Devotion: Faith And Patience

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations?  Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems.  For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete (James 1:2-4 TLB).  We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient.  And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.  Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:3-5 TLB).

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and desires, and enticed.  Then when lust and desire hath conceived, it bringeth forth and gives birth to sin: and sin, when it is finished and full-grown, bringeth forth death.  Do not err and be deceived, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness or variation, neither shadow of turning (James 1:12-17).

Behold, we count them happy and blessed which endure.  Ye have heard of the patience and perseverance of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful and compassionate, and of tender mercy (James 5:11).  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with and surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset and ensnare us, and let us run with patience and perseverance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author, the originator, the finisher and the perfecter of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Be strong!  Be courageous!  Do not be afraid of them!  For the Lord your God will be with you.  He will neither fail you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6 TLB).  Do your best to improve your faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love (II Peter 1:5-7 CEV).  May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light (Colossians 1:11-12 NRVS).

Satan wants you to think that the trials you go through means that God does not love you.  Do not be deceived.  Do not mistake God’s patience for his absence, for his timing is perfect and his presence is constant—he is always with you.  Happy is the person who learns to wait as he prays and never loses his patience, for God’s time is the best time.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  Regardless, have faith and rejoice in the middle of all of your trials, because they, your trials, will produce the patience and endurance that you need to face anything that comes your way.  A moment of patience in a moment of anger saves thousand moments of regret.  Never lose hope for there is always hope.  For in this hope we were saved.  Now hope that is seen is not hope.  For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Romans 8:24-25 NIV).  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12 NIV).  For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete (James 1:4 TLB).

We again give thanks to God for this avenue that he has given us to share his word through our commentary.  We also thank God for the accompanying inspirational message that he also provided.  We continually pray that God’s grace will be upon you and that these devotionals will be a blessing to you.  If you are blessed by them, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings. - KW

Devotion: Accept God’s Acceptance

So, if you be in Christ, then you be “a new creature” (II Corinthians 5:17).  You are no longer a part of Adam’s sinful race, a race that has a fixed moral nature in sin.  No, you are now part of a new race, a spiritual race, created solely by Jesus through death and resurrection.  This new spiritual race has a nature that is fixed in righteousness.  No longer do we “know good and are unable to do it.”  No longer do we “know evil and are unable to resist it” (Ephesians 2:1-3).  We have been given “a second chance.”

“But God is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead—only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved—and lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms—all because of what Christ Jesus did.  And now God can always point to us as examples of how very, very rich his kindness is, as shown in all he has done for us through Jesus Christ.  Because of his kindness, you have been saved through trusting Christ.  And even trusting is not of yourselves; it too is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it.  It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others” (Ephesians 2:4-10 TLB).

Because God, who is full of mercy and because of his intense love for us, he gave us “a second chance.”  Though we were spiritually dead through our sins, it is by his grace that we have been saved.  Because he loved us so much, he gave us back our lives, when he raised Jesus Christ from the dead.  Only through his undeserved favor, God also lifted us up from the grave, raising us from the dead with Christ and into glory where we are seated with him in the heavenly realms because of what Christ had done.  For it is by grace and the kindness of God that we have been saved through our faith in Jesus Christ.  This salvation is a gift, freely given to us by God so that no one can boast by works, deeds or merits and take the glory that belongs solely to God for him or herself.  It is God himself who made us what we are; his handiwork that was created in Jesus Christ for good works which God had pre-planned long, long ago that we might spend these lives in helping others.

“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Colossians 1:13 NLT).

We have been delivered out of the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of his dear son, Jesus Christ.  Through his death, Jesus was able to purchase our freedom, forgive our sins, and reconcile us back into agreement with God (Ephesians 2:14-22).  When we were enemies, haters of God, we were brought back to God through the death of his son (Romans 5:10).  Actually, the truth is that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world back unto himself” (II Corinthians 5:19).  Yes, folks, that is stated correctly.  God was in Christ, restoring mankind back unto himself, even when we were yet still sinners (Romans 5:10).  Through what Christ did, God made peace and brought us back to himself (II Corinthians 5:18).  In doing this, God gave us “the ministry of reconciliation,” entrusting us with his message of reconciliation.  This honor of preaching this news of peace belongs to those who are in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).  Those who are in Christ be a new creature, a new creation if you will.  Remember, it was through his death that Jesus took two groups and made them part of himself.  In making them a part of himself, Jesus was able to fuse the two together into a new creation, into a new man.  It is this new creation, this new man that are the ambassadors for Christ, his representatives (II Corinthians 5:20).  God uses this new man to urge others to come into his favor, to be at peace with him, and to be reconciled to him.  Now that we have been reconciled back, it does make one wonder what blessings God may have for those who come into his favor.

We pray that both the commentary and the inspirational message will be a blessing to you as well as informative.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings. - KW

Devotion: Be A Minister

Most believers are familiar with “The Great Commission.”  These were a set of instructions given to the disciples by Jesus Christ.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.  Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Jesus gave these instructions shortly before he ascended to heaven into “sit at the right hand of the Father” (Acts 2:33-34).  These instructions basically told his disciples, which now includes “those who have love one to another” (John 8:35) to go forth and to make disciples in all nations, teaching them “to observe all things whatsoever and to obey all the commands” that he, Jesus had given them.  Some of you do not feel that you are qualified and will not answer the call.  But if that be the case, then listen to these words of Paul.

“For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel; and even my preaching sounds poor, for I do not fill my sermons with profound words and high-sounding ideas, for fear of diluting the mighty power there is in the simple message of the cross of Christ.  I know very well how foolish it sounds to those who are lost, when they hear that Jesus died to save them.  But we who are saved recognize this message as the very power of God.  For God says, ‘I will destroy all human plans of salvation no matter how wise they seem to be, and ignore the best ideas of men, even the most brilliant of them.’

So what about these wise men, these scholars, these brilliant debaters of this world’s great affairs?  God has made them all look foolish and shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense.  For God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find God through human brilliance, and then he stepped in and saved all those who believed his message, which the world calls foolish and silly.  It seems foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven as proof that what is preached is true; and it is foolish to the Gentiles because they believe only what agrees with their philosophy and seems wise to them.  So when we preach about Christ dying to save them, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.  But God has opened the eyes of those called to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, to see that Christ is the mighty power of God to save them; Christ himself is the center of God’s wise plan for their salvation.  This so-called ‘foolish’ plan of God is far wiser than the wisest plan of the wisest man, and God in his weakness—Christ dying on the cross—is far stronger than any man.

Notice among yourselves, dear brothers, that few of you who follow Christ have big names or power or wealth.  Instead, God has deliberately chosen to use ideas the world considers foolish and of little worth in order to shame those people considered by the world as wise and great.  He has chosen a plan despised by the world, counted as nothing at all, and used it to bring down to nothing those the world considers great, so that no one anywhere can ever brag in the presence of God.  For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus.  He showed us God’s plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation.  As it says in the Scriptures, “If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done” (I Corinthians 1:17-31 TLB).

Regardless of what you think, whether you think yourself to be a minister or not, the truth of the matter is that your life is a ministry.  Understand and recognize that the most powerful sermon in existence is you.  Your sermon is not only what you say, but it is also about what you do.  People are always watching you, whether you know it or not.  They are looking to see if you are who or what you claim to be.  J. C. Ryle was once quoted as having said, “A Christian is a walking sermon.  They preach far more than a minister does.  For they preach all week long.”  Scripture tells us “We are Christ’s ambassadors” (II Corinthians 5:20).  God is using those of us who are willing to minister, to spread the gospel to those who are unbelievers.  It would appear that God does not call those who are most qualified, but he certainly does qualify those who answers his call.  So, we leave you with this question, “Is your ministry leading others to God or is it leading them astray?”  You be a minister, whether you know it or not.

We forever pray that our commentary along with the inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings. - KW

Devotion: According To Your Faith

Let us continue with the “snapshot” of you and your faith.  Remember that this snapshot is not meant to be a picture of where you wanted to be with your faith but one that will reveal where you are and where your faith currently stands.  Once you determine where you are, you can determine the course that you need to take to get you where you want to be with your faith and then, then you will be able to determine when you reach your goal.  Previously, we covered “great faith” (Matthew 8:5-10); “little faith” (Matthew 14:22-31); “weak in faith” (Romans 4:17-19); “strong (strengthened) in faith,” (Romans 4:20-21); and “full of faith” (Acts 6:1-5).

FAITH UNFEIGNED (SINCERE FAITH) - Now the end (purpose) of the commandments is charity (love) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of “faith unfeigned (sincere faith)” (I Timothy 1:5).

SHIPWRECKED FAITH - This charge (command) I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee (previously made concerning you), that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put (rejected) away concerning faith have made (suffered) shipwreck (I Timothy 1:18-19).

FAITH NOT WAVERING (CONSTANT) - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not (without reproach); and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in “faith, nothing wavering (not doubting).”  For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord (James 1:5-7).

RICH FAITH - Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world “rich (to be rich in) in faith,” and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him (James 2:5)?

PERFECT FAITH (MATURE or GROWN-UP) - Seest thou how faith wrought (working) with his works, and by works was “faith made perfect (complete)” (James 2:22)?

OVERCOMING FAITH (WORLD) - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that “overcometh the world, even our faith” (I John 5:4).

EXCEEDINGLY GROWING FAITH - We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet (fitting), because that your “faith groweth exceedingly,” and the charity (love) of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth (II Thessalonians 1:3).

We hope this snapshot has helped you to locate your picture of faith so that you can determine where you truly are with your faith.  From this, we hope that you will know what you need to do and where you need to go to maximize your faith.  If you were able to determine where you are, then you will be able to determine the course that you will need to take in order to get to where you desire to be with your faith.  Finally, we pray that you will exercise your faith so that you can reach your goal, for you have truly been given the measure of faith.  And above all, do not forget to feed your faith, it will need the nourishment in order to grow strong and healthy.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

Faith comes by “hearing” (listening) and “hearing” (listening) by “the word of God.”  Please note that this does not state that faith comes by praying, it comes by hearing.  We know that prayer changes things but praying for more faith will not get you more faith.  You get all that you are going to get, that measure of faith (Romans 12:3), but what you do with what you are given is entirely up to you.  Your faith must grow in order for you to profit from having it.  Your faith must be developed.  To develop your faith, it must be fed, for nothing grows unless it is fed.  If you feed your faith you may grow up into Him (Ephesians 4:15), grow up in the fullness of your salvation (I Peter 2:2), grow in spiritual strength (grace) and become better acquainted with our Lord (II Peter 3:18).  However, be very careful of what you hear though.  You are surrounded by many things that get into your mind and our heart—things that try to influence you to limit your faith.  Everything in your Christian life depends on and is according to your faith.  Therefore, grow it, develop it, and exercise it; it’s up to you to do it.

Again we pray that our commentary along with the inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: We Receive From God By Faith

Not long ago, we talked about “taking a snapshot” of you and your faith.  With this snapshot, we mentioned that you would be able to see where you were in accordance with your faith.  We also mentioned that this snapshot was not meant to be a picture of where you wanted to be with your faith but one that revealed where you are and where your faith currently stands.  You see, you have to determine where you truly are with your faith so that you can know what you need to do and where you need to go to get you faith where you want it to be an in order to maximize your faith.  Once you determine where you are, you can determine the course that you need to take to get you where you want to be with your faith.  Then you will be able to determine when you reach your goal.

Everything in your Christian life depends on your faith.  You can develop your faith through knowledge by knowing and understanding the word of God.  The greatest hindrance to your faith is your own human reasoning.  The greatest limitation to your faith is you yourself.  What you do with the faith that you have been given is entirely up to you, but it is you that must grow it, that must develop it, that must exercise it.  Here is a partial list that we hope will help you to develop your snapshot and to determine where you are with your faith.  Do not forget to be honest in your estimate of yourself, measuring your value based on how much faith God has given you.  See if you can locate exactly where you currently are with your faith.

GREAT FAITH – And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy (paralyzed), grievously tormented.  And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so “great faith,” no, not in Israel (Matthew 8:5-10).

LITTLE FAITH – And straightway Jesus constrained (compelled) his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.  And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart (by himself) to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.  But the ship was now in the midst (middle) of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit (ghost); and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer (Take courage); it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  And he said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous (violent), he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of “little faith,” wherefore didst thou doubt (Matthew 14:22-31)?

WEAK FAITH – (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth (gives life to)the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.  Who against (contrary to) hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.  And being not “weak in faith,” he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb (Romans 4:17-19).

STRONG FAITH – He staggered (wavered) not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was “strong (strengthened) in faith,” giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:20-21).

FULL OF FAITH – And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians (Hellenists) against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration (food distribution).  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason (desirable) that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.  Wherefore, brethren, look (seek) ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man “full of faith” and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch (Acts 6:1-5).

