Word: “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.” – John 1:7

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - Pray

2019-08-23T04:29:00Z

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” – Philemon 1:4

In May 2001 journalist Giles Brandeth interviewed South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It was a powerful experience for Brandeth, for Desmond Tutu was suffering from prostate cancer and there was a real chance this might be the last interview he would ever give. What might Tutu want to talk about? Perhaps the amazing transformation in the politics of his country, and of which he himself had a leading role. No. Here’s what he told Brandeth: “If this is going to be my last interview, I am glad we are not going to talk about politics. Let us talk about prayer and adoration, about faith, hope and forgiveness.” For Tutu these are the things that are the stuff of life.

One of the greatest things you can do is to pray for others. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for your friends and pray for them that Christ would be glorified in your life and your friends’ lives.

“Intercessory prayer might be defined as loving our neighbors on our knees.” – Charles H. Brent

God’s Word: “God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.” – Romans 1:9-10

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - Do Good

2019-08-22T04:28:00Z

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” – Titus 3:14

In 1990, Dave Cooke, the father of four children from Wrexham, North Wales, saw the horror of abandoned children in Romanian orphanages on TV news. He asked friends to help fill a truck with toys and drive it to Romania.

There was an overwhelming response from local people and they raised £60,000 ($75,000). David established Operation Christmas Child as a charity.

On the 12th December 1990, a convoy of vehicles, including trucks donated by local companies, left for Romania with 17 local volunteers. Among the aid on the convoy were the first gift-filled shoeboxes. On their return the volunteers vowed to continue the work.

In 1995, Operation Christmas Child merged with Samaritan’s Purse. Since its humble beginnings, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories.

In all that you do, do good. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His goodness and seek to follow the Lord and do what is good.

“Goodness is something so simple: Always live for others, never to seek one’s own advantage.” – Dag Hammarkskjold

God’s Word: “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” – Titus 3:8

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - Follow The Lord's Warnings

2019-08-21T04:27:00Z

“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” – Titus 3:10

In an article entitled “The Most Ridiculous Law In Every State” author Melia Robinson highlights some outdated or ridiculous laws in each state. Below are a few of the laws:

In Arkansas: A pinball machine can't give away more than 25 free games to a player who keeps winning. The statute aims to prohibit machines that encourage gambling.

In Kentucky: Every legislator, public officer, and lawyer must take an oath stating that they have not fought a duel with deadly weapons.

In New Hampshire: It's illegal to carry away or collect seaweed at night. Marine plants and algae are routinely used to make fertilizer and animal feed, which gives it value.

In North Carolina: A bingo game being conducted or sponsored by a commercial organization may not last more than five hours. (Non-profit groups can go wild.)

Finally, in Vermont: The legislature created a law that prohibits outlawing solar collectors and clotheslines, listing both items as "energy devices based on renewable resources."

Unlike the world that gives us some wacky warnings, the Lord warns us to protect us and to provide for us. Today in prayer, praise the Lord loving you and warning you of potential danger.

“If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning.” – Catherine Aird

God’s Word: “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - Avoid Foolish Controversies And Genealogies

2019-08-20T04:25:00Z

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” – Titus 3:9

In an article entitled: “How Genealogy Became Almost as Popular as Porn” that was printed in Time Magazine, author Gregory Rodriguez writes that Alex Haley’s popular book “Roots” and subsequent television mini-series spawned interest in genealogy.

Gregory writes:

“Four decades later, genealogy is the second most popular hobby in the U.S. after gardening, according to ABC News, and the second most visited category of websites, after pornography. It’s a billion-dollar industry that has spawned profitable websites, television shows, scores of books and — with the advent of over-the-counter genetic test kits — a cottage industry in DNA ancestry-testing.”

In a separate 2018 study, it found that more than 12 million people have purchased DNA ancestry-testing kits to discover their own heritage.

Foolish genealogies and pointless controversies waste our time. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in Him we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and seek to use your time wisely to honor Christ.

“Genealogy: a perverse preoccupation of those who seek to demonstrate that their forebears were better people than they are.” – Sydney J. Harris

God’s Word: “nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:4

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - By His Mercy

2019-08-19T04:34:00Z

“he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” – Titus 3:5

In an article entitled “The Mercy of God,” Pastor David Hocking writes:

“I heard when I was a boy in Sunday school of how a father took a son out to explain this to him. And he had the boy pound nails into a piece of wood. He pounded all these nails into the wood. And the boy kept asking, ‘Well why do you want me to do that?’ ‘Just do what I tell you.’ So he pounded all these nails. Then he said, ‘Now, pull them all out.’ ‘Well, what for? Why should I?’ ‘Just pull them all out.’ So he pulled all the nails out. He said, ‘Now what is left?’ He said, ‘The holes.’

In this life we are going to experience scars as a result of our decisions to walk away from the Lord. Do you know that? There are some of us who are physically still suffering from the result of decisions that we made maybe as young people. When God says that He has removed it, He has removed it from a positional standpoint, though the scars remain for now. My dear friends, the hope of the gospel is that when Jesus Christ comes again, we are going to get a brand new body and we are talking total removal. There will be no more evidence whatsoever. The holes will be gone and we will be made brand new outwardly as we are made brand new inwardly when we come to Christ.”

It is only by God’s great mercy are we saved through Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His mercy.

“Moral indignation never led anyone to Christ, but mercy has.” – William Dever

God’s Word: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” – 1 Peter 1:3

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON

Devotional - Be Humble

2019-08-16T04:30:00Z

"to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” – Titus 3:2

George Westinghouse was an inventor and an industrialist during America’s Industrial Revolution.

He was the son of a machine mechanic and served in the American Civil War. Soon after the War, George invented the air brake that would be used on railroad cars.

At the age of only 19 he would revolutionize power distribution with the invention of the transformer to allow long distance Alternating Current (AC) power transmission, enabling the power stations of today and the trains of Westinghouse’s visions.

Other inventions followed such as the development of a water meter and a device for placing derailed freight cars back on their tracks.

Unlike many of the industrial barons of his time, Westinghouse maintained a sense of humility. He said: “If someday they say of me that in my work I have contributed something to the welfare and happiness of my fellow man, I shall be satisfied.”

In all that we do, we need to remove our pride and seek to be humble servants of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His humble example on earth and seek to humbly follow Him.

“Humility is strong, not bold; quiet, not speechless; sure, not arrogant.” – Estelle Smith

God’s Word: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON