JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Psalms 37:23-25) “The steps of a good man are established by the Lord… and he delights in His way…)
One of my favorite scriptures from the bible is the 37th Psalm of David.
It is filled with so much assurance, hope and encouragement that I am given the desire and the passion to want to lay my life down for the sake of the Gospel and to serve God with all my heart…even in the midst of my imperfections and failures.
Of course the only thing that hinders that passion… is having to live in this world with all of its hiccups, deception, confusion, temptations and wickedness.
But still… in the midst of all of these stumbling blocks… there is a promise from the heart of God for those of His children that do their best to walk in His obedience.
And the beautiful thing I have learned is that God is not looking for my perfection in obedience… but he is looking for my heart of willingness… humbleness… and humility in His sight.
In Psalm (37:23-25) there are three promises that I can hold to that give me the desire to continue in my walk with God.
Promises that give me hope for the future… comfort for today and a peace that passes all understanding.
#1) The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and he delights in His
way…
I can be confident about my future and my eternity, as well as the very life I am living… because
God sees my heart and knows that I am trying.
As each of our sons grew from the cradle… and becoming a toddler… Debbie and I taught and guided them.
I remember one of the most often used words in their training and growth was the word “NO!”
All kidding aside… growing up is a life full of correct… and incorrect actions... good choices and
As each of our sons grew from the cradle… and becoming a toddler… Debbie and I taught and guided them.
I remember one of the most often used words in their training and growth was the word “NO!”
All kidding aside… growing up is a life full of correct… and incorrect actions... good choices and
bad choices.
As each of our children tired of crawling on their hands and knees… they eventually made a move
As each of our children tired of crawling on their hands and knees… they eventually made a move
that changed their lives forever when they took their first step.
Debbie or I would hold up our child while the other called to them.
Each of them took a step... and then another and then another until they could walk anywhere they had a desire to go.
But they were not allowed to go anywhere they desired.
We guided their footsteps and the places they could go.
We set certain boundaries that were meant to keep them safe…and that guidance… and those boundaries never changed… until they moved out of the house and began their own families.
#2) “though he fall... he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him in the palm of His hand.”
Going back to the illustration of my children learning to walk… Debbie and I were there with each step they took.
We would catch them before they fell.
We would hold them up when they tired... and pick them up when the strain was too much.
Just as parents reach out and help their tottering children… the believer is helped (upheld) by the Heavenly Father.
He encourages us.
He is there with every step we take.
He is there to catch us when we fall.
He is there to hold us when we are weak.
He is there to pick us up when the strain is too much.
We know that even though we are a believer… troubles will come our way.
Just like Job... we are a part of this world and are participants in its many trials and tests.
Debbie or I would hold up our child while the other called to them.
Each of them took a step... and then another and then another until they could walk anywhere they had a desire to go.
But they were not allowed to go anywhere they desired.
We guided their footsteps and the places they could go.
We set certain boundaries that were meant to keep them safe…and that guidance… and those boundaries never changed… until they moved out of the house and began their own families.
#2) “though he fall... he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him in the palm of His hand.”
Going back to the illustration of my children learning to walk… Debbie and I were there with each step they took.
We would catch them before they fell.
We would hold them up when they tired... and pick them up when the strain was too much.
Just as parents reach out and help their tottering children… the believer is helped (upheld) by the Heavenly Father.
He encourages us.
He is there with every step we take.
He is there to catch us when we fall.
He is there to hold us when we are weak.
He is there to pick us up when the strain is too much.
We know that even though we are a believer… troubles will come our way.
Just like Job... we are a part of this world and are participants in its many trials and tests.
Jesus said this world will give you trouble... but I have overcome this world... and the inference is that when we trust in Jesus... rely on God that we can with His help... overcome the troubles of this world.
Whether its loss of family, or property… sickness and disease… financial upheavals etc…like when Joseph was falsely accused and put in prison… God was still there with him.
God upholds His children!
He says, (Hebrews 13:5) “I will never leave you or forsake you”.
#3) Finally the writer of the psalms says (Psalm 37:25) “I have been young and now am old… yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken… or his children begging for bread.
History has taught us that there were times that David suffered and feared for his life and very existence.
That is part of what drove him to his passionate desire for the touch of God in his life.
But David was righteous before God... he had a right attitude toward God... and God said of David that He was a man after Gods own heart... yes even in the midst of his rebellion and his failures.
Even in his failures and disobedience driven by his self will… he acknowledged God in all of his ways.
And God was there… upholding David’s hand… bringing him through those hard times.
In conclusion this morning there are three key points to remember from this passage:
1) God establishes (makes sure) the steps of a man (or woman) who seeks after Him.
2) God delights in the life of a believer who seeks after Him.
3) God upholds the believer even when we stumble or make the wrong choice in the many decisions of life that we face as we seek after Him.
So tell me… why not trust in Him and walk with Him?
What have you got to lose?
Good Day!
Whether its loss of family, or property… sickness and disease… financial upheavals etc…like when Joseph was falsely accused and put in prison… God was still there with him.
God upholds His children!
He says, (Hebrews 13:5) “I will never leave you or forsake you”.
#3) Finally the writer of the psalms says (Psalm 37:25) “I have been young and now am old… yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken… or his children begging for bread.
History has taught us that there were times that David suffered and feared for his life and very existence.
That is part of what drove him to his passionate desire for the touch of God in his life.
But David was righteous before God... he had a right attitude toward God... and God said of David that He was a man after Gods own heart... yes even in the midst of his rebellion and his failures.
Even in his failures and disobedience driven by his self will… he acknowledged God in all of his ways.
And God was there… upholding David’s hand… bringing him through those hard times.
In conclusion this morning there are three key points to remember from this passage:
1) God establishes (makes sure) the steps of a man (or woman) who seeks after Him.
2) God delights in the life of a believer who seeks after Him.
3) God upholds the believer even when we stumble or make the wrong choice in the many decisions of life that we face as we seek after Him.
So tell me… why not trust in Him and walk with Him?
What have you got to lose?
Good Day!
(Romans 8:28) "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord."
No experience is ever wasted if you use it wisely.
God can, and He will use the experiences you’ve been through and are going thru right now, to develop you into the person He intended you to be.
Look at Moses… He grew up in a foster home!
As the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter… he spent forty years learning the language and ways of the Egyptians. ?
What better preparation for understanding your enemy than being raised among them?
But Moses needed to learn a few personal lessons too… ?so God took him into the desert for another forty years to tend sheep. ?
The grandson of Pharaoh… became a lowly shepherd.
Nothing will humble you like having to take a job for which you’re “overqualified", especially when your own failure put you there.
But during those years on the poor side of town… God taught Moses how to identify with hurting people.
Finally, at eighty years old, he was ready to fulfill his calling… “God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’” (Exodus 3:4).
At this most unlikely place, God revealed to Moses his calling as Israel’s deliverer.
And even though Moses was afraid, made excuses, and raised objections, he ended up doing a brilliant job.
The point is this: Moses’ eighty years in training weren’t wasted!
Forty years in a palace prepared him to deal with Pharaoh, and forty years as a shepherd prepared him to lead God’s people through the wilderness to their destiny.
So even though you’d rather be someplace other than where you are right now remember… God never wastes an experience.
Never!
He will use it all… for your good… and His glory.
Good Day!
(Jeremiah 32:33) "They would not listen or respond"
Notice what God said about the Israelites: “Though I taught them again and again… they would not listen or respond.”
Unfortunately there is a truth that I have come to realize over the years that has left me very frustrated at times.
That truth is?
There are people you can’t help… at least not right now.
And as frustrated as I get with being unable to see change growth and maturity in those that I can’t help… imagine the frustration that God must experience when people fail to respond to His help.
Let’s look at these people who usually can’t be helped:
(1) People who keep making excuses.
Excuses are a crutch for “lack of commitment” and a smokescreen for self-justification.
You can’t help someone until they’re willing to take responsibility for their life and apply the solutions of scripture.
If they won’t listen to God… there’s not much difference your opinion will make?
All you can do is live your life before them consistently… allowing them to see your faith your confidence and your trust in God… no matter what the situation or circumstances are… and then leave them to their own devices.
Sometimes people have to be flat on their backs looking up before they finally come to their senses.
(2) People who move in the wrong circles.
