TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Tue, May 30, 2017
Encountering the Whole Word of God
Almost every cult with which we have any acquaintance practices this art of selecting and ignoring. The no-hell cults, for example, habitually stress everything in the Bible that seems to support their position and play down or explain away all the passages that deal with eternal punishment.
But we do well to look closer to home. Proneness to heresy is not confined to the cults. By nature, we are all heretics. We who count ourselves to be in the historic tradition of sound doctrine may in actual practice become heretics after a sort. We may unconsciously select for special attention such Scriptures as comfort and encourage us and pass over the ones that rebuke and warn us. This trap is so easy to fall into that we may be in it before we are aware.
Take, for instance, the "well-marked" Bible. It might be an illuminating experience to peep into one sometimes and note how the owner has underscored almost exclusively the passages that console him or that support his views on doctrine. We habitually love the verses that are easy on us and shy away from the ones that disturb us.
Verse
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Thought
Do you find yourself at times ignoring or diluting certain passages of Scripture that penetrate your defenses and stare you in the face? God's Word sometimes wounds deeply. But exposure to all the Word is imperative because through it He speaks.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for chasing me when I try to flee from those sections of Your Word that expose and condemn my sin. Speak, Lord, even when I try not to listen.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
2Thessalonian 2:16-17 ¶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
We must never forget our obligation as stewards of all we are and all we have been given – whatever positive outcome I may experience in my spiritual or mortal life comes from God through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Our confidence is based upon the fact that He first loved us – we did not choose to be loved or merit any right to be loved – Christ willingly went to the cross to reveal His love to all creation. Our humble faith in His act of love provides our consolation and hope. Often we do not ‘feel’ consoled or hopeful, but that does not change the efficacy or validity of the grace and mercy we have been given – Biblically the heart is the place all sense of right and wrong originate (character). Our freedom to choose must be grounded in God’s truth to determine what is best. This world, Satan and our flesh will challenge everything we believe to be true – truth committed as absolute cannot be disturbed by circumstances – there must be truth in our lives that is not subject to changing conditions or circumstances. Truth may begin in our heads – it is through unquestioning devotion that we move it to our heart. We must willingly give ourselves to the truth found in God’s Word – our Lord’s comfort will come as He reminds us of the things we have applied and know to be true. As our heart grows in the comfort of hope our work and word will be pleasing to our God.
Read through the Bible in one year – May 30/ John 11:30-57; 2 Chron. 10-12
Sunday, May 28, 2017
John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
The answer to prayer begins with the sincere devotion in our hearts. The confidence we have in God does not come from His willingness to do as we desire – it is birthed in our undiminished hope and trust in His Word. Walking with and pleasing our Lord must be the motive that possesses our will more than simply regulates our behavior. All of life must be viewed from God’s perspective – we must will ourselves to remain focused upon His eternal purpose. Jesus Christ viewed all conditions and issues of this life as God’s means to bring us to His sovereign purpose. Our prayers can be hindered if we allow the comfort of this world to define our confidence in God. God’s answers are not defined by my expectations or need for relief – my prayers are not a means to simply endorse my desires – they are offered to discover the love, grace and mercy of my Lord. Our dependence and trust in Christ must be a consuming passion. To acknowledge our absolute dependence upon God must be paramount in everything we bring to the altar.
Read through the Bible in one year – May 28/ John 10:24-42; 2 Chron. 4,5,6
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Sun, May 28, 2017
Mature Living
The absence of spiritual devotion today is an omen and a portent. The modern church is all but contemptuous of the sober virtues--meekness, modesty, humility, quietness, obedience, self-effacement, patience. To be accepted now, religion must be in the popular mood. Consequently, much religious activity reeks with pride, display, self-assertion, self-promotion, love of gain and devotion to trivial pleasures.
It behooves us to take all this seriously. Time is running out for all of us. What is done must be done quickly. We have no right to lie idly by and let things take their course. A farmer who neglects his farm will soon lose it; a shepherd who fails to look after his flock will find the wolves looking after it for him. A misbegotten charity that allows the wolves to destroy the flock is not charity at all but indifference, rather, and should be known for what it is and dealt with accordingly.
It is time for Bible-believing Christians to begin to cultivate the sober graces and to live among men like sons of God and heirs of the ages. And this will take more than a bit of doing, for the whole world and a large part of the church is set to prevent it. But if God be for us, who can be against us?
Verse
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity . . .
Hebrews 6:1a
Thought
Over the years have there been those believers who have provided for you an example of quiet, Christlike living even in the most adverse circumstances? Thank God for those who show the rest of us daily living characterized by the sober virtues.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for those who have modeled Christlike living to me. They have demonstrated that I, too, may grow and grow and grow.
