JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Matthew 25:28) "Give it to the one who risked the most",
Do you recall or remember the story in the bible of the three stewards who were each given a sum of money to invest?
The first two doubled theirs, while the third buried his in the ground.
The first two were promoted; the third was fired.
"The Master got rid of this play-it-safe individual who wouldn't go out on a limb” (Matthew 28-30)
Could there be a more powerful incentive to taking “a risk of faith”,
You say, "But what if I fail"?
Here’s a powerful motivational thought to remember folks.
“Failure trains you for success”!
It can show you what you need to change in order to move forward.
Think of it this way: as a redeemed child of God you have a security net that allows you to "fail safely".
But if your reputation and self-worth are all tied up in knots over some failed enterprise in the past, you’ll likely not be motivated to try again.
It’s human nature to want to feel good, to succeed, to win the prize, to move forward.
But just like a world-class athlete who backs up to gain the momentum to run faster, sometimes a few steps backward now and then can fuel your progress for later.
There is no wrong in failure… the wrong is in not trying again!
And here’s something else to keep in mind.
God assesses our accomplishments differently than people.
A failure in the eyes of men is often success in the eyes of God.
Remember Noah?
Before the flood he looked like a loser… afterward he became one of the most successful men in history.
And Samson, now there is a man whom was ruled by his feelings and succumbed to his human weaknesses and temptations… yet He did not hesitate to jump into the fray when it came to doing exploits for the Kingdom of God.
Look at Jacob who was a cheat and a conniving scoundrel in his younger years, yet became the father of Israel and the future “great ancestor” of Jesus.
Your most fulfilling reward isn’t human approval... it’s God’s... “well done thou good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)
Life isn't meant to be risk free.
It’s meant to do exploits!
You can't win if you don't run!
All through out the bible there are stories of "men and women of old" whom did "exploits" for their God.
They were not perfect, but they were men and women who did not let their "inability" effect their "availability".
Men like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaac, and Jacob, Deborah Ruth and Ester all whom trusted in God and went out at His word and God rewarded them for their exploits.
Hebrews chapter 11 is often referred to as the “Heroes of Faith” Hall Of Fame.
It is often called the "the faith chapter” of the bible.
It is filled with stories of people who were ordinary men and women who did exploits for the kingdom of God… whom did not let their humanity hinder their faith!
If they could do it… then you can too!
So take the risk today and get out there and chase your dream.
It doesn’t matter what your education is, it doesn’t matter what your experience is… it only matters where your heart is.
God will be there to catch you if you fall.
Better to try and fail than to have never tried at all.
(Psalm 37:24-25) says "for He upholds us in the palm of His right hand... I've never seen the righteous forsaken...)
(Hebrews 11:6) tells us “with out faith it is impossible to please God”.
So today I encourage you to take that “mustard seed of faith” or “the measure of faith” that Paul talks of in (Romans 12:3) that same faith that God has given you… and begin to exercise it… work it… and let God use you in ways you never dreamed possible.
Good Day!
(2nd Corinthians 4:8) "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed."
There’s an old cliché that has proven to be true in my life over the years: “What doesn’t destroy us makes us stronger.”
However there are several more clichés that I have heard over the years as well, that also prove to be “untrue”.
Here are four sayings that have proved to be false:
1) “When you become a Christian all your problems are over.”
Whoever told you that didn’t get it from Scripture.
Paul said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2nd Corinthians 8-9)
2) “All the problems you’ll ever encounter are addressed in the Bible”.
This thought holds some validity, because according to Jesus our High Priest experienced and was victorious over every temptation and problem known to humanity while He walked this earth, “For we do not have a Priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities but was in all points tempted as we are, yet was with out sin.
However we can’t just sit back and wait for it to happen…we are those that have to stand, we have to fight the good fight of faith.
The bible says in (Hebrews 11:6) “with out faith it is impossible to please God”.
