Morning Devotional April 30, 2024

 

1 Peter 1:13-21

“13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 29, 2024

 

James 1:2-12

“2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

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.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 26, 2024

 Proverbs 21:30

“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 25, 2024

Proverbs 16:2

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 24, 2024

 Proverbs 27:8

“As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 23, 2024

 

Philippians 4:4-9

“4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 22, 2024

 

Philippians 1:20-21

“20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 21, 2024

 

1 Timothy 5:17-20

“17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 20, 2024

 

Mark 10:23-27

“23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 19, 2024

 

2 Timothy 2:6-16

“6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 18, 2024

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 17, 2024

 

Psalm 145:1-13

“1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

8 The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

10 All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee.

11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;

12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 16, 2024

 

Psalm 9:9-10

“9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 14, 2024

 

Psalm 145:1-13

“1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

8 The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

10 All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee.

11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;

12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 13, 2024

 

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

“6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 13, 2024

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

“13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 11, 2024

John 10:22-42

“22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

42 And many believed on him there.

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 10, 2024

 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

“6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

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.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 9, 2024

 Colossians 2:4-7

“4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 8, 2024

Here is a sermon from Bro. Paul Stepp, Missionary to Bosler, Wyoming. I thought this fitting to use as a devotional the day after the end of our Bible Conference.

SERMON: March 10, 2024

“Counting the Cost”

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he

have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all

that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke

14:28-30)

Our text passage of Scripture serves as a reminder of the cost of serving and following Jesus Christ. Certainly, it is a

wonderful and magnificent blessing to follow after Christ! What grander calling is there in the world? What loftier

vocation is there in all of mankind? And yet, this is not something to be entered upon lightly. Nor can the unprepared (or

unregenerate) hope to endure the cost that will be required. Jesus Christ has paid for our salvation, but there are

expectations for those who would serve and follow in the Cause of Christ. The Cost must be counted, and the Cost includes

the following:

Prefer Christ

The beginning of this sermon is quite simple: Prefer Christ above all others. This is what our Lord teaches us. The word

“hate” in this passage, may seem too harsh by some. But, I believe that what the Lord intends, is that we will put the things

of God first. Even by His example, the Lord Jesus proved that we should love, and be attracted to, the things of God – even

at the expense of our own earthly families. The Lord mentions the word “first” several times in our text passage. I believe

that this is essential in our service. Jesus Christ must be “first.” Our love for Him must be “first” and best. We must prefer

Him above all others – persons, things, pleasures – Jesus Christ must be “first.” If He is not, then it is of no use to embark

upon this life of service unto Christ. Mt. 10:34-37; Mark 3:31-35; Deut. 13:6-8

Follow Christ

A person may say, and may even demonstrate to his family and the world – in no uncertain terms – that he does “Prefer

Christ.” However, a saying of the thing, is not sufficient; there must also be a doing of the thing. Those who will be the

disciples of Christ, must follow Him! We must walk the way in which He walked. We must say the words that He said. We

must love the persons and things that He loved. We must hate the things that He hated. We must be obedient to the

Father to Whom He was obedient. When we prefer Christ, we follow Him. When we follow Him, we willingly place Him

first in our lives, and we willingly forsake our own desires – we submit our will unto His, and we wholeheartedly want to,

strive to, and work to see Jesus Christ exalted and the Will of God accomplished. Mt. 10:38; Lk. 9:23-26; 1Pet. 4:1-3; Col.

3:1-4

Consider and Commit

Our service unto God, requires a careful consideration of the expectations that God has of us, and the required cost that we

must undoubtedly pay. Our service unto God, requires a sincere commitment unto God – knowing that there will be

difficulties we must face, trials we must endure, tribulations and temptations that will confront us, loved ones and friends

that will forsake us, and a Loving Saviour that waits to greet us. As we consider these things, let us commit ourselves unto

the One Who gave Himself for us. He is able to keep us and to save us! Heb. 12:1-3; Gen. 28:16-22; 1Pet. 4:12-19

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 7, 2024

 

Galatians 6:6-10

“6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotionals April 6, 2024

 Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

The Lord has blessed us here again with permitting us to have another annual Bible Conference. I still consider myself as the new kid on the block as I have only been the pastor here for 6 years this month. Of course, I have been to many Bible Conferences and Revival Meetings and Fellowship Meetings over the years. But always a blessing to sit and listen to the stories of the older preachers. Especially the stories they tell of things that they have seen in their ministries. Some of my favorites are the stories of how our Lord has blessed His people over the years through these types of meetings. I often wonder why so many who used to come to these conferences have stopped coming. There is a wealth of knowledge I believe we are loosing with the current generations of older folks who are getting fewer and fewer each year. In my short time here we have seen several older pastors and their wives go to be with the Lord. But I believe a more sad thing we have seen is how many of the younger generations have fallen away from the truth in so much that many will not even attend a church where the truth is taught. Among the Lord's true churches today there seems to be an open rebellion against what the older generation of preachers were preaching and teaching. Some have gone off to follow after false churches and have chosen to no longer have fellowship with those where they grewup.

I keep thinking “what a time of Iron Sharpening” we are missing out on.

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 5, 2024

1 John 1:5-7

“5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 4, 2024

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

“1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 3, 2024

 

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

“18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 2, 2024

 

Acts 4:5-13

“5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!

Morning Devotional April 1, 2024

 

Acts 13:44-49

“44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.”

Praise ye the Lord!!!