Sun, May 28, 2017
Mature Living
The absence of spiritual devotion today is an omen and a portent. The modern church is all but contemptuous of the sober virtues--meekness, modesty, humility, quietness, obedience, self-effacement, patience. To be accepted now, religion must be in the popular mood. Consequently, much religious activity reeks with pride, display, self-assertion, self-promotion, love of gain and devotion to trivial pleasures.
It behooves us to take all this seriously. Time is running out for all of us. What is done must be done quickly. We have no right to lie idly by and let things take their course. A farmer who neglects his farm will soon lose it; a shepherd who fails to look after his flock will find the wolves looking after it for him. A misbegotten charity that allows the wolves to destroy the flock is not charity at all but indifference, rather, and should be known for what it is and dealt with accordingly.
It is time for Bible-believing Christians to begin to cultivate the sober graces and to live among men like sons of God and heirs of the ages. And this will take more than a bit of doing, for the whole world and a large part of the church is set to prevent it. But if God be for us, who can be against us?
Verse
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity . . .
Hebrews 6:1a
Thought
Over the years have there been those believers who have provided for you an example of quiet, Christlike living even in the most adverse circumstances? Thank God for those who show the rest of us daily living characterized by the sober virtues.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for those who have modeled Christlike living to me. They have demonstrated that I, too, may grow and grow and grow.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Psalms 49:20 A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, Is like the beasts that perish.
The admiration or appreciation of man is not the same thing as the approval of God. We may well garner the endorsement of the world and totally miss the purpose of our Lord. Our understanding must be rooted in the eternal provision of our Lord and Savior – directing all motive and desire toward our eternal promise. Those who receive the honor or admiration of their fellow man often disregard the grace and mercy of God that has made it possible. To live our lives exclusively seeking our perception of fairness and justice is to deny the sovereign majesty and eternal purpose of our God. We are subject to our individual ideology of right and wrong –this does not make it absolute for everyone; it simply illustrates our most gracious gift of free-will. Man is incapable of true understanding until he submits himself to what God has provided and commanded. Beasts live by instinct alone – regulating behavior based upon desire and subjective understanding. We must separate ourselves from selfish yearning to embrace the eternal promise and purpose of God.
Read through the Bible in one year – May 27/ John 10:1-23; 2 Chron. 1,2,3
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Sat, May 27, 2017
Gentle but Determined Restorers
It is more than probable that in the whole history of the United States there was never at any one time so much religious activity as there is today. And it is also very likely that there was never less true spirituality.
. . .
Now, experience has prepared us for the rebuttal we will surely hear from tender-minded friends: "Who are we to judge? We must leave these professed Christians with the Lord and look to our own doorstep. And furthermore, we should be glad for any little bit of good that is being done and not spoil it by faultfinding."
All that sounds good, but it is an expression of a religious laissez faire which would stand carelessly by and permit the whole church of Christ to degenerate morally and spiritually without daring to raise a hand to help or a voice to warn. So did not the prophets. So did not Christ, or His apostles, or the Reformers; and so will not any man do who has seen heaven opened and beheld visions of God. Elijah could have kept his mouth shut and saved himself a lot of trouble. John the Baptist could have kept silent and saved his head; and every martyr might have pleaded laissez faire and died comfortably in his bed at a ripe old age. But in doing so, they would all have disobeyed God and laid themselves open to a severe judgment in the day of Christ.
Verse
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
Thought
Some of us are reluctant to admonish others because of questionable areas in our own living. But there is a spiritual responsibility to gently seek the restoration of those who fall into sin.
Prayer
Father, make me a gentle restorer of younger believers who stumble and fall. May my daily living provide credentials for such ministry.
Sat, May 27, 2017
Gentle but Determined Restorers
It is more than probable that in the whole history of the United States there was never at any one time so much religious activity as there is today. And it is also very likely that there was never less true spirituality.
. . .
Now, experience has prepared us for the rebuttal we will surely hear from tender-minded friends: "Who are we to judge? We must leave these professed Christians with the Lord and look to our own doorstep. And furthermore, we should be glad for any little bit of good that is being done and not spoil it by faultfinding."
All that sounds good, but it is an expression of a religious laissez faire which would stand carelessly by and permit the whole church of Christ to degenerate morally and spiritually without daring to raise a hand to help or a voice to warn. So did not the prophets. So did not Christ, or His apostles, or the Reformers; and so will not any man do who has seen heaven opened and beheld visions of God. Elijah could have kept his mouth shut and saved himself a lot of trouble. John the Baptist could have kept silent and saved his head; and every martyr might have pleaded laissez faire and died comfortably in his bed at a ripe old age. But in doing so, they would all have disobeyed God and laid themselves open to a severe judgment in the day of Christ.
