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Today’s Reading:

The Final Journey to Jerusalem 

- Matthew 20:17-28; Luke 18:35-19:27; Psalm 107:31-32; Proverbs 19:20

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Some are rulers and they lord it over people. Some are great and they exercise authority over people.

God says that “whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

So how will you lead others?

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I must serve those I am leading. I must allow others to be heard. I must help them in accomplishing all that God has planned for them. I must not be selfish, but selfless.

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Do you need help? Do you need answers? Do you need direction? Are you in need of something?

Do you know where to turn?

Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"

He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."
Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

So what can we take from this? What example through the Word of God do we get?

Will we be willing to follow after Jesus in this same way?

1. He knew who could help him. – Jesus could
2. He knew what he could become if he had an encounter with Jesus. He had obviously heard of Jesus before because when Jesus was coming by he was ready and started to pursue Jesus. He believe that an encounter with Jesus would change his situation. He was so sure that when others told him to be quiet, he got louder. He knew and we need to change our self image in our minds. We need to see ourselves as God does. (You become what you behold – When you sow thoughts, you reap actions. When you sow actions, you reap habits. When you sow habits, you reap character. When you sow character, you reap destiny.)

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I want to let my faith in Jesus shine through me in a way that God is glorified by those I come into contact with. God help me to shine for You as I pursue and serve You.

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Jesus sees us right where we are. He loves us so much that he doesn’t want to leave us there.

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold."

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

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I want to look at people and see them as God sees them. I want to be able to look into their situation and speak hope and truth to them. Lord, help me to be more like You.

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Jesus has given each of us talents or gifts. How are we using them?

Are we investing time in those talents?

Are we being good stewards of the talents God has give us?

 

Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.' But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'

"And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.' And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.' Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.'

"Then another came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'

"And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.' (But they said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas.') 'For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.'"

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I want to be a good steward of every gift and talent the Lord has given me. Help me Lord to invest in them and to provide You with a return on investment in me. Lord, You have invested so much effort and time in my life and I praise You for it. Lord, You have brought me to a foreign land in order that I could start to focus on You. Lord, with all that I am and all that I have, may You be glorified through me. Help me I pray to shine the light and love of Jesus into the lives of all those around me. May You receive all the praise and all the honor and all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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WORSHIP

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, and praise Him in the company of the elders.
Psalm 107:31-32

WISDOM

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.
Proverbs 19:20

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers (Psalm 1:3).

In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions; your old men will dream dreams. - Acts 2:17

TGIF: Visions and Dreams

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is within it. I thank You that even when I have uncertainties I can grab onto the fact that You have it all under control. Lord, as I go out today, I pray You will lead me, You will guide me, You will surround me, You will protect me, You will give me wisdom and discernment, You will open doors where I can speak into the lives of those around me, You will open doors where people can ask me about my faith and hope, and Lord, that I would share the incredible LOVE of GOD that is pouring into my life and through my life thanks to the incredible and divine sacrifice made by Jesus so that I can be reconciled to You and that I could receive the Holy Spirit who is with me and has anointed me. Lord, I thank You and praise You now in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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"With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

Be as Little Children - How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! - 1 John 3:1a

Jesus Demonstrates His Power over Death - John 11:1-48,53; Psalm 107:19-22; Proverbs 19:15

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The Power of the Holy Spirit – by Pastor Steve Jamison

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sept 25, 2009 (PM)

1) The Holy Spirit was active in the creation.

Genesis 1:1-2  -- The creation of the Earth

Genesis 1:26, 2:7 -- The creation of man

Luke 7 –- The incarnation of Jesus

2 Peter 1:21 – The inspiration of scripture

John 3 – Born again of the spirit

Holy Spirit’s job is to reveal Jesus

Acts – Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit brings gifts

1 Corinthians 12:7

The fruit we produce is the work of the Spirit

2) The Holy Spirit desires a personal relationship with you

He is our teacher, comforter, counselor

He has a will

John 14:25-27

John 16:12-16

3) We can resist the work of the Spirit

We can quench Him, We can grieve Him

Romans 3:23

 

Make room in your life for the Holy Spirit to work – be continually filled

Jesus taught that the most important thing was to receive the Power of the Holy Spirit in our lives

- we need to choose to receive it.

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Keys to grab onto from Mark 10:46-52 (Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus) by Starr

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sept 26, 2009 (AM)

(Remember Jeremiah 33:3)

1) He knew who could help him.  Jesus

2) You become what you behold.

