Saturday, October 31, 2015

Who Can Find An Excellent Woman?


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Who
Can Find
An Excellent Woman? 

I didn’t even know what to look for in a woman when I met Kathy. Looking back at when we were 17 years of age and had first met here is how Kathy describes our relationship, “Eddy and I were madly in lust with each other!” It was so true! And at 18 years of age (tomorrow we celebrate our 46th year wedding anniversary) we were still madly in lust with each other! At 19 years of age everything changed …

Scripture

Proverbs 31

10 Who can find an excellent woman?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband trusts her completely.
    She gives him all the important things he needs.


Observation

I didn’t even know what to look for in a woman when I met Kathy. Looking back at when we were 17 years of age and had first met here is how Kathy describes our relationship, “Eddy and I were madly in lust with each other!” It was so true! And at 18 years of age (tomorrow we celebrate our 46th year wedding anniversary) we were still madly in lust with each other!

At 19 years of age everything changed - Jesus Christ transformed our lives!

It was then I began to realize what an excellent woman God had given me! And over the past 46 years I have told myself at least a million times I am so glad that God gave me Kathy and not someone else.

We look back and we are so grateful. God’s favor has shined on us and on our marriage. We marvel at God’s grace. We had no clue when we first got married what a godly marriage was supposed to look like.


Kathy, I want you to know that I totally agree with the writer of Proverbs, “Many women do excellent things. But you are better than all the others.” Charm can fool you. Beauty fades. But a woman who has respect for the Lord should be praised. 

I have said it many times before but I will say it again, I am so glad that God brought Kathy into my life. She is the best gift that this man could have ever hoped for! 

Lust has changed to godly passion. I still get excited looking at Kathy when she walks through the room. I love to hear her laughter when she is talking to a friend or one of my children on the telephone. I think that her presence changes the atmosphere of any gathering she attends. 

I can say today that I love Kathy more today than ever before. I am madly in love with this very special woman!

Application

I am and I will enjoy the wife of my youth? How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me the joy of knowing You and having a relationship with You. Thank You for bringing Kathy Bearden into my life so many years ago. Thank You for keeping us together as we were trying to figure out what marriage was all about. I pray for couples that are striving to live for You. Help them grow in their relationship with each other. Don’t let Satan destroy them. Keep them from making stupid mistakes that wreck their marriage. Give them a deep love for You and a deep love for each other. Bless Kathy. May Your face shine on her. Allow her the privilege of helping other women be the best wives that they can be to their husbands.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 22; Mark 7,8; Psalm 31, 131; Proverbs 31




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Friday, October 30, 2015

I Am Counting On You LORD; Yes, I Am Counting On Him. I Have Put My Hope In His Word.


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I Am Counting On You LORD;
Yes,
I Am Counting On Him. I Have Put My Hope In His Word. 

Who are you counting on? 

Scripture

Psalm 130

I am counting on the Lord;
    yes, I am counting on him.
    I have put my hope in his word.
I long for the Lord
    more than sentries long for the dawn,
    yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.


Observation

Who are you counting on? If you count totally on your Mom and Dad they will eventually let you down. If you count on your spouse to meet all of your needs he or she will eventually let you down. If you count on your children even as beautiful as they are they will eventually let you down. Friends, even your very best friend will eventually let you down in some way or another! In fact, lets face it, if we look to people to meet our deepest needs you and I are going to be disappointed. 

They can’t do it!

There is only One Person who will never let you down – Jesus Christ!

Do you know Him? If not, you should really get to know Him. I would love to talk to you about how you can have a personal relationship with Him.


Application

I am counting on the Lord Jesus Christ. I am putting my hope in His Word. How about you?


Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am counting on You; yes, I am counting on You. I wait eagerly for Your help, I have put my hope in Your Word. I wait for You more eagerly than sentries wait for the dawn— than sentries wait for the dawn.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 21; Mark 5,6; Psalm 30, 130



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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Jesus Was Sleeping At The Back Of The Boat With His Head On A Cushion.


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Jesus Was Sleeping
At The Back Of The Boat
With His Head On A Cushion.