While this is a partial list, we hope this list will get you started in locating your picture of faith.  From our previous discussions, keep this thought in mind.  God has given us all “the same amount of faith” and not some random amount.  God did not shortchange anyone when it came to faith, for we all have been given “the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).  More on this “snapshot of your faith” to come in the near future, so stay tuned.

As always, we continually pray that our commentary will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Be Slow To Speak

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?  Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water (James 3:7-12 NIV).

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4 NIV).  Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips (Ecclesiastes 10:12 NIV).  You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Matthew 12:34 NIV).

An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.  Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.  Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.  Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!  No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.  The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth (Proverbs 12:17-22 NLT).

What are worthless and wicked people like?  They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.  Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble.  But they will be destroyed suddenly,broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.  There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family (Proverbs 6:12-19 NLT).

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (Colossians 3:8 NIV).  Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19 NIV).  Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up (Romans 15:2 NIV).  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6 NIV).  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

It is said that a tongue has no bones, yet it is strong enough to break a heart.  Therefore, we need to be extremely careful with our words.  We should not allow unwholesome talk to come forth out of our mouths because it tells the world just where our heart truly is and what is in it.  Instead, let only those things that are helpful for building others up according to their needs come from our mouths.  It is this kind of talk that benefits all who listen.  Keep in mind and never forget that it is always best to listen much, be slow the speak and even slower to anger.  Once angered, you cannot be good as God has demanded us to be nor can we achieve his righteousness.  So, let us get rid of all that is wrong in our lives, all filthiness and rampant wickedness, both inside and out.  Let us be grateful for the wonderful message and receive it with all meekness and humbleness because it is able to save our souls as it takes over hold in our hearts.

We forever pray that this inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: The Holy Spirit Will Teach You

We have mentioned that you have to follow God’s instructions if you what to become all that God has planned for you to become.  As believers, we now know some of the many benefits to following God’s instructions.  While we are still a work in progress, we have discovered one of “the rewards for them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).  We become “spiritually and morally mature.”  When we become “spiritually and morally mature,” we speak wisdom among them that are the same.  We speak not the wisdom of the world or the wisdom of those thought to be intelligent, wise, learned, or scholarly.  We speak not the wisdom of the sages and the men of discernment.  We speak not the wisdom of the Greek philosophers and orators or the Jewish theologians and the Christian teachers.  No, we speak the wisdom of God, which is given to us by divine revelation.  Yes, we speak the wisdom of God, wisdom that was hidden before the world began.  Yes, that’s right; wisdom that God predestined from the beginning that would result in glory to us.  Jesus prayed, thanking the Father for revealing this wisdom to those who would become “the spiritually and morally mature.”  And as the spiritually and morally mature, we now know that the word of God is wisdom only to “those who have an ear to hear.”

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect (mature):  yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes (rulers) of this world (age), that come to nought (nothing).  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained (predetermined) before the world (ages) unto our glory.  Which none of the princes (rulers) of this world (age) knew:  for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (I Corinthians 2:6-8).

Among “the spiritually and morally mature,” the word of God, spoken of here by Paul, is wisdom to “those that have ears to hear.”  This is not the kind of wisdom that the world uses or the kind of wisdom that the sages and the men of discernment use, but the kind of wisdom that comes directly from God.  This great wisdom does not come from the earth realm or is it the kind that appeals to the great men of this world but it comes directly through God’s word.  This wisdom tells us of the things of God, which the great men of the world have never understood.  They try to make sense of the information but are unable to assemble all the pieces to form a coherent picture.  Their picture, made mostly of theories, contain much speculation or conjecture, which over the years has not withstood the test of time.

As “the spiritually and morally mature,” we speak, among “those who have an ear to hear,” words of wisdom.  As “the spiritually and morally mature,” we know about these things because God has sent “the Holy Spirit” to tell us of his wisdom.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (I Corinthians 2:9-10).

As “the spiritually and morally mature,” we know about these things because God has revealed them to us by “his Spirit.”  This same “Spirit,” which searches out God’s deepest secrets, reveals to his children all of the mysteries of the Bible.  This same “Spirit” reveals words of wisdom to only “those who have an ear to hear,” his children.  However, make no mistake, everyone is a creation of God; not everyone is a child of God.

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God” (I Corinthians 2:11).

