JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

Friday, November 1, 2024 - November 1st 2024 The Rise And Fall Of Getting Ahead

(Psalm 75:7) "He decides who will rise and who will fall."
 
If you don’t find your significance and self-worth in your relationship with God… you’ll be tempted to spend your life trying to promote yourself.
 
And that will only make you insecure as well as dangerous… to yourself as well as others.
 
Why… because when others get promoted ahead of you… unless you have learned the art of humility and humbleness… unless you have learned how to rest in Gods timing and His will… you’ll become resentful and allow carnal wicked attitudes to drive you to do and say things that will destroy relationships and hinder the work that God wants to do… and may be doing in your life… as well as the one whom you are attacking.
 
In God’s kingdom you don’t achieve success on your own… you receive it from God. “God is the judge: He putteth down one and setteth up another” (Psalm 75:7)
 
While David’s brothers were striving to be Israel’s next king and “get the nod” from the prophet Samuel… David just kept tending his sheep and doing the job God gave him.
 
Let others compete and compare!
 
Just stay faithful in what God has given you to do… and when the time is right… He’ll come and get you!
 
Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30)
 
Note the word “easy”.
 
When you try to promote yourself… you have to sweat, strain, and struggle… but when you trust God and do things His way… it all comes easy/naturally
 
That doesn’t mean you won’t have to work hard or sacrifice in order to succeed.
 
It just means you won’t have to strive to get it or keep it.
 
Why… because when God sets “before you an open door” (Revelation 3:8)… He’s the only one who can shut it.
 
And He won’t do that… unless like King Saul… you’re rebellious, resentful, headstrong and proud… refusing to repent.
 
Knowing God is in control takes the strain out of living and fulfilling your God given purpose.
 
So today ask God to open the doors that have been staying shut.
 
Ask God to make a way where the way has been so tough.
 
God says… “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord… plans to proper you and give you a future… not plans for evil (Jeremiah 29:11)
 
So trust Him today… talk to Him about them today… and then be ready.
 
When you think about it… it’s the only way to live… one day at a time in his timing… and when you live like that… you can experience satisfaction and fulfillment and a purpose filled life.
 
Good Day!

Thursday, October 31, 2024 - October 31st One of the Most thankless Jobs In The World

(1st Thessalonians 5:12) “Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance”.
 
I bring this topic up this morning because of the news I’ve received this past year of several of my friends that once answered the call of God to be a shepherd or a pastor... but have left the ministry because of stress, disappointment/burnout etc.
 
It’s not easy being a spiritual leader, pastor, shepherd.
 
Unfortunately people have so many expectations, opinions and demands they place on a shepherd… that many of them (spiritual leaders)… “burn out” in a matter of time.
 
Either that, or the church “powers that be”… those that control the finances in the church… refuse to pay a pastor, shepherd, spiritual leader a salary that helps him take care of familial responsibilities… or that fairly compensate him for the many hours of service that the leader/pastor puts into spiritual service… trying to shepherd and look after the congregation that God has placed him with.
 
And so he is forced to take on a secular career to support his family or take on a second job to do the same.
 
He begins to be pulled in so many directions that it isn’t long before he burns out… loses his passion to serve people… and gets discouraged and quits.
 
Listen folks we need to realize that a pastor is a simple human being called to serve others and help guide and direct others to the truth of the scriptures.
 
They are not perfect and they too are growing and ever learning spiritual truth as they journey thru life as well.
 
But they are gifted by God for a specific service… and that is… to help you on your journey… so why not cut them some slack.
 
Here are some tips that you can put into practice to help your pastor become the leader and fulfill the office God has called him to.
 
(1) Cut the criticism.
Most employees are evaluated each year based on their job performance; pastors are evaluated every week.
 
Remember that if a particular sermon doesn’t scratch where you itch… chances are somebody else needs to hear it.
 
(2) “Remember your leaders who taught you the word” (Hebrews 13:7)… and pray for their spiritual growth.
 
I once read… “If you treat a person as he or she is, they’ll stay that way… but if you treat him or her as what he or she ought to be or could become… they’ll become what he or she ought to be and could be.”
 
(3) Send them a note of encouragement, commendation, and praise… especially when something your leader says or does ministers to you.
 
Verbal encouragement is good… but a note can be read many times over.
 
(4) Put your talents to work.
For example, if you’re mechanically inclined… service the pastor’s car.
 