In fact the whole chapter is dedicated to encouraging people to walk on faith… with stories and examples of ordinary people whom did great exploits as a result of trusting God despite of impossible odds.
God tells us many things in His Word, but He still requires us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2nd Corinthians 5:7).
That’s why the Word of God says “Thy Word oh Lord is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105)
That means receiving guidance from His Word, from the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and from the counsel of godly friends.
3) “If you’re having problems, you must be unspiritual or have sin in your life”.
Also not true.
Satan’s attack is proof that you haven’t been conquered, that you represent a threat to the kingdom of darkness, and that you’re doing the will of God.
And the greater the attack, the greater the level of blessing that awaits you beyond it, so keep going.
4) “Being exposed to sound Bible teaching automatically solves every problem".
It will certainly help you solve your problems, but it won’t solve them for you.
As I said earlier, “You” and I must be “doers” of the Word and not “hearers only” (James 1:23).
Paul writes, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies [and tricks] of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Remember, “it’s a battle field brother not a recreation room, it’s a fight and not a game, run if you want to run if you will… but I came here to stay”!
Endure till the end, but remember the battle is the Lords.
Stand and having done all to stand, stand (Ephesians 6:12-14)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything to stand, stand”.
I have come to learn that most times when I am discouraged about events in my life, it’s because I have started listening to the lies of the enemy or the counsel of those whom are ungodly.
The Bible says when David faced opposition, (and believe me he had plenty), the bible says “but David encouraged himself in the Lord”.
Yes there are a lot of clichés out there but the only clichés I am interested in are found in the words of Jesus, “All things are possible to them that believe” (Mark 9:23)
That means you and it means me,
Tell the devil He’s a liar and shake off the bad advice of people whom do not spend time in the Word.
(Psalm 1) says “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or sit in the way of sinners”.
So today refuse to listen to those whom as I say, “don’t seek the Word of God” as their resource for life skills information.
(2nd Peter 1:10) says “Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble”,
Here is one of my own clichés that I have coined all on my own.
“If it ain’t in the Word… then it don’t need to be heard”
Good Day!
(2nd Corinthians 9:8) “God can pour on the blessings…so that you’re ready for anything and everything.”
Insecurity in the life of Gods people is a debilitating perception of ones self that literally paralyzes our ability to succeed in life, and in the plan of God.
And if your sense of well-being comes from any source other than God—including yourself—chances are you will always struggle with insecurity.
Paul wrote in (2nd Corinthians 9:8) “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so…you’re ready for anything and everything, more than…ready to do what needs to be done.”
Another translation puts it this way: “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.
I read this quote a while back that is filled with some great insight,
“Christians are not necessarily better than other people ought to be. But they ought to be more confident than other people are."
Why
Because as Paul writes in (Philippians 4:13)… “I can do all things thru Christ whom strengthens me”.
As long as you’re trusting in yourself, or others, you will struggle with uncertainty and self-doubt.
But once you start trusting in God—what He can do in you, with you, through you, and for you—you begin to feel differently about yourself.
Insecurity destroys your self-esteem by making you feel unqualified and undeserving.
And here is the worst part: often it means you can’t be taught,
you can’t accept honest criticism, and therefore you can’t grow.
The thing you need most—good input—becomes the last thing you’re willing to accept, because you’re afraid to let anyone know you’re less than perfect.
Consequently, you find it hard to confront challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Yet deep down, you feel incompetent, unaccepted, disapproved of, and rejected.
In short: insecurity is an “inside job”!
(Proverbs 23:7) says “as a man thinketh in his heart so is he”.
Jesus said (Mark 9:23) “if you can believe, all things are possible for them that believe”.
With that in mind, take an honest look at your life right now.
Go ahead—it’s safe,.. no one else is looking.
Do you really believe that you are in Christ and Christ is in You.
Then what are you afraid of… what is causing your insecurities?
“Jesus said I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly” (John 10:10)
Listen to me this morning folks.
