Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Devo # 81 Christ, the Savior is Born!

Key Verse: 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2: 16-17 NIV

Although I heard and read the scriptures detailing Christ birth all of my life, I never get tired of hearing them. It is an amazingly wonderful story of Immanuel "God With Us"

Note the historical reference:


1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
The Hotels were booked solid
6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
The Shepherds Go to Find Jesus
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

The Shepherd Spread the Word About Jesus 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior over 2000 years ago. Thank you that he lives in me today and is coming again to rule he world! Help me, like the Shepherds to tell of the Good News of your coming!

Enjoy this Aretha Franklin Version of Silent Night on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXG6JwTbUO8

Monday, December 21, 2009

Devo # 80 "The Wonderful Names of Jesus"

Key Verse: Unto us us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This is one of many scriptures foretelling the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. This passage not only foretells his coming but also tells of his wonderful names, signifying what Jesus would come to do.

6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Prayer: Lord, your name indeed is wonderful! You are a great Counselor and a Mighty God! Thank you Lord that you are our everlasting Father and that indeed you are the Prince of Peace. Lord your rule with lasf forever and ever and I give praise, honor and glory to your name! In Jesus Name! Amen!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Devo # 79: Jesus died in the place of rebels!

Key Verse: "He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels." 53:12b NLT

Isaiah reminds us why Jesus had to come and die. Though he was God, and had done no wrong as a man, he was punished in our place:

Jesus bore the penalty of our sins:

6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.
Jesus had done nothing wrong but willingly suffered for our sins!

7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
8 Unjustly condemned,
he was led away.[b]
No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.[c]
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.
9 He had done no wrong
and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man’s grave.

Jesus was not just the victim of man's inhumanity but his sacrifice for us was a part of God's plan.
10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.

Jesus would rejoice that his suffering brought about our righteousness!
11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.

Jesus is worthy of our honor and praise for what he did for us!

12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for bearing my sin, Thank you for interceeding for me, even when I was dead in my trespasses and sins! Lord you are good and worthy of all praise, Glory and honor are due your name!!Though you were already God, thank you for coming to earth, being born in the form of a baby, living as a man, dying for my sins, rising again from the dead and now siting at the right hand of God. Thank you that you are now interceeding for me and that you will come back to judge and rule the world. Help me Lord to live a life worthy of your love and sacrifice for me! In Jesus Name! Amen!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Devo # 78 "Jesus took our Punishment!"

Key Verse: "But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed." Isaiah 53:5

As we approach the Christmas season, this passage reminds us why Jesus came in the first place! Jesus came to sacrifice his life in our place so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be made right with God! He was executed in our place so that we could go free and have life!

1 Who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.

4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:1-6 NLT

Prayer:
Thank you Lord for taking my punishment so that I could have eternal life. Help me to forever live a life of gratitude for your sacrifice for me. In Jesus Name Amen!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

# 77 Zechariah's Prophecy at John's Birth speaks of the Coming Messiah!

Key Verse: 67His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
69He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David Luke 1:67-69 NIV

John the Baptist is Born and is given his Name:


57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John." 61They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name." 62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."

The Neighbors are amazed:

64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.

Zechariah Prophesies About Jesus:


67His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
69He has raised up a horn[d] of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace."
80And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel
Luke 1:57-80 NIV

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the witness you sent through Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah and Baby John to the coming of Jesus, the Messiah!
In Jesus Name! Amen!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Fred's Devo # 76 "Baby John's Amazing Response to Baby Jesus!

Key Verse: 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!

After Mary got the announcement that she was to bear the Messiah, she immediately went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist-who was to be the Forerunner of Jesus!

39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.


Look at the amazing response of baby John in Elizabeth's womb!

41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!


Here was Cousin Elizabeth's Response:

43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!


"46And Mary said:
My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

Mary goes into a time of Praise and Worship that Every Christian should Emulate!


46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.


Prayer: Lord, Like Mary, I magnify your holy name for you are worthy to be praised!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Fred's Devo # 75 The Angel Gabriel Makes an Astonishing Announcement to Mary!

Key Verse: I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38 NIV

I am always amazed and humbled every time I read the story of Gabriel's wonderful announcement to Mary that she would bear the son of God! Let's review this beautiful story as found in Luke 1:26-38 NIV

First, God sends the Angel Gabriel shows up at Mary's house!


In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was stunned to say the Least!

29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

Gabriel reassures Mary and breaks the news!
30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Mary replies, I don't get it?

34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

Gabriel breaks it down:
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."

Mary receives the message and yields to God's purpose in her life!
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Prayer: Lord I thank you for Mary's response to the astounding news that she would bear the Messiah, he Son of the Most High God! Yhank you for her example of asking the honest questions that were on her heart and then accepting your answers by faith. Let me live a life that would cause me to be used by you to carry out your purpose for my life. Help me, like Mary, to see the answers to the questions I need to ask for clarity and then trust you to do what you said, even when I don't fully understand! Help me to yield to your purpose for my life. Help me to receive you when you come to me. Help me say like Mary: "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38 NIV

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Fred's Devo # 74: God sends John the Baptist as a Forerunner of Jesus

One of the things I appreciate most about the Christmas story is the work of preparation that God did in sending his son Jesus to the earth to become our Saviour. In today's passage, he sends John as a forerunner of Jesus:

Key verse: "But the angel said...your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John...for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God." Luke 1:13-16 NLT

"Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar. [12] Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. [13] But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. [14] You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth, [15] for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. [17] He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom."

This was the announcement that the angel Gabriel made to the priest, Zechariah as he was carrying out his duties in the Jewish temple. He told Zechariah, that his wife who was by now an and old woman would have a child who would be great in the eyes of the Lord! Yhis child would be filled with the Spirit and would persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord. As we read on, we learn that this child's name was John and that he later preached to the Israelites, baptizing them and prepared them for the message of Jesus, he Messiah!

