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 your 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 your 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 comes praise and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this should not be.  Can both freshwater and saltwater 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 want 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, contains 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