Verse
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
Thought
Some of us are reluctant to admonish others because of questionable areas in our own living. But there is a spiritual responsibility to gently seek the restoration of those who fall into sin.
Prayer
Father, make me a gentle restorer of younger believers who stumble and fall. May my daily living provide credentials for such ministry.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Wed, May 24, 2017
Praying That Is Praying
Juliana of Norwich at the beginning of her wonderful Christian life addressed a prayer to her Savior and then added the wise words, "And this I ask without any condition."
It was that last sentence that gave power to the rest of her prayer and brought the answer in mighty poured-out floods as the years went by. God could answer her prayer because He did not need to mince matters with her. She did not hedge her prayers around with disclaimers and provisos. She wanted certain things from God at any cost. God, as it were, had only to send her the bill. She would pay any price to get what she conceived to be good for her soul and glorifying to her Heavenly Father. That is real praying.
Many of us spoil our prayers by being too "dainty" with the Lord (as some old writer called it). We ask with the tacit understanding that the cost must be reasonable. After all, there is a limit to everything, and we do not want to be fanatical! We want the answer to be something added, not something taken away. We want nothing radical or out of the ordinary, and we want God to accommodate us at our convenience. Thus we attach a rider to every prayer, making it impossible for God to answer it.
Verse
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'
Matthew 26:39
Thought
Dare we pray to God without attaching conditions? Conditionless praying trusting ourselves to His will, placing ourselves in His hands.
Prayer
Teach me to pray, Lord, to pray without conditions trusting You.
Wed, May 24, 2017
Praying That Is Praying
Juliana of Norwich at the beginning of her wonderful Christian life addressed a prayer to her Savior and then added the wise words, "And this I ask without any condition."
It was that last sentence that gave power to the rest of her prayer and brought the answer in mighty poured-out floods as the years went by. God could answer her prayer because He did not need to mince matters with her. She did not hedge her prayers around with disclaimers and provisos. She wanted certain things from God at any cost. God, as it were, had only to send her the bill. She would pay any price to get what she conceived to be good for her soul and glorifying to her Heavenly Father. That is real praying.
Many of us spoil our prayers by being too "dainty" with the Lord (as some old writer called it). We ask with the tacit understanding that the cost must be reasonable. After all, there is a limit to everything, and we do not want to be fanatical! We want the answer to be something added, not something taken away. We want nothing radical or out of the ordinary, and we want God to accommodate us at our convenience. Thus we attach a rider to every prayer, making it impossible for God to answer it.
Verse
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'
Matthew 26:39
Thought
Dare we pray to God without attaching conditions? Conditionless praying trusting ourselves to His will, placing ourselves in His hands.
Prayer
Teach me to pray, Lord, to pray without conditions trusting You.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Psalms 49:6-9 They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death [a] by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. NLT
It is man’s sin nature that equates personal comfort with our Lord’s redemption. We may be abundant in worldly provision and be totally impoverished in our comprehension of what it means to be poor in spirit. Redemption has nothing to do with what we possess or accomplish – it is dependent upon our humble willingness to acknowledge our need and accept our Lord’s sacrifice. We do not secure or enhance our redemption through giving or serving – we simply express our gratitude for our Lord’s undeserved grace and mercy. This does not question our command to care for and provide for the needs of others; but it must define our motive and desire to simply express the heart of a faithful steward. Our goodness, no matter how sacrificial, will never redeem us from sins due penalty. How good is good enough – do I live in poverty or sacrifice my physical life to prove my faith? Those are easy compared to our Lord’s command to take up our cross and willingly give all ambition and desire to His purpose. Through science and medicine, we have extended life into 80 plus years; but all will face the end of mortal existence. The believer has no allusions concerning life’s brevity because our hope and trust rests in the eternal promise of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is man’s sin nature that equates personal comfort with our Lord’s redemption. We may be abundant in worldly provision and be totally impoverished in our comprehension of what it means to be poor in spirit. Redemption has nothing to do with what we possess or accomplish – it is dependent upon our humble willingness to acknowledge our need and accept our Lord’s sacrifice. We do not secure or enhance our redemption through giving or serving – we simply express our gratitude for our Lord’s undeserved grace and mercy. This does not question our command to care for and provide for the needs of others; but it must define our motive and desire to simply express the heart of a faithful steward. Our goodness, no matter how sacrificial, will never redeem us from sins due penalty. How good is good enough – do I live in poverty or sacrifice my physical life to prove my faith? Those are easy compared to our Lord’s command to take up our cross and willingly give all ambition and desire to His purpose. Through science and medicine, we have extended life into 80 plus years; but all will face the end of mortal existence. The believer has no allusions concerning life’s brevity because our hope and trust rests in the eternal promise of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Read through the Bible in one year – May 23/ John 8:1-27; 1 Chron. 19,20,21
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Tue, May 23, 2017
The Revelatory Light of Scripture
Among men, questions usually have more than one side; sometimes they have many. Pros and cons are often balanced so finely against each other that it is virtually impossible to know where the right lies. But with God there is only one side. God's side is good and holy and all other sides are wrong, the degree and seriousness of the wrong increasing as we move away from the center of God's will.