Even though, Zechariah had been praying for a child, he was in shock and disbelief when God answered his prayer. Our mighty God can do the impossible!

Application:

One of the things I appreciate most about the Christmas story is the work of preparation that God did in sending his son Jesus to the earth to become our Saviour. In today's passage, he sends John as a forerunner of Jesus:

Key verse: "But the angel said...your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John...for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God." Luke 1:13-16 NLT

"Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar. [12] Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. [13] But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. [14] You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth, [15] for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. [17] He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom."

This was the announcement that the angel Gabriel made to the priest, Zechariah as he was carrying out his duties in the Jewish temple. He told Zechariah, that his wife who was by now an and old woman would have a child who would be great in the eyes of the Lord! Yhis child would be filled with the Spirit and would persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord. As we read on, we learn that this child's name was John and that he later preached to the Israelites, baptizing them and prepared them for the message of Jesus, he Messiah!

Even though, Zechariah had been praying for a child, he was in shock and disbelief when God answered his prayer. Our mighty God can do the impossible!

Application: We can learn three things from Zechariah. First, Our God can do the impossible. Secondly, God has great plans for you. Thirdly, God wants to use you to turn the hearts of others to God.

Lord, I know that you can do the impossible! I trust you! Use me to do great things for your glory! Use me to turn the hearts of other people to God. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Fred's Devo # 73 Christmas Presents or God's Presence?

For today's "Guest Devotionalist, I am sharing a devotional from Our Daily Bread which can be found at:

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

Enjoy!

Oswald Chambers once wrote: “It is not God’s promises we need, it is [God] Himself.”

At Christmastime we often say, “God’s presence is more important than presents.” But the amount of time and effort we spend on shopping for gifts may indicate otherwise.

In certain parts of the world, people give gifts on December 6. By doing so, they have the rest of the month to focus on Jesus and the wonder of His birth, God’s perfect gift to us.

When we say we want God’s presence more than presents from others, perhaps we’re being truthful. But how many of us can honestly say that we want God’s presence more than His presents?

Often we want gifts from God more than we want God Himself. We want health, wealth, knowledge, a better job, a better place to live. God may indeed want to give us these things, but we can’t have them apart from Him. As David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). Presents may make us happy for a time; earthly gifts from God may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.

So, what would Christmas be like if we truly celebrated God’s presence? — Julie Ackerman Link

Lord, we want to remember You and Your coming in special ways this Christmas. Give us creativity and thoughtfulness in our planning. Help us to focus on Your presence and not on what we hope to give or receive.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Fred's Devo # 72 :"Hold on to Your Faith: Jesus Understands Your Struggles"

Key Verse: " So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16, NLT

In today's devotional, we are encouraged to hold onto our Faith in Jesus, even when we are tried and tested. Jesus understands because he went through the same struggles and testings as we see in this passage:

"14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT

Everybody struggles with weaknesses and sin. It is in those times that we need to know that God loves us and is willing to forgive us and restore us. In this passage, the writer tells us to hold on to our Faith. He reminds us that we have a High Priest in Jesus who understands what means to be human and to be tempted, tried and tested. Therefore we can run to the throne of God who is ready to provide mercy, understanding and forgiveness when we are in our greatest time of struggle and need.

When you are struggling, don't run away from Jesus, run to Him and fall in His arms.
Pour your heart out to Him! He's waiting for you!

Prayer: Father In Jesus name, I thank you for sending Jesus who understands all of my hurts, sins and struggles. Thank you for reminding me that you are ready and waiting for me to help me in my time of need. Thank you that I will find mercy and grace at your throne. THANK YOU JESUS!
In your Nane! Amen.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Fred's Daily Devo # 71 "The Word of God is Living, Active and Sharp"

12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12

Commentary: The word of God is not some dry, dead, passive words written on a page but it is the word spoken by the God of the universe. That means these words themselves are truth from God himself and therefore come with great power. God's word is described here as living, active and sharp. God's word is able to penetrate, dividing the soul and the spirit and God's word is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of he heart. Nothing is hidden from God's sight and we must give an account to him of our stewardship. Yet this awesome God loves us and desires to have a relationship with us! Amazing!

Prayer: Father in Jesus Name, I thank you for your living, active, sharp and powerful word. Help me Lord God to meditate regularly in your word and walk in it so that I will be changed by it.

In Jesus Name! Amen

Jesus the Great High Priest

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Fred's Devo # 70: Stay Focused on Jesus!

Key Verse: " 1Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess." Hebrews 3:1

Comments: In this chapter, the writer of Hebrews exhorts us to fix our eyes upon Jesus. He is worthy of our praise above anything else that could grab our attention. God has a word for us in verses 7,8,10,12 and 13-14:

Don't Have a Hard Heart!
7So, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
8do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion,
during the time of testing in the desert,

Don't Have a Straying Heart!
10That is why I was angry with that generation,
and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray,
and they have not known my ways."

Don't Have a Sinful- Unbelieving Heart!.

"12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

Encourage Each Other: Sin is Deceitful!

13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Hold on til the End!

14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

Prayer: Lord, Forgive me for the times when I have strayed away from you or have hardened by heart against your word. Forgive for the times when I have allowed a sinful unbelieving heart that turned away from you. Instead Lord, give me a soft heart that is open to your instructions. Give me a heart that stays focused on you. embraces your word, believes it and obeys you. Help me also encourage my brothers and sister as well and warn them about the decietfulness of sin.

In Jesus Name! Amen.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Fred's Devo # 69 " All of Our Blessings Come From You!"

Key verse: "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." I Chronicles 29:14b.

This is a part of a Prayer of Thanksgiving that David gave after God's people gave generously in preparation for the building of the temple.

Let's listen in on David's prayer beginning in verse 11:

11"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.

14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. I Chronicles 29:11-14

Commentary: After giving this generous offering, David does not boast, but begins to give glory and honor to the Mighty, Awesome God that he serves. Then he acknowledges that the generous offering they just gave, came from Gods hand, so they really have no reason to boast. In fact, he is humbled by God's bountiful provision which allows them to give in this way.