The Bible says, “Bad company corrupts good character” (1st Corinthians 15:33)
One bad apple can spoil the barrel!
Paul talks to the early church in Galatia about the influence of bad character and false doctrine and how it can hinder and tear down others around you.
“A little leaven that leavens the whole bunch” (1st Corinthians 5:6) (Galatians 5:9)
There are people who simply don’t belong in your life… and you can’t move forward until you break the link that connects you to them.
The company you keep will “influence” your conduct and character… and those two things will have an impact on your future.
(3) People who blame God for their problems.
When trouble comes, they ask, “Why did God allow this to happen to me?”
The fact is, you’ll never see God as your solution… until you stop seeing Him as your problem.
God laid it on the line for His people: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing… therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
The fact is that there are some thing’s you just cannot do for others.
Each and every person must come to the place where they make the choice to allow God to be involved in… and be part of their lives.
They… and you… can only blame others for so long… before they/you have to wake up to your own failures and inconsistencies in life.
You can only blame others for so long.
There are times when we must leave them in Gods hands and move on.
But that doesn’t mean we totally reject them nor forget them.
We must be willing to forbear… support and pray for them… till they come to their senses as it were.
But during that time we must let them go… and leave them in the hands of the living God to deal with them as He sees fit… and while that is happening… stay out of Gods way!
This particularly is a message for those of you who have wayward children.
Love them but let go of them… and let God do what He does best.
The story of the prodigal son is an excellent example of tough love.
The prodigal son made his demands… his father complied but stood in the shadows waiting and watching… and when the prodigal finally came to his senses and realized what was waiting for him back at home… there was his father watching for him… waiting to welcome him back home into the family.
If you want to keep from getting discouraged… love people and pray for them… but spend your time with those who are willing to be helped and pray for those that you can not seem to make progress with.
Good day!
(3rd John 12) "Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone… and even by the truth itself."
When people speak well of you… it means you have acceptance.
But when the truth speaks well of you… it means you have class!
Demetrius had it.
Do you?
Paul told Timothy, “Set an example…in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity…give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress” (1st Timothy 4:12-15).
Following are some timeless words on class by columnist Ann Landers: “Class is just confidence dressed in humility… It keeps its word, its temper, and its friends.
It has a steady eye, a steady nerve, a steady tongue, and steady habits.
It is silent when it has nothing to say, thoughtful when it judges, and is always first to make amends when it’s wrong.
Class doesn’t run scared.
It is surefooted and committed and handles whatever comes along.
Class has a sense of humor.
It knows that a good laugh is often the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of human relations.
Class never makes excuses.
It takes its lumps, learns from its mistakes, and becomes wiser.
Class knows that courtesy and good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices.
It bespeaks an aristocracy that is not dependent on ancestors or money.
A blue blood can be totally without it, while the son of a coal miner may ooze it out of every pore.
Class can walk with kings yet still keep its virtue… talk with crowds yet still maintain the common touch.
Everyone is comfortable with a person who has class… because they are comfortable with themselves.”
A classy person is a person whom has earned distinction through an attitude of humbleness and humility.
They know their position as a Kings kid, (a child of God)… but not arrogant and demanding expecting to be served by others.
And a class act knows what it’s like to serve and forbear others.
O by the way… these are all attributes that are found in the “fruit of the spirit”,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”(Galatians 5:22-23)
Today… show some class!
Good Day!
(Luke 17:17) “Jesus answered and said, 'Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine’”?
Let’s read how Jesus healed these ten lepers, and see what we can learn.
(1) They seized the moment. “They lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’” (Luke 17:13)
Desperate people pray desperate prayers.
Who cares about propriety and outward appearances when you’re dying?
These men realized that Jesus was “passing through” their town… and in their mind… the worst thing that could happen for them… was for Him to pass them by.
Here was an opportunity… so they seized the moment and cried out to Him.
And you can do that too!
Nobody can hear you like God!
(Isaiah 55:6) “Seek the Lord while He may be found… call on him while He is near”
(Psalm 118:5). “When hard pressed I cried to the Lord… He brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me… I will not be afraid”.
(Psalm 34:17) “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them… He delivers them from all their troubles”.