With man and his inner thoughts, only his spirit man, who is inside of him, has knowledge of what they are.  With man and his inner thoughts, only his spirit man, who is inside of him, understands what they are.  It is the same way with God.  Only the “Spirit of God” has knowledge and understanding of the inner thoughts of God.  Only the “Spirit of God” has knowledge and understanding of the things of God.  As “the spiritually and morally mature,” we now know of these things.  We know of these things because we have within us, “the mind of Christ” (I Corinthians 2:16).  Yes, that’s right; we have a portion of the very thoughts of Christ within us.  Because we have this mind of Christ, we can receive “the Spirit” that comes forth from God.  Once received, “the Spirit” reveals to us the things that are freely given to us by God.  Once received, “the Spirit” reveals to us the inner thoughts of God.  And because we have this “mind of Christ,” we have knowledge and understanding of the things “the Spirit” reveals to us.

As always, we pray that our inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Sin Hurts

Because of Adam’s disobedience, the penalty of death came and reigned like a king over all mankind.  It, death, was passed to every man because all have sinned.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).

But the sin spoken of here is not what you may think it is.  “Sin is not sin.”  And no, we have not lost our minds or gone over the edge.  However, the explanation may interest you, especially, if you be one of those who has an ear to hear.  One definition of “sin” says, “to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor, to do or go wrong.”  Another one says, “to wander from the law of God or to violate God’s law.”  Another definition says, “that which is done wrong as in an offence or a violation of the divine law in thought or in act.”  Then there is “the complex or aggregate of sins committed either by a single person or by many” definition.  Traditionally, “sin” has a very simple definition.  “Sin” is basically defined as “a violation of divine law.”  But could there be an alternative definition?

When we think of “sin,” we usually think of it as “personal sin.”  Typically, personal sin is defined in one of two ways.  There is “the sin of commission,” where an individual does something that is prohibited.  And then there is “the sin of omission,” where an individual fails to do what is required of him or her.  This sin may also express itself in either an act or an attitude.  For example, when someone goes astray like a wandering sheep doing one’s own thing.  Or when an individual transgresses or oversteps the law.  Or this sin could express itself when an individual trespasses.  But could there be an alternative definition?

“Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude (likeness) of Adam's transgression, who is the figure (a type) of him that was to come (Romans 5:14).”

In this passage, we see that there are “them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression.”  And even though they had not sinned like Adam, they still died.  Scripture tells us that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  It also tells us “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  With this being said, what sin did “them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression commit?”  We know from scripture that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  We also know that the wages of sin is death.  But we have had the hardest time connecting “them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression” to any sin.

“For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Romans 5:13).

We found that this passage sheds some light on our dilemma but offered little into bettering our understanding.  We know that Adam’s disobedience allowed sin to enter into the world.  So, there was no surprise seeing that sin was in the world prior to the law, which was the period between Adam and Moses.  This passage also tells us that during this period, there was no one guilty of sin because there was no law.  Apparently, unless there is some type of law, sin cannot be imputed or attributed to anyone.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4).

We see from this passage that everyone who commits sin is also guilty of violating the law, because sin is going against the law.  In contrast, when there is no law, there can be no transgression and with no transgression, no sin.  Therefore, those living before the law were not guilty of sin because there was no law to go against or violate.  This brings us almost back to where we started.  If all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, what sinned did those before the law commit?

We pray that our commentary has given you cause to rethink the meaning of the word “sin,” as it applies to the passage, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  We pray that this message will bless you, inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Rejoice In The Lord Always

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit; though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength; he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains (Habakkuk 3:17-18 TLB).  Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-5 NIV).  The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.  He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him (Exodus 15:2 NIV).  I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.  For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations (Isaiah 61:10-11 NIV).  I will rejoice in the Lord and I will be joyful in God my Savior.

But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice (Psalm 68:3).  Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite (Psalm 147:5).  Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart (Psalm 32:11).  Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God (Psalm 77:13)?  The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory (Psalm 64:10).  Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely (beautiful) for the upright (Psalm 33:1).  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness (Psalm 48:1).  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness (Psalm 97:12).  Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified (Psalm 70:4).

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (I Peter 4:13).  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me (John 14:1).  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).  So, my dear brothers, since future victory is sure, be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted as it would be if there were no resurrection (I Corinthians 15:58 TLB).  Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior (Habakkuk 3:18).  Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men.  The Lord is at hand (Philippians 4:4-5).  May all who come to you be glad and joyful.  May all who are thankful for your salvation always say, “How great is the Lord” (Psalm 40:16 GNT)!

