Morning Devotional December 31, 2018

John 14:15

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

Planning New Year's Resolutions? How about following this one?

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 30, 2018

Luke 1:37

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

As we prepare for the beginning of the new year let us remember these words. Though we know not what is ahead in the coming days and weeks and months, our God is all knowing and will guide us through whatever He has for us.

Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 29, 2018

Romans 5:2-5

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 28, 2018

1 John 4:19

“We love him, because he first loved us.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 27, 2018

Romans 6:16

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

O child of God, whom do you follow today? Is your obedience and loyalty to our Lord and Savior or is it to the false god of self? Does your ways seem more important than the ways of the one who saved your soul from your sin? If you are truly His then follow Christ today. Flee the lust and the pride of this life and humble yourself before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pray without ceasing. Seek His face. Follow His commandments. Leave behind the lies and the cares of this world and follow the only one who truly loves you and cares for you more than any other.

Remember, we are His and He is ours. Follow Him!!!

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 26, 2018

Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 25, 2018

Romans 6:1-2

“1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 24, 2018

Psalm 130:5

“I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 23, 2018

Acts 20:7

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”

How many of us are willing to sit and listen to a preacher preach till midnight? How many of us are willing to sit and listen to a preacher at all? In the New Testament there are plenty of examples of how God's people set and listened to the men God sent to them. These people were starving for the Word of God. Where is this hunger for God's Word today?

Also notice these people were called “disciples”. They were there to learn the ways of our Lord. Not to play games or to be entertained. They were there to learn and to worship. Many today are audiences filled with fans rather than congregations filled with disciples. Which are you?

Praise the Lord, pray without ceasing!!! If you are a member of a local church go today. If it is to far to travel, there are many ways to listen or watch services online. Don't have a church? Do you desire to follow the examples the Lord gives in His Word for church membership? Then seek His guidance on where He would have you to go. If there are no true churches in your area, contact me. I may can help or know someone who can.

You have no desire to join one of the Lord's churches? Why not? Are you a child of God that is living in rebellion against our Heavenly Father? Why would you not want to follow the examples given in His Word and join the membership of one of His churches? Why would one of His children not desire to be apart of the bride of the Son of God?

Or have you not received the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ? Is His Holy Spirit working on you today? Is He calling you to Himself? Receive Him today and repent of your sins and follow Jesus in scriptural baptism and into full fellowship with one of His churches.

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 21, 2018

James 2:18

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 19, 2018

Mark 10:45

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 18, 2018

James 1:5-7

“5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 17, 2018

Psalm 31:22

“For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.”

Even in our time of doubt, our God is there to hear our prayers. And yet knowing this we still doubt. God help us!!!

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 16, 2018

Psalm 145:18

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 15, 2018

Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 14, 2018

Acts 16:25

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”

Do others hear us pray and hear our praises to God? Whether in prison or free where is our witness for God? What is our witness for God?

Luke 9:26

“For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 13, 2018

Psalm 91:1-2

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 12, 2018

Romans 8:26-28

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 11, 2018

Psalm 22:19

“But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 9, 2018

Acts 11:19-26

“19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

In these verses we see an example of how a New Testament church is to come about. Notice first, they preached the Lord Jesus to the Grecians(Gentiles). Second, when word reached the original church in Jerusalem, that church sent Barnabas(a missionary) to Antioch to confirm what they had heard. Third, Barnabas sought the help of Saul(Paul) to help teach people of Antioch. Lastly, the members of this newly founded church who were under Barnabas and Saul's discipleship for a whole year were called Christians. By definition, in God's Word, one must be a member of and a disciple in a New Testament church to be a Christian. The name Christian is not a name to be taken lightly. Many today want to claim the name of Christian but not follow our Lord in His commandments nor take seriously the membership and discipleship of one of the Lord's true churches. Notice the people of the church in Antioch were not sitting at home teaching themselves or only reading God's Word for themselves. They were meeting with the church and being disciples of the teaching of the men who God had sent. Yes, God tells us we must be like the Bereans and study daily what is taught. But study what or who? God did not say study only on our own. Though we are commanded to read His Word and have our daily Bible readings. We are to keep His word in our hearts also. But He also tells us to study what we are taught by those who are preaching and teaching to the congregation.

Child of God, are you the member of a true New Testament church of Jesus Christ? If not, why not? Are you faithful to the church you are a member of? If not, why not? Some may have no true church close by. Have you asked any of the Lord's churches to send a missionary or for their pastor to visit? There is also such a thing as long distance members in some churches. You can still be a part of a true church and live at a distance. It is not the best situation but with today's technology you can receive sermons and teaching via internet or phone or a number of other ways.

Christian, pray for others who need discipleship. There are many of the Lord's people out there who desire to be taught and to have fellowship and membership with one of the Lord's churches. If you can help, don't wait. Let these others know they are in your prayers and offer them advice in what they seek.

Pray one for another. Seek Christ and His discipleship. As children of God we should be seeking to be one of those who are in the Bride of Christ. The Word of God is clear, only those who are faithful in one of the Lord's churches will be in the Bride of the Son of God.

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 8, 2018

Hebrews 4:1-4

“4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 7, 2018

Isaiah 12:5

“Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 6, 2018

Psalm 119:114

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 5, 2018

Matthew 14:31

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

How many of us are strong enough in our faith to step out on the water in the middle of a storm? Remember Peter had the faith to make the initial few steps but was filled with doubt when he took his eyes off of the Lord.

Do we not act as Peter did when we are faced with trials and storms in this life? When we refuse to leave our “comfort zone” to go where the Lord has told us to go. Or to do what He has told us to do. Even when we think our faith is at it's strongest, doubts and fears enter our thoughts and we falter.

The key for Peter was to keep his eyes on the Lord while he did what others thought impossible by walking on the water. The same holds true for us today. Even when the storms of life come. We must keep our eyes on our Lord as we follow His lead in this life.

O child of God, follow Christ. Keep you eyes always on Him!!!

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 4, 2018

1 Timothy 2:5-6

“5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 2, 2018

1 John 3:18

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

How many of us love our brothers and sisters in Christ “in deed and in truth?” How often do we show our love for them? Do they know if we pray for them? Is our love sincere or just because we are told to love?

Our Lord spoke often of loving one another in His Word. So obviously it was very important to Him that we love one another. Is our love for one another just as important to us? Do we not seek the love of others ourselves? Then why do we neglect something that should come so easy and should be common place in our lives?

O child of God, love your brothers and sisters sincerely. Show them the love Christ has given you for them. Let them know you pray often for them.

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional December 1st, 2018

1 Corinthians 13

“1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

O child of God, where is your charity towards your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you love unconditionally as we are commanded or only when it is convenient to suit yourself? Is your charity based on your wants and needs or is it based on the love of Christ that is in you?

Forsake the selfish examples set by the world in out day and time and follow the example of our Lord and Savior. Love your brothers and sisters as Jesus loves you. Unconditionally, with all long suffering when needed. Remember, they are your brothers and sisters. Remember, like you, they are the children of God.

Praise ye the Lord!!!