Sorry, Short Devotional People

"This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings."  (Psalm 49:13, NIV)

I received news yesterday that the church which my Dad pastored from 1964 to 1975 has closed.  Several community leaders over the years referred to Kephart EUB/United Methodist as the epicenter of the early days of the Charismatic Renewal in Western PA.  My friend and brother Dick Simmons would introduce me to people in DC as a son of the "Father of the Charismatic Renewal in Pittsburgh."  Every time I appeared on a local Christian Television program years ago the President of the station would always referred to Dad as key to the "Renewal" in Pittsburgh.

The Great Evangelical Recession book just continues to be fulfilled.  Jesus will always have and build His Church; make no mistake about this.  The question remains, however, as to the existence of the Church in Western Europe and the United States of America.  Are we going to be as too many, "....of those who trust in themselves, and their followers, who approve their sayings"?  Or are we, as my Parents so lived, be as those whose utter dependency is in Jesus Christ? 

The American Church is in deep trouble.  What is our resolve and commitment today concerning our future?  Are we going to be passive, as so many evangelicals, "charismatics," etc., have been/are, or are we going to continue to, "press on...."?

Father, in Jesus' Name, Holy Spirit convict me of any, "....trust in themselves...."  Amen.

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Two weeks from today we head out for "Indian Country."

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

May This Word Bless You The Rest of Your Day

"Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!  I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth.  And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes...." (Job 19)

Remember that our Lord said to Job's friends, "You have not spoken the truth about Me, as My servant Job has."  This very, "right," of our text is the, "Word of God," for you and me.  May we never forget and always hold fast to this, "blessed hope," we have in Jesus Christ, "....yet in my flesh I will see God." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, this is more and more and more wonderful to me.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

Read 2 Kings 23:1-25

"Such a Passover surely had never been held since the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of israel and the kings of Judah."  (2 Kings 23:22)

This could be called a "great awakening" in Israel.  They had not been walking in, "The Word of God."  Somebody found a copy of the, "Words of God," showed it and read it to the king; repentance followed.

Notice who ordered this move.  It was not the priests/pastors, no religious leaders.  It was the king, the president, if you will.  So much for the "separation of Church and State."  Wouldn't it be great if government leaders in the nations would encounter and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ and His Words?!?

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for heads of states in the earth to have such a heart as Josiah.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

David’s Prayers We’re Not Just For Prayer Meetings

"The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress and my Deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my Salvation.  He is my Stronghold, my refuge and my Savior-- from violent people You save me."  2 Samuel 22:2, 3)

This is Jesus Christ.  Remember: only one Lord, not an Old Testament one and a New Testament one.  This is Who Jesus Christ is to you and me, to all who surrender their lives to Him. 

Our text is found in Psalm 18; therefore, the next time you read either 2 Samuel 22 or Psalm 18, MAKE SURE you read 2 Samuel 21 first, and, take particular note.  You'll see the reason.

Father, how do many times I have "sung" this song!!  Amen.


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