2) The second thing these that were “cast off” from society had to do because of their disease… was to “walk it out”.
Their healing wasn’t immediate… it was a step-by-step process.
“And so it was… that as they went… they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14).
Often that’s the way it works.
And it’s not just taking one step… but a commitment to “plow through” the obstacles and fears… until you get to your miracle.
But it’s worth the effort… and when you do… you appreciate your deliverance more… walking it out day by day depending on God.
(3) Only one out of the ten returned to give thanks.
That’s why Jesus asked, “Where are the nine?”
Were they too busy?
Were they too self-absorbed?
Or were they just forgetful?
Notice what Jesus said to the one who came back… “Thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:19)
Never forget faithfulness and thanksgiving go hand in hand!
In our society to day “physical healing” is often accomplished through medicine.
But medicine cannot heal the mind… nor the soul of man!
You become truly whole and healed in body, mind, and soul… by spending time worshiping the Lord and getting to know Him.
I know you’ve been thru a time, a trial, a heartache… and some of you are walking thru a valley right now that has you convinced that you just can not continue… or make it thru the day.
Fear, anxiety, bitterness, sorrow… have caused you to not be able to see the path before you.
And worst of all… your thinking does anyone care… does God even care?
My friend you are not alone!
Jesus is there for you today… and He is saying “come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.”
Never mind those around you with their empty words and insensitive philosophies and humanistic wisdom.
Jesus has your answer!
Like those nine lepers… put it all aside and shove… push your self thru to the Masters feet.
Call upon Him for He cares for you… and He will lead you thru this dark valley.
I am praying for you today,
Good Day!
“And so it was… that as they went… they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14).
Often that’s the way it works.
And it’s not just taking one step… but a commitment to “plow through” the obstacles and fears… until you get to your miracle.
But it’s worth the effort… and when you do… you appreciate your deliverance more… walking it out day by day depending on God.
(3) Only one out of the ten returned to give thanks.
That’s why Jesus asked, “Where are the nine?”
Were they too busy?
Were they too self-absorbed?
Or were they just forgetful?
Notice what Jesus said to the one who came back… “Thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:19)
Never forget faithfulness and thanksgiving go hand in hand!
In our society to day “physical healing” is often accomplished through medicine.
But medicine cannot heal the mind… nor the soul of man!
You become truly whole and healed in body, mind, and soul… by spending time worshiping the Lord and getting to know Him.
I know you’ve been thru a time, a trial, a heartache… and some of you are walking thru a valley right now that has you convinced that you just can not continue… or make it thru the day.
Fear, anxiety, bitterness, sorrow… have caused you to not be able to see the path before you.
And worst of all… your thinking does anyone care… does God even care?
My friend you are not alone!
Jesus is there for you today… and He is saying “come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.”
Never mind those around you with their empty words and insensitive philosophies and humanistic wisdom.
Jesus has your answer!
Like those nine lepers… put it all aside and shove… push your self thru to the Masters feet.
Call upon Him for He cares for you… and He will lead you thru this dark valley.
I am praying for you today,
Good Day!
(Hebrews 13:5-6) “He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you”.
(Hebrews 13:2) "Some have entertained angels without realizing it."
Some time ago I read the following testimony of Debby Gass who was driving through Nevada when her car ran out of gas.
There she was… a young woman alone in a small car on a desert highway with no one around… all the elements that would cause one to be afraid.
Soon a big tractor-trailer pulled up and a six-foot-tall driver got out and asked, “Can I help you, lady?”
When she explained her predicament… he told her to lock her car and come with him to a service station a few miles up the interstate.
What to do!
The voice of God within Debby… a voice she’d learned to trust whispered, “It’s okay… go with him.”
As they drove together, the truck driver told her how he’d been in prison… met Christ… and his life had been radically changed.
He showed her pictures of his wife and family.
When they returned to her car… he poured a can of gas into her tank… said goodbye and left.
Then it happened!
As Debby pulled her car onto the interstate and began to follow the truck… on a highway with a clear view for miles in either direction… the truck was nowhere to be seen.
In an instant… a forty-ton tractor-trailer and its driver disappeared!
The Bible says, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers… for some who have done this… have entertained angels without realizing it!”
Debby is convinced God sent an angel to help her that day.
