Morning Devotional September 30, 2017

Galatians 1:1-5

“1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
3Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Most of the Apostle Paul's letters that are recorded in God's Word were written to specific churches. As Paul would hear news from the churches he had helped found or had confirmed the founding of in his journeys often times the news was of how the Lord's churches were falling from the truth and were being lead astray by some false doctrine or false teacher. With the authority given him by his sending church in Antioch and by the authority given him by the Lord as an Apostle, Paul wrote letters to these churches teaching them and correcting them in the error of their ways and commending them for their stand for the truth.

These letters were addressing the issues of the day in individual churches. These letters were not sent out to all the saved but were sent for the churches. Paul makes that clear in his writings. Are these letters for us today? Sure they are. For the Lord's churches today these letters are examples and lessons for us to follow and to learn from. Most everything a church needs to know about how to operate, discipline, the ordinances, teaching, etc. are contained in these letters from Paul.

Nowhere does Paul address his letters to the saved in general. At the beginning of each letter, he addresses the letter to the church or churches in a certain town or area or country. In Colossians 4:16 Paul tells the church in Colosse that when they are done reading the letter they are to pass it to the church of the Laodiceans and the church in Colosse is to read the letter he wrote to the Laodicean church. So the churches were to pass these letters around to the other churches. These letters were included in the final draft of the Bible for the purpose of teaching the Lord's churches. This teaching we are hearing today that Paul's epistles are for all of God's people is a false doctrine. Everything Paul addresses in his letters, everything God gave him to write, was written to edify and strengthen the churches. They were never intended for anyone else. These teachings and corrections Paul wrote of could only be implemented in the Lord's churches.

Can those who are not part of the Bride of Christ gain from these letters? Certainly they can. For one, it should be an encouragement to them to search out and find one of the Lord's congregations and seek to join themselves to that congregation. God's Word can also show them what not to seek in church membership.

As you read through the Word of God, please, remember to read it in it's context. Notice and remember to whom it is written. The Word of God is from the Bride-Groom to His Bride. The teachings and corrections written by Paul and others were/are for the Lord's Bride. Remember Ephesians 5:25-27. The Bride-Groom is preparing His Bride for Himself by His Word.

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 28, 2017

Proverbs 22:20-21

“Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?”


Praise God He gave us His Word!!! Without Him we have no understanding, no knowledge of the truth of His Word. O how men have tried to distort the Word of God over the centuries. Many so called versions and commentaries have been written. Most are nothing but the corrupt thoughts of man.
O child of God, study to shew thyself approved unto God. Read and listen to the words of our Lord. O how the love of God for His people is shown so clearly in His Word. If only we will take the time to read and study and listen.


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 23, 2017

1 Corinthians 2:14

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”


Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God no man can know God nor the things of God. Without the Holy Spirit of God man will not understand the Word of God. He may read it and think it a good history lesson or a good lesson on morality or a good collection of stories. Man can read of the love of the Lord. But he can never understand or know the love the Lord has for His people. Nor does this man have a desire to know this love.
It is only by the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit pricking the heart and convicting the heart of the man, regenerating the soul of the man, will the man have a desire to seek the love of God. It is the Holy Spirit that opens the understanding of these things to man. It is only the Holy Spirit that opens the spiritual eyes of man and causes him to see and know the love of our Heavenly Father. It is the Holy Spirit that causes man to repent and to beg for mercy from God. It is the Holy Spirit that gives the faith necessary for the man to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. And it is this same Holy Spirit that gives the man the desire for membership in one of the Lord's churches through baptism in water.
O praise God for His Holy Spirit that comes and indwells in us!!! O where would we be if He did not?
O child of God, seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Follow when He says go. Wait when He says wait. But remember to test the spirits. Look to God's Word and make sure it is the Holy Spirit that is speaking. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks.


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 13, 2017

Galatians 3:3

“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

We see so many of God's people today who are following the flesh and not the Spirit. The old adage “if it feels good, do it” has been taken to heart by many a child of God. This very teaching has crept into the Lord's churches and has polluted the very doctrines they used to hold dear.

The followers of this seem to be, at first, sincere in their actions and words and at times can bring a very compelling argument for their way of thinking. But, if, we will go to God's Word and search the scriptures on these matters, we can quickly see the error of their ways.

Most have, in their own minds, admirable intentions for church growth and reaching the lost with the gospel. But what does God say on these things? Did not Paul write that it is God who will give the increase? I Corinthians 3:6-7. As pro-claimers of the gospel, all we can do is plant and water. But only God can save the lost soul. Only God can bring His own to Himself. Only God gives the increase. And God has given instruction on how this is to be done. He has given us instructions on how to sow the seed and to water the plants and what to do when the harvest time has come. Yet we as sinful men think our way is better.

A great example is the life of a farmer. This is the example the Lord uses over and over in His Word. A farmer prepares the ground. He plants the seed. He waters when it is time. Then the rest is waiting on the Lord to grow the plants and to provide the increase of the harvest. The Lord has given the farmer the know how to know when to prepare the ground, to plant the seed, and to water. But after that, every farmer knows there is absolutely nothing he can do till the harvest is ready. He can fertilize, he can remove the weeds, and he can continue to water when needed. But it is only God who has determined if any or all of this will produce. Sometimes God sends a storm and destroys the crop before the harvest. Sometimes He sends insects or a fungus. But even all this is in God's hands and is His will and none of the farmers.