Today’s inspirational message just might give you a new perspective on what it means to “rejoice in the Lord always.”  We pray that this message will bless you, inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Beware Of Pride

Proud men end in shame, but the meek become wise (Proverbs 11:2 TLB).  Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18 TLB).  Pride ends in destruction; humility ends in honor (Proverbs18:12 TLB).  Pride ends in a fall, while humility brings honor (Proverbs 29:23 TLB).  And how does a man benefit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in the process?  For is anything worth more than his soul (Mark 8:36-37 TLB)?

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits (store my crops)?  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow (store) all my fruits (crops) and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:15-21).  For what is a man advantaged (benefited), if he gain the whole world, and lose himself (is destroyed), or be cast away (lost) (Luke 9:25)?  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (Matthew 16:26)?

Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.  Tell them to use their money to do good.  They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them.  By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity!  And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well (I Timothy 6:17-19 TLB).  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul (Mark 8:36)?

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:19-21).  Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.  For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.  These are not from the Father, but are from this world.  And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.  But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever (I John 2:15-17 NIV).  There is no benefit to gaining the world and losing one’s soul; for there is nothing, not one thing worth more than your soul.

We again give thanks to God for this avenue that he has given us to share his word through this inspirational message.  We continually pray that God’s grace will be upon you and that our devotionals will continue to be a blessing to you.  If you are blessed by any of them, please share them so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Your Every Hair Is Numbered

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know when I sit or stand.  When far away you know my every thought.  You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest.  Every moment you know where I am.  You know what I am going to say before I even say it.  You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.  This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe!  I can never be lost to your Spirit!  I can never get away from my God!  If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there.  If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me.  If I try to hide in the darkness, the night becomes light around me.  For even darkness cannot hide from God; to you the night shines as bright as day.  Darkness and light are both alike to you” (Psalm 139 1-12 TLB).

God knows everything there is to know about you.  He knows your name.  He knows your every thought.  He sees each and every tear that falls from your eyes.  He hears you when you call to him.  He knows to where you go and from where you come.  He is there whenever you go and whenever you return.  God even knows the number of hairs that you have on your head (Matthew 10:30).  Man is very important to God.

“When I look up into the night skies and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have made—I cannot understand how you can bother with mere puny man, to pay any attention to him!  And yet you have made him only a little lower than the angels (only a little lower than God) and placed a crown of glory and honor upon his head.  You have put him in charge of everything you made; everything is put under his authority: all sheep and oxen, and wild animals too, the birds and fish, and all the life in the sea” (Psalm 8:3-8 TLB).

David, when he looked at the night skies, saw the creative works of God.  It made him wonder how such an awesome God could want to bother with and pay attention to “mere puny man.”  But, to God, man is very important.  To God, we are important.  To God, you are important.  Man was created in the image and after the likeness of God.  Man was actually created a little lower than God himself.  Man was created above the angels and placed in charge of everything that God had made.  Everything, the entire creation was place under man’s authority.  Man is very important to God.

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  It is amazing to think about.  Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.  You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion!  You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe.  Every day was recorded in your book!  How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly!  I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me.  And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me” (Psalm 139:13-18 TLB)!

David would go on to recognize that it was God who had made him this wonderfully complex individual, woven together from the very beginning of his existence in the womb of his mother.  David credits God with forming and knitting together all of the delicate inner parts of his body, resulting in what he calls “marvelous workmanship.”  However, the most revealing of David’s revelations is the fact that God’s thoughts continually turn toward him, so much so that he finds it impossible to keep up a daily count.  Man is very important to God.

Man has been and will continue to be very important to God.  He knows everything there is to know about you, from the time of you birth through the time of your death before.  He knows your every thought.  He see severy tear.  He hears your every call.  He is there whenever you go and whenever you return.  God even knows the number of hairs that you have on your head.  How awesome is that!  Man is very important to God.  You are very important to God.

As always, we pray that our inspirational message will be a blessing to you, that it will greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: You Have A Purpose

Did you know that God has a plan, a purpose for your life?

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

Yes, it is true.  God has a great plan, a purpose for your life.  God wants you to succeed and not fail.  You were not created to fail, no matter what has happened in your past or what it appears like now.  God’s plan has always been for good, meant to prosper you, a plan to give you hope and to give you a future.  His plan never included evil that was meant to harm you.  How awesome is that!  Did you know that you are called and set apart for a heavenly purpose?

“But you are not like that, for you have been chosen by God himself—you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own—all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were less than nothing; now you are God’s own.  Once you knew very little of God’s kindness; now your very lives have been changed by it” (I Peter 2:9-10 TLB).