The high waves were so big and the wind was so strong that the disciples knew that they were in big trouble. It was their attitude; it was their total lack of faith, and it was their indignation at their Master sleeping that caught my attention this morning as I read this story. When our circumstances dominate and totally own us it is also easy for us to forget that our Savior is only a prayer away.

Scripture

Mark 4

37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Observation

The high waves were so big and the wind was so strong that the disciples knew that they were in big trouble. It was their attitude; it was their total lack of faith, and it was their indignation at their Master sleeping that caught my attention this morning as I read this story.

When our circumstances dominate and totally own us it is also easy for us to forget that our Savior is only a prayer away.

When we are in a storm and our boat is sinking we have a choice. We always have a choice. We can shake our fists in anger at everyone around us. We can blame everyone else for the trouble that we are in. We can even get angry with God and shake our fists at Him. Or if we are smart we can humble ourselves and call out to Jesus and let our Savior rescue us.

The two questions that He asked His disciples are two questions that you and I must answer every time we find ourselves sinking in our circumstances: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The rough boat ride and the storm were nothing for Jesus! He could have slept through the entire ordeal. For the disciples it was a teachable moment, the high waves, the strong wind, the water pouring into the boat, were circumstances used to teach them that Jesus was more than just a teacher, Jesus was God Himself. 

Jesus is in our boat of circumstances today. Why are we afraid? Do we still have no faith? 


Application

I will call on my Savior today. I will trust in Him. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, if our lives were problem free we would miss out on the special relationship that You want us to have with You. Suffering and living through difficult circumstances allows us to know You in an intimate and a very special way that only those who have gone through suffering can appreciate. I pray for my friends that are dealing with cancer, some that are facing surgery, and for others who have health issues that doctors can’t fix and pain that they must live with everyday. Give them strength. Help them to depend on You. Don’t let them get discouraged.

I will hold on to these promises today:   

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.For I am the Lord, your God, Isaiah 43:1-3
   

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 20; Mark 3,4



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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

When There Is Moral Rot Within A Nation, Its Government Topples Easily. But Wise And Knowledgeable Leaders Bring Stability.


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When There Is Moral Rot
Within A Nation, Its Government Topples Easily.
But Wise And Knowledgeable Leaders Bring Stability.

Are you and I going to vote for a wise and knowledgeable leader for our next President? It is interesting to hear why people support a certain candidate over another and it usually has more to do with what the candidate promises to give us rather than the candidates moral integrity or his or her wisdom. Moral rot may surround us but that does not give us an excuse to compromise our godly convictions.  Lets pray for our leaders and ask God to put godly, wise, and knowledgeable leaders in place to lead our country.

Scripture

Proverbs 28

When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
    But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.


Observation

Are you and I going to vote for a wise and knowledgeable leader for our next President?

It is interesting to hear why people support a certain candidate over another and it usually has more to do with what the candidate promises to give us rather than the candidates moral integrity or his or her wisdom.

Who you vote for is your business, but I challenge all of us to look long and hard at the person’s character before we give them our support.

Moral rot may surround us but that does not give us an excuse to compromise our godly convictions.  Lets pray for our leaders and ask God to put godly, wise, and knowledgeable leaders in place to lead our country.

Lets listen to the candidates and ask the question, “Where does this man or woman stand on moral issues?”

Application

I will support the man or woman who seems to be the wisest and the most knowledgeable and that seeks to walk under the direction and guidance of the Lord Jesus Christ. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I believe what You say in Your Word. I believe You when You say that wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. And I believe that moral rot makes it easy for our government to topple. I pray for godly leaders both in our local government and across our nation.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 19; Mark 1,2; Psalm 28; Proverbs 28




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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

So Take Courage! For I Believe God. It Will Be Just As He Said.


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So Take Courage!
For I Believe God.
It Will Be Just As He Said.