Our desire for moral self-preservation should dictate that we come over immediately onto God's side and stay there even if (as is likely) it may result in our being out of accord with man's philosophies and man's moral codes. We cannot win when we work against God, and we cannot lose when we work with Him.
Now, how can we know for certain which side is God's side? No one in this late day should need to ask that question, but since it is being asked in all sincerity by many, we are glad to give the answer. There is a Book which says of itself, "And God spoke all these words," and about which it is said, "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up to glory" (1 Timothy 3:16). Acquaintance with this Book will bring light to all dark paths and show us the right side of all questions. Of course, that Book is the Bible.
What glory gilds the sacred page,
Majestic like the sun!
It gives a light to every age;
It gives, but borrows none.
Verse
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
Thought
God speaks to us through the Written Word. Contained in it are life principles to recognize and apply in our life situations. His Word reveals who He is and who we are in Him.
Prayer
Spirit of God, open my heart eyes to see the light of Your Word and daily walk in that light in this world of darkness.
Tue, May 23, 2017
The Revelatory Light of Scripture
Among men, questions usually have more than one side; sometimes they have many. Pros and cons are often balanced so finely against each other that it is virtually impossible to know where the right lies. But with God there is only one side. God's side is good and holy and all other sides are wrong, the degree and seriousness of the wrong increasing as we move away from the center of God's will.
Our desire for moral self-preservation should dictate that we come over immediately onto God's side and stay there even if (as is likely) it may result in our being out of accord with man's philosophies and man's moral codes. We cannot win when we work against God, and we cannot lose when we work with Him.
Now, how can we know for certain which side is God's side? No one in this late day should need to ask that question, but since it is being asked in all sincerity by many, we are glad to give the answer. There is a Book which says of itself, "And God spoke all these words," and about which it is said, "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up to glory" (1 Timothy 3:16). Acquaintance with this Book will bring light to all dark paths and show us the right side of all questions. Of course, that Book is the Bible.
What glory gilds the sacred page,
Majestic like the sun!
It gives a light to every age;
It gives, but borrows none.
Verse
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
Thought
God speaks to us through the Written Word. Contained in it are life principles to recognize and apply in our life situations. His Word reveals who He is and who we are in Him.
Prayer
Spirit of God, open my heart eyes to see the light of Your Word and daily walk in that light in this world of darkness.
Monday, May 22, 2017
God always wants us to be prepared and He will help us to -through His Word!Example for us was David ( readings today --1 SAMUEL . 17:8, 32-37, 48-50 ). The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the bear will rescue me ". Young David persevered through an experience we might call unpleasant but maybe very resting indeed!When Israel was Challenged to send someone to fight Goliath, no one was brave enough to step up to the task -No one but David. King David was reluctant to send him to fight, but David explained that as a shepherd he had fought and killed a Lion and a Bear for the sake of the sheep (1 Samuel 17:34-36 ). Confidently he stated, " The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the Lion and ..the bear WILL rescue me from this Philistine "(v.37). Being a shepherd didn't earn David much respect, but it prepared him to fight Goliath and eventually become Israels greatest King. We may be in difficult circumstances, but through them, Gods preparing for something greater. What's your Goliath that you're going to slay because you will slay it? The Lord will help us on during the treacherous and unpleasant times in our life, knowing that He is preparing us for something greater, let the slingshot be tongue and the stone be your prayer and testimony. And slay all the Giants in our lives! Thank you, Father, I pray for ALL in JESUS HOLY NAME. AMEN
Mon, May 22, 2017
Choosing God's Side
The points at which God's way and man's intersect are likely to be four (though there may be others), and we will usually find our differences with God to occur somewhere in these four areas.
. . .
Second, our moral standards. There are probably as many ideas of righteousness as there are people in the world, and it would be futile to argue that one is better than another. The test is not which code is best but whether or not any code agrees with the Scriptures. In the Christian Scriptures, the Lord of the whole earth declares His own moral will for mankind, and it is profound wisdom to seek it and conform to it. Otherwise, we are at the mercy of our own deceitful hearts. For all men of faith, God's will is righteousness. The believing soul will not argue about it; he will accept it and bring the controversy to an end.
