KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH GOD

MONDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH GOD

(Psalm 19:7) “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

(Proverbs 7: 1)- “My son, keep my words…,” David said in (Psalms 19: 14) “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Unless we read, receive the Word of God and really meditate on it daily, live and practice it… I believe we can’t expect our hearts to be overflowing with joy, and abundantly be the source of God’s living water to others. “Keep my words” in verse one and in verse two it says “Keep my commandments” King Solomon said; “Follow my advice, my son; always keep it in your heart and mind and stick to it.” From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we were told to keep or obey God’s commandments, so we would live long. (Proverbs 7:2) “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.”  It means we must receive it and treasure it in our hearts like one of the most important part of our body- our eyes. Remember the words of Apostle Paul in (II Timothy 3:16) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” How would you response to Solomon’s advice? (Proverbs 16: 6) “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”

(John 5:38- 39) 38- “And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39- Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

LOOK UP TO THE KING OF KINGS

SUNDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

LOOK UP TO THE KING OF KINGS

(Hebrews 12:1- 2) 1- “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

I preached about this text in our worship, which I believe is very timely or relevant to our present economic conditions. Notice John Wesley’s commentary on Hebrews 12 verses 1 and 2: “Wherefore, being encompassed with a cloud - A great multitude, tending upward with a holy swiftness. Of witnesses - Of the power of faith. Let us lay aside every weight - As all who run a race take care to do. Let us throw off whatever weighs us down, or damps the vigour of our Soul. And the sin which easily besetteth us - As doth the sin of our constitution, the sin of our education, the sin of our profession. Looking - From all other things. To Jesus - As the wounded Israelites to the brazen serpent. Our crucified Lord was prefigured by the lifting up of this; our guilt, by the stings of the fiery serpents; and our faith, by their looking up to the miraculous remedy. The author and finisher of our faith - Who begins it in us, carries it on, and perfects it. Who for the joy that was set before him - Patiently and willingly endured the cross, with all the pains annexed thereto. And is set down - Where there is fullness of joy.” We must learn to look up to Jesus for encouragement, for strength against our enemies, for help and blessings. He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. (Psalm 60:12) “Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.”

“LOVE”- BEYOND OUR IMAGINATION

SATURDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

“LOVE”- BEYOND OUR IMAGINATION

(Romans 5:5- 8)

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. 6- For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7- For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

“The LOVE of God is Greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell,

It goes beyond the highest star; And reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win:

His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from sin. O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forever more endure the saints’ and angels song.” (Frederick M. Lehman)

Modern science and technology can measure the distance between earth to the sun and earth to the moon or other planets and stars; but they can’t measure the love of God. They can measure the deepest ocean of the world, but no one can measure the love of God, or describe it in words, in tongues and paint it in a canvas. Our mind is limited in its capacity to comprehend such LOVE. It’s really beyond our human comprehension. Faith in the Lord and what He has done on the cross two thousand years ago is the key to really understand His great love for humanity. We have to let the Holy Spirit of God convicts us of our sins and work in us in our hopelessness and helplessness. (I John 4:9) “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

THE ONLY WAY TO BE A GOOD PESSIMISTS IS FOR US TO LEARN TO “W-I-N”

FRIDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

THE ONLY WAY TO BE A GOOD PESSIMISTS IS FOR US TO LEARN TO “W-I-N”

(Proverbs 27:12) “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.”

It sounds complicated, but it can be done and it could true. You need to learn to see the dark side of life in a positive way. Looking down into our future may be dark, blurred or gray to many people, but we know that things and circumstances can be turned into the opposite side of life. According to Dictionary.com; A pessimist means “pes·si·mist- 1. a person who habitually sees or anticipates the worst or is disposed to be gloomy.” How will you do it? W-I-N!!!

WORRY- You may worry for the future, but be sure to turn your worry for the best of your family, your dreams and future. I was worried with the future of my family, so I bought an insurance policy for their future. It’s an example of good worries.

INSECURITY- It’s natural to feel insecure of your present life and the future of your family. If you look at the hopeless situations of the world’s economy and the evil that’s happening in our society; we will certainly be affected, but you can do something positive out of it. Make Christ your security, plan for the future and look at the future in a positive way. Insecurity is good if it be used for the best of others.