If you’re technologically savvy… help them improve their computer skills.
 
Instead of saying, “You need to do this or that” tell them… “I’d like to help by doing.”
 
Ask where your skills are most needed and become an active participant.
 
(5) Squash gossip.
James said, “If you…don’t control your tongue…your religion is worthless” (James 1:26).
 
Counter “negative talk” about the pastor with positive comments… and correct misinformation with truth.
 
If all else fails—walk away!
 
I like what I read in an article recently. The writer said if you haven’t heard it with your own ears, and if you haven’t read it with your own eyes… then shut your mouth!
 
(6) Be openly responsive.
Nothing encourages leaders like seeing people respond to their preaching and teaching.
 
(7) Lose the measuring stick.
Instead of expecting them to be a mirror image of some media personality whom you are infatuated with… thank God for your pastor’s individual style to minister to those in need.
 
Never forget that most pastors are there because they really do care for you… for the church… and for the Kingdom of God.
 
Let them… and help them do their job.
 
Then be thankful they are there standing in the gap for your soul.
 
Who else prays for you on a regular basis… who else is on call for you 24/7?
 
Who else is there for your emergency?
 
Understand that his… is a life of service.
 
He is bought with a price just like you.
 
His life is not his own… it belongs to the Master… whom has called him to spiritually care for you.
 
Why don’t you call your pastor today and thank him for his service to you… your family… your church and your community.
 
I am sure he could use it.
 
Good Day!
 
 
 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 - October 30th 2024 Worry

(Philippians 4:6) "Don’t worry about anything; instead… pray about everything".
 
Do you realize that "worry" is one of the most "ineffective" pastimes we can indulge in?
 
Jesus Himself asked, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life"? (Matthew 6:27)
 
Worry is the assassin of rest and relationships… It stalks us and hijacks our minds.
 
While we may continue to function publicly… it’s like a sinister force lurking within us… a cancer that slowly destroys your mental health  
 
This enemy called "worry" disorients moods… destroys creativity and depletes your sense of joy peace and confidence.
 
Why do we wrestle so much with things we can’t do anything about?
 
I recall a former pastor friend of mine telling me…  "It took me years to realize that when I went to bed I shouldn’t go with half my day wrapped around my head.
 
I would wrestle all night with issues that couldn’t be resolved until morning anyway.
 
I can’t tell you how many days I went to work feeling like the worn heel of an old shoe.
 
I was less effective, tense, unable to perform to full capacity, and it took its toll on my productivity and relationships".
 
All worry does is steal our energy!
 
Here’s God’s prescription for worry: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything" (Philippians 4:6)
 
I told this to someone one time and they retorted… "what good will praying do"?
 
 I said to them in return, "what good does worrying do… at least when you pray… you put it into the hands of someone who can actually do something about it”.
 
Tell God what you are worried about… and then continue to thank him for all He has done.
 
Leave it in His hands… knowing that “He cares for you” (1^st Peter 5:7)
 
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
 
(Philippians 4:6-9) "His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus … Fix your thoughts on what is true … honorable … right … pure … lovely, and admirable … things that are excellent and worthy of praise … then the God of peace will be with you"
 
Today let God set you free from your worries.
 
“Cast your care on Him for He cares for you”. (1^st Peter 5:7)
 
Good Day

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 - October 29th 2024 Its Gods Word

(2nd Timothy 3:16-17) “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness… that the man of God may be complete… equipped for every good work”. 
 
For the Christian, the child of God, the believer in Christ… the Bible is the most important book in existence.
 
We believe it contains the truth of God and Gods will for humanity… in written form.
 
It presents the history of mankind from the beginning of the universe to the end of our time here on earth…and beyond.
 
It gives guidance in the way that we should live out our lives.
 
Most importantly… it tells us how we can be forgiven of our sins so that we may have “a personal relationship” with a Holy God.
 
So what is the source of this book that we Christians hold so dear?
 
How did we come by it?
 
Non-believers will be quick to say that it was written by men… that it is only a man’s words.
 
But that’s not what the bible teaches us about its origin.
 
Others will say well that’s “circular reasoning”.
 
Trying to prove the Bible by using the Bible.”
 
This article today is not for them... this article is for the believer.

Monday, October 28, 2024 - October 28th 2024 Living In His Presence

(James 4:8) "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
 
I sing a song given to the world back in 1972 by the legendary “Country Music “hit maker” Merle Haggard… a song that cry’s out a message that is so necessary for our world today.
 