• what you let in, it will be you
• we need to meditate on the truths of God
• be very sensitive what we let into our lives: what you watch, what you associate with
• 2 Corinthians 5:7
• 2 Timothy 3:16
• Matthew 11:12
• we need to pursue after Jesus
• we need to be determined
• don’t walk in doubt
• figure out your theology and then live to it.
• Jesus came fully as man, but He only did what the Father wanted
• Go from glory to glory to glory
• Stop modifying the WORD to mach my actions. Start making my life match the WORD of GOD.
• Psalm 115:14 – continue to grow all the areas of life – both me and my family
• Proverbs 4:23
• whatever is in the inside is what comes out

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• Sow a thought and reap an action

• Sow an action and reap a habit

• Sow a habit and reap a character

• Sow a character and reap a destiny

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• Romans 12:2 – renew our minds
• cloak identifies your issue (back then people could tell your state based on the cloak you were wearing)
• He knew he was going to be different and even though when he stood up he was still blind, he knew that he wasn’t going to need that cloak any longer
• Take personal responsibility to get rid of the stuff behind so that you can push forward
• The junk from the past, the devil tries to use it to hold us back
• there is nothing externally that holds us back – it is in our head
• Get rid of the junk / throw away the cloak
• Be transformed by the Word of God
• 2 Corinthians 2:14 – thank God because He is always at work
• We need to change our image in our head
• We need to see ourselves as God does
• God says: You don’t have to worry anymore, I’ve already taken care of it. It’s already dealt with
• Come like a child of God.

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We are anointed for a purpose– by Pastor Andy

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sept 26, 2009 (PM)

Four purposes of the Anointing

1. Sanctification (Lev 8:10)
2. To Preach the Good News (Luke 4:18)
3. To pray in faith believing for other people’s miracles (Luke 9:1)
4. To be prayed for (James 5:13-14)

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Greater Things: Crazy Prayer– by Pastor Jon

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sept 27, 2009 (AM)

• Prayer can be medicine to make us feel better, but we need to pray more in the form of a vitamin so that we can stay healthy
• Cultivate a relationship vs. brining issues to God
• We need to get a grip on complaining
• You can have a concern, but what do you do about it?
• Philippians 2:14-16
• 1 Corinthians 10:10

Remember when the Israelites first came to Canaan and the responses/complaints and why…

• Fear-- Numbers 13:32-33
• Unmet expectations -- Numbers 14:2
• Authority Issues – Numbers 14:4, 16:13 – Goes doesn’t go back, He only moves forward
• Change/Anxiety – Numbers 20:2-5
• Replacing resources and routine
• Now but not now – Numbers 21:5

GETTING A GRIP ON YOUR GRIPES

• James 5:9 – Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged

WHAT DOES COMPAINING DO FOR YOU?

• Feels good/right; touché; take that; I feel better now
• Elevates my personal perspective regardless if it is accurate
• Feels like I’m making a difference seeing it my way / the right way

WHAT DOES COMPLAINING DO TO YOU?

• Affects my attitude
• Skews my perspective
• Influences my relationships towards the negative bent
• Drains and saps my faith
• Puts my focus on the problem not the solution

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN i GET COMPLAINING UNDER CONTROL?

• My attitude is better
• My perspectives are tempered until I know more
• My relationships are more positive and healthy
• My faith grows, as I trust God to make wrongs right
• My focus stays on God’s ability to work things out

IS YOUR PRAYER SHOWING/

• Becoming a Christian doesn’t eliminate the problem of complaining; it can be increased
• The realization of what is morally acceptable and  unacceptable
• The issue becomes how we manage complaining to move it move into GREATER THINGS
• David was on the run, being traced down by Saul who wanted to kill him
• David often complained to God in the Psalms. What did David do to get over it?
• He complained to God in prayer and he Praised God who would help him.

Psalm 142:1-2

• I cry aloud to the Lord, I pour out my out my complaint before Him’ before him, I tell my trouble

David finishes each of his palms by trusting that…

• God will hear him
• God will guide him
• God cares for him
• God will rescue him
• God will encourage him
• God will teach him
• God won’t fail him
• God will see him through

GOD’S VIEWFINGER!

• Every individual has his or her own view of life
• Is your view being influenced by God’s Word or someone else/something else?
• The only way to increase God’s viewpoint in your life is to ‘book up’ in the Word of God.

Take time this week to analyze what you are saying and see how God can help you change.

GO AHEAD, BE BIBLICAL, AND COMPLAIN TO GOD (only), IN PRAYER!!!

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I've got it and will use it. How about you?