What do you think?
Many of us have similar stories… yet we don’t share them.
Maybe it’s fear of criticism.
Or maybe it’s not until later… that we realize that we had in fact been visited by an angel!
I myself have had several instances in my past where much the same scenario has happened.
In every one of them… God sent a messenger… a servant… someone or something that delivered me and helped me in my hour of need.
Listen folks… God still sends “ministering spirits” (angels) to help us along life’s pathway!
(Psalm 91:11-12) says “For He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
I don’t know where you are at or what it is that you are going thru… or what trial and or trauma you are facing today… but know that your Creator will not leave you alone!
He will not forsake you!
When you dwell in the shadow of the “Almighty” you are not alone… ever!
“Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you”! (1st Peter 5:7)
Take a moment today and listen to the song “Angels Among Us”… performed by the legendary country music group “Alabama”.
You can find the song by going to You Tube and typing in “Alabama”,
“Angels Among Us”!
It will give you a refreshing glimpse of the Masters promise.
Good Day!
Numbers 13:33 "We...saw giants...we felt like grasshoppers."
Ten of Israel’s twelve spies returned from the Promised Land saying…“We…saw giants...we felt like grasshoppers.”
The other two, Joshua and Caleb, saw the same giants but believed that with God’s help they could be conquered… “Let us go up at once and possess it…for we are well able” (Numbers 13:30)
That’s the language of a winner!
Understand this… God has a plan for your life… but you’ll never fulfill it until you come into agreement with His Word.
And remember none of us are perfect.
God takes weak earthen vessels to use for His glory.
Paul said, “I don’t mean to say that I have already…reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection… for which Christ Jesus first possessed me” (Philippians 3:12)
When God uses imperfect people… it makes us realize that He alone is our source, our strength, our strategy… and the secret to our success.
The Bible says…(1st Corinthians 1:25) “The foolish thing that has its source in God is wiser than men… and the weak thing that springs from God is stronger than men”
You have a “God-ordained destiny”… and no excuse for not fulfilling it.
You can’t use weakness as a defence... for God says... (2nd Corinthians 12:9) “My strength is made perfect in weakness”
You can’t use your past as an excuse for God says… “Old things are passed away… all things are become new” (2nd Corinthians 5:17)
How God sees you is not the problem… it’s how you see yourself… that keeps you from succeeding!
So ask God to give you a new understanding of how He sees you… loved, righteous, blessed, and favored!
In Christ you are a new creature... In Christ you are more than a conqueror!
Never forget you are a child of the King!
(Luke 12:32) says "Do not be afraid little flock… for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom”.
Another translation says “it is the Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom”.
(Luke 12:32) is a verse about the nature of God.
It’s a verse about what kind of heart God has.
It’s a verse about what makes God glad… not merely about what God will do or what He has to do… but what He delights to do… and what He loves to do and takes pleasure in doing.
“Fear not little flock… for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”.
God does not see you as a bother or insignificant.
He sees you as a victorious conqueror… as one of His own loved children.
And He truly cares about what is going on in your life.
So today take some time to bow your head… and give thanks for His great love for you.
Take some time to tell him your love for Him.
Share with Him those things that are troubling you.
Then leave them there at His feet… and let Him do what He does best.
And that is… taking care of you!
God is good all the time… and all the time God is good.
Have a great day now you hear!
Good Day!
Never forget you are a child of the King!
(Luke 12:32) says "Do not be afraid little flock… for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom”.
Another translation says “it is the Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom”.
(Luke 12:32) is a verse about the nature of God.
It’s a verse about what kind of heart God has.
It’s a verse about what makes God glad… not merely about what God will do or what He has to do… but what He delights to do… and what He loves to do and takes pleasure in doing.
“Fear not little flock… for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”.
God does not see you as a bother or insignificant.
He sees you as a victorious conqueror… as one of His own loved children.
And He truly cares about what is going on in your life.
So today take some time to bow your head… and give thanks for His great love for you.
Take some time to tell him your love for Him.
Share with Him those things that are troubling you.
Then leave them there at His feet… and let Him do what He does best.
And that is… taking care of you!
God is good all the time… and all the time God is good.
Have a great day now you hear!
Good Day!