I love the illustration that Almasi Sims gave us this past Sunday talking about how we should approach the Word of God. He said of himself, “I picture Jesus waiting for me every morning with breakfast all ready for me to enjoy and I picture Him waiting for me to sit down and enjoy what He has prepared.” Jesus wants us to enjoy a feast with Him every morning as we open up God’s Word. He doesn’t want us to just grab something off of the table and run out the door yelling back to Him that we don’t have time to finish the meal or spend time with Him.


Scripture

Acts 27 

25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.

Observation

Promises! Promises! Promises!

If only we had a politician that would lead us based on his or her dependence on our Heavenly Father!

I have to constantly remind myself that God sets up kings and world leaders and He also takes them down.

Even in the midst of so much uncertainty in our world you and I can echo with complete confidence the words of the Apostle Paul, “So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said.”

I love the illustration that Almasi Sims gave us this past Sunday talking about how we should approach the Word of God. He said of himself, “I picture Jesus waiting for me every morning with breakfast all ready for me to enjoy and I picture Him waiting for me to sit down and enjoy what He has prepared.”

Jesus wants us to enjoy a feast with Him every morning as we open up God’s Word. He doesn’t want us to just grab something off of the table and run out the door yelling back to Him that we don’t have time to finish the meal or spend time with Him.

Lets get in the habit of spending time with Jesus every day then we will be able to say as the Apostle Paul said, “Take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said.”




Application

I will enjoy my time with Jesus today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give us leaders that spend time with You. I pray for our leadership at our church. I pray that they take time to be in Your word. I pray that they take time to hear Your voice. I pray for our President. Give him wisdom to lead.

I pray for all of those that are seeking to be President of our country. Lord, would You put one of them in leadership that has a love for You.
Thank You for Your Word. It gives me strength. It encourages me about the future. Your Word lets me know that You are in charge and that You are directing world events! Nothing escapes You. Nothing catches You by surprise! So I will take courage! For I believe You. It will be just as You said.

Daily Bible Reading: Job 18; Psalms 114; Acts 27,28



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Monday, October 26, 2015

Do You Think You Can Make Me A Christian So Quickly?


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Do You
Think
You Can Make Me A Christian So Quickly? 

The Apostle Paul never wasted an opportunity to be a witness for Christ! Standing in front of the King the Apostle Paul boldly challenged Agrippa to become a Christ follower. King Agrippa’s response to Paul causes me to think that the Holy Spirit was at work in the King’s life. He didn’t curse Paul or order to have him executed on the spot it seems to me that the message of salvation that Paul was preaching was making an impact and touching the King’s heart. We will not know until we get to Heaven everyone who responded to our witness.

Scripture

Acts 26

[28] Agrippa interrupted him. "Do you think you can make me a Christian so quickly?" 

    [29] Paul replied, "Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains." 

Observation

The Apostle Paul never wasted an opportunity to be a witness for Christ! Standing in front of the King the Apostle Paul boldly challenged Agrippa to become a Christ follower. King Agrippa’s response to Paul causes me to think that the Holy Spirit was at work in the King’s life. He didn’t curse Paul or order to have him executed on the spot it seems to me that the message of salvation that Paul was preaching was making an impact and touching the King’s heart.

We will not know until we get to Heaven everyone who responded to our witness.

We sow the seed, others water and still others bring in the harvest!

There are people that God will place in our lives that will respond to our witness!

We just need to be ready and willing to share our faith!


Application

I will be bold in my witness today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I may not speak before Kings or anyone else that is important or powerful but I know that You will give me the opportunity today to be a witness for You. Help me to love the people that You bring into my life. Help me to love them. Help them to see Jesus in me. I pray that You open up their hearts so that they can receive the Gospel message. Give them spiritual understanding. I pray for their salvation. 


Daily Bible Reading:  Job 17; Acts 24-26; Psalm 25; Proverbs 26




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Sunday, October 25, 2015

Oh, That Someone Would Mediate Between God And Me, As A Person Mediates Between Friends.


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Oh, That Someone Would Mediate
Between God And Me,
As A Person Mediates Between Friends.

Who did you pray for during the night? Has God placed someone on your heart? Pray for them. Ask God to work a miracle in his or her life? Don’t quit praying for them! Prayer connects us to God’s plan. He wants to use us in the lives of others!