I don’t’ know who you are or where you are from.
But I believe those of you that are reading this devotion this morning have been led to this writing for one purpose this morning.
God wants you to know that you are highly favoured and He has great plans for you to fulfill.
Like He told Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:11) “for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and give you a future, not plans for evil”!
Ok so you’ve got some self doubts.
But you need to know that Gods Word is bigger than your doubts.
And here is what His Word says about you.
(Romans 8:26-37) “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
What then shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?
It is God who justifies.
Who then is the one who condemns?
No one; Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
But No! In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now turn to God and say, “Lord, everything I need to succeed in life I have in You!”
Now go and by faith, with faith in Christ, pursue the dream that God has laid on your heart.
Good day!
(Romans 8:31) "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?"
In this "dog eat dog" world we live in today, people are running out of options to survive.
Every day there are reports from the news media re people committing suicide.
The saddest thing about this report is the amount of young people whom are taking their own lives.
People are clearly losing hope.
And it amazes me that they will choose to end their lives in hopelessness and despair, rather than calling on God and let Him reveal His marvelous love, care, and provision for them.
Paul asks five all-important questions:
(1) “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
The assurance of God’s presence tilts the scales in your favor.
So whatever you’re facing today, remind yourself, “God is for me.”
(2) “Since [God] did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t [God]…give us everything else?” (Romans 8:32).
Think about it: Would God save your soul, then leave you to fend for yourself?
Or address your eternal needs and not your earthly ones? No!
(3) “Who dares accuse us…? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself” (Romans 8:33).
Every accusing voice, including your own, counts for nothing in the court of heaven.
God’s acceptance trumps everybody else’s rejection—and He accepts you because He sees you “in Christ.”
(4) “Who then will condemn us?…Christ Jesus died for us…he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us” (Romans 8:34).
When your accusers rise up and speak against you, Jesus, your defense attorney, silences them.
Why? Because His blood covers you!
(5) “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?” (Romans 8:35).
Paul answers his own question: “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love…nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
(Romans 8:38-39). Knowing these five truths will help you enjoy your day and sleep better at night!
Don't despair, and don't lose hope.
Call on the Lord today and let Him show you great and marvelous things that you can't imagine could be yours today.
(1st Corinthians 2:9) "However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" are the things God has prepared for those who love Him".
Good Day!
Psalm 23:3) “He restores my soul…”
The question is often asked, how does God “restore your soul” when you feel broken?
Often in our brokenness, we may hear that we aren't good enough, not worthy, abandoned, betrayed, and many more lies the enemy spews out into your mind.
But friend you are enough, you are worthy, you are loved, and you are secure in Gods love for you, and He goes to great length to restore you to Himself.
So much so that He provided His great love for all eternity by way of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus, “who now sits at the right hand of God ever making intercession for the saints” (Hebrews 7:25)
The Bible has much to say about God and His restorative work in the lives of human beings.
“The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 24:18).
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite’.” (Isaiah 57:15).
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).
Even when you don’t feel His presence, during the conflict and challenges of life; where there is Jesus, there is peace.
Have you ever noticed when you are in a difficult season in your life, you resort back to your old ways?
Maybe some of these ways are “coping mechanisms” or “self preservation” schemes that you have developed over the years to help you cope.
However (Proverbs 3:5-6) tells us to “Lean not on your own understanding and in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths”.
When you rely in yourself and in the worlds mode or method of dealing with life’s issues, in reality, you are only delaying the obvious, and that is repeating the same cycle that you have been into for so long.
And you keep running on the same tread mill thru out life searching for answers for the situations that you can’t seem to gain victory over.
Either way, brokenness is a place where God can come into your life and lead you into His strength and His understanding.
God uses these tough times to draw you to Himself.
Jesus never promised us freedom from trouble in this life, He only promises peace that He can give you whether you are happy or sad, struggling or thriving.
In (James 1:2-4), the Bible says to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
So, while we are in these trials and struggles, there is a way of peace in the midst of all of them; there is an inner joy that can carry you in spite of the issues of life that have caused your brokenness.
It’s found by changing your focus from this life and yourself, to focusing on Him alone.
The Bible says in (Romans 5:1-5) “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have also obtained access through Him by faith into a grace provided by God in which we can stand and have confidence in His care, protection and provision rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God.
And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Hebrews says “we look unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher of our faith).
However God can’t restore if you are not willing to let the shepherd take care of you!
Now, I don’t say this to beat you down or degrade what you may be feeling but you need to “refocus” on the path that God has for you.
Jesus also says in (John 14:6), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life”.
It may be that God has taken away something or someone that you have relied upon in the past so that you will transfer that reliance instead to Him.
I know that at times the loss of something we have leaned on for so long can drive pain deep into the heart, and anger and questions arise because of it.
You may never know why these things happen, but know that God has a plan for all broken circumstances.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
“The one who lives under the protection of the Most High, dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1-2).
Good day!
(John 1:1) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”
Long before Bethlehem, before Mary and before the manger, Jesus already existed.
The apostle John opens his gospel not with a baby's birth, but with eternity itself.
Before Genesis ever began, Jesus, the Word, was there.
He wasn't created… He was and is “The Creator”.
As (John 1:3) says, “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that has been made”.
So, then the question arises… “was Jesus the God of the Old Testament”?
When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and said, “I am who I am”, (Exodus 3.14)… He revealed the name that means “eternal existence”… the One who simply is.
Centuries later, Jesus used those same words.
In (John 8:58)… He said, “before Abraham was… I am”.
The crowd understood exactly what He meant, and they picked up stones ready to stone Him because he was claiming the divine name “I AM”… for himself.
Throughout the gospel of John, Jesus revealed His divine identity through seven “I Am” statements.
-I Am the bread of life, (John 6:35)
-I Am the light of the world, (John 8:12)
-I Am the good shepherd, (John 10:11-18)
-I Am the resurrection and the life,(John 11:25)
-I Am the way, (John 14:6)
-I Am the truth, (John 14:6)
-I Am the life, (John 14:6) (John 11:25)
Each echoes the voice that spoke to Moses.
The same “eternal God”… revealing himself in flesh.
The Apostle Paul confirmed it in (1st Corinthians 10:4)… “Israel drank from the spiritual rock that followed them… and that rock was Christ”,
The God who led Israel through the wilderness, who gave water from the rock, was the same Jesus who later offered living water to the world… “If any man thirst let him come unto me” (John 7:37)
Jesus didn't become God when He was born… No… He became flesh… “God incarnate”.
God in the flesh amongst humanity.
He has always been God.
The eternal Word took on flesh to redeem the people He had created.
He was the rock in the desert, the voice in the fire, the “I Am” who stepped into history to save His creation.
(Colossians 1:16–17) Paul affirms Jesus’ same teaching… “In him all things were created… things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities… all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Again (John 1:1) explicitly notes that Jesus was both with God in the beginning… and was God.
From the beginning to the end, the story of Scripture is the story of one God revealed as Father, Son, and Spirit.
Jesus stands at the center of it all!
Jesus said it clearly and plainly in Johns Gospel (John 10:30)…“I and My Father are One”.
Though I don’t understand it all with my own finite human
understanding… I do sense the “Spirit of Truth” at work.
(Isaiah 55:8-9) states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts… neither are your ways my ways.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”.
This verse emphasizes the vast difference between human perspective and divine wisdom.
God’s understanding, plans, and purposes operate on a level that surpasses our limited comprehension, highlighting His infinite knowledge and perfect judgment.
In essence, when you reflect on “my thoughts are higher”… it is a reminder of the infinite wisdom and perfect plans of God, encouraging trust, humility, and reliance on His guidance, even when we don’t understand the mystery of God the Father, God The Son, and God the Holy Spirit… the three in one.
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1:1)
When we understand that He Jesus was more than just a man… hopefully it will change our attitude toward Him!
Good Day!
(Romans 8:28–29) “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them”.
Our world has become a large, impersonal, busy institution.
One of the draw backs of this worlds modern culture is that we are alienated from each other.
Although crowded, we are lonely.
Pushed together but uninvolved.
No longer do neighbours visit across the backyard fence.
The well-manicured front lawn is the modern moat that keeps barbarians at bay.
Hoarding and flaunting have replaced sharing and caring.
It’s like we are occupying common space but have no common interests.
As if we’re on an elevator with rules such as: “No talking, smiling, or eye contact allowed without written consent of the management.”
Painful though it may be for us to admit, we’re losing touch with one another.
The motivation to help, to encourage, yes, to serve our fellow human beings is waning.
People have even observed crimes in progress but refused to help so as not to be involved!
Our foundational values are getting lost in these confusing days… and yet, it is these things that form the essentials of a happy and fulfilled life.
Remember that grand declaration that Jesus commanded in (Mark 12:30-31) ““Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these”
Similarly, in (Luke 10:27), the same principle is affirmed, emphasizing that loving God and neighbour encompasses the full spectrum of human devotion—emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical.
The second commandment, “to love your neighbour as yourself”, extends this devotion for God outward to others.
It calls for empathy, compassion, and ethical action toward others, treating them with the same care and respect one naturally desires for oneself
This principle underlines social responsibility, justice, and mercy, loving others… the guiding principle for human relationships.
In essence, these two commandments summarize the heart of biblical teaching… that is “a life fully devoted to God naturally expresses itself in love and care for others, forming the foundation for moral and spiritual living”.
Deep down inside of our souls, our heart, our mind and our thinking, we all know that we need to be more motivated toward this kind of lifestyle.
Reaching out, going above and beyond, giving of ourselves… yes that’s the Christ like thing to do… but why do we hesitate.
What will our answer be, when we stand before God…
Soooo… before you move forward in your busy schedule today, maybe take a moment and ask God…”Lord what would you have me do to touch someone in my path today”?
Lord let me be your hands of mercy and compassion to someone you direct me to.
Remember… you might be the only bible another man or woman will ever read.
Do they see you Christ in you?
(Romans 8:28) tells us that God has ordained all things in our lives for good… so that we can be conformed to the image of His Son.
So again I ask… do people see Jesus when they see you?
Something to think about.
Good day!
Similarly, in (Luke 10:27), the same principle is affirmed, emphasizing that loving God and neighbour encompasses the full spectrum of human devotion—emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical.
The second commandment, “to love your neighbour as yourself”, extends this devotion for God outward to others.
It calls for empathy, compassion, and ethical action toward others, treating them with the same care and respect one naturally desires for oneself
This principle underlines social responsibility, justice, and mercy, loving others… the guiding principle for human relationships.
In essence, these two commandments summarize the heart of biblical teaching… that is “a life fully devoted to God naturally expresses itself in love and care for others, forming the foundation for moral and spiritual living”.
Deep down inside of our souls, our heart, our mind and our thinking, we all know that we need to be more motivated toward this kind of lifestyle.
Reaching out, going above and beyond, giving of ourselves… yes that’s the Christ like thing to do… but why do we hesitate.
What will our answer be, when we stand before God…
Soooo… before you move forward in your busy schedule today, maybe take a moment and ask God…”Lord what would you have me do to touch someone in my path today”?
Lord let me be your hands of mercy and compassion to someone you direct me to.
Remember… you might be the only bible another man or woman will ever read.
Do they see you Christ in you?
(Romans 8:28) tells us that God has ordained all things in our lives for good… so that we can be conformed to the image of His Son.
So again I ask… do people see Jesus when they see you?
Something to think about.
Good day!