The third point of possible controversy is in our way of life. This embraces the whole of our lives on earth as decided by our basic moral ideas. Our way of life is simply our moral code in its daily outflow.
p>The fourth is our plans. The Christian who has in principle accepted God's truth as his standard of conduct and has submitted himself to Christ as his Lord, may yet be tempted to lay his own plans and even fight for them when they are challenged by the Word of God or the inner voice of the Spirit. We humans are a calculating, planning race, and we like to say, "Tomorrow I will . . ." But our Heavenly Father knows us too well to trust our way to our own planning, so He very often submits His own plans to us and requires that we accept them. Right there a controversy is sometimes stirred up between the soul and God. But we had better not insist on our own way. It will always be bad for us in the long run. God's way is best.
Verse
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:15
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:15
Thought
Our daily living is the most accurate indicator of our true moral standards and life priorities. On Sunday we may pretend to be on God's side. It is our life living the rest of the week that vividly portrays whose side we are really on.
Our daily living is the most accurate indicator of our true moral standards and life priorities. On Sunday we may pretend to be on God's side. It is our life living the rest of the week that vividly portrays whose side we are really on.
Prayer
Lord, I want to live on Your side--all day every day. I can only do it through Your enablement.
Lord, I want to live on Your side--all day every day. I can only do it through Your enablement.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Sun, May 21, 2017
Embracing God's Thoughts
Whenever and wherever there is a controversy between God and a man, God is always right and the man always wrong. "So that you may be proved right in your words and prevail in your judging" (Psalm 51:4).
The only way any man can be right is to come over onto God's side. Whoever sticks to his own side is forever wrong.
The points at which God's way and man's intersect are likely to be four (though there may be others), and we will usually find our differences with God to occur somewhere in these four areas.
First, our thoughts. Divine inspiration has declared that the thoughts of man are vain, and in the prophecy of Isaiah, God sets His case before us so plainly that comment is hardly necessary: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Verse
'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8
Thought
Living on God's side involves embracing God's thoughts as a habit of life. Not just thinking His thoughts for a small part of the day (our 'quiet time') but as our philosophy of life and intellectual pattern.
Prayer
As much as humanly possible, I want to grasp Your thoughts and ways, Lord, as my understanding of life.
Sun, May 21, 2017
Embracing God's Thoughts
Whenever and wherever there is a controversy between God and a man, God is always right and the man always wrong. "So that you may be proved right in your words and prevail in your judging" (Psalm 51:4).
The only way any man can be right is to come over onto God's side. Whoever sticks to his own side is forever wrong.
The points at which God's way and man's intersect are likely to be four (though there may be others), and we will usually find our differences with God to occur somewhere in these four areas.
First, our thoughts. Divine inspiration has declared that the thoughts of man are vain, and in the prophecy of Isaiah, God sets His case before us so plainly that comment is hardly necessary: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Verse
'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8
Thought
Living on God's side involves embracing God's thoughts as a habit of life. Not just thinking His thoughts for a small part of the day (our 'quiet time') but as our philosophy of life and intellectual pattern.
Prayer
As much as humanly possible, I want to grasp Your thoughts and ways, Lord, as my understanding of life.
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Luke 2:49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" (NIV)
Our passion to experience the presence of God must be reflected in our devotion to seek and obey the will of God. We cannot separate ourselves from our Lord’s sovereign presence but we may well miss His intimate fellowship if we fail to seek Him with all our heart, soul and mind – we must will to live with total devotion to Him and His Word. There is no such thing as devotional moments to Him – we are never separated from His presence, we choose to give ourselves to and acknowledge His loving grace and mercy – our Lord desires that all hope, desires and purpose be given to Him. God is not looking to control us but to inspire our devotion and love for Him. My business is my Lord’s business, my life is God’s provision, my faithful loving obedience is my Lord’s desire. We have one overriding purpose, to ‘glorify and worship’ our heavenly Father. This is possible only as we devote ourselves to His gracious offering of intimate fellowship – to learn of Him and His ways. Our dependence upon God is expressed more in our gratitude than our desperation.