“Jesus take a hold and lead us thru”.
 
We need a “Godly” influence in our society today… and it will only begin when each of us determine to take time out for Jesus.
 
We need to make “seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”… our priority.
 
Listen my friend… time spent seeking the face of God… the will of God and the presence of God… will benefit you… your family… and your society… in ways you can’t begin to comprehend or understand.
 
“Time”… is something that God has designed to meet your particular needs in life… to help equip you in your unique calling… to fine-tune you… to draw foolishness out of you… and mold you into His likeness.
 
God may have to start with what feels like a chisel… but eventually He will only need sandpaper... time allows for this.
 
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and follow me” (John 10:27)… the more time spent in His presence… the more recognizable His voice becomes.
 
He’ll not only teach you to hear His voice…He’ll also show you what’s hindering you from hearing it.
 
He’ll teach you lessons needed… to be more than a conqueror (Romans 8:32)… the more time you surrender to Him… yet slowly enough so you don’t miss a lesson.
 
He’ll teach you what it means to be “yoked together” with Him… and to walk at His pace… and in His time.
 
Of course the devil will fight you every step of the way.
 
He’ll set before you rational… and religious excuses… to delay your growth.
 
Resist him! He’s a liar and a deceiver!
 
There’s a price that will be paid for neglecting time with God.
 
Some have lost children and grandchildren to the world… endured hardships… disappointments… financial crisis… and marital breakup…
 
Why… because they let humanistic pride convince them they could do it “my way”…  do it with out the presence of God in their lives.
 
Staying in His presence… desiring His presence… longing for His presence… that’s where we find fulfilled purpose… peace… and joy in this life!
 
I will be honest with you… I can’t get enough of His presence.
 
There is an old chorus we used to sing in church many years ago… “I need thee… O I need thee… every hour I need thee”.
 
I cannot live with out His presence in my life.
 
I thirst for God and His presence in my life daily.I can’t get enough of Him…
His word… and His presence.
 
But it takes time!
 
But what about you?
 
Have you allowed “busyness” to steal time spent with God?
 
Have you allowed “pride” to hinder time spent with God.
 
Have the things of this world stolen your passion for Him?
 
Have you become “lukewarm” towards His presence in your life?
 
Let me implore you today… I beg you today…
 
Take time to turn your face away from all that the world offers with its deception and “counter fit ways” and turn your face… your heart towards God.
 
“Repent… (which means simply turning 180 degrees) and start walking towards… call out for… desire His presence in your life …and start doing the right thing right now…you’ll never regret it.”
 
One of the most satisfying promises we are given... re Gods love and care for us... is found in 

Sunday, October 27, 2024 - October 27th 2024 Grace Abounds Even More

(Romans 5:20) "Where sin increased… grace increased...more".
 
Bill Wilson and Bob Smith… co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous… once visited an attorney who was a hardened alcoholic.
 
Confined to a bed with restraints because of his violent behavior… the man had no choice but to listen to their stories of recovery.
 
But as soon as they started talking about a “Higher Power”… the attorney shook his head and said… “It’s too late for me. I still believe in God… but I know He no longer believes in me”.
 
How sad… and misguided!
 
Unfortunately there are many today whom believe the same thing.
 
The enemy of our soul… the liar… the deceiver… the Devil… has convinced you that its too late for you… that you’ve been too bad… that God could never love you… that God won’t accept you because of your sins?
 
But friend that’s not what the Word of God has to say!
 
Paul says… “Where sin increased… grace increased more” (Romans 5:20)  
 
And he should know… because before his Damascus Road conversion… he was “Public Sinner Number One” (1st Timothy 1:15)
 
And even after his conversion to Christ… Paul bemoaned the terrible struggle he had in overcoming sin in his life.
 
(Romans 7:15-25) “I do not understand what I do.
 
For what I want to do… I do not do… but what I hate… I do… For I have the desire to do what is good… but I cannot carry it out. 
 
For I do not do the good I want to do… but the evil I do not want to do… this I keep on doing.
 
Although I want to do good… evil is right there with me… What a wretched man I am!
 
Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 
 
Thanks be to God… who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
 
Despite Paul’s struggle with sin and his “old nature”…  God used him to reach the world with the gospel (Acts 17:2).
 
