NEWSPAPER DEVOTIONAL ARTICLES
JULY- DECEMBER, 2001

    These weekly articles were written by Rev Mike Jones for South Carolina Area Newspaper on a busy Pastor's schedule. Space was limited to around 300 words per article so in depth exposition is not possible.
    To receive Devotional articles like this each week via E-mail simply request them by clicking on the envelope at the right.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 3, 2001

CLOUD CONFIDENCE

            It had been a long miserable night with cramped conditions and a very hard seat but we were finally coming to the end of the 9 hour flight from Delhi to Amsterdam. The sun was just coming up behind us and it revealed a solid cloud mass below us. The swirls and peaks of this field of clouds was simply breathtaking. Below the clouds, the world was dark and dreary but up here, from God’s point of view, things looked great!

            The pilot came on and told us we were beginning our descent into Amsterdam Airport. Suddenly, we were not floating above these clouds but we were descending into them. The world went blank. I could not even see the end of the wing because of the fog of these clouds.

            Where was the earth? What was ahead of us? Were we going in the right direction? Was the pilot as blind as I was? Then I remembered that the pilot had radar and he could see as if the clouds did not exist. And, sure enough, when we finally broke through the clouds the airport was revealed just ahead of us and all my worry had been in vain.

            Sometimes my way gets foggy and I want to panic. I can’t see what is ahead and my faith begins to falter. What if “this” takes place? What if “that” gets in my way? I can no longer see. I am no longer in control. Does God know what is going on? Have I been forgotten?

            Then I remember who is piloting my “plane” and peace settles back over my soul. God sees through clouds as if they were not there. They don’t even faze Him. He is still on course and He knows exactly what is ahead of me. What a marvelous bit of confidence in the chaos of life.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 4, 2001

THIS DAY

(Exo 12:14) And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

            Today we observe the day the United States declared its self a free and independent nation. It is a day to rejoice and celebrate the freedom we have as citizens of such a great nation. Sure, we have problems in our country but I still would rather be a citizen of the United States than a citizen of any other country on this planet!

            That is the way the Children of Israel must have felt when God gave them their “Declaration of Independence”. After 400 years of bondage and slavery in Egypt they were finally being set free to start a new life in the promised land. Is it any wonder the Lord told them to set aside this day as a perpetual memorial?

            I said I would rather be a citizen of the United States than a citizen of any other country on this planet. There is a country, however, that is not of this planet. I became a citizen of that country one night when, like the children of Israel, the blood was applied to my sins and I became a child of God.

            Now my citizenship is in Heaven and my heart longs for that faraway land. I try to live as a good citizen of that country every day and I invite you to become a citizen also. It will set you free and give you a real reason to celebrate this day every year.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 10, 2001

PASSENGER PALS

            My recent trip to India gave me the opportunity to meet some interesting people. From Columbia to Atlanta my seat mate was an engineer whom I barely got to meet because of the shortness of the flight. Atlanta to Detroit was a widow who had just spent 3 months with her children and was heading back home. Sadness and insecurity flavored her speech and gave an excellent opportunity to share God’s love and care.

            On the Detroit to Amsterdam flight I sat beside a college girl from Atlanta headed to southern Africa to help on a short term mission work. This 9 hour flight began at midnight so more sleep than conversation took place but I was able to share some missionary principles that I hope proved helpful. Amsterdam to Delhi was another young lady on a summer mission trip (although she gave me the impression she was more interested in the sites she would see than in the souls she might reach).

            Delhi to Baghdogra was where things really got interesting. The man sitting beside me was a noodle inspector from the Baghdogra area who had been to Delhi on company business. He spoke little English so conversation was limited to short sentences with many gestures. It was difficult to go into depth about his relationship with the Lord but I was able to build a bridge of friendship and share my faith in Christ.

            When we arrived at Baghdogra we didn’t! Unknown to me, the airline had added another stop to this flight. When the plane stopped and I started to get off the man to whom I had been witnessing stopped me and got a stewardess to explain it was not my destination. Had I gotten off the plane there I would have been in BIG trouble. This was a time that being a witness for the Lord paid off in more ways than one!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 11, 2001

FERRY FALLACY

            Recently I took the car ferry from Cedar Island, NC to the Outer Bank islands. The first island (Okracoke) has no bridge connection so the ferry is the only way to get your car to this southern beginning of the Outer Bank chain of islands.

            The first ferry ride is almost 2 ½ hours and it was interesting to observe the people who were taking the trip. After loading up and leaving the dock everyone milled around for a few minutes, fed the sea gulls, and got used to being on a ship. Soon almost everyone had gotten back into their car and the gentle rock of the ship was putting most of them to sleep. About half way through the trip, however, an interesting phenomena began. Slowly, you began to see doors open and people begin to flock to the center passenger lounge. The hot sun beating down on the cars began to make the air conditioned lounge appear very appealing!

            I have observed the same thing with some people in church. They begin their Christian life with excitement and interest. Soon, however, they appear to drop into a spiritual sleep as they get accustomed to the normal events of the journey. Unless some “red hot preaching”comes along and stirs them they will spend the entire journey ignoring everyone around them and trying to sleep their way to Heaven!

            Paul said we were to awake out of sleep for now was our salvation near than when we believed. May God turn up the heat until the Church is stirred from its slumber and realizes it is in a war for the souls of men instead of on a vacation from the stress of life.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 17, 2001

LAUGH OUT LOUD

            Amsterdam to Atlanta is a dull trip. Almost immediately you are over the ocean and the view is just miles and miles of miles and miles. It was not long until the constant hum of the airplane engines provided a perfect pattern of sound silence that induces most of the people aboard the plane to take a nap.

            Suddenly a loud laugh was heard. I didn’t think much of it as first but then it happened again; and then again. Finally, I figured it out. One of the passengers was watching a movie over the plane’s video system and listening to it through a set of headphones. When an exceptionally funny part would take place he would, without realizing what he was doing, laugh out loud.

            His laughter made little sense to me because I was not hearing what he heard. But I know the feeling. I, too, have found myself laughing out loud sometimes as I have seen God’s sense of humor manifested in His works. I know God must snicker sometimes at the way women’s “thermostats” works, at the antics teens go through in the dating years, and at the foolishness of men who try to hide from Him with fig leaves instead of faith. It is a wonder we don’t hear God’s laughter rolling over the hills!

            Jesus said we were to have Abundant lives. Yet, People all around have glum faces and harried looks because they are so busy with living until they had lost the joy of life. If they could just hear what God is saying and see what God is doing they might just find themselves laughing out loud- and wouldn’t that startle everyone!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 18, 2001

REMODELED OR REBORN

            The question that needs to be asked of many church members is, “Are you a Remodeled Sinner or a Reborn Saint?” Have you been born again and become a new creature in Christ so that old things have passed away and all things have become new (II Cor 5:17)? Or have you simply changed the paint scheme on the outside of the building so that the neighbors will be impressed into believing everything is alright on the inside?

            A reborn Child of God does not habitually and happily commit sin (I John 3:9). A remodeled sinner says not to get too fanatical about this righteous living thing. After all, we still live in the flesh and need some fun every now and then. A reborn Child of God realizes the supreme need of committing their life to fulfilling God’s will and work (Rom 12:1-2). A remodeled sinner dodges church services, ducks any responsibility that involves sacrifice, and deftly shuns any direct stand for God and right.

            A reborn saint walks with God and looks forward to the day he will hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” A remodeled sinner who only knows how to “play the game” well enough to fool his family and friends lives in constant fear of death and the ultimate judge’s declaration, “Depart from me, ye worker of iniquity, for I never knew you.”