Read through the Bible in one year – May 20/ John 6:45-71; 1 Chron. 10,11,12
Part of God's plan, is for us to be rooted together in our faith, being able to stand tall together in the buffeting winds of the storms in our lives , those heavy loaded, test and trials we face day by day, life is directly related to the Love and support we receive from God and one another . And then, as the writer of Hebrews says, we too, do good and share "(13:16).Think of how tough it would be to withstand adversity if someone were not sharing the roots of their strength with us. There is great power in the entwining gifts of words of encouragement, prayers of intercession, weeping together, holding each other, and even just sometimes sitting with one another sharing the presence of our Love. Lord thank you for entwining Your strength in our lives, lead us to others, who need the love of shared strength from the resources you have blessed us with - again as quoted in HEBREWS 13:16 Do not forget to Good and Share!
Thank you, Father , I pray for blessings on all near and far, family and friends and the Lost in Jesus's Holy Name. AMEN. (Love you, Lord
Love ALL).
Thank you, Father , I pray for blessings on all near and far, family and friends and the Lost in Jesus's Holy Name. AMEN. (Love you, Lord
Love ALL).
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Hebrews 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.
The more we embrace the values of this world, the more our grasp of the eternal slips from our fingers. If we neglect the eternal promise of God, we will never understand the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Too many have convinced themselves that life is found in this mortal existence and most of our devotion to the Lord centers upon making things easiest and more pleasant. We should be gripped with shame and repentance as we view the sacrifice and devotion of others who have offered their lives to simply honor and glorify our Lord. Our forefathers did not devote themselves to simply make their lives more comfortable – they wanted to experience the fullness of God in their lives. True believers have never placed a higher value upon living than their devotion to obedience – they were possessed with a passion to know God and His ways; always looking to their eternal promise. Many churches have become places of entertainment to elicit attention rather than convict and challenge devotion. Jesus is presented to bring us comfort and blessing rather than life transforming change. The Holy Spirit is sought to stimulate our emotional comfort rather than challenge our spiritual maturity. God help us to prepare for spiritual warfare in our times of peace that we might stand strong in the presence of our Lord.
The more we embrace the values of this world, the more our grasp of the eternal slips from our fingers. If we neglect the eternal promise of God, we will never understand the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Too many have convinced themselves that life is found in this mortal existence and most of our devotion to the Lord centers upon making things easiest and more pleasant. We should be gripped with shame and repentance as we view the sacrifice and devotion of others who have offered their lives to simply honor and glorify our Lord. Our forefathers did not devote themselves to simply make their lives more comfortable – they wanted to experience the fullness of God in their lives. True believers have never placed a higher value upon living than their devotion to obedience – they were possessed with a passion to know God and His ways; always looking to their eternal promise. Many churches have become places of entertainment to elicit attention rather than convict and challenge devotion. Jesus is presented to bring us comfort and blessing rather than life transforming change. The Holy Spirit is sought to stimulate our emotional comfort rather than challenge our spiritual maturity. God help us to prepare for spiritual warfare in our times of peace that we might stand strong in the presence of our Lord.
Read through the Bible in one year – May 17/ John 5:25-47; 1 Chron. 1,2,3
Lots and lots love living off benefits in this world life, while many are starving and at war. As Christians, we are commissioned to claim the benefits, by living by the Power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16 -21 ). As God seeds of truth flourish in our hearts, the spirit produces an increase in our ability to express "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control "(vv22-23 ). Once we have surrendered our lives to JESUS, we no longer have to be controlled by our self- centered inclinations (v24) ). Over time, The Holy Spirit can change our thinking, our attitudes, and our actions. As we grow and mature in Christ, we can have the added Joy of loving our neighbors by sharing the benefits of His generous harvest. Lord by your wonderful support, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit support in our hearts and minds so that our neighbors can enjoy can enjoy Your sweet fragrance in and through our lives. The fruit of the Spirit changes us so we can impact the lives of those around us! So sisters and brothers, let us get into more action evangelism, and share that sweet fragrance that we are Receiving. Love you Father God in Jesus Holy Name,- And family near and far )
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Wed, May 17, 2017
Our Ultimate Care-Giver
Unnecessary burdens are crushing the life out of people every day. Mental institutions are overflowing and psychiatrists are doing a rushing business because the burden of living is getting to be more than we can bear. Civilization has not made our lot easier except in things pertaining to the body; the burdens of the heart are growing more numerous, and science has found no remedy. The silky voice of the practitioner may soothe the mind for a time, but the disease is too deep to yield itself to such inadequate measures.
Surely we could live longer and better and be far happier and more useful if we could learn to cast our burdens upon the Lord. Then it would not matter how heavy they were, for He would carry them for us.
Verse
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
First Peter 5:7
Thought
Because He cares for us we can unload upon God all our anxieties--heavy or light. He does care for us!
Prayer
Your Word assures me that You care for me. Your care, Father, is expressed is so many ways not least of which is bearing my anxieties.