Scripture

Job 16

[21] Oh, that someone would mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends.

Observation

We do have a Friend who mediates between us and our God His name is Jesus! And God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

He wants us to intercede on behalf of those around us.

Who did you pray for during the night? Has God placed someone on your heart? Pray for them. Ask God to work a miracle in his or her life? Don’t quit praying for them!

Prayer connects us to God’s plan. He wants to use us in the lives of others!

We are ambassadors for Christ!


Application

I will continue praying for people that God places on my heart. I will intercede for them.  How about you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to share in Your work. Thank You for giving me the ministry of intercession. I know that You hear me and I know that You love to answer my requests. Thank You for what You are going to do in the lives of those who I lift up to You in prayer.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 16; Acts 21-23, Daniel 2


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Saturday, October 24, 2015

But My Life Is Worth Nothing To Me Unless I Use It For Finishing The Work Assigned Me By The Lord Jesus


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But My Life Is Worth Nothing To Me Unless
I Use It
For Finishing The Work Assigned Me By The Lord Jesus

I wrote this blog 4 years ago today. I didn’t know when I wrote the blog that our world would be turned upside down by a massive heart attack. Looking back and thinking about everything that happened that night and the weeks that followed all I can say is that my heart is filled with gratitude. So many of you prayed for us and I will never forget how you supported Kathy and my family through those difficult days. 

Scripture


Acts 20

24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Observation

I want to finish well. I want my life to count for the kingdom. I don't want to retire. I don't want to slow down. I want to finish well. I want to make a difference in the lives of as many people as possible. There has been a job that has been assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Do you want to finish well too?



Application

Today I want to count. I want to make a difference in someone's life. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to finish well. I want to complete my task. I want You to smile at my life. Don't let me mess up. Don't let me settle for something less than what You have for me. Put people in my life today that need to hear about You.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 15; Acts 19,20



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Friday, October 23, 2015

Listen To Your Father, Who Gave You Life


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Listen To
Your Father,
Who Gave You Life


I hope my kids are reading this! There is a tendency in our culture to think that the older a person gets the less relevant they become. I can tell you that when Kathy and I were first married it was the older couples that God brought into our lives that helped us the most. They were so wise!
Kathy and I now have 5 grown kids and 10 grandkids! Our prayer is that God will give us real wisdom to share with them and God will put a desire in their hearts to listen.


Scripture

Proverbs 23

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and don’t despise your mother when she is old.


Observation

I hope my kids are reading this! There is a tendency in our culture to think that the older a person gets the less relevant they become. I can tell you that when Kathy and I were first married it was the older couples that God brought into our lives that helped us the most. They were so wise!

I have regrets when it comes to listening, or more accurately “not listening” to my parents. Even though my Dad and my Mom were not Christians when I was growing up I still could have learned so much more from them if I had only listened.

Kathy and I now have 5 grown kids and 10 grandkids! Our prayer is that God will give us real wisdom to share with them and God will put a desire in their hearts to listen.


Application

I will continue to offer advice to my kids and grandkids and pray that it is worth them listening to it. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for my kids and my grandkids today! Help them to live in a way that pleases You. Help them make good choices in life. Help them to listen to godly counsel. Bring people into their lives that are wise and that have a godly influence. Smile on them today! Show them Your favor!

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 13,14; Acts 17,18; Psalm 123; Proverbs 23




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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Around Midnight Paul And Silas Were Praying And Singing Hymns To God


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Around Midnight
Paul And Silas
Were Praying And Singing Hymns To God

The massive earthquake, the prison shaken to its foundation, with all the doors flying open, and the chains of every prisoner falling off was not for Paul and Silas! I don’t think it was even for the other prisoners even though I am sure that many of them were forever changed that night! No, the massive earthquake and everything that happened afterwards was done by God to capture the heart of jailor. So many great lessons can be found for you and for me in this story!

Scripture

Acts 16

23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

Observation

This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible! What a powerful God we serve! Paul and Silas after being severely beaten and thrown into the darkest part of the dungeon and after having their feet clamped in stocks are found praying and singing to God with all the prisoners listening at midnight!