So, are we so foolish that we think we can change the mind of God? Are we so foolish that we think His will is based on our wants? Are we following God's Holy Spirit or are we following our flesh? If we follow Him He will make our wants coincide with His will.

Praise ye the Lord!!! 

Morning Devotional September 11, 2017

Psalm 107:23-32

23They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
25For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
28Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.”


Whatever the storm we go through, praise the Lord!!! At the beginning of the storm, in the middle of the storm, and when the storm is over. Praise the Lord!!! As God's children, brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be praying for each other when we see another in distress or in a storm. Pray especially for our brothers and sisters who have been through or are going through the stormy weather in different parts of the world of late. Those we know who are struggling with personal storms. Never forget to pray for those. Be a blessing to our brothers and sisters and let them know you pray for them when the Lord gives opportunity for you to do so.
Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 10, 2017

Ephesians 6:10-17

“10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”


O that we as God's children would come to understand the seriousness of these verses. So many pastors and teachers have ill-equipped God's people for the battles we see being fought everyday. Totally ignoring the fact that we are in a spiritual battle.
God plainly gives us the weapons to fight. For defense and for offense in this great war.
Study to shew thyself approved. Pray without ceasing. Resist the wiles of the devil. Forsake the lust of the flesh and the lust of this old sinful world.


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 9, 2017

James 3:13-18

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 8, 2017

Ephesians 3:14-21

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 7, 2017

Psalm 66:1-2

“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.”


O what a blessing our God has given us with the songs and hymns and psalms that have been written over the many generations that bring honor and glory to Him. What a joy it is when we are alone with Him and He brings a tune and/or the words to our mind and we sing out in praise to our Heavenly Father. In many places in the God's Word He instructs us to praise Him with singing.
Yet sin filled men have taken advantage of the praises of God and have written words and tunes that are ungodly and dishonor our Lord and Savior. Many of our church hymnals contain words that bring more honor to men or to objects than they do to God. Many have made a business out of praising God. The “Gospel” music industry is full of people who follow the money rather than the Lord. Entertainers who would rather draw a large crowd than sing praises of truth. They put on a good show with the talents God has given them. All in the name of entertainment. Blaspheming the God they claim to be praising.
Please don't misunderstand. There are those out there who do truly sing to honor our Lord. But they are rare.
Child of God, praise the Lord by singing praises to Him!!! Study the words to the songs. Find songs and music that is honoring to our Heavenly Father. Forsake those who would lead us astray with popular tunes and words that sound pretty but are not scriptural. O how important it is to praise our Lord and Saviour in truth!!!
“Sing O sing of my Redeemer and His wondrous love for me”.


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 6, 2017

Psalm 16:1

“Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.”


O child of God, where is our trust today? Is it in this sin filled life? Is it in your job? Do you trust in a politician? Or maybe a doctor? Or how about a preacher?
While God can and does use these for good at times, they are not God. They are vessels used by God for our good and for His glory. By putting our faith and trust in man or the things of this life we deny our Lord and Savior the glory only He is worthy of.
So who do we trust? Pray God will preserve you. Pray God will strengthen the faith He has given you. Study His Word. Pray without ceasing. Commune with our Heavenly Father constantly and seek His face and favor in all that we do.
When times are good, praise Him!!! When times are not so good, praise Him even more!!!


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 5, 2017

Psalm 139:23-24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”


O how we ought to make this our prayer every morning and evening! Yet, I wonder how many of us are afraid for God to show us the evil of our ways? Are we to ashamed to pray this? Are our sins so great that we would try to hide them from our Heavenly Father? Have we forgotten He knows all? Even our deepest, darkest secrets?
O child of God, seek the Lord in all things. Pray He keeps us in the fold and protects us from the wiles of the devil. Stray not from the path He has given you to follow. Follow our Lord. Look to Him and only to Him for guidance.
Flee the lust of this world and seek the ways of the Lord. For only in the Lord will we find peace and joy in this life.


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional September 4, 2017

Psalm 43:5

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”


O child of God, why do we worry and fret so much in this life? Why do we allow the things we see and hear in this old sinful world get us down and at times trod us into the ground? Where is our hope today? Our hope, our true hope is in the Lord our God!!!
Yet we so often times and many often many times a day put our hope in the things of this life and of this world. We become disconnected with our Heavenly Father because of our sin of worry and concern for things that only cause us to drift from the one who gives us true hope. Remember, He promised to never leave us, it is us who stray from Him.
As the verse above says “I shall yet praise him” so I encourage all of us. Praise Him!!! Praise Him!!! When the tempest toss and and all seems loss in this life, praise Him!!! When we are at our lowest point and there seems no way out, praise Him!!! When He sends blessings and life seems so grand, praise Him!!! Praise Him without ceasing!!!
O that we all as His children would come to the knowledge and understanding of how important praising our Lord is to our spiritual well being. O that we would love Him so that His commandments are not grievous to us. O that our witness to those around us would be glorifying to our Lord and Savior.


Praise ye the Lord!!!