Wed, May 17, 2017
Our Ultimate Care-Giver
Unnecessary burdens are crushing the life out of people every day. Mental institutions are overflowing and psychiatrists are doing a rushing business because the burden of living is getting to be more than we can bear. Civilization has not made our lot easier except in things pertaining to the body; the burdens of the heart are growing more numerous, and science has found no remedy. The silky voice of the practitioner may soothe the mind for a time, but the disease is too deep to yield itself to such inadequate measures.
Surely we could live longer and better and be far happier and more useful if we could learn to cast our burdens upon the Lord. Then it would not matter how heavy they were, for He would carry them for us.
Verse
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
First Peter 5:7
Thought
Because He cares for us we can unload upon God all our anxieties--heavy or light. He does care for us!
Prayer
Your Word assures me that You care for me. Your care, Father, is expressed is so many ways not least of which is bearing my anxieties.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
You have told me when I am weighed Down with sin. You did give. The strength for me to carry the weight of my sin; You came to carry it for me. Forgive me for not releasing all to you. Forgive me for hiding under the cold comfort of my guilt, when you want me to thrive in Your mercy and the light of your Love ,Forgive me for thinking that your sacrifice is good enough to get me into Heaven but powerless to make me a better person on this earth, please change many of my wrongs into Love , my content into compassion and my unreasonable expectations into unselfish acts of mercy . And please Forgive me, Lord , for thinking that to do your Will I need anything more than you have given - my own hands to extend love and kindness, my own feet to take where You want to Go and my own story of redemption to explain Your Will for the World. Forgive me for better circumstances, more talent, more time or a bigger budget. I want my life to be evidence of Your transforming Power! May I live every day in the awareness that I have everything I need to accomplish whatever You want me to do. Read Psalms 49:1-8,15 !"
John 16:26-27 "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; "for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
The cross of Christ represents reconciling cleansing – it is our access to God – it removes my sins to allow me the unmerited privilege of entering the wondrous holy presence of God. None can approach the Father apart from the miraculous cleansing of our Lord and Savior. Intimacy and fellowship is impossible without Christ’s cleansing blood – our sin remains a barrier until we accept His redeeming sacrifice. God’s presence is not made complete through Christ – it is made available. We are not given the fullness of God through the cross – we are provided the right to humbly pursue it. Christ’s devotion and dependence upon the Father is our example – Christ’s sacrifice is our opportunity – if we come to God with full acknowledgement of the price paid by His Son – He hears us. My prayers should draw me into the presence of God – prayer should contain more gratitude than need. Prayer should acknowledge the wonder, majesty, holiness and sovereignty of God. If we would focus more upon the love and purpose of God our personal need would diminish.
Read through the Bible in one year – May 16/ John 5:1-24; 2 Kings 24,25
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Tue, May 16, 2017
What to Do with Burdens
"If a burden is laid on my back and another immediately takes it off and carries it himself," said Meister Eckhart, "it can make no difference to me whether it is one or a hundred pounds."
In the Scriptures, there would seem to be three kinds of burdens recognized. First, the burden of loving help which we are admonished to give to others: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). Secondly, the burden of moral responsibility which no one can shift to another: "For each one should carry his own load" (Galatians 6:5). Thirdly, the burden resulting from our fallen state, consisting of sin, fear, worry, disappointments, sorrows, remorse, bitter memories and self-accusations.
The first burden never harmed a soul. The second may even be a source of quiet comfort if our hearts are right. It is the third sort that ages and shrivels and kills. And there is no valid reason for our carrying it (or them, for there are many of this kind). "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you" (Psalm 55:22). That was what the good Eckhart had in mind when he suggested that no burden would be heavier than any other if the Lord carried it for us.
Verse
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22
Thought
Casting our cares upon the Lord means casting and leaving them there. Our common practice is to pick them up again after our prayer's "amen."
Prayer
Forgive me, Lord, for carrying burdens I should be unloading on You. You have invited me to leave them with You.
Tue, May 16, 2017
What to Do with Burdens
"If a burden is laid on my back and another immediately takes it off and carries it himself," said Meister Eckhart, "it can make no difference to me whether it is one or a hundred pounds."
In the Scriptures, there would seem to be three kinds of burdens recognized. First, the burden of loving help which we are admonished to give to others: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). Secondly, the burden of moral responsibility which no one can shift to another: "For each one should carry his own load" (Galatians 6:5). Thirdly, the burden resulting from our fallen state, consisting of sin, fear, worry, disappointments, sorrows, remorse, bitter memories and self-accusations.