Take a minute to read this entire story found in Acts 16!

So many great lessons can be found for you and for me in this story!

Let me share briefly one of the many lessons found in this story!

The massive earthquake, the prison shaken to its foundation, all the doors flying open, and the chains of every prisoner falling off was not for Paul and Silas! I don’t think it was even for the other prisoners even though I am sure that many of them were forever changed that night!

No, the massive earthquake and everything that happened afterwards was done by God to capture the heart of jailor.

Sometimes God uses bad things that happen to us, even terrible things, for His honor, for His glory, and for His plan. And God is constantly pursuing those around us, those He places in our path.

What happened to Paul and Silas was very bad, but what happened to the jailor and his family was very, very good.

Application


There is a reason why things happen to us. God has a purpose in it and sometimes it is to bring someone else into the Kingdom.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to see the big picture when it comes to my circumstances. Don’t let me miss the opportunity to be a witness even in bad times. Paul and Silas suffered so the jailor could be set free from the prison of sin. You are always on my side. You are always working in and through my life. Thank You for pursuing me and sending people into my life at just the right time.
Daily Bible Reading:  Job 11,12; Acts 15,16




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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

My Help Comes From The LORD, Who Made Heaven And Earth


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My Help Comes From The
LORD,
Who Made Heaven And Earth

You and I can look for help in all the wrong places! On the mirror in our bedroom Kathy has written very big these words: PRAY FIRST! Our help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

Scripture

Psalm 121

I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!


Observation

You and I can look for help in all the wrong places!

On the mirror in our bedroom Kathy has written very big these words:

PRAY FIRST!

This past week James Hartley, Sam Cull Sr, and myself had the opportunity to help some families up in Charleston, South Carolina that had been affected by the flood.

Several of those families that we helped were Christians. We know and I believe that they realized that we were sent by God to help them. One family that we helped had a family member living in the home that did not have a relationship with Christ. We believe we were an answer to a mother’s prayer for her stepson. We had the opportunity to challenge him about his need for a personal relationship with Christ.

With these flood victims we had the chance to hug them and pray with them. We had the opportunity to show them that God loved them and cared about them. We had the opportunity to encourage them and give them hope.

Our help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!




Application

I will remind myself today with every issue that comes up that my help comes from the Lord. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to pray first today when I am faced with a challenge. Don’t let me waste time trying to do things on my own. Remind me quickly that I can call on You. My help does not come from anywhere else. It comes from You. You are all I need for the challenges that I will face today! Thank You for getting us home safely yesterday. I pray for those families that we helped in South Carolina. I pray that You continue to help them and show them that they can trust You for all of their needs.


Daily Bible Reading:  Job 9,10; Acts 13,14; Psalms 21, 121; Proverbs 21


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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

May God Be Merciful And Bless Us. May His Face Smile With Favor On Us.


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May God Be Merciful And Bless Us.
May
His Face Smile With Favor On Us.

If I can take the liberty to pray Psalm 67:1 as a blessing on you and your family this morning, “May God be merciful and bless you. May His face smile with favor on you!
When we ask God to bless people God loves to respond in a positive way. Who needs a blessing today? Why don’t you ask God to be merciful and bless them? Why not ask your God to smile with favor on them! … I will probably not be posting a blog until next week. Pray for our Disaster Relief team as we travel to South Carolina to help those devastated by the recently flooding.

Scripture

Psalm 67

May God be merciful and bless us.
    May his face smile with favor on us.


Observation

If I can take the liberty to pray Psalm 67:1 as a blessing on you and your family this morning, “May God be merciful and bless you. May His face smile with favor on you!

When we ask God to bless people God loves to respond in a positive way.

Who needs a blessing today? Why don’t you ask God to be merciful and bless them?

Why not ask your God to smile with favor on them!

I wrote this blog on Tuesday night because I won’t have time to write in the morning!

Pray for us!