Four Purposes of the Anointing

Sanctification (Lev 8:10-). Preach the Good News (Luke 4:18-). Pray: Faith to believe for other people’s miracles (Luke 9:1-). Be prayed for (James 5:13-14).

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For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

TGIF - A Joseph Story

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all that is in it. I thank You for the fellowship times yesterday and the words that were spoken. Lord, words of wisdom like, don’t do it in your own strength – your own logic, but wait on You. Lord, thank You for the men of God You have surrounded me with this weekend and allowed me the time to speak to. Thanks for allowing me to be one to hear and to encourage also. Lord, I thank You for the message in today’s devotional from www.TodayGodIsFirst.com which is very much in alignment with what people were speaking to me this weekend. Lord, I put all my hope and trust in You and know that You will open the door of opportunity when the time is right. Lord, thank You for my family and continue to keep them under the cover of Your wings, bless and protect them in all that they do. Thank You for the protection You have put over them this weekend. Thank You for the message on the Holy Spirit and who You are. Thank You for the message on the anointing which we received when we accepted You as our Lord and Savior Jesus and how as in the book of Acts, when the Spirit comes upon us we will be filled with power – we will be anointed – and that anointing will stay with us. Lord, be glorified today in all I say and do, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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A Joseph Story

By Os Hillman, September 27, 2009

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For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

"I'd like you to help us develop our marketing program beginning in January," said the CEO of a sports product company. The consultant was delighted to have the opportunity. It was the first new business opportunity he'd had in some time. He had just come out of some very difficult business and personal circumstances in the last few years. A few months into the relationship, the CEO asked the consultant to manage the entire marketing department, placing him over the current marketing staff. It appeared that God was blessing his efforts with several successful initiatives. The consultant began to build a relationship with a few of the executives. One day, the sales manager came into his office and asked for help on a personal crisis. One thing led to another, and two months later, the consultant found himself leading the sales manager in the sinner's prayer in the sales manager's office.

God prepares His servants in many ways to accomplish His purpose. The story of Joseph is repeated every workday in the lives of His people. The circumstances may be different, but the results are the same. God trains His servant through sometimes difficult "boot camps." When that training is complete, He places them in strategic places to be a provider-both physically and spiritually.

Is God preparing you to be a provider in the workplace? Do not fret at the difficult training ground you may be required to endure. He has a plan. If you'll allow Him to carry out His plan, you'll be privileged to be used by the Master's hand. I know because I am that consultant.

You can receive the TGIF Daily Devotional FREE by email each day - start today!

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Today’s Reading: Luke 14:25-15:32; Psalm 107:1-3; Proverbs 19:11

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is within it. I thank You Lord, that You make time to meet with me as I make time to meet with You. I thank You Lord, that Your ways are better than my ways and Your ways are higher than my ways. Lord, as I think of even online gaming, it grants me an opportunity to be able to share the love of Jesus with others in a unique and subtle way, while still revealing a powerful truth from You. Lord, in FarmTown, when I plant different crops with a daily germination period, it allows me to share with people that we are all different as the crops are different, there are some duplicates because there are some issues that many may be going through and at the same time, I can share the reason for the crops with a daily germination is to speak of the truth that we are to pick up our cross daily and follow after You. Lord, I pray as I look towards the future, that You will be able to give me ideas on other ways to share Your Word with others, Your Word that has the power to lift up others as well as tear down strongholds. Lord, as I turn to Your Word today, I pray that You will speak to me, speak into my situation at work and grant me wisdom and discernment and on Your plans. Help me Lord to be sensitive to the promptings and direction of the Holy Spirit and obedient as not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Forgive me Lord, for not acting sooner. Forgive me Lord, for allowing myself to become too comfortable instead of continuing my pursuit of what You have called me to do. And Lord, I lift up those who I have felt hurt or disappointed or used by – I release that up to You, I forgive them and give it over to You so that the enemy will have not roots, no strongholds that he can use to hold me back from all that You have planned for me. Help me Lord to act so as not to be disqualified. And Lord, I will give You all the praise and all the honor and all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Have you lost your spice? Are you still useful? Will you turn back to God and allow the spice of life, to spice you up?

"Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

Do you realize how important you are to God? Do you realize He is pursuing after You trying to save you, trying to find you, wanting to bring you home? Don’t be afraid to turn back to God – He desires that you come back, without condemnation but with love and joy.

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."'

"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

"But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

"Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'

"But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'

"And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"

It would appear through my devotional time, God wants to extrapolate on that idea...

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -... Matthew 19:26

Will you take time for: prayer, confession, and consecration?