Paul lived his life with a knowledge… an understanding of the grace of God… a revelation that transformed him and gave him strength to fight “the good fight of faith”.
 
The message of “Grace” was so central to Paul’s message to the new believers in Christ… that he mentions it in the very beginning of all his epistles or letters in the New Testament of the Bible.
 
Paul new and understood… that by trying to stand on your own merit… your own good works… it just doesn’t work.
 
We can never meet or live up to the righteous requirements of holiness.
 
The bible says there is “none righteous no not one”!
 
Every time you mess up… you feel like a failure… unloved…
unworthy… and unaccepted.
 
And that is the lie that the devil and his demons keeps spewing… to get us to lose hope and confidence in the deliverance and the redemption of the cross.
 
You are just not good enough… you are too bad… look what you’ve done!
 
And when that happens, the enemy of our soul steps in with more lies and condemnation until you get so discouraged that you lose all hope.
 
But listen friend… the bible tells us… “there is now therefore no condemnation to them who are in Christ.” (Romans 8:1)
 
When you believe in the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ you are forgiven and made acceptable into Gods family.
 
In fact God Himself files the adoption papers that make you His child.
 
Why…because the price for your “justification”… was paid at the cross.
 
The price for your “acceptability” with God… was paid when the blood of Jesus Christ flowed from His body… down the old cross and upon the world.
 
God no longer sees you as a sinner… but as a redeemed child of His.
 
So can you imagine what would happen if you started seeing yourself as God sees you?
 
The truth is… you’re His redeemed child and He sees you through the blood of Jesus… “which cleanses all your sins” (1^st John 1:7)
 
(1st John 1:9) “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins… and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
 
There’s nothing you can do to make God love you more and nothing you can do to make Him love you less!
 
If there was… then Jesus would not have had to die on the cross.
 
He died so that we might live!
 
And Jesus said in (John 10:10) “him whom the Son sets free is free indeed”
 
And that’s the good news!
 
Good Day!

Saturday, October 26, 2024 - October 26th 2024 A Different Kind Of Spirit

(Numbers 14:24) "My servant Caleb has a different spirit."
 
If Caleb was alive today… there’s a good chance he would qualify for “Man of the Year”.
 
Someone who has done the most to influence circumstances for the better.
 
Here’s his story in his own words: “I was forty years old when Moses sent me to explore the land.”
 
“I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me had a different report and made the hearts of the people melt in fear.”
 
“I however, believed God wholeheartedly and that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance’.”
 
“So here I am today, eighty-five years old, as strong as the day Moses sent me out.”
 
“I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now, as I was then.”
 
“Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me.”
 
“Then Joshua blessed Caleb and gave him Hebron as his inheritance… because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly” (Joshua 14:7-14)
 
We can all learn valuable lessons from a man like Caleb.
 
His life can be summed up in four sentences:
 
(1)         He had “a different spirit” from those around him.
 
He had a positive outlook on all aspects of life… whereas most people look at a “half empty” glass of water… Caleb saw a glass… “half-full”.
 
(2)         He believed that with God’s help… every giant that stands in your way can be conquered… even when others say they can’t.
 
(3)         He had vision… that neither age nor circumstances could diminish…
and he was willing to wait and work for it even though it took forty-five years to fulfill.
 
(4) In old age he remained young at heart… and totally committed to God.
 
How does one develop a spirit like that?
 
By choosing… trusting… and believing the Word of God… and walking with Him daily.
 
It’s a character trait that is developed by “choosing” to believe God… instead of the circumstances around you.
 
Choosing to believe God… instead of the talking heads on the media.
 
Choosing to believe God… instead of the lies of the enemy and the twisted wisdom of this world .
 
By committing to the leadership that God has set in place.
 
Yes it runs against the norm of human understanding and perception… and our pride at times.
 
I am quite sure that Caleb “chaffed at the bit” at times… while he waited for the rest of the nation of Israel to fall in line and finally believe Gods promise.
 
But He never let go of the promise… and He remained faithful and trustworthy.
 
Now that’s a different kind of spirit!
 
Now that’s integrity!
 
And God is more than willing to walk with you and help you develop that kind of spirit/integrity from this day forward… if you will just invite Him and the Holy Spirit into your heart and life… to live… and dwell with you… and be there with you 24/7.
 
It doesn’t take rocket science… just a choice and faith to walk in it.
 
 
Good Day!