Application


I will pray and I will ask God to bless those that He places on my heart. I will ask Him to smile with favor on each one of them. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, May Your face shine with favor on my wife and on my family. Help them all walk in a closer relationship with You. Bless our church leadership team. Bless those that are on their way traveling to help those in need in South Carolina. I pray for hearts that are open to hear about Jesus. Give us boldness as we share God’s love with these hurting people. Bless them Lord and meet their needs. 


Daily Bible Reading:  Nehemiah 11,12; Psalms 1; Acts 3; Psalms 62-67




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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

This Promise Is To You, To Your Children, And To Those Far Away


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This Promise
Is To You, To Your Children,
And To Those Far Away

God’s gift to us is His Holy Spirit. Can I take a minute and talk about how important that Gift is to both you and to me? When you and I place our trust, when you and I put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we turn from our sin and from self and turn to God; God Himself comes to live inside of us! We are powerful in Christ. We have 220 Power! So lets not make excuses for why we are not doing what God has asked us to do. Let’s do it! 


Scripture

Acts 2

38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  

39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away — all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

Observation

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8

Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:15

God’s gift to us is His Holy Spirit. Can I take a minute and talk about how important that Gift is to both you and to me? 

When you and I place our trust, when you and I put our faith in the Lord Jesus Chris, we turn from our sin and from self and turn to God; God Himself comes to live inside of us!

The Spirit of God the Father, the Spirit of Christ, God’s Holy Spirit, God Himself comes to live and comes to powerfully works inside each one of us who are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

We are powerful in Christ. 

We have 220 Power!

Galatians 2:20 

    I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

Philippians 4:13

    For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
So lets not make excuses for why we are not doing what God has asked us to do.

Let’s do it! 

Application

I know that I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 personalized!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to live out these verses that I have just read. Thank You for the Gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for coming into my life. I can do everything that You place on my heart to do through Christ Who gives me the strength I need. I pray for those that I talked to yesterday at Mission Tampa. I pray that You gift them with the Gift of Eternal life. Set them free from their lives of bondage to sin. Allow them to experience the abundant life that You have for them in Jesus Christ!


Daily Bible Reading:  Nehemiah 9,10; Acts 2






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Monday, October 12, 2015

Careless Words Stab Like A Sword, But Wise Words Bring Healing


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Careless Words
Stab Like A Sword,
But Wise Words Bring Healing

Kathy has learned to speak up when I say remarks that are hurtful and cutting. And that helps me stop and think about what I said. When she says in response to my ugliness, “what you just said hurt my feelings.” It breaks my hard heart and I immediately ask her to forgive me. What can and often does happen in a home where careless, sharp, and hurtful words are used to clobber a spouse is an immediate response by the one who was attacked. And the hurt spouse uses even more vicious careless words and so the stabbing and attacking of each other escalates and escalates until blood is everywhere!

Scripture

Proverbs 12:18

Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.

Observation

Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me! 

What a lie!

I have done more damage with careless hurtful words than I ever have with any sticks or stones!
Are you amazed at yourself at just how ugly you and your words can be? I sure am!

I can be vicious. I can be cruel. I can be so hurtful with what I say. 

And so can you!

We destroy our most precious relationships and we hurt deeply those that we should love the most with our vicious careless words!

I have memorized this verse. Why don’t you do the same? 

This is a great verse to put on your refrigerator, on a mirror in your bedroom, on the dash of your car, on your desk at work, or on all of the above. 

Kathy has learned to speak up when I say remarks that are hurtful and cutting. And that helps me stop and think about what I said. When she says in response to my ugliness, “what you just said hurt my feelings.” It breaks my hard heart and I immediately ask her to forgive me.

What can and often does happen in a home where careless, sharp, and hurtful words are used to clobber a spouse is an immediate response by the one who was attacked. And the hurt spouse uses even more vicious careless words and so the stabbing and attacking of each other escalates and escalates until blood is everywhere!

… but wise words bring healing. 

Kathy … “What you said hurt my feelings?” 

Eddy …”I love you. I am sorry. Will you forgive me?”  


Application

I will watch my words and my tone this week as I deal with people especially with those that I love the most. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, my heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? (Jeremiah 17:9) Don’t let me hurt people with careless words. Help me to use wise words with people, words that bring healing.

. I pray for young couples that are growing in their Christian faith. I pray that You help them love each other. I pray for those who are close to me that need to fall in love with You. Help them to surrender their lives to You. I pray that they come to a place in their lives where they put You first. They need Your love in their lives so that they can love their spouses in the way that You intended. Thank You for giving me a wife that is so wise. She knows how to respond to me when I am mean and she does it in a way that brings healing.

   


Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 7,8; Acts 1; Psalm 57-61; Proverbs 12




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Sunday, October 11, 2015

This I Know God Is On My Side!


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This I Know
God
Is On My Side!

When things in life seem to be heading in the wrong direction, when our health is taking a beating, or when the health of someone we love is challenged it is great to know that our God is on our side! Is God on your side?

Scripture

Psalm 56

This I know: God is on my side!

10 I praise God for what he has promised;
    yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.


11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?


Observation

When things in life seem to be heading in the wrong direction, when our health is taking a beating, or when the health of someone we love is challenged it is great to know that our God is on our side!

Team Williams has God on their side! And if God is on my side why should I be afraid?

I will praise God for what He has promised; yes, I will praise God for what He has promised!

Is God on your side? If you have invited Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior of your life then you have become a child of God and yes, God is on your side!

Application

I will face the challenges of this week with confidence knowing that I have God on my team! How about you?

Prayer

16 But I will call on God,
    and the Lord will rescue me.
17 Morning, noon, and night
    I cry out in my distress,
    and the Lord hears my voice. Psalm 55:16-17


But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
    I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise you forever, O God,
    for what you have done.
I will trust in your good name
    in the presence of your faithful people. Psalm 52:8-9


I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. Revelation 21:3-7




Daily Bible Reading:  Nehemiah 5,6; Psalms 146; Luke 24; Revelation 21; Psalms 52-56




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Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Sacrifice You Desire Is A Broken Spirit


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The Sacrifice
You Desire
Is A Broken Spirit

King David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and then committed murder to try to cover up his sin. In 2 Samuel 12:1 God sends the prophet Nathan to confront and rebuke King David over his sin. Psalm 51 is what David felt after he was humbled and broken over what he had done. What God desires from each of us is a broken and repentant heart. What God desires from us is a broken spirit over our sin. Do you have a broken spirit? Do you have a broken and repentant heart? Or are you refusing to repent?

Scripture

Psalm 51

17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
    You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.


Observation

King David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and then committed murder to try to cover up his sin. In 2 Samuel 12:1 God sends the prophet Nathan to confront and rebuke King David over his sin.

Psalm 51 is what David felt after he was humbled and broken over what he had done.

What God desires from each of us is a broken and repentant heart. What God desires from us is a broken spirit over our sin.

David went quite a while living with the sin that he had committed without confessing it and without getting right with His God. It finally took a godly prophet confronting the king before King David finally repented of his sin.

Maybe you like King David have been unwilling to confess your sin. Up until now maybe you were thinking that you could just continue in that sin. The problem is that as long as you continue to refuse to repent you are not going to experience the joy of being right with Your Heavenly Father.

Do you have a broken spirit? Do you have a broken and repentant heart?

Or are you refusing to repent?


Application

I will ask God to show me anything in my heart that is not pleasing to Him so that I can confess it and I will ask Him for forgiveness. How about you?


Prayer

Have mercy on me, O God,
    because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
    blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
    Purify me from my sin.

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
    you have broken me—
    now let me rejoice.
Don’t keep looking at my sins.
    Remove the stain of my guilt.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
    Renew a loyal spirit within me.


Daily Bible Reading:  Nehemiah 3,4; Luke 23; Ps 47-51



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Friday, October 09, 2015

Be Still And Know That I Am God!


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Be Still
And Know
That I Am God!

It is quiet right now. I hear a few birds outside and our parakeets are making a few sounds but other than the birds it is quiet! It is like this every morning as I read my Bible and think and pray. Do you have a time when you are quiet before the Lord? Take time everyday to be still before the Lord. Take time to open up God’s word. Take time to hear His voice!

Scripture

Psalm 46

10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”


Observation

It is quiet right now.

I hear a few birds outside and our parakeets are making a few sounds but other than the birds it is quiet! It is like this every morning as I read my Bible and think and pray.

Do you have a time when you are quiet before the Lord?

The Psalmist says, “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Take time everyday to be still before the Lord. Take time to open up God’s word. Take time to hear His voice!

Just look at what I got to read this morning! I love the book of Nehemiah, which I just started this morning! The Psalms get read everyday! I decided to read a chapter in Proverbs this morning and since there are 31 chapters I picked Proverbs 9 to read today. I am reading through the New Testament too and this morning I read about the arrest of Jesus and Peter’s denial of Christ!

There were so many things that I could have written about but it was Psalm 46:10 that got my attention, “Be still” and know that I am God!

Would you make a commitment to having a Quiet time everyday? I suggest having your “God time” in the same place everyday. Leave your Bible, paper and pen in that sacred place so you are always prepared. Have a reading plan so you know what you are reading every day is a big help for success! Bring a cup of coffee or tea (a piece of toast/bagel/doughnut) along with you for this special time of the day! 


Application

I will be “still” before the Lord this morning. How about you?

Prayer

God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!


The nations are in chaos,
    and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
    and the earth melts!
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress.

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
    See how he brings destruction upon the world.
He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
    He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.


10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”



Daily Bible Reading:  Nehemiah 1,2; Psalms 133,134; Luke 22; Proverbs 9; Psalms 42-46




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Thursday, October 08, 2015

It Is Better To Be Godly And Have Little Than To Be Evil And Rich


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It Is Better
To Be Godly And Have Little
Than To Be Evil And Rich

I can remember when God called me into the ministry and I started to go to college to prepare for the ministry. My father in law, Clayton Bearden, when he heard that I was going to stop working construction (I was making a lot of money) and start working part-time at the church (not making much money) he was not happy about my decision at all. He said to me, “You are going to starve my daughter to death!”

Scripture

Psalm 37

16 It is better to be godly and have little
    than to be evil and rich.


Observation

I can remember when God called me into the ministry and I started to go to college to prepare for the ministry. My father in law Clayton Bearden, when he heard that I was going to stop working construction (I was making a lot of money) and start working part-time at the church (not making much money) he was not happy about my decision at all. He said to me, “You are going to starve my daughter to death!”

It was a few years later while Kathy and I were living in Texas and while I was going to Seminary that Kathy’s Dad at 67 years of age gave his life to Jesus Christ. It brings tears of joy to my eyes just thinking back on what God did in Clayton’s life.

Kathy’s Dad watched how God took care of us. After Clayton gave his life to Christ he even starting sending us “love gifts”. Before he gave his life to Christ it would embarrass him when people helped us out by giving us food or helped us financially, but once he met Jesus all of that changed.

To this day I have never seen a life so transformed as Kathy’s Dad’s life. He only lived 2 years after accepting Jesus into his life, but what a different life he lived!

He was a walking example of 2 Corinthians 5:17 “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!”   



Living godly lives doesn’t mean that always doing everything right. You and I are broken. We are sinners. We will never do everything right!

Striving to put God first everyday is what it means to live a godly life. It doesn’t mean that we are going to do it perfectly. 

Why don’t you stop right now and ask Jesus Christ to help you life a godly life? Ask Jesus Christ to take control of your life. 

All the stuff, no matter how much you and I accumulate, will ever give us the joy that living for God and putting Him first can bring! 

Application

I will strive to live a godly life today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, right now my eyes are filled with tears of joy over what You did in the life of my Father in law. I know that if You did that for a man when he was 67 years old I know that You can save those in my family that still are acting like You do not exist. I will not give up on them. Open their spiritual eyes so that they can see what they are missing. Bring people into their lives that can challenge them to live for You. Save them Lord. Please save them! Show them that it is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.



Daily Bible Reading:  Ezra 9,10; Psalms 131; Luke 21;



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