Prayer: Lord I realize that everything I have came from your hand. Thank you for your awesome provision for me! Now Lord, help me to give even more generously than I have in the past and as I receive more, help me to give even more-understanding that it all came from your hand.
In Jesus Nmae! Amen!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Fred's Devo # 68: It is Good to Give Thanks!

For Today's devotional, we will share scriptures on Thanksgiving

God Instructs Us to Give Thanks:
Give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! —Psalm 105:1-2

Make Your Requests to God with a Thankful Attitude:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6

Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.—Psalm 9:1

Giving Thanks is a Good Thing!
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
—Psalm 92:1

Give Thanks to His Holy Name!
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
—Psalm 97:12 http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Come Into God's presence Thanking God!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! —Psalm 100:4


Let's end with this Psalm of Praise found in Psalm 100 (KJV)

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Fred's Devo # 67 Jesus Set Us Free From The Fear of Dying!!!

Key Verse: "For only as a human being could he (Jesus) die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying." Hebrews 14:b-15, NLT

Amazing and Wonderful! Jesus sacrifice and death for us broke the power of the devil over our lives and took away from us the fear of dying! HALLELUJAH!

" 16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters,[h] so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested."

Commentary: As we see in the verses above, Jesus died for us, not angels! That's why he came as a man! Since he went through the same testing and suffering that we went through as humans, he is able to help us when we are tested!

Prayer: Jesus, thank you that though you were God, you came to earth as a man to live ,suffer and die as a sacrifice for our sins. I thank you that you understand our human temptations and trials because you yourself went through them. Lord give me the power and the strength to overcome my sins and resist the temptations that come my way. I thank you Lord that when I do sin, that you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. (I Johnn 1:9)
In Jesus Name! Amen!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Fred's Devo # 66 " Jesus, Our Savior and Our Brother! Amazing!

Key Verse: So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11

It is amazing that Jesus our Saviour and Creator, also calls himself our Brother!
The writer is marveling at God's amazing attention and care for us: He says in verse 6"-9: “What are mere mortals that you should think about them,
or a son of man[a] that you should care for him?
7 Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.[b]
8 You gave them authority over all things.”[c]

Futhermore, in verses 9 - 10 the writer says: "...Jesus, who was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

Yet this great Jesus calls us His brother in verse 11: "So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.[d] 12 For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.”[e]

AMAZING LOVE!

In closing, let's meditate on the words of this Hymn:

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

In Jesus Name! Amen!

"And Can It Be That I Should Gain" words by Charles Wesley
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/c/acanitbe.htm

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Fred's Devo # 65: Do Not Drift Away From the Glorious Gospel!

"1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose."

In today's scripture, Paul warns Hebrew believers not to stray away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they have embraced! He makes the point that in the Old testament days, God set up the law and punished those who disobeyed it. It is also true that he rewarded those who followed it. (see Deutoronomy 28)

By the same token, if we reject or ignore the Gospel message, we have just rejected our escape route from eternal punishment in Hell! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Paul says in Romans 3:23 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.

Prayer: Lord, in a world where people scoff at the message of the Gospel, let me never, ever reject the truth of the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not only my escape route from Hell, but it also reconnects me with my creator and leads me to my true identity and purpose in Christ. Help me to live the life of a Christian and freely tell others about this Glorious News! In Jesus Name! Amen

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Fred's Devo # 64 :What to do When Trouble Comes!

Nobody likes trouble, problems difficulties. I know I don't; but they come anyway. The question is, how do we handle trouble when it comes. Do we put our heads in the sand until it passes? Do we put our lives on hold? Or do we figure a way to face our trials and to gain whatever lessons or benefits they may hold for us? I know sounds sort of crazy but stick with me.


Here's what the bible says about trouble or trials or difficulties.


"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault...12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Are you kidding me? "Consider it pure joy when you face trials" That's not how most of us think. The first think I think is "Oh No!" Yet the writer James tells us to have joy. If that's the case, there must be some benefits to trials.

How to respond to trials:


First trials are an opportunity to stop,evaluate ourselves and ask God for wisdom. Are we living right? Have we strayed away from God? Have we done anything to create the mess we are in? Is God trying to speak to us? Use trouble as an opportunity to God in prayer, to renew your relationship with him and to ask him for wisdom and guidance.

Secondly, If the trial is coming because we have taken a righteous and right stand for Jesus - rejoice! Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:12: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great"

Thirdly, trials and tests produce perseverance and character that cannot come any other way. An athlete only gets better when he or she is tested and tried in practice and competition.

Prayer: Lord, no one likes trouble but when it comes, help us to face it with prayer-spending time with you for renewal, evaluation and seeking wisdom. And Lord, give me the strength and the grace to make it through my battle with my faith intact. Lord if I am in trouble due to my own sin, show me what it is so I can confess and repent.

If I am facing trials because of my faith, I rejoice and glorify your name even more! Thank you for this privilege of being a witness for you!

Regardless, helps us to face trials with humility, trust and thanksgiving, knowing that all thinks work together for good, for those who love God. Romans 8:28

In Jesus Name, Amen

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Fred's Devo # 63: Putting on the Whole Armor of God

Today, we will be blessed by a Guest "devotionalist" Mary Ann Voelkel. She will lead us in an Armor of God prayer based on Ephesians 6:10-18. Read through Ephesians 6:10-18 below.

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Pray through the prayer. Pray it several times slowly and thoughtfully to get the full effect.
--------------------
Armor of God Prayer
By Mary Anne Voelkel, former InterVarsity Prayer Leader

Holy, loving, merciful God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…

I greet you this morning as my Heavenly Father, my Lord and Savior, and my great High Priest. I realize that first of all I need to give you myself and this new day. I ask you to fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit, and to clothe me with your armor, for my own is of no use against the enemy or to face the challenges I will encounter all day long.

I begin by putting on the Belt of Truth. You are the Truth and your Word is Truth. I ask you to nurture my soul and to teach me the Truth as I study Your Word. By your grace I will believe, speak, and live in accordance with the Truth. I embrace the Truth that you love me unconditionally, that I am in Christ and that he lives in me. I confess the Truth, that without you I can do nothing, but that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13).

I ask your forgiveness for my sin and self-centeredness. Please forgive me for________________ and cleanse me in your precious blood. I ask you to crucify my old nature and be my righteousness. Would you live your holy life in me, as I surrender myself to you? Let your righteousness be like a Breastplate to protect my vital organs, especially my heart, emotions and soul. Be the center of my life and the source of all I am and do. By your grace I will obey you and seek to live in fellowship and dependence on you.

Once again I put on the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. I will prepare myself to share the good news with others by reading your Word, praying for my non-Christian friends, and being ready to given an account for the Hope that is in me. Please bring me into situations and relationships where I can express your love and share the Gospel with others in the Power of the Holy Spirit Give me your heart of compassion for those in need. Enable me to help them with a willing and loving servant heart.

I put on the Helmet of your Salvation. Save me this day from the world, my flesh, and the Devil. I ask you to give me the mind of Christ and to think your thoughts in me.

I also take up the Shield of Faith by which I can extinguish all of the flaming arrows of the Evil One. By faith I ask you to bind and break any curses sent against me or my family and to place them under the feet of Jesus. I ask you to cancel all of the Enemy’s evil assignments, to confuse his strategies, and to extinguish each of the fiery arrows he chooses to send our way. I renounce and rebuke especially the arrows of____________.

I ask you to fill me and strengthen me with your Holy Spirit as I take up His Sword, those particular Words You give me to: guide my own life, use in intercession, share with others, or utter against the Enemy, in whatever ways you so lead me to do. Lead me into each aspect of my devotional time this morning and guide me throughout this day. Please reveal yourself to me so that I may know you better and love you more.

Over all this armor, I ask you to wrap me in your mantle of love. Fill my heart with love for yourself: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Fill my heart, as well with love for my family, friends, and those I minister to.

Finally, I come to you to take your yoke. May I abide in you even as you abide in me. May I worship you, serve you and love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May I increasingly love my neighbors as myself. I thank you that by Your Holy Presence in my life and your Person clothing me, I am effectively armed for whatever comes my way this day. Hallelujah! Amen!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Fred's Devo # 62 Jesus Is Greater Than the Angels!

On yesterday, we read in Hebrews 1:1-3: that God "has spoken to us through his Son. and that " God promised everything to Jesus and that Jesus:
Created the universe.
Radiates God’s own glory
Expresses the very character of God,
Sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.
Jesus also cleansed us from our sins!

In Hebrews 1:4-14 below, we learn that Jesus is greater than the angels:

"4This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.

5 For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:
“You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.
God also said, “I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son.”
6 And when he brought his firstborn Son into the world, God said,

“Let all of God’s angels worship him.”
7 Regarding the angels, he says,
“He sends his angels like the winds,
his servants like flames of fire.”

8 But to the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice.
9 You love justice and hate evil.
Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you,
pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”

10 He also says to the Son,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain forever.
They will wear out like old clothing.
12 You will fold them up like a cloak
and discard them like old clothing.
But you are always the same;
you will live forever.”

13 And God never said to any of the angels,
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.”

14 Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. (Hebrews 1:4-14,NLT)

Lord, I thank you for sending the angels to care four your people. Thank you even more for sending Jesus who is much greater than the angels because he laid the foundation of the earth and and His throne endures forever!

Because of Jesus, I have salvation! Thank you Jesus! In Your Holy Name! Amen.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Fred's Devo # 61: Jesus: Sustainer of the Universe!

"Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. [2] But now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he made the universe and everything in it. [3] The Son reflects God's own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command. After he died to cleanse us from the stain of sin, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God of heaven." Hebrews 1:1-3, NLT

Commentary: In the Old Testament days, God spoke to man through his prophets. In the New Testament days, God spoke thorough his Son, Jesus.
This scripture helps me to see the exalted position that Jesus has!
God promised everything to him!
He reflects the Glory of God!
Everything About Him represents God exactly!
He sustains the universe by the power of his command!
He died to cleanse us from sin!
He now sits at the right hand of God!

What a mighty Jesus we serve!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I worship you as King and ruler of the universe and ruler over my life. Help me to live a daily life of worship and praise, always giving honor to your Holy Name! In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Fred's Devo # 60 "Lord, Thank you for the Gift of Salvation"

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages, 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

The Apostle the Paul's benediction to Romans, he reminds the Gentiles of Rome of the glorious privilege they have of having heard the Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ! He shares that in times past, the Gospel was hidden from Gentiles (non Jews) but was later disclosed through the writings of the prophets -by God's command. Now the Gospel of Jesus Christ is made know to everyone in the world! HALLELUJAH!

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful that I live at a time when Christ is known and the Gospel is preached. Lord, thank you for saving my soul! Thank you for drawing me to yourself by your holy spirit when I was just a teenager! Thank you for walking with me all the years and never allowing me to slip from your hands. Help me now to boldly tell others about the Good News of Jesus Christ! Your plan to save the world from eternal condemnation and punishment.
In Jesus Name, Amen!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Fred's Dev # 59: "God is Working On Us: Now Work with Him!"

The scripture makes it plain that God has a purpose for each of us and is working on us! Meditate on these 5 verses:

God made us:
5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart Jeremiah 1:5

God works in us and God is building us. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. I Corinthians 4:9


God not only works in us but gives us power to please him.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Phillipians 2:13 NLT

We are God's Masterpiece: "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 NLT

God is the Potter;We are the Clay. He is in charge!
8But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Since God made us and is working in us and with us and building us and empowering us, then it behooves each of us to yield ourselves to God for him to do his complete work in us. Why are you resisting God's work in you? Submit to him? "Be still and let him do His thing in your life! He is a loving Father! He is not out to hurt you or short change you. He only has what is good for you. He says in Proverbs, "trust in the Lord with all thine heart, lean not unto your own understanding, in all they ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Finally, he says in Jer 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NIV

Father forgive me for the times that I have resisted the work that you have wanted to do in my life. Now according to Phillipians 2:13, give me power to please you.

In Jesus Name Amen!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Fred's Dev # 58 Fragile Existence: God is Good Even if Circumstances are Not!

Today's Guest Devotional comes from Radio Bible Class at

http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2009/11/12/devotion.aspx

Enjoy!


November 12, 2009
Fragile Existence
READ: Job 1:8-22
We should not trust in ourselves but in God. —2 Corinthians 1:9
The geological features at Yellowstone National Park fascinate me. But when I walk among the geysers, I’m aware of how close I am to danger. I am walking atop one of the largest, most active volcanoes in the world.

When I read the book of Job, I feel as if I’m walking through Yellowstone on a day when the volcano erupts, exploding the earth’s fragile crust and bringing disaster.

Like tourists at Yellowstone, Job was enjoying life. He was unaware that only a hedge separated him from disaster (Job 1:9-10). When God removed that hedge and allowed Satan to test Job, his life exploded (vv.13-19).

Many believers live in circumstances where it seems as if God, for some reason, has removed His hedge of protection. Others, also for reasons unknown, live in relative calm, seemingly unaware of their fragile existence. Like Job’s friends, they assume that nothing bad will happen unless they do something to deserve it.

As we learn from Job, however, God sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people. Although disaster can strike at any moment, nothing has the power to destroy those who trust Christ (2 Cor. 4:9). No disaster can separate us from God’s love. — Julie Ackerman Link

Though darker, rougher, grows the way
And cares press harder day by day,
With patience in His love I’ll rest,
And whisper that He knoweth best. —Pentecost

God’s love still stands when all else has fallen.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Fred's Devo #57 "What is the Condition of the Soil of Your Heart?"



Last night at the CFO-InterVarsity bible study, brother Dante did a wonderful job of leading a bible study on the Parable of the Sower, based on Mark 4. as well as I Cor 3.
Thanks for the good word brother Dante!

I wanted to use these scriptures as the basis of today's Devotional.

"Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." Mark 4:15-19

Commentary: Here, Jesus explains the parable of the sower where a farmer sows seeds on various types of soil. The soil is a parable for the condition of our hearts. The seeds represents the word of God. Some seeds fall on hard ground or hard hearts where the word is immediately scooped and take no root. Other seeds falls in the weeds, starts to sprout but is choked out by the cares of this world. Other seeds fall on stony ground but can't take root and dies out. Of course the best place to sow seed is good soil. Here it not only takes root but produces good fruit.

Prayer: Lotd help me to keep the soil of my heart fertile, tilled watered and ready to receive your word. Gaurd me from developing a stony heart where the word takes no root, a wayside heart where the word is snatched away or a thorny heart where the cares of this world choke the word out. To your glory Lord. In Jesus Name Amen!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

56 "Paul's Passion to Minister to the Gentiles: "

"For by God’s grace, 16 I (Apostle Paul) am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. 17 So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. 18 Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. 19 They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit.[i] In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.(Romans 15:15c-19)

Commentary: Paul had a passion to preach the gospel to the gentiles, to those who had never heard the gospel before. His goal was to "present them as an acceptable offering to the Lord".

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Paul's example of passion, focus and a clear vision for the ministry that you called him to. I know that this passion drove him and kept him going when things got difficult. I know that you have called me to minister to black college students and to young black men. Anoint me to serve with your power, passion and focus like Paul. Make them holy by the Holy Spirit and help them to be convinced by the power of God as they see you at work in their lives and the lives of those around them. In Jesus Name! Amen

Monday, November 9, 2009

Fred's Devo #55" God Gets the glory when we Welcome each Other"

7-13 "So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance:

Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;
I'll sing to your name!
And this one:
Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!
And again:
People of all nations, celebrate God!
All colors and races, give hearty praise!
And Isaiah's word:
There's the root of our ancestor Jesse,
breaking through the earth and growing tree tall,
Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! (Romans 15:7-13)

Commentary: When we welcome our brothers and sisters in Christ from various backgrounds with a spirit of hospitality, it brings Glory to God! In this instance, Jews and Gentiles were worshiping together for the first time. Christ was the bond that united them. Today, there are Christians from various denominations, styles of worship and races. However, as long as we have accepted Christ as the Lord and Savior we are called to accept them into our Christian family.

Prayer: Lord help me to welcome my Christian brothers and sisters into my fellowship regardless to whether they are black, white, Baptist of Pentecostal, as long as they worship Christ as Lord and Savior, I know that they are a part of the family of Christ.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Fred's Devotional # 54 "Christ, Our Perfect High Priest"

Today's Devotional was written by Bill Bauerle

Hebrews 7:26-28:
"For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever."

The Levitical priesthood were themselves sinful men and had to offer sacrifice, daily, for themselves before they could for the people. On the other hand Christ is holy, innocent, undefiled and separated from sin and it was fitting (necessary) that Christ would be such, in that, His sacrifice could then be permanent. The sacrifice of priests had to be made over and over, but Christ’s sacrifice was a once for all thing and it was in His perfect sacrifice that we could be clothed with His righteousness. The old system shows us that trying harder could never accomplish salvation, where as, Christ's obedience is able to provide salvation for his covenant people. While the Old Testament priest may have had a true heart for the people of Israel, they did not have the ability to save them, nor could they even save themselves. Christ on the other hand needed no salvation for Himself and therefore what he merited in His sacrifice could then be reckoned to His people.

In the finished work of Christ we have perfect salvation, and empowering for us to live as obedient children.

Bill

Have a blessed Lord’s day

Thursday, November 5, 2009

53 "Looking Out for our Struggling Brothers and Sisters"

Paul shares a good word about being sensitive to our brothers and sisters with weaknesses or shortcomings.

1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fred's Reflections: Every Christian doesn't have it all together all the time. The truth is, sometimes we struggle. In those cases, the last thing the struggling Christian needs is for someone to "put him or her on blast" Instead, we should listen to them with sensitivity, pray for them and encourage them that they can overcome through the mighty power of Jesus Christ! If necessary, we can pray with them and walk with them, holding them accountable if they need it. The key to helping a struggling Christian is humility, love and speaking the truth. Do not excuse their sin, but let them know that God has helped you to overcome and he will help them as well. Most of all challenge them to stay in the word and be transformed by the renewal of their minds.

Prayer: Save me from self righteousness when it comes to ministering to struggling Christians. Help me to remember that others have helped me in my times of struggle. Help me to reach out to them with a spirit of humility, while speaking the truth in love. In Jesus Name, Amen

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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Fred's Devo #52 : "Jesus is the Gate to Salvation"

7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:6-10)

Just before this passage, Jesus describes himself as a shepherd, caring for and loving us, His sheep. In this passage, Jesus describes himself as the gate, the way to salvation. Jesus makes it clear that as both the gate and the shepherd has the best interest of the sheep at heart. He is not like Satan the thief, whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. Instead his purpose is to bring us life-a rich and satisfying life!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus as our Shepherd to care for us and as our Gate to lead us to salvation. Protect us Lord from the evil one who comes to kill, steal and destroy! Help us to remain in your fold and invite others to accept Jesus and join the fold as well.

In Jesus Name! Amen

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Fred's Devo # 51: "Every Believer Must Give a Personal Account to God!"

6 "Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. 7 For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. 8 If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

10 So why do you condemn another believer[a]? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For the Scriptures say,

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bend to me,
and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.

12 Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. Romans 14:6-13

Fred's Reflections: "Every believer must give an account to God". Usually, when I think of this scripture, I think of it in connection win God judging the believer for sin. Actually, the context of this scripture is the liberty of the individual Christian to decide before God how he or she will live their lives in the grey areas. In other words, Christ will be my ultimate judge for how I choose to live my life in the gray areas (as well as the clear cut/ black and white areas). The passage tells us that the motivation of the believer is to honor the Lord. If we are focusing on honoring the Lord and not our weak brother and sisters, that will keep us from selfishness and insensitivity as we exercise our liberty in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I know that you will ultimately judge me when it comes to the choices I make about how I live my day to day life in the gray areas. Lord, are there areas in my life where I am not honoring you with my choices? ...Yes Lord, I confess to you that I can be a better steward of all of the things you have given me. I ask for your help as I make changes in the area of personal stewardship and management.
In Jesus Name! Amen

Monday, November 2, 2009

Fred's Devotional # 50 "How to Handle Differences over Disputable Matters

Some things are clearly right and wrong. We know it's wrong to lie, steal, or commit adultery. There are other areas that are not so cut and dry and my depend on where the individual is in their walk with the Lord. Today's passage will give us some guidance in this area. Read it thoughtfully.

1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
2-4For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.

5Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience". Romans 14:1-5, The Message

Fred's Reflections: In matters of how we dress, how we wear our hair, what we eat; these are matters that the individual Christian must decide before the Lord, depending on where they are in their walk with God. The questions they have to ask are these: Does it draw me away from God? Does it offend my brother? Does it bring shame on the name of Christ? Can I glorify Christ while doing this thing? Does it bother my Christian conscience? For example, before I became a Christian I loved soul and R & B music. After I got saved, I had to stop listening to it because it drew me away from Christ and back to thoughts of my previous lifestyle. Today, as an mature Christian, it does not hinder my relationship with God to listen to a James Brown or Marvin Gaye song. On the other hand, If I was riding in my car with a young believer who just gave his life to Christ, I would not turn to an R & B station if I knew this music could draw him away from Christ.

Let's pray: Lord help me to obey you in the things I know to do right. In the grey areas, help me to me to live my life in a way that keeps me close to you, honors Jesus and is sensitive to my brothers and sisters. In Jesus Name! Amen

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Fred's Devo # 49: Wake Up! It's Later Than You Think!

"This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."
Romans 13:11-14, NLT

Jesus will be returning sooner than we think! As Christians we need to wake up from our slumber and slackness and realize how late it is! We need to put off sin and unrighteous living and live as children of the Lord! We only have a limited amount of time to share the gospel with others! We cannot think and live like people in the world if we want to reach them. We have to think, act and live righteously if we are going to have an impact.

Prayer: Lord, where am I asleep? Where have I conformed to this world? Speak to your servant Lord!... Lord , I confess to you that I have been self absorbed and have not thought much about my unsaved neighbor. Help me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Help me to wake up, be alert and get busy with your priorities and purposes for me.

In Jesus Name! Amen

Friday, October 30, 2009

Fred's Daily Devo # 48 " You Can Do No Wrong When You Walk in Love"

-10"Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other.

When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along.

The law code—don't sleep with another person's spouse, don't take someone's life, don't take what isn't yours, don't always be wanting what you don't have, and any other "don't" you can think of—finally adds up to this:

Love other people as well as you do yourself.

You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love." Romans 13:8-10

Lord, where am I in relationship to this word today? Am I walking in your love? Where am I failing to walk in love? Help me to grow in your love, for the more I grow in your kind of love, the less I will walk in sin and disobedience.
In Jesus Name! Amen

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Fred's Devo # 48 "Respect Those in Authority"

1"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:1-7

Many people hate the idea of submitting to any authority, man's authority or God's authority, the authority of bosses or teachers. There is something in our flesh which rises up and says: You can't tell me what to do! Yet as Christians, we are called to submit to both God's authorities as well as those who rule in the earth. We are to obey traffic laws, pay our taxes and follow rules and regulations set up by our local and national governments. and obey school and work rules. Many of these laws are designed to keep order and allow us to live a quiet and peaceable life. Others seem arbitrary, but yet we are called to obey, even when we don't like them.

Let's pray: Lord I confess to you my natural tendency to rebel and do what I want to do. Help me to honor and respect the authorities that you have placed over me. Help me to understand that they have no power except what you allow them to have. Help me to pray for my leaders and honor them where honor is due. Help me to bring glory to your name by right and honorable living in my community.

In Jesus Name! Amen.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Fred's Devo #47 "Turn From Your Wicked Ways"

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

Yesterday we dealt with "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves"
Today, we deal with "and pray and turn from their wicked ways."

Sin is a hinderance to answered prayer. The scriptures says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (or answered prayer) Sin can be wilful disobedience to God or things we failed to do. Sometimes it is obvious and apparent at other times it has to be pointed out to us by God or others. That's why it is important for us to daily come before God in prayer, asking him to show you if there is "any way in you"

Prayer of Self Examination: Lord search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me. Lord help me to have an attitude humility, even as I wait for your answer. ...Yes Lord...Now as I confess my sin, forgive me of my sin and cleanse me of all unrighteousness in Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

Now order my footsteps and direct my paths today. Equip me today as I share the word with your people at Church on tonight. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Fred's Devotional 46 :Humble yourself Before God

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

One of the conditions of answered prayer is for us to be humble and submitted to our awesome God! This scripture talks about three things.

First,we are God's People-Called by His Name. If you have given your life to Jesus, you are one of God's people. As such your allegiance is to him first. That means, we are willing to bring our entire lives into subjection to Jesus.
Second, we are called to humble ourselves before God. Pride comes before a fall. Humility says, I don't know it all, I am not self sufficient,I need your help Lord!

Prayer of Reflection: Lord, where am I walking in pride or self righteousness. Where have I refused to ask for your help?

Prayer of Repentance: Lord forgive me for the times when I have gone about my work day without falling on my knees in prayer to ask for your guidance and direction. Thank you for forgiveness and cleansing according to I John 1:9.

Now help me today, to remember who I belong to and to walk in dependence on you.
In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen.


Tommorrow we will discuss the rest of this verses.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Devo # 45 "When Someone has Done you Dirty"

Someone has clearly done you wrong. They did it deliberately, and they knew what they were doing. You are offended, mad and you feel like getting them straight! In fact, you want revenge! You are so mad, or hurt that you can't think straight or pray right! In fact when you do pray, the only thing that comes out of your mouth is "Lord get'em!" As a Christian, how do you handle a situation like this. The scripture is clear:

7"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Wow! This teaching goes totally against human nature, yet this is exactly what God has called us to do! God sees the wrong that has been done to us. He is neither blind not deaf. He sees it and he says, let me deal with it. When we begin to take revenge and get even, something dark and ugly begins to happen to our hearts. Bitterness, anger and hurt festers in us like an infected wound and poisons our spiritual bodies.

When we let it go, do what is right and forgive, the anger and poison leaves our soul and we are free to pray for that person and commend him or her to God's hands.

Let's Pray: Lord as difficult as it is sometimes, help me to never hold on to anger and bitterness when I am wronged. Help me to remember to do what is right and leave vengeance to you. In fact Lord, help me to bless those who persecute me and to pray for your mercy upon them. In Jesus Name Amen!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Fred's Devo # 44 " When Challenges Come"

Yesterday, we discussed the attitude of the believer. Today's devotional topic is:
"When Challenges Come"

"14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:14-16)

Every day in the life of a believer will not be peaches and ice cream. Because we call on the name of Jesus, we will sonetimes suffer persecution from those who do not follow Jesus. Do we fight back or retaliate? No! Surprisngly, the passage tells us to bless those who persecute us and not to curse them. What! This is counter cultural and counter intuitive, yet this is what the Lord would have us to do. When our brothers and sisters are hurting, instead of going on with our lives, we are to sit and mourn with them and show compassion for them. Do not too quickly try to move them past their grief but sit with them in their grief. Then we are told to live in harmony with others-be a peace maker, not a trouble maker. This is really helped by an attitude of humlility rather than pride. Humilility also helps us to reach out to people who are left out, margninalized or poor.

Let's Pray: Lord, when challenges come my way, help me to respond the way you want to respond rather than in my flesh or in selfisnness.
In Jesus Name Amen!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Fred's Devo # 43 " The Attitude of the Believer"

Yesterday we discussed What Love looks like. Today, we look at the "Attitude and demeanor of the believer. Our scripture passage reads:
"11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:11-13

According to Paul in this passage, the primary attitude of the Christian should be one of zeal and fervor as we serve the Lord. Why? Because we are serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Suppose you finished college and got a job working for President Obama! When you shared with your friends you would share it with excitement and enthusiasm because of the rare privilege of serving such a great man. Even more so, the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of our zeal and excitement as we talk about his goodness!
The scripture also tells us to be joyful in hope but also patient in tribulation. It's easy to be joyful when things are hopeful but when affliction or trouble hit-we don't get a pass. He says be patient anyway! We can do as we grow in the fruits of the Spirit as found in Galations 5; patience is one of them" Check this out: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Prayer: Lord help me to grow in my zeal and joy for you! Help me, even when I am having a hard day, not to cuss and fuss but instead to be patient in trouble, trusting you and remaining faithful in prayer and service to others.
In Jesus Name Amen!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Fred's Devo #42 What Does Love Look Like

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10

What does love look like when it moves from nice sentimental words to action. It is first sincere, it does not come from surface flattery but from authentic sincerity. Love shows up at the bedside of a friend when they are sick. Love stops by to take a brother to work when his car breaks down. Love is willing to sit and listen as I pour out my pain over a recent loss. Love shows up and loyalty and commitment when everyone else has abandoned me. Love shows up best when it can't be repaid. What does love look like? I Corinthians 13: gives a clue: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"

Let's pray: Lord, I know that this kind of love is the God kind of love that only comes from you. It does not run out like human love. Lord, help me to grow in this kind of sacrificial, selfless love that is possible only through the power of Jesus Christ. Help me to die to self so that you will be exalted, even as I express your love to others!
In Jesus Name! Amen

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fred's Devo # 41 "Love Must Be Sincere"

Today we continue with how members of the body of Christ are to live and work together. Here's the passage:
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[d]says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)

Love must be sincere is how Paul opens this passage. Love is the hallmark of realtionships within the body of Christ. It is the one outward sign that the world looks for to determine if we are followers of Christ! Jesus said in
John 13:34 says: "34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Prayer: Lord,since Love within the body of Christ is so important help me to walk in your love as I go throughout my day.
In Jesus Name. Amen!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Devotional # 40 Life Together in the Body of Christ

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[d]says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21

This passage is a picture of what living life together in the body of Christ should look like. When others see Christians in community, they will not see perfect people, but they should see relationships motivated by love.

Prayer: Lord as a member of your body, help me to be motivated by love-not selfishness as I relate to my brothers and sisters in Christ.

In Jesus Name! Amen!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Fred's Devotional # 39 Scriptures on Salvation

Today instead of the regular devotional, I wanted to share some basic scriptures found in the bible on the subject of salvation. Read them, meditate on them and be reminded of what a great gift of salvation we have been given by God through our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Scriptures on Salvation*
Become a Christian
Many people are looking for God. If you're one of those people, we'd like to share with you that the Bible has what you are seeking. It contains answers to life's vital questions, and—most important—can help you understand how to have a right relationship with God. Here are some selected verses:

God Loves You
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. —John 3:16
But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8

All Are Sinners
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. —Romans 3:23
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. —Romans 3:10

God's Remedy for Sin
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. —Romans 6:23
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. —John 1:12

All May Be Saved Now
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him. —Revelation 3:20(a)
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. —Romans 10:13
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. —John 20:31

Receive Christ as Your Saviour Now
Confessing to God that I am a sinner, and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross and was raised for my justification, I now receive and confess Him as my personal Saviour.

Seeking a Church
After making your decision to receive Christ, we encourage you to prayerfully seek a local Bible-believing church that will assist you in growing as a new Christian. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever." Amen. —II Peter 3:18

Assurance as a Believer
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.—Romans 10:9 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. —John 5:24

* I am indebted to Gideons International for providing these scriptures. Visit their website at:

http://www.gideons.org and click on:"Become A Christian"

Friday, October 9, 2009

Fred's Devotional # 38 "The Motivational Gift of Mercy"

"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7.

The Motivational Gift of Mercy, provides a very important balance within the body of Christ. Christians are called to speak the truth of God's word, which can be challenging to us. We are are called to correct, exhort and rebuke. At the same time, we are also called to show mercy and to help those in need. This is called the gift of mercy. Colossians 3:12-13 says:

2Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (King James version)

The person with the gift of mercy has the "God given ability to show genuine empathy and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non Christian who suffer distressing physical, mental or emotional problems and the ability to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which reflects Christ's love and alleviate the suffering" *

This gift allows the body of Christ to take it's focus off the business at hand and care for the hurting among us. Although this is not everyone's primary gift, Christ would have all of us to be sensitive to the needs of those around us and be willing to help when we can.

Prayer: Lord, help me to show your love by being sensitive to the needs and hurts of others as I go about my day. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Learn more at:

http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/motivational_gift_of_mercy.pdf

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Fred's Devo #37 Jesus Suffering Saves Us

Today's devotional comes from a guest "devotionalist" , Rev. Bill Bauerle.

He talks about the fact that even though Jesus was fully God, he also became a man so that he could identify with our suffering: I especially appreciate this quote. "Christ's suffering is able to save all who obey him."
Read and be blessed!
Fred Williams

---------------------
Good morning friends,

Hebrews 5:7-9
"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.'

There are times the question of whether Jesus could disobey God is posed. The writer here seems to anticipate that question himself and points out the reality of Christ being in the flesh. While Christ was not born with a sin nature, he was true humanity none the less. Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, not with some kind of show, but with real anguish. This most likely is a direct reference to the garden, but I don’t think we need to limit it to just the garden. I think that we, at times, discount the hard reality of Christ’s temptations and sufferings as being something less because of His deity. We have already read that Jesus was tempted in all points and this temptation was not just an abstract, but real. We read here that Jesus, though fully God, learned obedience. He did not learn obedience through His Sonship, but through his suffering in His humanity. We read here that it is Christ’s perfect humanity that is what was able to
merit eternal salvation. It was in the fact that he actually struggled with being true humanity, and I think with the bare possibility to fail, that Christ’s sacrifice is able to save all that obey Him. As we consider the humiliation of Christ let us not discount lightly the real anguish and suffering that Christ experience to merit our salvation. As we take the cup and the bread consider the level of anguish and suffering Christ suffered.

Bill Bauerle

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Fred's Devo #36 "Thanksgiving and Praise Break!"

Let's take a break from our Romans 12 series and focus on giving the Lord Thanks and Praise! He is worthy of our thanks and praise! Take a few minutes to read and meditate on two or three of the passages below and give God thanks for his goodness to you and those around you today:

Scriptures on Thanksgiving and Praise:
Oh give thank to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. -Psalms 105:1

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. -Psalms 100:4

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; to declare Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night... For Thou, O Lord, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done, I will sing for joy at the work of Thy hands. How great are Thy works, O Lord! -Psalm 92:1, 4-5

Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father... -Ephesians 5:19-20

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with loving-kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. -Psalm 103:1-5
I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the people; and I will sing praises to Thee among the nations, for thy loving-kindness is great above the heavens; and thy truth reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth. That thy beloved may be delivered, save with thy right hand, and answer me! -Psalm 108:3-6

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. (I Thessalonians 5: 16-22