The first burden never harmed a soul. The second may even be a source of quiet comfort if our hearts are right. It is the third sort that ages and shrivels and kills. And there is no valid reason for our carrying it (or them, for there are many of this kind). "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you" (Psalm 55:22). That was what the good Eckhart had in mind when he suggested that no burden would be heavier than any other if the Lord carried it for us.
Verse
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22
Thought
Casting our cares upon the Lord means casting and leaving them there. Our common practice is to pick them up again after our prayer's "amen."
Prayer
Forgive me, Lord, for carrying burdens I should be unloading on You. You have invited me to leave them with You.
Monday, May 15, 2017
J.C. Ryle
May 13 at 3:26pm ·
Beware! The Narrow Way is Dangerous
Do you want to understand what the times require of you in reference to your own soul? Listen, and I will tell you. You live in times of peculiar spiritual danger. Never perhaps were there more traps and pitfalls in the way to heaven; never certainly were those traps so skillfully baited, and those pitfalls so ingeniously made.
Mind what you are about. Look well to your goings. Ponder the paths of your feet. Take heed lest you come to eternal grief, and ruin your own soul. Beware of practical infidelity under the specious name of free thought. Beware of a helpless state of indecision about doctrinal truth under the plausible idea of not being party–spirited, and under the baneful influence of so–called liberality and charity. Beware of frittering away life in wishing and meaning and hoping for the day of decision, until the door is shut, and you are given over to a dead conscience, and die without hope. Awake to a sense of your danger.
Arise and give diligence to make your calling and election sure, whatever else you leave uncertain. The kingdom of God is very near. Christ the almighty Savior, Christ the sinner’s Friend, Christ and eternal life, are ready for you if you will only come to Christ. Arise and cast away excuses; this very day Christ calls you. Wait not for company if you cannot have it; wait for nobody. The times, I repeat, are desperately dangerous. If only few are in the narrow way of life, resolve that by God’s help you at any rate will be among the few. ~ J.C. Ryle
May 13 at 3:26pm ·
Beware! The Narrow Way is Dangerous
Do you want to understand what the times require of you in reference to your own soul? Listen, and I will tell you. You live in times of peculiar spiritual danger. Never perhaps were there more traps and pitfalls in the way to heaven; never certainly were those traps so skillfully baited, and those pitfalls so ingeniously made.
Mind what you are about. Look well to your goings. Ponder the paths of your feet. Take heed lest you come to eternal grief, and ruin your own soul. Beware of practical infidelity under the specious name of free thought. Beware of a helpless state of indecision about doctrinal truth under the plausible idea of not being party–spirited, and under the baneful influence of so–called liberality and charity. Beware of frittering away life in wishing and meaning and hoping for the day of decision, until the door is shut, and you are given over to a dead conscience, and die without hope. Awake to a sense of your danger.
Arise and give diligence to make your calling and election sure, whatever else you leave uncertain. The kingdom of God is very near. Christ the almighty Savior, Christ the sinner’s Friend, Christ and eternal life, are ready for you if you will only come to Christ. Arise and cast away excuses; this very day Christ calls you. Wait not for company if you cannot have it; wait for nobody. The times, I repeat, are desperately dangerous. If only few are in the narrow way of life, resolve that by God’s help you at any rate will be among the few. ~ J.C. Ryle
Forsake Sin and Look to Christ!
That carelessness about sin, that trifling with temptation, that earnestness about the things of time, that forgetfulness about eternity, that readiness to swim with the tide about religion, that unwillingness to become more serious than your neighbors, that fear of being thought righteous overmuch, that love of the world’s good opinion—is this what you call coming out of great tribulation?
Is this living in the Spirit? Is this striving and laboring after eternal life? Oh, look to your foundations, set your house in order. No empty ‘trust in God’s mercy’ will ever save you. You were not baptized unto idleness and indifference. Without a real hatred of sin, and a real forsaking of sin, Christ can profit you nothing. You never can be made white with the blood of the Lamb—unless you desire to have this earth’s defilements really washed away! ~ J.C. Ryle
That carelessness about sin, that trifling with temptation, that earnestness about the things of time, that forgetfulness about eternity, that readiness to swim with the tide about religion, that unwillingness to become more serious than your neighbors, that fear of being thought righteous overmuch, that love of the world’s good opinion—is this what you call coming out of great tribulation?
Is this living in the Spirit? Is this striving and laboring after eternal life? Oh, look to your foundations, set your house in order. No empty ‘trust in God’s mercy’ will ever save you. You were not baptized unto idleness and indifference. Without a real hatred of sin, and a real forsaking of sin, Christ can profit you nothing. You never can be made white with the blood of the Lamb—unless you desire to have this earth’s defilements really washed away! ~ J.C. Ryle
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