NEGATIVE- I am a positive person, but I plan for the future and I also expect something negative from the world, people’s negative reactions and the enemy’s temptations. The only times I would think negative, if I can gain positive results out of it. (Hebrews 12:2) “

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

THE PRESENCE OF THE SAVIOR MEANS THE ABSENCE OF SIN

THURSDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

THE PRESENCE OF THE SAVIOR MEANS THE ABSENCE OF SIN

(I Chronicles 16:26- 27) 26- “For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27- Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.”

The practiced of sin is very common in a home where Christ is absent, but in a home where Christ is the Head or present, sin is out of the fence. It’s so difficult at times to identify if you’re in a Christian home or not, especially if the home you’re in speaks the same lines as the true believers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We recently visited my wife’s relatives and our old Christian friends; it was so different from other homes, from people that are nice, but they’re not Christians. We have been to some homes and because they’re not Christians, you cannot really feel the presence of God. Do you remember during the time of Jonah when God commanded Jonah to go to Babylon and he refused to go? He disobeyed God’s command to go because he was afraid to follow God and to go to a country that’s sinful and wicked. But God wants to send revival to the land of Nineveh. God told him to preach so the small nation of Nineveh would repent and turn from their wicked ways. And almost at the end of Jonah’s journey, he finally obeyed God and he preached the simple message God bid him to preach. As Christians, we’re not afraid to come to our friend’s home, but sometimes we can witness things or their works that are inappropriate and others are doing some immoral things. And the sad thing is you can’t really feel the presence of the Lord. Ask God to help you feel His presence.

(Psalm 68:2) “As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.”

THE MEANING OF THE WORD “GOSPEL”

WEDNESDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

THE MEANING OF THE WORD “GOSPEL”

(I Corinthians 15:1-5; 1:21) In verses 3 and 4 it says: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4- And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

What is the definition or the meaning of the word “Gospel”? Paul defined gospel as the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures. Believing on what Christ did on the cross more than 2,000 years ago is the step for us to obtain eternal life in heaven. We did not do anything for the salvation of our souls but to take a step of faith and by humbly coming unto the throne of grace in repentance. We can be saved, set free and sanctified by the Blood of the Lamb because of the Lord’s death. (John 8:36) “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” A man one day asked a Christian about the believer’s assurance of salvation and why the Christians made it easy for people to go to heaven? The Christian said; “It’s not the Christians who made it easy for people to go to heaven. It was God who made it easy through the death, burial and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Ephesians 2:8-9) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9- Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Believing in Christ for eternal life sounds impossible for many. But that’s what the Bible says… It was because of the finished work of Christ.

KEEP FALLIN’ IN LOVE WITH JESUS

TUESDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

KEEP FALLIN’ IN LOVE WITH JESUS

(John 12:24- 25) 24- “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25- He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”

According to John Wesley in his book NOTES ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN, Mr. Wesley wrote:

“24

Unless a grain of wheat die - The late resurrection of Lazarus gave our Lord a natural occasion of speaking on this subject. And agreeable to his infinite knowledge, he singles out, from among so many thousands of seeds, almost the only one that dies in the earth: and which therefore was an exceeding proper similitude, peculiarly adapted to the purpose for which he uses it. The like is not to be found in any other grain, except millet, and the large bean.

25

He that loveth his life - More than the will of God; shall lose it eternally: and he that hateth his life - In comparison of the will of God, shall preserve it. Mt 10:39.”