            By the way, are you a reborn saint or a remodeled sinner?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 24, 2001

YOUR WALK WITH THE LORD

            One of the things that is immediately noticed about the Christians in India is their hungry for the Word of God. They don't want "pablum preaching"that tickles their ears but leaves their heart empty. Even though many of them live in abject poverty (The wages for a day laborer in Northern India is less than a dollar a day) they don't seek sermons on how they can "hold on". Their desire is for messages from God about Christ and how they can better relate to Him. Their faith in Christ for Salvation was normally made in the face of fierce persecution and intense social pressure so the hungry of their heart is to learn more about this wonderful soul saving, life changing Lord that made such a difference in their life.

            Most American Christians live the "good live"so they add God on as an extra help to assist them with the stress and sicknesses of life. They aren't nearly as interested in learning more about God as they are in finding a way that God can give them prosperity, pleasure, or pain free living. If you look at the normal sermon and then observe the lack of commitment by church members it appears that the average Church member in America is much more concerned about what God can do for them to make their life better than they are in learning how they can follow Christ more closely and serve God more fully. The focus seems to be on God serving them instead of them serving God.

            The common greeting among Indian Christians is "How is your walk with the Lord?" What a wonderful phrase. It brings into focus what should be the primary concern of every child of God. How are you progressing in your relationship with God, with Christ, and with the Holy Spirit? Enoch "walked with the Lord, and he was not for God took him." Are you walking with the Lord in such a way that Heaven will be simply another step in your growing relationship with God? Or do you "drive your own car"and simply look at God as a very convenient spare tire?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 25, 2001

EFFINGHAM SPEED LIMIT

            I live in the Effingham community. Almost every morning I leave home, drive out to Highway 52, and turn into all the rush hour traffic headed to Florence. The intersection where I turn has a speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Most mornings people try to hold it down to 50 miles per hour as they come through!

            One morning recently I noticed when I came to the stop sign that the traffic was very slow. I wondered what was wrong- until I looked down the road and saw a blue light flashing. Suddenly, everyone knew the speed limit going through Effingham!

            Christians live in an age of Grace. We are no longer under the law. Grace, however, is not lawlessness. While you can’t be made to do anything when you become a child of God, and a member of His body (The church); you will soon find that such great privileges involves great responsibilities. And responsibilities incur consequences.

            You can “run through” your relationship with God at 50 when He tells you to slow down to 35 so you can develop as you should but one day the “blue light” will swing in behind you. You can play with lust, greed, and anger in spite of God’s warning signs but one day, as you sit in the wreckage of your life, you will realize what those warning signs were all about.

            God gives Grace and God gives guidelines. Both are very important in your growth as a Christian.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 31, 2001

BUILDING A WORLDLY CHURCH

            Pastor Joe Cagle recently gave an unusual devotion at the Eastern Conference Meeting. The title of his message was “How to Train your Church to Be like the World”! That is not something the normal pastor is seeking but the message really drove home some important points. See if you agree.

            The First way to train your church to be like the world is to provide a worldly atmosphere in the Church. Play music that has the world’s beat and the world’s message. Abandon all standards in dress codes so people will think of the church as just another place instead of the House of God. Be user friendly instead of a set apart people for God.

            Next, he said we should abandon all Negative Preaching. Never point out sin in a sermon. Tell people nothing is wrong unless they don’t feel good about it. Preach about Heaven but never mention the possibility of Hell. Tell people they are basically “good” and it is someone else’s fault that they do wrong. Share about God’s love in such a way until people laugh about God instead of fearing His coming judgement.

            Finally, a worldly trained church should put respect for Public Opinion above the word of God. If an enlightened society calls Homosexuality an alternate life style then ignore the fact that the Bible calls it sin. If Hollywood stars favor killing unborn children then forget that the Bible calls it murder. If the majority of the public dress like a harlot and talk like the devil then disregard Biblical teaching about modesty and taking God’s name in vain.

            I believe following Pastor Joe’s principles would put a church well on the way to being a worldly church instead of the Church Christ died for.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 1, 2001

PASSENGER PAST TIMES

            Some were cuddled together using only one and a half of the two seats allotted to them. Some were reading gossipy check out counter magazines or some other material. Some were in adamant conversation about family or business; while others busied themselves eating a snack or trying to sleep. A few simply looked out of the window and marveled at the scenery passing below. But everyone was doing something as we journeyed through the air at over 500 miles per hour toward our destination.

            I wonder how many of them would have been “killing”time, “marking”time, “existing”in time or looking for a way to have what they considered a “good” time if they would have known what was going to transpire in a few short hours? What a difference it would have made in their activities or conversation.

            You see, the flight we were on was coming from Detroit to Myrtle Beach. In a few short hours it would turn around and make the flight back to Detroit. On that return flight, parts of the engine would fall off and the plane would be forced to make an emergency landing!

            Like the passengers on this plane we are passing thru time on the way to a destination. Sadly, many people make that “flight” without a thought of how suddenly the whole world can change. I told my wife at the beginning of the flight that we would go up one way or the other! May that same assurance be in your heart.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 7, 2001

THREE DAY DEATHS

            The call had come; and was rejected. Jonah simply did not want to go to Nineveh. So he ran from God. Like everyone who runs for God his path went down; down to Tarsus, down into the ship, and, finally, down into the belly of a whale. There, in the “belly of hell”, he came to his senses and cried out to God.

            God graciously forgave him and sent him back to his original task. He arrives in Nineveh, preaches about God’s coming wrath, and great revival breaks out. The entire town repents and God turns away from His wrath. My thought is this, “What about the people who died during the three days Jonah spent in rebellion in the whale’s belly?”.

            Jonah could possibly have arrived much earlier than he did but I know for sure he should have arrived at least three days before he did. How many people died during that time without hearing Jonah’s message of repentance? Had Jonah arrived on time they might have heard God’s message, turned from their sins, and died in a state of repentance. Will they be able to point their finger at Jonah one day about their missed opportunity?

            Jonah’s three days of waywardness worry me; but not half as much as the opportunities I miss each week! How many people die each year that will face God unprepared because I was not where God wanted me to be in order to share God’s love with them? My “whale”may look like a TV, a bed, or a busy schedule but it had better not make me three days late delivering God’s message. The implications of such a delay are staggering.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 8, 2001

BEING READY

            The emotion choked his voice as he told about it. Tears streamed down his face as he remembered the horror. Just the telling of it sent cold chills down the spine of everyone present.

            Life had been good for this preacher. The church was doing well, his ministry was prospering, and things were finally beginning to “fall into place.” Then came the knock at the door. Someone had accused he and his wife of a horrible crime. And with this kind of crime you are presumed guilty until you can prove over and over that you are innocent.

            Life was turned upside down. Rumors were flying. Sleepless night and agonizing days stretched out ahead. Finally, after great expense and trouble, their innocense was proven and life returned to normality.

            One comment stood out. When the situation began, the FBI came into his home and removed his computer without any warning. Had he been to places on his computer that he was not supposed to go, it would have been almost impossible to prove his innocence of the other charges.

            His testimony was this. I always tell my people to live right so you will not have to fear the light shining in your life. This was one case where if I would not have practiced what I preached then I would have been in deep trouble. Remember that this week as you go about your daily routine.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 14, 2001

2 EGGS AND A RITZ

            My host in India thought to do me a great honor and have home made Ice Cream with the evening meal. Ice Cream is seldom seen in this part of India and this was an exceptional treat. The only problem was that Indian food is very spicy and a week’s diet of spicy food plus sweet Ice Cream proved more than my stomach could handle. It was a long night.

            The next morning we resumed visiting the Churches of Northern India. Indian Roads are very rough and several times I thought my stomach would not allow me to reach our first engagement. Add to that the fact that you cannot visit in an Indian home without being expected to drink very sweet tea and eat extremely sweet cakes. I prayed a lot that trip!

            We arrived, everyone was greeted, we all sat at the table, and I kept trying to figure out how to turn down refreshments without greatly offending our hostess. Out hostess returned with bowed head and explained that somehow all their sweet cakes had disappeared and all she could offer me was 2 boiled eggs and some Ritz crackers. Is there a Glory anywhere out there!

            This was exactly what I needed at the time; and the only time I was served salty instead of sweet refreshments the entire trip. Excuse my English, but “Ain’t God Good!”. How careful is His care of His children. (Mat 6:31-33) “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 15, 2001

INTERMITTENT POWER

            Electricity goes on and off in India so frequently until people ignore it when possible. When the power goes off conversation continues as if nothing had happened. If you are doing something that requires electricity then you begin to do something else. If that is not possible then you just wait.

            Sadly, this same situation exist in many churches. The power of God is so seldom seen until many churches pretend it does not matter if it is not “on”. Preaching, singing, and organized “Christianity” go on as if nothing is wrong. Human effort produces enough results to satisfy most people because they really don’t expect much from the church or God anyway! (That is, unless they are in deep trouble that goes beyond human ability- death, disease, deep debt, divorce, etc).

            Sometimes someone will be insensitive enough to comment on the fact that the power is off but the rest of the people simply shuffle in embarrassment and go on pretending nothing is wrong. Souls are departing without Christ. Home are being destroyed. Churches are dying. It must be the modern Culture we live in or the Circumstance we encounter today. The fact that the power is off isn’t relevant, is it??

            “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come for men shall have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof; from such turn away.” II Tim 3:1, 5.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 21, 2001

ANOTHER DUNGEON DAY

            It was just another Dungeon Day. The hot August sun was already turning the Egyptian Prison into a steam bath of trickling perspiration and perpetual stench as Joseph began his morning duties. The cursing of prisoners pounded his ears as he supervised the morning meal and a sense of hopeless despair shone dully from the eyes of all he greeted on this August morning.

            Just an hour before Joseph had lain for an extra few minutes on his sweat soaked pallet and thought about the road that had led him to his dungeon duties. He was his father’s favorite until he was rejected by his family and sold into slavery. Hard work and God’s Blessings had landed him in a great job until he was betrayed by a woman and thrown into prison. In prison, his great wisdom had brought great hope until it became apparent that he was forgotten by the King’s Butler. Now it seemed he had nothing to look forward to except more and more dungeon days.

            “But the Lord was with Joseph”. What a statement for the Bible to make at a time like this! Where was God on this Dungeon Day? Could God change things? Was it worth it to remain faithful to God?

            Oh, the difference a day makes when God is at work. Before this Dungeon Day was over, Joseph would be exalted from a prisoner into the second most powerful ruler in Egypt! He would prevent the starvation of millions of people, change the course of a nation, and start down the road to reconciliation and salvation for his family. But it started out as just another Dungeon Day.

            If you are doing duty in a “Dungeon” today make friends with God. It is amazing the changes God can make in a Dungeon Day that is committed to Him.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 22, 2001

PARKWAY PLUSES

Recently, I had the honor of attending Parkway Free Will Baptist Church in Spartanburg. Pastor Mitch Edge is doing a great job there and we really enjoyed the services. Several good things “stood out” at this church and I would like to point them out.

            First, we were there for “Honor Deacon Day”. It is wonderful when Deacons are honored instead of vilified by preachers! These men had served faithfully and had been a great asset to the ministry of the Church and should have been so honored.

            Second was the welcome we received. When we came in and sat down in the church before Sunday School, no less than 10 people got up from their seats to come greet us. Everyone acted as if they really wanted us there.

            Thirdly, when it was time for Sunday School, no less than 4 people invited us to walk with them to their Class (a big help in a strange church).

            Finally, The Music (Congregation, Choir, Special) during the worship service was simply great- and ended before11:30am! The Preacher had time to preach and He preached very well. His message honored these men; and it uplifted the Lord. That’s good preaching.

            Then time was taken to present honor and plaques to the Deacons before the Deacons and their families were given head of the Line privileges in the fellowship meal.

            If I were a stranger in this area looking for a good church you can rest assured that I would give Parkway a second look. And isn’t that what every church should strive for?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 28, 2001

SINGLE SAINTS

            Remember the old story about the man in the Civil War who could not make up his mind if he wanted to fight for the North or for the South? He finally put on a Blue Shirt and some Grey Pants- and both sides shot him!

            That must have made God laugh for that is exactly what God has preached all the time- you are either for me or you are against me and it just makes me sick for you to try to be lukewarm with one foot in the world and one foot in the church. Jesus always demanded decisive decisions from those who wanted to follow him- Let the dead bury the dead, sell what you have, don’t look back when you put your hands to the plow.

            But how do we make this actual in our life? What does it take for us to be such a Committed Christian? The answer is found in the three-fold commitment that you make to be a “Single Saint”.

            God pleasing Christians have a Single Mind- They realize that “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways” so they seek the mind of Christ that enables them to say, “This ONE thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

            Such Committed Christians have a Single Heart- God and His work are the love of their life. They don’t serve God with one eye always looking toward the world. They are pilgrims and strangers passing through on their way to the Heavenly city. Their body is on earth but their heart longs for Heaven.

            These Single Saints also have a Single Will- They realize that no man can serve two masters so they listen to, and obey, God’s voice first and foremost.

            Are you a Single Saint; or does everyone take pot shots at you?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 29, 2001

STAIR SCARS

            On the flight from Amsterdam to Delhi I sat beside the stairs going up into the “World Class” section of the plane. In front of me was First Class and above me was World Class; I guess that meant I was in “No Class!”.

            Almost immediately I noticed that the bottom 3 feet of the stairs going up to World Class were heavily scarred. As the flight attendants pushed the refreshment carts by they had often hit the stairs. Now numerous scars on the stairs marked the height of the refreshment cart. Above this area the stairs looked elegant and new but the bottom portion looked scarred and scuffed.

            Sometimes people are like that. Most areas of their life look “World Class” and “First Class” but when you see the “No Class” section of their lives you notice the many scars. Unlike the stairs in the plane, some scars in people’s lives are self inflicted. Many scars, however, are the result of the carelessness of others. Maybe something as simple as an unkind word, a negative attitude, or a social slight. Maybe something as awful as abuse or neglect.

            Stairs were made to carry you higher. Sometimes this is difficult because you can’t get past the scars on the bottom. That is why it is so important to know that Jesus bore our scars in order that God might redeem us and make us a vessel unto honor. Don’t let the scars of “No Class” continually defeat you. Come to Christ and let Him lift you past the scars and into “World Class” living !

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 4, 2001

HOLY SPIRIT HELP

            God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit- God who is Three in One. God the Father planned our Salvation. God the Son paid for our Salvation. God the Holy Spirit presented our Salvation. All are divine, all are important, all are God. With that in mind, look at some ways the Holy Spirit has helped us.

            The Holy Spirit Sought us. Fallen sinful man seeks to hide from God among the bushes of a busy life. Hungering for God, he instead eats the husk of the hog pen as he hides from God and from God’s Message. The Holy Spirit goes into the highways and byways and pierces hard sinful hearts with the arrows of conviction.

            The Holy Spirit Brought us to Him who Bought us. He drew us with bands of Love to the foot of the Cross where we saw the Grace of God displayed in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It was not enough that He looked for us until He found us hidden in the dark recesses of despair away from the glorious light of God; He then brought us into God’s presence so we could see how much God longed for us to have a relationship with Him.

             Then, when we accepted God’s gift of life through Faith in the shed blood of Christ, the Holy Spirit Wrought us in the image of Christ. Day by day, moment by moment, the Holy Spirit worked as we became conformed into the image of Christ.

            And along the Christian Journey, the Holy Spirit Fought for us against the attacks of our arch enemy, Satan. Early we learned that the battle was not ours but it was the Lord’s. We have neither the strength or the wisdom to win these battles. The Holy Spirit has both.

            Finally, one glorious day, the Holy Spirit will join with us in rejoicing as we are Caught up into the eternal presence of God and exalt in the victory won with the Help of the Holy Spirit.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 5, 2001

WHERE DID SHE STAY?

            It was one of those questions that just “pop into your mind”. Listening to a teacher teach the story of the woman at the well as she met Jesus it just suddenly occurred to me, “Where did she stay that night?”.

            You know the story, Jesus “must needs go through Samaria”. His disciples go into town hunting something to eat. Jesus is sitting by the well in the middle of the day when a woman comes to get her water. In the ensuing conversation, Jesus reveals that she has had 5 husbands and is now living with a man. She becomes aware of her need of “Living Water”, puts her confidence in Christ, and leads in a community wide revival.

            But where did she stay that night? She couldn’t go back to the man she had been living with because they weren’t married. She couldn’t go back to her first Husband because the Bible said that would be an abomination (Deut 24:1-4). So where did she stay that night?

            The point in my mind was that when a person comes to confidence in Christ as their Savior then it will produce a change in their life. They will not talk the same talk, walk the same walk, or spend the night in the same place if it was a wrong place!

            Faith in Christ not only changes your ultimate destination; it transforms your manner of life. Even to changing where you sleep at night!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 11, 2001

HELPING AND HURTING GOD

            Job’s comforters were wrong in their conclusions but sometimes their arguments are well worth examining. Take the eloquent Elihu and his argument about helping and hurting God- (Job 35:1-8) Elihu spake moreover, and said, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand? Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.

            What questions! If you sin, do you hurt God? If you do righteous, do you help God? It is obvious that “thy wickedness may hurt a man and thy righteousness may profit a man” but what impact do my actions, good or bad, have on the God of the universe?

            If Elihu had been right in his assumption that God was some far off Judge simply watching with interest as men either did good or evil then life would indeed be vanity and drudgery and the good or evil you did would have little impact on Him. But God’s very essence is Love. Because of this, God becomes so involved with us until He is indeed helped by our righteous acts and hurt by our rebellious actions.

            God does not need our good and His plans cannot be defeated by our bad but, oh, how it helps His heart when we behave as Children of God should behave; and how it hurts His very being when we act like children of the devil. Remember that, and consider your actions this week. Everything you do either helps God or hurts God. What a responsibility!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 12, 2001

HEAVENLY WELCOME

            I have told churches for years that they need to have a “Wal-Mart Welcome Person” at their church near the beginning of every service. Welcome people, give helpful information, and start their visit to the church with a smile on their face.

            Recently, I thought about what a great joy it would be if you could be the “Wal-Mart Welcome Person” in Heaven! Wouldn’t that be neat?! You would get to welcome Senior Saints who come in with a sparkle in their eye and a spring in their steps as they looked for their new permanent mansion.

            You would get to hug with delight and reassurance that 10 year old boy or that 5 year old girl who came in with wonder and awe at the magnificence of the city. And what a shouting and laughing time you would have with that person who had been bed ridden for years but now had a new body free from pain and sickness.

            Think of it. People from every race and every nation will continually be streaming into that city and you would get to share in their first moment of triumph. You would see the tears of joy, hear the shouts of victory, and witness the jubilation as they arrived in that celestial city. What a privilege!

            I am headed for that Heavenly Home. If you get there first, tell the Welcome Person I’m coming- You will know me by the smile on my face and the “Glory!” on my lips.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 18, 2001

ACORN AGING

            At a recent minister’s breakfast, Pastor Robert Rose was asked to give a list of guidelines that would enable a Pastor to grow old gracefully. It was noted that sometimes as he approaches retirement age a Pastor will becomes bitter and cynical and do great harm to a testimony he has spent a life time building. What can be done now so that acorns of anger will not grow into trees of bitterness later in life?

            Here are the Five guidelines he gave:

            1) Realize that People are sinners and will never live up to your expectations. Don’t let an anticipation of perfect people bring disillusionment when they turn out to be human.

            2) Accept God’s Sovereignty in matters and avoid disappointment when He does not do things exactly as you would do them. God’s ways are not our ways and He has a right to be God.

            3) Examine your definition of Success. Are you happy to be faithful or must you constantly measure your life by accomplishments? Can you be as faithful to God in the Pew as you preached that others should be from the pulpit!

            4) Keep a warm heart for God, His people, and His Word by maintaining a consistent life of prayer, Bible Study, and the sharing of God’s Blessings. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If you find yourself always speaking negative or bitter things then you need a heart exam.

            5) Plan for the future in order to deal with the fears that accompany aging- Failing health, Financial needs, and Facing Loneliness. One day your body will betray you or the board will reject you. What is God giving you now in order to prepare you for that coming conclusion?

            Good guidelines, not only for ministers, but for all people as they face the aging process.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 19, 2001

MAKEBATES

            When the Apostle Paul instructed young preachers about the characteristics to expect of Godly Women he always included the statement that they were not to be “Slanders” or “false accusers”. In both cases the Greek work is “diabolos” and is translated in other places in the Bible as “devils”.

            The only weapon the devil can use against you is words! The devil cannot make you do anything unless you yield to his power. He seeks to get you to yield by telling you false things about God and men. That is why Satan’s very name means to Slander or falsely accuse. He first appears in the garden of Eden slandering the character of God and throughout the Bible he is shown as the accuser of the brethren.                         So Paul is actually telling these young preachers that Godly Women will not act like the devil and slander others in the church or in the community. The thing that caught my attention is the fact that “false accusers” is translated in the margin of my Bible as a “Makebate”. I had never heard that word before.

            “Makebate”is defined as a person who is in the habit of calumniating others, or aspersing their character. In other words, someone who has something bad to say about everyone!

            If your tongue has made you into a “Makebate” then repent and ask God to cleanse your heart (out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks) and make you better so you will work for the Lord instead of “Makebate”for the devil.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Unusual Things in the Bible

            Here are some little "odd" things I have picked up through the years as I have read the Bible. May they be used to help prick your curiosity so you will get into the Word.

1) Man who lived to be 969 years old (Gen 5:27). Do you know what happened the year he died?

2) Man who used a stone for a pillow (Gen 28:11)

3) Baby who had a scarlet thread tied around his hand before he was born (Gen 38:28-29)

4) The man who controlled a battle by holding out his hands (Ex17:11)

5) The man whose donkey saved his life (Num 22:28-30)

6) The man who had a bed 13 1/2 feet long and 6 feet wide (Deut 3:11)

7) The women who had to shave their heads before they could marry (Deut 21:11-13)

8) When the Sun stood still for a day (Josh 10:13)

9) The woman who killed a man by driving a tent stake through his head (Jud 4:17-21)

10) An army with 700 left handed men (Jud 20:16)

11) The man whose hair weighed about 6 2/3 pound when it was cut annually (II Sam 14:26)

12) The man who had 12 fingers and 12 toes (II Sam 21:20)

13) When an Axe floated on the water (II Kings 6:1-6)

14) The man who had 700 wives and 300 concubines (I King 11:3)

15) The man who had 88 children (II Chron 11:21)

16) When did the Sun travel backward (Is 38:8)

17) The Preacher who walked naked for 3 years (Is 20:2-3)

18) When an entire graveyard came to life at one time (Ezek 37:-)

19) The Harlot who was the ancestor of Christ (Matt 1:5)

20) The man who ate locust for food (Matt 3:4)

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 26, 2001

THINGS GOD WILL NOT ALLOW

            Several times in Scripture we are told that God “will not suffer” certain things. We would translate that today as God “will not allow” these things. With that in mind, let’s look at some things that God will not allow.

             In Ex 12:23 we are told that God will not allow the destroyer to come into the house to smite a person with the blood applied. Glory! What a promise. Satan can “hoot and holler” all he wants but he cannot break past the blood. God simply will not allow it!

            Psalms 121:3 states that God will not allow the foot of the righteous to be moved. Established on the “Rock”, the righteous can face any storm that comes their way in calm assurance that He that keeps us will neither slumber nor sleep and He will not allow our foundation to be undermined.

            Proverbs 10:3 proclaims that God will not allow the soul of the righteous to starve. Satan cannot put a Christian in a place that God cannot provide food for his soul! There is no hospital room, no lonely nursing home, and no isolation area that God’s presence is not present! And He will not allow your soul to starve.

            Finally, there is the overwhelming promise of 1 Co 10:13 that God will not allow you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. God will not allow a temptation without providing an escape route. I’ve got to say it again, “Glory!”.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October, 2001 

DIVINE DOMINION

            Man was given Dominion over the animals of the earth at creation. After the fall of man in the garden of Eden that Dominion was lost and mankind now fears and fights animals instead of having dominion over them. Man is able to Dominate some animals but he does not have Dominion over them.

            Several times in the Old Testament we are shown God’s Dominion over Animals: When the animals marched two by two into the ark and when the Ravens brought Elijah bread and flesh each morning and evening. During his life on earth Jesus showed his dominion over animals by filling the nets of the disciples with fish on several occasions, by commanding a single fish with tax money in his mouth to allow himself to be caught by Peter, by riding an untamed donkey through a crowd of shouting, boisterous people on His entrance into Jerusalem, and even by dwelling among the wild beast during His temptation.

            During the Millennial rule of Christ on earth man will once again be given dominion over the animals as “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;” (Is 11:6). And in an amazing display of dominion over animals during that time “the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.” (Is 11:8). Fighting among animals and fear of animals will vanish.

            My question is this- If the animals yield to God’s Dominion and are willing to obey His every command why do we humans disobey, disregard, and disrespect God’s call and commandments? Why do we act as if God is supposed to obey and please us instead of us obeying and pleasing Him? Why can’t we be as smart at the animals?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 3, 2001

IN TIME OF TROUBLE

            (Jer 2:27-28) Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble:

            A Christian Radio Station received an unusual request on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The local Rock and Roll Station in town was in a dilemma. After the terrorist attack they just knew in their heart that they should not be playing songs that blasphemed the name of God, glorified drug use, and continually used sexual innuendoes. They thought about using some “Christian Rock” but even that did not feel right. Finally, they called this local Christian Station and requested some hymns that told of God’s love and care.

            The week before the terrorist attack school boards were debating (and defeating) the idea of having prayer before ball games. Since the attack prayer has been a vital part of almost all public activities. Before the attack, people “worshiped” sports heros and sporting events. After the attack the sporting world stopped in recognition of how insignificant it really was.

            Again God has asked, “Where are the gods that thou has made? Let them arise, if they can save thee in time of trouble.”

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 9, 2001

REALITY CHECK

            Jesus said that if something was in your heart that it would come out in your talk. Paul kept saying that if something was in your talk then it ought to come out in your walk. I guess that means that what you believe in your heart will show itself in your conversation and your character. With that in mind, what have you said or done this week to convince those around you that Jesus Christ is your Savior and the only hope they have for eternity in Heaven?

            The Apostle John made the statement that “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” (1 John 1:6) . In other words, a man is a liar who claims to be in right fellowship with God while he is actually allowing wickedness and the world to control his life. He may accomplish a lot of “good” but the ultimate goal of mankind, fellowship with God, is missing. With that in mind, regardless of your position in the Community or the Church, in the darkness of your home, what do you watch on TV and where do you go on the Internet?

            When Paul was counseling young preacher Titus (Titus 1:16) about people in the Church he cautioned him to be on guard for some people would “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” There talk was entirely different from their every day walk. With that in mind, does your daily actions and attitude at home cause your family to seek the Lord or to be bitter about people who profess Christianity?

            Christianity is absolutely the best thing that has every happened to mankind. What a shame it is mocked and hated because those who talk Christ sometimes walk worst than those who live only for sin and self.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 10, 2001

HYPOCRITE HELPS

            The word “Hypocrite” comes from a Greek word meaning “Actor”. It was used to refer to someone who wore a mask during a performance in order to make people believe they were a different person. An apt description!

            What would cause a person to “wear a mask”? Why would people be afraid to let people know who they really are? Three reasons have been given:

            1) We live a life of pretense because we think people would stop loving us if they knew what we are really like.

            2) We wear a mask because we fear being hurt if we expose our “secret” self to others.

            3) We hide as Hypocrites because we doubt the genuine concern of others. People learn to develop relationships by fashioning fences instead of by building bridges; and then wonder why they are more and more isolated.

            What can help a Hypocrite? Remember that God has seen you at your worst and still loved you enough to let Jesus die for you (Glory!). Accept the fact that you are not perfect, just forgiven. You are expected to grow in grace; not become an instant superstar!

            Many people are exhausted at the end of the day because they have been holding a mask instead of living the abundant life. What a shame they never realized Jesus died for who they are; not who they pretend to be!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 16, 2001

WHAT IF WE LOSE

            In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (Eph 1:11). In Mike Jones English- God determined what He wanted to do without asking approval from anyone.

            I fought in the only war America ever lost. Basically the war in Viet Nam was a war against people using Terrorist Tactics- and we lost that war. When Russia went to war in Afghanistan it was a Super Power. When they left Afghanistan they were a “has been that was a was were”. We can bomb Afghanistan back to the stone age but that will not prevent Terrorist from popping up from their escape holes all over the world. And how will Americans respond to daily death, constant terror, and the inability to find a place to conquer to bring the whole thing to an end?

            Am I anti-American? Am I spreading doubt and despair? No, just the opposite. I do not find America in end time prophecy and just wonder if this is part of the plan of God who “works all things after the counsel of His own will”. If it is, or if this is just a long tough war (which even the President keeps proclaiming), then I want people to realize that God is in control even when life is in chaos.

            God’s chosen nation of Israel was defeated many times because it was being punished for sin or because it was part of God’s plan. But the circumstances they faced were not outside the control of God. In victory or defeat, God was still caring for them; and God still loved them.

            I don’t know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow. And if things don’t work the way I think they should then I have to hold to the hand of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 17, 2001

SECOND TIME ROAD

            In order to visit all of the Free Will Baptists Churches in South Carolina each year, my wife and I travel many, many miles each week. Much of it is done via Interstate (I long for an “automatic”car that will allow you to get on the Interstate, punch in where you are going, and either work or take a nap while the car drives those mile after monotonous interstate mile!). There are, however, many back roads that must be traversed. That is where the excitement begins.

            Most Sundays we are at one church for the morning service and another church for the evening service. Because of that we are always having to get to churches via different routes than we took the last time. That makes for a lot of brand new roads.

            There is something unique about a brand new road; especially if you are not completely sure it’s the right road and you are on a tight time schedule! Doubt, fear, and anxiety ride with you the entire trip. But the next time you take that road peace and calmness ride with you because you have “been there, done that”.

            That is the wonderful things about following Christ. Every road I travel in Life He has been there before me. He has wrestled with temptation, worked through sudden storms, and walked through rejection and being misunderstood. I get anxious but His presence brings peace to me since this is a “Second Time Road” for Him. And even the valley of death road is familiar territory for Him. What a Savior! What a joy to follow Him.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 23, 2001

HONDA HELP

            It began with a frantic phone call from my wife. A light had started to shine on the dash of our car. After several phone calls we determined that it was safe for her to drive home. A former deacon who worked on Honda’s was called and he said he would have it checked. He took it to the local Honda dealer and they said the Oxygen sensor was bad and it would cost $700 to have it repaired. Not good news at the present time so we began to pray for God to provide and give guidance.

            Soon afterwards a letter came from Honda telling of a recall and describing the very problem we had. The dealer was called and an appointment was made. In order to satisfy the governments requirements about the recall the dealer not only replaced the oxygen sensor but he also replaced the plugs and the rotor and changed the oil- all for no charge! (Glory!). God not only met our need, he did exceeding above anything we could have thought about. How wonderful is our God’s supply.

            And to add the “Icing on the cake”, the time I spent in the waiting room allowed me to get in my Bible reading for the day, witness to several people about my faith in Christ, and do some work that I desperately needed to do but could not get done due to interruptions at the office. Sometimes God just opens up the windows of Heaven and pours out Blessings! I am so glad I am a child of God until I can hardly stand it. How greatly He manages the affairs of His children.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 24, 2001

HEART HOLINESS

            3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

            Pastor Stewart Norris, Cornerstone FWB Church, recently shared two very important items. First, He had requested prayer at the past two conference meetings for a member of his church who had been diagnosed with cancer. One lung was so bad until the doctors would not operate and shortly after they operated on the other lung to remove what they could the x-rays showed it to be completely covered in cancer also. A recent trip to the doctor after we prayed revealed both lungs were now clear and the doctors could only ask him to come back in three months for another checkup! (Is there a “Glory” anywhere out there!).

            Brother Stewart also preached a powerful message on “The Need of Holiness”. He stressed the fact that Holiness has to begin in the Heart, must be lived out in the Home, should become a Habit of Life, and will then be regularly displayed in our worship at the House of God. Holiness is not a mask we put on for our neighbors; it is a changed life we live because of our relationship with God.

            Health and Holiness- John said he wanted our body to be healthy according to the way our soul prospered. If so, would you be bed ridden this week or would you be busy showing the world the difference Christ makes in a life?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 30, 2001

CHECKLIST

            Recent events in America have led to a revival in Patriotism. That is commendable and celebrated. My desire, however, is for a revival of genuine Christian living. I love my country but I realize that being a good citizen will not get me into Heaven; admission through the Heavenly Door comes only to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

            With that in mind let me ask you some questions that I hope will stir you to becoming the best Christian you can be.

            1) What are you doing about what Jesus did? Jesus died to pay for your sins. Have you accepted Him as Savior and claimed His shed blood as a payment for the sin debt you owe God? If you are a Christian, what have you done this week to share the good news of what Jesus did?

            2) What has changed since you became a child of God? Can you list 5 things that you have stopped doing and 5 things that you have begun doing that are a direct result of your relationship with Christ?

            3) When is the last time you did something for the first time for God? Have you become lukewarm and unconcerned in your Christian life? Do you rest on what you used to do for God? Has Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance become just a routine for you to routinely go through? Have you lost the excitement of being a child of God?

            4) Finally, How are you preparing for His Coming? Have you become so worldly minded until you have lost your Heavenly vision? Do you daily pass up opportunities to share your faith with others thinking that you will do it later; not realizing that King Jesus could return at any moment?

            Becoming a Christian will change your character and your conduct; which will lead to a great change in our country. How are you progressing?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 31, 2001

DEVIL’S DAY

            A Month and a half ago he inspired his followers to commandeer some airplanes and crash them into buildings with terrific lost of life. Joyfully he organizes hatred, racism, and prejudice. Gleefully, he orchestrates murder, mayhem, and mischief on a regular basis. Death, destruction, disease, and disorder are his trademarks.

            Yet, many pause on this day to honor the devil’s representatives and act like the devil’s disciples. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

            In a time of attacks, anthrax, and anxiety; witches, ghosts, and demonic disguises are paraded down streets with celebration and merrymaking- while anyone who represents the God of Peace, Love, and Salvation is barred from displaying their faith and teachings in public assemblies. Is there something wrong with this picture?

            Of all the horrible things that happened on that horrible Tuesday one of the most heartbreaking is the fact that when some of the people aboard those planes crashed into the buildings and their lives were ended much too quickly in a ball of fire; they never stopped burning! And it just seems strange to me that people would want to celebrate a day that promotes the devil and his demons who are the instigators of this unspeakable horror.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 6, 2001

CHURCH’S CHORE

            You drive through town and see all the fast food places and you know what they are there for. You drive by a hardware store and you know what it is there for. But when you drive by the many churches in our area, do you know what they are there for? Here are some of the “chores” assigned to the Church by their “boss” (God).

            Raise the Dead. One of the first jobs of the Church is to raise those who are dead in trespasses and sins. This is a job that takes supernatural power and is performed by the clear preaching of the Word of God about sin’s penalty, Jesus’ payment, God’s promise, and man’s acceptance. It can’t be done by asking the corpses to act better, dress better, and talk better.

            Resist the Devil. The enemy of God and good is Satan. The Church is to fight the good fight of faith in standing against Satan and all he tries to do.

            Rebuke the Erring. Sin and Self lead men astray. The Church is to continually point them back to the straight and narrow so they will enjoy the peace and happiness of a committed holy life.

            Restore the Prodigal. Sometimes men leave the Father’s house and live in the world’s hog pens. The Church rejoices when these men “come to themselves” and return to the Father. The consequences of their wasted wealth must be faced but the family is thrilled to have them back home.

            Rejoice with the Saints. Churches should be places of music, fellowship, testimonies, praise, and joy. It is there that Christians get together and share how God has blessed them and spend time in worship of the Most High God.

            Reflect the Savior. Jesus said that if He was lifted up that He would draw all men unto Himself. The church exist to exalt Jesus! A Church is to do this in its actions, its attitudes, its preaching, and its dealings with society.

            These then are some of the chores of the Church. If your church is not doing these chores then I would look closer at who gives orders to your Church.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 7, 2001

MIRROR REFLECTION

            While sitting at my desk reading, recently, I looked out the window and noticed that someone had put a flower in the back of my van. Surprised that anyone would do that without telling me, I investigated. There was no flower in the back of my van. Something strange going on here.

            Again, sitting at my desk looking at my van, there was a pretty flower sitting in the back of the van. What could it be? Beyond the van was the parking lot and the street so I was not looking thru the van window and seeing a flower. The van was parked right beside the building and there were no flowers on that side of the building. I was thinking about getting my eyes checked!

            As my eyes wandered around my office I noticed the flower sitting on the book shelf across my office. It looked like the flower in my van. Finally, I figured it out. Since the time change I was at my office just as the sun was coming up. The sun was reflecting thru the window where the flower was sitting and shining on the window next to the van. Since it was still dark on that side of the building that window was acting as a mirror and showing the flower across the room. Whew! I’m not crazy after all!

            As I sat there God seemed to speak to my heart and tell me, “That is what I want you to do. I want you to reflect my beauty and goodness in such a way until people see me instead of you.” May God help me to be that kind of mirror reflection.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 13, 2001

WEEKLY WISHERS

            One of the aspects of ministry that has greatly surprised me as I visit different churches is the number of pastors who have become “Weekly Wishers”. Each week they open the doors of the Church and wish that a huge crowd of people would suddenly show up. They have not done a whole lot to get extra people there but they sure do wish they would come so everyone could brag on the pastor!

            First, let me give you some practical advice. If Fifty extra people suddenly showed up at your church this Sunday what would you do with them! Who would teach the 4 extra Sunday School classes that would be needed? Where would you find the 3 extra staff for the Nursery? If you were too lazy to invite them, would you be energetic enough to add 50 extra visits to your already overcrowded schedule next week? How would your normal members react to suddenly being overwhelmed with a room full of strangers? Remember that even God knew the value of “little by little” in growth- (Exodus 23:29-30) I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.

            Having said that, let me give you some ways that will help turn your “weekly wish” into a reality. Write Five post Cards each week. For slightly more than a dollar you can encourage some people, invite some people, and endear yourself to some people. Good investment. Then do a day of your Bible reading each week in the cafeteria at Wal-Mart. You can do more visiting in an hour at Wal-Mart than you can in a day of driving over the community; and, if you do not see a soul you can talk too, you have still done your Bible reading for the day. And when you leave there, take a stroll through the Grocery Store. You will be amazed at who you see.

            Be a Weekly Worker instead of a “Weekly Wisher” and stand amazed at how God will grow you as just the right pace.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, Nov 14, 2001

HOW TO GET NOTHING

             Jas 1:6-7 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth 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.

            Many people pray a lot but seldom, if ever, see an answer to those prayers that can be directly attributed to God. It is almost like going to a water spigot time after time and always coming away with an empty glass. After a while I believe I would get thirsty enough to find out what was wrong with the water supply!

            James declares in this scripture that one reason the spigot never provides water is the wavering faith of the person doing the praying. Instead of standing upon the rock of the promises of God as given in the Bible, this person is driven by whim, wish, or worldly pressures to throw some words at God in the fickle faith that one day God might accidently do something about their request. Probably no one would be more shocked that their prayer was actually answered than them!

            I am glad I know a loving Heavenly Father who delights in providing the needs and answering the requests of His children. He longs for His refreshing living waters to flow into our glass of need every single time we come before Him. But He can’t get past the dam of our doubt. Oh, what Blessings would flow if real faith would destroy this dam and allow God to work.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 20, 2001

WONDROUS WALK

            Adam walked with God in the Cool of the Day. Enoch walked with God so much until one day “he was not for God took him”. Abraham was told to walk before God and be perfect. Paul walked so close to God until he could exhort men to walk before God in the same way that he walked. Jesus said it was necessary for Him to depart and go back to the Father so that the Holy Spirit could take up residence in our heart in order that we could daily walk in the power of the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. What a difference it makes when you know the day ahead of you is a day walking in victory instead of defeat!

            But sometimes we take our ability to walk with God for granted. Moment by moment, day by day, God has given us the happy privilege of walking with Him and experiencing the warmth of His love and care. Yet, too many times, our daily walk turns into a rush and a rat race as we are driven along with the cares, concerns, and circumstances of this present world. What will it take to make us come to a real realization of the unspeakably glorious privilege we have to daily walk and talk with the God of the universe?

            Sometimes in our rush to thank God for the Wealth we possess, or the Wellness we enjoy, we forget to thank Him for the Walk with Him we can experience. Maybe that is because we are so wrapped up in our own desires and dilemmas until we walk as if we were alone even when our great and mighty God is walking right beside us! How thankful we should be, and how blessed we should live, to realize that God wants to walk with us in order to supply our needs, support us in our problems, and sustain us in our battles. Is God YOUR walking partner today?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 21, 2001

COMMON BLESSINGS

            The prayer request from this ladies prayer group brought tears to our eyes, pain to our hearts, and earnest prayers to our lips. A false accusation turned a carefree life completely upside down. A divorced son had to return home and he brought 3 children with him. The entire life of two families was changed. An ailing mother had to move in with her son and his wife, both of whom were barely able to care for themselves; and now they had a seemingly overwhelming burden added to their lot.

            One request was for cancer that was a three on a scale of one to four. The next was for a four! Requests for surgeries, sicknesses, and unsaved family members rolled off lip after lip. The pain and problems carried on the dainty shoulders of the ladies in that room would have brought a Hercules to his knees.

            Oddly, the greater the requests piled up the more I realized how thankful I needed to be. My trials and tribulations seemed like a molehill beside the mountain of needs expressed by these ladies. God forgive me for the days I take so many of life’s blessings for granted. Prayer multiplies during great troubles. Praise comes easy during bountiful blessings. But the really thankful heart is the one to which common blessings bring continual praise. Every day I need to remind myself to praise God for common as well as special blessings.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 27, 2001

CONNECTED CORRECTLY

            Everyone worships a god; even if it is the god of no god! Most wars that are fought, and most traditions that box in people, tribes, and nations come from their perception of the guidelines put in place by their god. Yet, surprisingly, gods are always invisible and must be accepted by Faith, represented by a man made idol, or proclaimed by a “god called man”. That has led to many “prophets of god” who have only wanted to profit from god or push upon other people their own agenda (Which is piously blamed on god’s will or god’s word).

            In the midst of claims and counter claims, under the overwhelming pressure of fanatical zeal and social pressures, how do you know what or who to believe? No wonder many have thrown up their hands and simply proclaimed that it does not matter what you believe just as long as you sincerely believe what you believe.

            I recently had to make up some cables to connect some computers in our office. One thing I learned very early, if you cross the wires when you make up the connectors then you will not be able to get the computers to communicate- no matter how long you work or how hard you pray! In the same way, you can’t get your perception of God all twisted up and still expect to have a clear vision of who God is and what He wants from you.

            That is why God became flesh and dwelt among men. God knew we needed an untwisted view of God in action and that could only come if God walked among us. So if God seems far away and you can’t seem to get in touch with Him it might be time for you to allow Jesus to straighten out your life. You will be amazed at how close God seems and how well life works when everything is connected correctly.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 28, 2001

PREACHER PLATE

            When I was the pastor of a local church, the Ladies Group began a tradition that I did not try to stop. After the Ladies had their Bible Study time they would always have some light refreshments. A tradition was begun that whoever was serving the refreshments would tell my wife to fix a plate and carry it home to the preacher. I like those ladies!

            After I left the Church to serve our denomination on a state level my wife continued to attend the Ladies Group. But the tradition of a plate for the preacher was discontinued so I would go to a local restaurant, get a light meal, read my Bible chapters, and wait for my wife to finish her meeting.

            When I dropped my wife off at the last meeting the new pastor of the Church wanted to show me the new sanctuary addition they are building. We rejoiced so much (and talked so much!) until I did not get the opportunity to get anything to eat. Now my non-lunch was turning into a non-supper.

            When my wife came out of the Ladies meeting she had a plate of food in her hand with a piece of cake wrapped up on top. Is there a Glory anywhere out there! Just at the right time, God touched Mrs. Dot to remember and reinstated the plate for the preacher tradition.

            That may not mean a lot to you but it spoke volumes to me of God’s continual care and provision. Thank God that even a hungry preacher does not escape His attention!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 4, 2001

CHANGING SHOES

            The hole in the bottom did not bother me. The fact that the inside of the shoe was coming apart did not bother me. What finally make be go to the local shoe store for new shoes was the fact that the side of the shoe “blew out” and my socks were beginning to show!

            New shoes are nice; and they provide a thrill to women that still baffles my brain, but I hate to give up my comfortable broke in shoes for a new set. When my wife goes to buy shoes she looks at the style, the color, and way it goes with a certain dress. When I go to buy shoes I look at the comfortable way they fit, how easy they will be to polish, and the price tag!

            When I returned to the office with my new pair of shoes; and after I recovered from sticker shock (!), I began to consider that men think about shoes like sinners think about Salvation. Most men put off buying new shoes until something major makes them make a decision; just like many sinners put off salvation until a major happening makes them realize the importance of turning to Christ.

            Men look for comfortable shoes that feel good when you wear them; sinners look for something to bring comfort to their heart and quite the nagging conviction that screams in their soul. Men look for shoes that are easy to maintain; sinners look for something that they can really live instead of just talk about on Sunday Morning. Men look for “economical” shoes; sinners find they can freely receive eternal abundant life by a simple act of faith.

            I’m glad I’ve gotten my new shoes and wonder why I waited so long. And if you will accept Christ as your savior today you will think the same thing!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 5, 2001

RED DOT CONCERN

            Recently as I was talking with Pastor Larry Hughes of Salem FWB Church about some remodeling work at his Church I found that he shared the same philosophy as I do about remodeling- Get a committee of people who can be trusted, give them the authority to make color decisions, and then be prepared to back their decision as if it were your own. He did say, however, that he tried to caution the committee to stay away from putting “red dots” on the outside of the Church since that was the symbol for a liquor store!

            Such a statement was meant mostly in fun but it had a serious foundation. Church Members need to be aware that the world is watching our care of the church almost as much as they do the conduct of the members. If people ride by and see neglected Church buildings and overgrown Church yards then they will assume that the members of that Church care little about God’s reputation; or about their relationship with Him. In this case, the “red dot” might be a peeling shade of faded white or a weed infested flower bed beside the walk leading to the front door of the Church!

            “Red dots” also seem to appear on the Church when members of the Church act toward each other as if they were drunk with wine instead of being filled with the Spirit. That damages the Church’s reputation; and breaks God’s heart.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 11, 2001

THE COST OF CHRISTMAS

            Christmas is expensive. Yes, it cost most people more money than they have but I’m not talking about that kind of expense. That first Christmas exacted a cost to all those who were involved that is flabbergastingly above anything financial. Let’s look at part of the bill for that first Christmas.

            Joseph lost his reputation and his standing in the community when he obeyed the angel’s voice and remained engaged to a lady with child of the Holy Spirit before they were married. He lost his job and his home in the move to Bethlehem that Christmas demanded. Joseph paid a high cost for Christmas.

            Mary paid her bill for Christmas in pain and suffering. Can’t you just picture her riding those rough roads of Israel when it was almost time for her baby to be born. What anguish she must have suffered as she lay in a stable looking around at the feed trough that was soon to hold her child and wondering how she and Joseph could deliver this child on their own. And when finally the agony of birth was over and she thought she could get some rest a bunch of rough neck shepherds came barging in waking the baby and tracking mud all over the stable. Mary also paid a high cost for Christmas.

            But what of the child born that first Christmas day? Suddenly to be clothed in flesh and to be totally at the mercy of Mary and Joseph after ages of angel adoration and the comfort of complete power. To feel pain, hunger, and temptation as a man so that He could eventually die for mankind. Such love overwhelms me. It is beyond the comprehension of normal thought. What a cost Christ paid that first Christmas.

            At Christmas we think much of buying presents and little about being in His presence. The pressure of buying gifts for people who don’t need anything makes us forget about the one who gave everything. What a different attitude we would have if we just considered the cost of Christmas.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 12, 2001

PUMP HOUSE LIGHT

            You don’t heat your pump house with a neon light. Those of us who live in the country and depend on our own water supply know the importance of preventing your pump from freezing. Normally, the easiest thing to do is to put a light in the pump house and let the heat from this light keep the pump from freezing.

            The pump house does not need the light, it needs the heat. Churches need the light; but they also need some heat! The water of the Spirit is not flowing in our homes and in our communities because many Churches have begun to use “neon lights” instead of regular light bulbs and the pump is frozen.

            These churches meet week after week and “let their light shine” but the homes of the church members are falling apart and a wicked world is dying of thirst while drinking from pipes that only contain the sands of sin. People should be coming to the fountain of living water to find refreshment and relief. Instead they look with longing at empty pipes and frozen churches.

            If your church burned down this week, and you could not rebuild it, what kind of difference would it make in your community? If the only people who would be effected would be the Church members then you need to find out why your light has no heat; and what it would take to put you back into the Living Water Business!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 18, 2001

MAGIC MONEY

            I don’t know where they think it comes from. I talk with people all the time about the work of missionaries and the need to respond to their budget needs. It always surprises me that people see the need of sending missionaries to the regions beyond but they seem to think that “magic money” suddenly appears for missionaries without anyone having to give it.

            A missionaries budget is composed of three different parts: Their salary, their operating expenses, and special project needs. Most missionaries live on a salary so low when compared to their abilities and sacrifices until it should make Christians and churches blush with shame. Add in the cost of traveling, the expense of living in a foreign country, and the money needed to run churches, schools, and other missionary endeavors and you get a glimpse of the needs of their operational budget. And remember, every penny they spend has to come from somewhere; it doesn’t just “magically” appear.

            Jesus left Heaven to live on earth. He suffered rejection, pain, and death in order to provide eternal life for a sin cursed world. Like the missionary money, we must realize that the cost of salvation did not just “magically” appear. Jesus paid the full price for our sin debt (even to having God the Father turn His face from Him!) in order for us to be forgiven and receive eternal life. Salvation is free to receive but it sure didn’t come cheap!

            When you are sitting cosy and comfortable with family and friends this Christmas enjoying all your benefits and blessings, remember missionaries and the Messiah; and think about the fact that there is no “magic money” for missionaries and no cheap way to get to Heaven.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 19, 2001

THE MIND OF THE MESSIAH

            The mind of the Messiah boggles my brain. I have probably read at least a thousand times about the mind set that caused Christ to leave Heaven and come to earth to be born as a babe, to walk as a man, and to die on a cruel cross. Yet each time I read it I sit in awe and admiration and wonder how anyone could love anyone as much as God loved mankind.

            I have seen pictures of men who would sit for hours and gaze at a diamond. They would turn it from side to side and marvel at the way the light sparkled and shone. Some would even say that they could feel the “warmth” as it emanated from the gem. Personally, diamonds don’t do a thing for me; but I often sit and wonder and am warmed by the mind of the Messiah.

            Here then is the Mind of the Messiah as given to the apostle Paul to share with the church at Philippi- (Philippians 2:5-12) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 25, 2001

GIFTS TO GIVE GOD

            After all, it is HIS Birthday! Early on this day cries of excitement will echo in rooms full of hyperactive children who can’t wait to finish unwrapping one present so they can begin unwrapping another one! Cameras will flash to record that special moment of surprise and trash dumps will soon overflow with torn wrapping paper and empty boxes. But what will Christ receive on HIS Birthday? Here are a few suggestions about what you might want to give.

            Give the Gift of Gratitude. My wife was treated for cancer this year. When people ask how she is doing it is easy for me to tell them that compared to what some others have gone through this year she is doing great. In the midst of all the difficulties we have faced this year we have seen love, concern, and God’s purposes at work. Paula and I plan to begin this Christmas morning with a season of gratitude for God’s goodness, mercy, and care.

            Give the Gift of Sharing. I am fat, bald, and ugly (the truth is what will stand when the world is on fire!) yet, it never ceases to amaze me that my mother wants to see me! Of all the presents she will receive this year, the one she will talk about is the fact that her boys came to be with her. God is always there for me. Sometimes I am so busy working for Him until I fail to spend time with Him. This Christmas I plan to share myself with God; and then share my faith in God with others.

            Finally, give the Gift of Commitment. For God so loved the world until He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). God has forgiven me of my sins and made me one of His children. Surely, I should totally commit myself to Him and love Him with all my heart and serve Him with all my life.

            Many gifts will be given this Christmas. But it is HIS birthday. What will you give Him?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 26, 2001

FACING THE FUTURE

            My devotional reading today was from the book of Revelation. It told about wrath, judgement, and rebellious men who blasphemed the name of God. Not the calm and relaxing verses you normally want for your devotion but since I try to read the entire Bible it is part of the real world described in vivid detail in many passages in the Word of God.

            Another year is about to open before us. This time last year no one had any idea about the terrible chain of events that would shake our world to its very foundation. We were at “ease in Zion” with nothing but prosperity and security before us. Now we are under constant security alerts and face constant treats to our jobs and livelihood.

            According to Revelation chapter three prosperity will return and people will increasingly depend on goods instead of God which will make them prime targets for the reign of the Antichrist as he ties people’s worship of him in with providing the goods they have become accustomed to having. Pleasure and profit will be the keywords of society until one day, with the suddenness of September 11^th, situations will change as death and chaos arrive.

            How do you face such a future? Just trust in God. Nothing takes Him by surprise and nothing is beyond His loving care. So make your “New Years’s Resolution” this year the fact that you will serve God with all your heart. Then your future, no matter what it brings, will be great to face!.