Today's devotion is going to be short and to the point. Here are today's verses:
James 4:13-15
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
I just got home from Vanderbilt hospital visiting a friend who is there. She was involved in a boating accident. Her and a friend had just finished refueling a lareg boat that you can sleep in and they were pulling away from the dock when there was an explosion. It knocked her down and engulfed the boat in flames. She jumped in the water but her friend was killed. She has bad burns on her feet, legs and hands. I tell you all that for this. Be ready! As todays verses tell us we don't know what tomorrow brings. Compared to eternity our lives are short. God blesses us with every breath we take and every second we are able to spend with friends and family and telling people about the love of Jesus. Make sure right now you are right with God and tell those you love that you love them. My two friends were having a fun day on the lake and out of now where one life was gone. Please pray for my friend who is in the hospital as she has a long road to recovery and she is also scared emotionally on the loss of her friend. Thanks and God bless.
Tom
Monday, September 14, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembering 9/11/2001
Today I want us to remember 9/11. It is hard to believe it has been 8 years since that tragic day. As I am sure you do I still remember where I was at and what I was doing. The total shock when the second plane hit and we realized this was not an accident. I am still shocked that somebody could pull this off in the United States. What amazes me even more is that their are evil people in this world who would take innocent lives without any reservation. So today I am going to say a prayer and if you would like to add your prayer please do so. For the friends and families of those who lost loved ones on this day please remember we will never forget and you are in our prayers.
Heavenly Father,
We come to you with heavy hearts this morning. Lord eight years ago today once again man's sin struck causing great loss of life. We don't understand Lord why things like this happen but we do know You are in complete control. We come this morning asking you to comfort the families who have lost loved ones as only you can on this tragic day so many years ago. God we also come this morning praying for our enemies as your Word tells us to love them which I will confess to you this morning is so very hard to do. God we pray that they will have a change of heart and come to see Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. Lord help us with our prejudices and remember that you are the Creator of all and that you love all. Lord please be with our soldiers who protect our freedom each day. Be with their families as they also sacrifice on our behalf. Also Lord please be with those who risk their lives each day to keep us safe police officers, firemen, and rescue personel. Lord again be with the families of the victums of 9/11. This morning we give you all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise for you alone are worthy.
In Jesus name I pray....amen.
Heavenly Father,
We come to you with heavy hearts this morning. Lord eight years ago today once again man's sin struck causing great loss of life. We don't understand Lord why things like this happen but we do know You are in complete control. We come this morning asking you to comfort the families who have lost loved ones as only you can on this tragic day so many years ago. God we also come this morning praying for our enemies as your Word tells us to love them which I will confess to you this morning is so very hard to do. God we pray that they will have a change of heart and come to see Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. Lord help us with our prejudices and remember that you are the Creator of all and that you love all. Lord please be with our soldiers who protect our freedom each day. Be with their families as they also sacrifice on our behalf. Also Lord please be with those who risk their lives each day to keep us safe police officers, firemen, and rescue personel. Lord again be with the families of the victums of 9/11. This morning we give you all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise for you alone are worthy.
In Jesus name I pray....amen.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The WORD!
Good Thursday my friends. God has blessed us with another day use it wisely!! Here are today's verses...read them carefully!
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
The word of God! So very important but yet most Christians treat it as an option in their life. For the Christian it is not an option it is the most important reading of their life. It must be a part of one's life everyday. How can one be a servant of God and not know what the Bible says? If we were to take a poll and see how many Christians have read their Bible from cover to cover I wonder what the percentage would be. I would guess not very high at all. Yesterday we talked about the glory of God revealed through His creation. Today we will see God reveals his glory through the Word and also shows us the importance of His word.
Verse 7 says God's word is perfect! Not much explanation needed there. Just like God His word is perfect. It also says it converts souls. The Bible cuts like a sword and reveals our sin to us thus we can confess our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior and be converted to perfection through the shed blood of Jesus Christ...that should want to make ya shout an Amen this morning! Verse 7 goes on to say God's word is sure....as sure as God being Holy..now that is sure! The word makes the wise simple...this makes me think of all the men and women through history who have tried to disprove the Word of God but after much investigation come to the conclusion God's word is true...makes the wise become very simple.
Verse 8 tells us God's word is right and pure and causes us to rejoice. Oh how we need to get some excitement going about the Word of God. The more I read the more I get excited that one day Jesus is coming for those who love Him and accept Him. Oh what a day that will be! Verse 8 also says the Word enlightens the heart. That is the great thing about God's word it shows us what God wants us to know and do. The God of the universe gave us a guide book for life...now that is love!!
Verse 9 tells us the fear of the Lord is clean and enduring and his judgements are right. We should have a reverant fear of God. This may be part of our problem these days that we really don't fear God...this is very dangerous because judgement day is coming. For those that are saved we will be judged on what we are doing for Him now that we are saved. For those who never accept Christ as Savior their judgement will be eternity in hell. Plain and simple.
Verse 10 says we are to desire God's Word more than gold and His Word is sweeter than honey. Think about where our desires are. Are they on God's Word or material things. For the nation as a whole that is pretty easy to determine. But ask yourself that this morning. It may reveal somethings to us that we need to change in our lives. God's Word is sweet but are we taking it in to find this out??
Then in verse 11 the Word tells us we are warned by the scritures and if we keep them as God instructs their is great reward!!! Everyone likes rewards well guess what follow the Word and rewards will be coming! Oh my friends if there is ever a time in history we need to be in God's word it is now. It is alive and relevant for every situation you face in life so get those noses into God's Word!!!
May God speak to you today...He will if you allow Him too!
Tom
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
The word of God! So very important but yet most Christians treat it as an option in their life. For the Christian it is not an option it is the most important reading of their life. It must be a part of one's life everyday. How can one be a servant of God and not know what the Bible says? If we were to take a poll and see how many Christians have read their Bible from cover to cover I wonder what the percentage would be. I would guess not very high at all. Yesterday we talked about the glory of God revealed through His creation. Today we will see God reveals his glory through the Word and also shows us the importance of His word.
Verse 7 says God's word is perfect! Not much explanation needed there. Just like God His word is perfect. It also says it converts souls. The Bible cuts like a sword and reveals our sin to us thus we can confess our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior and be converted to perfection through the shed blood of Jesus Christ...that should want to make ya shout an Amen this morning! Verse 7 goes on to say God's word is sure....as sure as God being Holy..now that is sure! The word makes the wise simple...this makes me think of all the men and women through history who have tried to disprove the Word of God but after much investigation come to the conclusion God's word is true...makes the wise become very simple.
Verse 8 tells us God's word is right and pure and causes us to rejoice. Oh how we need to get some excitement going about the Word of God. The more I read the more I get excited that one day Jesus is coming for those who love Him and accept Him. Oh what a day that will be! Verse 8 also says the Word enlightens the heart. That is the great thing about God's word it shows us what God wants us to know and do. The God of the universe gave us a guide book for life...now that is love!!
Verse 9 tells us the fear of the Lord is clean and enduring and his judgements are right. We should have a reverant fear of God. This may be part of our problem these days that we really don't fear God...this is very dangerous because judgement day is coming. For those that are saved we will be judged on what we are doing for Him now that we are saved. For those who never accept Christ as Savior their judgement will be eternity in hell. Plain and simple.
Verse 10 says we are to desire God's Word more than gold and His Word is sweeter than honey. Think about where our desires are. Are they on God's Word or material things. For the nation as a whole that is pretty easy to determine. But ask yourself that this morning. It may reveal somethings to us that we need to change in our lives. God's Word is sweet but are we taking it in to find this out??
Then in verse 11 the Word tells us we are warned by the scritures and if we keep them as God instructs their is great reward!!! Everyone likes rewards well guess what follow the Word and rewards will be coming! Oh my friends if there is ever a time in history we need to be in God's word it is now. It is alive and relevant for every situation you face in life so get those noses into God's Word!!!
May God speak to you today...He will if you allow Him too!
Tom
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
See God's glory!
Good morning folks. Let's get right into our devotion for today! Here are today's verses:
Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line[a] has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
We studied this psalm in Sunday school last week and it has stuck with me ever since. I am a hunter and have seen the sunrise many times. If you have never seen the sunrise you are missing a blessing from God...so plan a day to rise early and see what God does everyday! The sunset is awesome too! Verse 1 tells us that the heavens and the stars decalre God's glory. Have you ever looked up and seen the stars on a clear night?? WOW They show the awesome handiwork of God. He created that...it is hard for us to really comprehend that. Verse 2 tells us how the days and nights speak to us and reveal knowledge to us. Knowledge of what??? God!!! Look at what each day and night brings to us... more time to see His creation and learn more about how much He loves us and has blessed us with life. Are you looking for God each day? He is revealing Himslef but we must be looking for Him! Verse 3 tells us how God reveals Himslef through creation to all. Every language understands the voice of creation...that is God. Verse 4 tells us the this message(line) goes through out the entire world. I believe this is how those who don't have the written word of God have the opportunity to recieve Jesus. God reveals it to them through His creation. The latter part of verse 4-6 talks about the sun. How awesome it is as it rises from one end and moves across the sky to the other end. The verses tell of its strength and its heat and how it touches everything. This also reveals the glory of God. God touches everything through His creation. We are all affected by His creation daily. He created all of this for us. Think about it....if the sun was a little closer we would fry. If it was a little further away we would freeze to death. All of His creation design was put into place with us in mind so we would give Him glory and praise. So we would have a relationship with Him. Then on top of all that He sent His son Jesus to die for us so we can dwell with Him for eternity. The more I write the more I feel unworthy so I am gonna stop here.
God's creation shows us His glory...do you see it? Praise Him today and everyday for He alone is worthy!
Tom
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
I shall not want!
I hope to get back in my routine!!! Sorry about missing the devotions again. I have been reading a Max Lucado book and he shared this thought a few days ago and it has stuck with me so I want to share it with you. Here is the verse:
The Lord is my sheperd;I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
Really take a moment and think about what that is saying. WOW! Can I say that and mean it? Good question huh? I have lots of wants....hmmm lets see.... new boat, new gun, big buck to come walking by, ahhh 10 lb bass, and the list goes on and on. What about you what can you add? We have become prisoners to wants in our society. Thnk fully God has blessed me with all of my needs but it is the wants that causes problems. We are greedy! We are coveting people. My buddy has this and that and I want it too! The root of this problem is we think these wants will provide happiness! Guess what they won't...atleast lasting happiness. Think about this....how many times have you satisfied that want? Then after a couple of weeks or months that happiness from that want is gone and something else is now needed! True satisfaction in life is not obtained from things is obtained from God. We will not be content until we are content in Christ. Look at what Paul says in Phil. 4:11-12:
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
And in verse 13 Paul says He finds his strength in Christ....that is where our needs are to be met and focused on in Christ and serving Him!
So what is it you need this morning? If you are full, have clothes, and a roof over your head....there is nothing you need. Be content in Christ for Jesus is your sheperd and He loves you and died for you that should make us pretty content!
Thank you Jesus for the blessing you have given us....help us to be content in you for You are good!
Have a great day folks!
Tom
The Lord is my sheperd;I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
Really take a moment and think about what that is saying. WOW! Can I say that and mean it? Good question huh? I have lots of wants....hmmm lets see.... new boat, new gun, big buck to come walking by, ahhh 10 lb bass, and the list goes on and on. What about you what can you add? We have become prisoners to wants in our society. Thnk fully God has blessed me with all of my needs but it is the wants that causes problems. We are greedy! We are coveting people. My buddy has this and that and I want it too! The root of this problem is we think these wants will provide happiness! Guess what they won't...atleast lasting happiness. Think about this....how many times have you satisfied that want? Then after a couple of weeks or months that happiness from that want is gone and something else is now needed! True satisfaction in life is not obtained from things is obtained from God. We will not be content until we are content in Christ. Look at what Paul says in Phil. 4:11-12:
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
And in verse 13 Paul says He finds his strength in Christ....that is where our needs are to be met and focused on in Christ and serving Him!
So what is it you need this morning? If you are full, have clothes, and a roof over your head....there is nothing you need. Be content in Christ for Jesus is your sheperd and He loves you and died for you that should make us pretty content!
Thank you Jesus for the blessing you have given us....help us to be content in you for You are good!
Have a great day folks!
Tom
Thursday, September 3, 2009
You were planned!
Hello folks. I am sorry I have not posted a devotion in sometime. I have been in the hospital with an infection in my leg and am now just getting back going again. I am still not 100% so please keep me in your prayers. Lets get to todays verse:
Psalm 139:16
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
Thsi verse should be so encouraging to all of us no matter what the circumstances were around our birth. God knew us and seen us before we were even formed! To me this answeres the abortion debate really quickly. If God knows us then we are somebody and nobody has the right to that life except God! All of us have different stories of how we came into this worid. Some easy births, some long, some complicated, some almost didn't make it, some were given away soon afetr birth and on and on. But what I want you to know is no matter what the circumstance God knew what was gonna happen and you are not an accident, you were planned by God. He knew what color skin, what color hair, what kind of personality you would have. God planned you and you are important! God says he fashioned the days for you meaning He has a plan for you and only you can accomplish certain things He wants done in your life. That is so awesome that we are that important to God! Should make want to stand up and shout....Praise the Lord! God planned all of this before we even had any days to live....that is simply awesome!
So if you have had any thoughts about being unimportant this should erase all of those thoughts! It don't matter what the world thinks it only matters what God thinks and from what I read He thinks you are important even before you were born!
Have a great day!
Tom
Psalm 139:16
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
Thsi verse should be so encouraging to all of us no matter what the circumstances were around our birth. God knew us and seen us before we were even formed! To me this answeres the abortion debate really quickly. If God knows us then we are somebody and nobody has the right to that life except God! All of us have different stories of how we came into this worid. Some easy births, some long, some complicated, some almost didn't make it, some were given away soon afetr birth and on and on. But what I want you to know is no matter what the circumstance God knew what was gonna happen and you are not an accident, you were planned by God. He knew what color skin, what color hair, what kind of personality you would have. God planned you and you are important! God says he fashioned the days for you meaning He has a plan for you and only you can accomplish certain things He wants done in your life. That is so awesome that we are that important to God! Should make want to stand up and shout....Praise the Lord! God planned all of this before we even had any days to live....that is simply awesome!
So if you have had any thoughts about being unimportant this should erase all of those thoughts! It don't matter what the world thinks it only matters what God thinks and from what I read He thinks you are important even before you were born!
Have a great day!
Tom
Monday, August 24, 2009
It is all about God!
Good morning. I hope everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful cool weekend! Here is today's verse:
Colossians 1:16
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
This is something we must get into our heads and not forget. God created everything. All creation was His idea. The earth with all its beauty. The human body with all its complexities. The universe where we have never seen its end! Think about all that God has created...too much for the human mind to comprehend.
Why did God create all this? The second half of this verse tells us. For Him! God created all this to bring glory to His name. That includes us. We are here for one purpose...to glorify and worship God. Plain and simple huh? If humanity could just get this through there head what a difference it would make in this world of ours! As the Purpose Driven life book starts out by saying "It's not about you." How true, how true. Have you come to that point in your life where you have come to that conclusion? Until we do we will not be living life to the fullest!
God it is not about me....it is ALL ABOUT YOU! Help me to realize that each day!
Have a good Monday...Tom
Colossians 1:16
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
This is something we must get into our heads and not forget. God created everything. All creation was His idea. The earth with all its beauty. The human body with all its complexities. The universe where we have never seen its end! Think about all that God has created...too much for the human mind to comprehend.
Why did God create all this? The second half of this verse tells us. For Him! God created all this to bring glory to His name. That includes us. We are here for one purpose...to glorify and worship God. Plain and simple huh? If humanity could just get this through there head what a difference it would make in this world of ours! As the Purpose Driven life book starts out by saying "It's not about you." How true, how true. Have you come to that point in your life where you have come to that conclusion? Until we do we will not be living life to the fullest!
God it is not about me....it is ALL ABOUT YOU! Help me to realize that each day!
Have a good Monday...Tom
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