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is in unity and in love with each other. Thus; God expect us to love Him and to love one another. And as Christians, we must live in unity and in the fear of the Lord; forbearing, encouraging and giving honor in the name of Christ. Continue to keep in love with God and with your neighbors…

(Deuteronomy 6:4- 5) 4- “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5- And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

PAUL- FROM PERSECUTOR TO A PREACHER, GOD PLEASER AND A PRAYER WARRIOR

MONDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

PAUL- FROM PERSECUTOR TO A PREACHER, GOD PLEASER AND A PRAYER WARRIOR

(Galatians 1:1) “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)”

I believe that Paul lived a life that truly honors the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was a man to be admired because of his Gratefulness (I Thessalonians 5:18) “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Secondly, because of his Prayerfulness (I Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 1:9). 17- “Pray without ceasing.”  9- “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;” Thirdly, because of his joy (Philippians 4:4). “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” In spite of his uncomfortable and really bad situations, Apostle Paul has joy in his heart. If Paul would be given a chance to live again in this modern world, I mean in our generation, I’m very much sure Paul would not be concern of putting up chapels or church buildings, but saintly saints. He will not plant seed of corruption and destruction but the seed of regeneration. Indeed Paul was a man of God. Paul was a lawyer who became a preacher. Paul was a persecutor who became a propagator. He was a sinner who became a saint. Paul was the true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. “The disciple is one who in every area of his life determines from the Bible what is right and lives it consistently. The disciple is one who is in constant touch with people in need.” (Walter A. Henrichsen) (Galatians 1:10- 11) 10- “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11- But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.”

‘JESTING’- LET IT NOT BE ONCE NAMED AMONG YOU...

SUNDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

‘JESTING’- LET IT NOT BE ONCE NAMED AMONG YOU...

(Ephesians 5:3- 4) 3- “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4- Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”

We all like to have fun and enjoy every minute of our lives here on earth, but there are times and there are things that we, as Christians, needs to draw a line or make a boundary. What is “Jesting” anyways? According to Dictionary.com; “Jesting” means “a joke or witty remark; witticism. 2. a bantering remark; a piece of good-natured ridicule; taunt. 3. sport or fun: to speak half in jest, half in earnest. 4. the object of laughter, sport, or mockery; laughing-stock. Some of the “stand up” comedians are using the Bible, the name of God, Hell, calamities and spiritual matters as their subjects for their jokes and they make fun of them. It’s very ungodly, sarcasm and it’s a sacrilege.

Here are some of the Scripture references with regards to foolish talking, foolishness or bad jokes, green jokes or dirty jokes. (Proverbs 10:23, 32; 14:9; 15:21; 26:18- 19) 23- “It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. 32- The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness [NKJV: what is perverse]. 9- Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. 21- Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. 18- As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19- So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?”

WHAT IS “PTL” TO YOU?

SATURDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

WHAT IS “PTL” TO YOU?

(Psalm 150:1; 6) 1- “Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 6- Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD”

We use too many of the modern day abbreviation that if we will ask the prophet Moses and even Thomas Edison about what they think of “LOL” or “ASAP”; they would be clueless. Even in the Christian world we use BS for Bible Study and PTL for Praise The Lord. But let me share to you the other meaning of PTL. And it would be; P- for PRIDE, T- for TIMID or TIMIDITY, L- for LUSTS. Pride is one of the sins that Satan used and still using to destroy homes, churches, ministers and individuals as well. (I John 2:16) “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” TIMIDITY means “1- lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery; easily alarmed; timorous; shy. 2. characterized by or indicating fear: a timid approach to a problem.” (Dictionary.com) Notice what Apostle Paul said in (II Timothy 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Jesus said in (Matthew 10:28) “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” LUST a very common problem. Check out Paul’s writing in (I Timothy 6:9) “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

“CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE…?”

FRIDAY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

“CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE…?”

(Psalm 37:4) “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

A friend asked me one day about the difference between “wants, desires, and needs”. In a Biblical perspective; each of them may have different meanings to different writers and situations.

“Desire” means “a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment: a desire for fame.” (Dictionary.com) Paul said; “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” (Romans 10:1)

“Want” means “to be without or be deficient in: to want judgment; to want knowledge. Or to be deficient by the absence of some part or thing, or to feel or have a need (sometimes followed by for): He did not want for abilities.” (Dictionary.com) King David said; “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) Again, Paul said; “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”  (Philippians 4:11)

“Need” means “necessity arising from the circumstances of a situation or case: There is no need to worry. Or a situation or time of difficulty; exigency: to help a friend in need; to be a friend in need. (Dictionary.com) Paul’s reminder to every believers; “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)