According to scripture, this is one thing that we can be sure of, “God has set us apart the godly for himself” (Psalm 4:2 NLT).  Once we were separated from God, a creation that was living in total darkness.  But now, because of what Jesus Christ has done for us and because of God’s unmerited grace, we have been called out of the darkness and into his marvelous light.  And because we have answered the call, we are now set apart to show others how to answer that same call, to bring them out of the darkness and into God’s wonderful light, something that can change their life.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT).

This we know and are very conscious of that our God will cause everything, all things both good and bad, to work together for good to those who have love for him.  However, please do not misunderstand what this is saying as many believers have done.  Though the scripture goes on to say that these things also work together for good to who are “called according to his purpose for them,” you must first answer the call for things to work for good.  God has not called forth certain individuals as many “predestination messages” try to claim (Romans 8:29-30).  The call has been issued to everyone one, no one left out, no one omitted, “For there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11).  This means that God treats everyone the same, giving all the same opportunity to answer the call, which evident in John 3:16, where it clearly states that “God so love the world.”  Please note that God did not specifically name a single person or a group of people.  God actually made available, to all mankind, a way for him or her to be saved and to receive salvation, but you must answer the call.

“For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—and all along he knew who would—should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers.  And having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came, he declared us ‘not guilty,’ filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory” (Romans 8:29-30 TLB)?

What God “knew beforehand” was those who would answer the call.  What he “predestined or prearranged” was the fact that those who chose to answer the call, would conformed to the “image or nature” of Jesus, much like he “predestined or prearranged” that we would conformed to the “image or nature” of Adam, in the beginning.  Just like in Adam, all were “made sinners and fill with an evil sinful nature” (Romans 5:19), it would be in Jesus that all would have the opportunity to be “made righteous, to be declared not guilty, to be filled with the goodness of Christ, and to have right standing with God” (Romans 8:30).

So you see, God has a great plan and purpose for your life.  Knowing your purpose will give meaning to your life.  However, you have to answer his call and come from the darkness and into his marvelous and wonderful light.  There is nothing else that matters more than knowing and following God’s plan and purpose for your life.  Trust God because he has declared that he knows the plans he has for you; plans to prosper you and not hurt or harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.

As always, we pray that today’s inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

Believe that no matter what you are going through, the Lord is with you!

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Moses, when he was a hundred and twenty years old and forbidden to go over the Jordan, told the children of Israel to “be strong and of good courage; not to be afraid” as they prepared to go over the Jordan into the Promised Land, led by Joshua.

“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither

“forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).  “...as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).

Moses then call forth Joshua to tell him in the presence of the children of Israel “be strong and of good courage” as he instructed him and the children of Israel to go into the land which the Lord had promised to give to their fathers.  Moses went on to tell Joshua that the Lord would “be the one to go before them” into the Promised Land and that they should not worry because the Lord would “be with him,” no matter what; he would “never fail him nor would he forsake him.”  After the death of Moses, the Lord came Joshua and told him that he would be with him the very same way he was with Moses and that he would “never to fail him nor forsake him.”

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

The Lord also spoke to Israel, during the time of Jacob, saying, “fear not, for I am with you.”  He went on to tell them that he would “strengthen them, help them, and uphold them.”

“And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord” (I Chronicles 28:20).

David would call to Solomon and tell him these same instructions, “be strong and of good courage and fear not nor be dismayed” at the task that was ahead of him.  David would go on to say to his son that the Lord would “be with him” and that the Lord would “never fail him nor would he forsake him.”

“Let your conversation (conduct) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall (can) do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Throughout scripture, we find the Lord God telling us that he will “be with us” and that he will “never fail us nor will he forsake us,” something that we can be sure of.  We have to believe and never lose sight of the fact that no matter what we are going through, God is with us.  We cannot look at all of the troubles that we see all in front of us, all of those things that we see happening in the world because they will all be over soon.  We need to be “to be strong and of good courage” as we look forward to the joys that we have yet to see, for the joys to come will last forever.  We should fear not or be dismayed and we should not worry because the Lord is truly with us; he will “not fail us nor forsake us,” he will keep us “in perfect peace all those who trust in him and whose mind is stayed on him” (Isaiah 26:3).  All we have to do is just keep our eyes on the prize.

May our inspirational message abundantly bless you and greatly inform you.  We pray that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by today’s message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW