January 2012

30 Jan

Posted at 13:07h in Devotionals
0 Likes
"Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. . ." 2 Chronicles 18:33 It's a rather strange story that suggests a very unique, and often overlooked, truth. Ahab, even though he was the king of Israel, was seen as the enemy of God by the faithful and the enemy of man by everybody else.  In fact, they had made elaborate plans to remove him from his position, but every plan they'd tried had failed. They had sent squads, and entire armies, to kill him, but nothing succeeded. They had even aimed all of their arrows at him but every arrow missed its royal target. Then something very strange and completely unexpected happened. An unnamed soldier was wasting time, perhaps trying some trick shots with his bow and arrow for the amusement of his friends or himself. Suddenly the trick shot became a tragic shot when the arrow meant for another target found its way to the enemy of God and he fell dead. The killing of the king came from a hand that wasn't looking to take it and from and arrow that wasn't meant for him.

27 Jan

Posted at 12:38h in Fridays Are For Family
0 Likes
I found out recently that one of my most faithful, trusted leaders and his family is being relocated due to a job transfer. It was really hard news to hear. This is a man who has taught for me, led Sunday School and Discipleship classes, counseled hurting individuals and families as well as done everything from cooking to cleaning to repair work around the church for the past ten years. I not only appreciate him as a church member, I love him as a friend. So, it was hard to hear this week that the time has finally come and this will be their last Sunday at Temple Baptist Church.

18 Jan

Posted at 13:27h in Devotionals
0 Likes
"But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." John 7:39 It's a question that has caused considerable consternation: "How can a person know if they have received the gift of the Holy Spirit?" Is there any test to help determine the Spirit's presence or absence in the life of an individual? John says that there is indeed such a test.  He says that the Holy Spirit had not been given yet, "because Jesus was not yet glorified."  So, the test that tells of the Spirit's absence is that of an unglorified Jesus, and the proof that proves His presence is a heart where Jesus is honored.

16 Jan

Posted at 11:43h in Devotionals
0 Likes
"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away." Matthew 14:22 Jesus "made His disciples get into the boat." I understand this to mean that Jesus forced them, He compelled, constrained them to get into the boat and set sail.  Surely, if there ever was a promise that a mission would be successful, this should have been it. These disciples were literally forced to put out to sea! They were compelled by a command they couldn't refuse - Jesus had told them to go. If they were ever going to be safe, secure and successful this should have been the time and place. There was no doubt about it. They were where Jesus told them to be, when He told them to be there.  They were away from the distractions and dangers of the world. Yet, as I read the account, at first it appears that in obeying Jesus they actually put themselves at the greatest risk of danger, disappointment and failure - He sent them straight into a storm. And what a storm it was! It was such a storm that even these experienced men of the sea had never seen its like before.