"The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him." - Henry Varley

Are you willing to lay down at God's feet and say: "Send me, use me"?

Are you an ordinary man or woman in whom God wants to do extraordinary things? God desires that for every child of His. Ask God to do extraordinary things in your life. Begin today to trust Him to accomplish great things for His Kingdom through you.

So fear not, just believe.

Allow the courage of God, and the direction of the Holy Spirit to lead you into the incredible possibilities that only God can enable, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Devotional: A Shoe Salesman - Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26

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Today’s Reading: John 10; Psalm 106:47-48; Proverbs 19:8

• Jesus is the gate, He is the one way to be able to be saved and get to heaven
• Jesus is the good shepherd, He will lay down his life for those who are His.
• Jesus foreshadows that He will give up his life and then take it back up because God the Father had commanded it.

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He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good. - Proverbs 19:8

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day. I thank You that as the day begins, I am awake and alert, that You fill my mind with dreams, possibilities, and promises. Lord, I thank You that in the evening Your grace has filled me and fulfilled me. Lord, as I look to this new day, I look to opportunities and visions about what is next. Lord, not my dreams, but our dreams (Yours and mine). Grant me wisdom to receive and draw closer to You. Grant me courage to step out, keeping my focus on You that my life will not only experience another miracle, but that I may not be distracted or allow fear to keep me from the fulfillment of Your plan for me. Help me to lead Lord, as a godly leader. Help me to lead Lord, so that I move forward at a pace that will support those who follow me and don't ruin or destroy the relationships around me. God, Your Word says, I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans the help you and not harm you, to give you a hope and a future. May that confidence in You shine today through me and help others want to know more about this faith that is within me. May that confidence in You be a light shining that causes people to come closer to learn more about what is this light, how did you get this light, how can I get this light. And Lord, that others will come to know You in a more powerful and life changing way. Lord, I thank You now in advance knowing that You know the time, the place, the door, and the opportunities and give You the praise, the honor, and the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Priorities:

Are you celebrating because of the material things in life?  OR   Are you celebrating, because your name has been writing the book of life - your name is written in heaven?

• You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind
• You shall love your neighbor as yourself

Do you wonder who your neighbor is?

Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?"

And he said, "He who showed mercy on him."
Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Are you focusing on things that will help the now, or that will live on into the future?

There are things that are good that we could do; however, the things that are from God are the things we should do.

Today’s Devotional: The Pitfall of Being Entrepreneurial - When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark.... - 1 Chronicles 13:9-10

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This weekend’s Sermon Notes:

Getting to know God by name

Jesus the Great I Am

 

Jesus revealed His power and authority in a series of statements known as I Am.

I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48)

• Jesus declared that he is the source of our life and substance.
• As the Bread of Life, Jesus is needed daily just as manna in the O.T.
• The communion table reminds us of Jesus as our Lord.

I am the Light of the World (John 8:12, 9:5)

• Jesus brings moral clarity and light to our lives.
• The light of Christ in us transforms and gives life.
• We must bring our lives into his light and let it bring growth.
• John later states that as Christ followers we must walk in the light. (I John 1:7)

I am the Door/Gate (John 10:7)

• Jesus is painting the picture of how one enters the kingdom.
• Jesus used vivid speech to the people to focus their thoughts on his exclusive power to bring them to God.
• His message brings great light to the message of salvation. In Christ we are both safe and whole.

I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14)

• Jesus is revealing his love and his protective connection to his people.
• Jesus speaks of laying down his life for his sheep.
• Our lives are secure in the hands of our Lord. He will never leave us or forsake us.

I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:17-27)

• Jesus spoke to Martha that her Brother Lazarus would rise again.
• Martha thought Jesus meant at the last day resurrection.
• Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life.

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

• Jesus spoke to Thomas that he was the truth and life, both are divine attributes.
• Jesus claimed to be the only way of salvation.
• He literally stated “I am the road or highway to heaven.”

I am the True Vine (John 15; 1, 5)

• Once again Jesus is teaching his disciples that all life flows from him.
• Apart from him we can do nothing.

I Am (John 18:5)

• Jesus revealed his glory to the soldiers and temple guard in the Garden.
• The soldiers were driven backward by the power of the Christ revealed.
• Jesus desires to reveal his glory and power in our lives as well.

Consider when there was a multitude of people following Jesus and He told His disciples that if they sent them home they would faint on the way and they were concerned about the size and number of the crowd. Jesus asked: "How many loaves do you have?"

Then His disciples answered Him, "How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?"

He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?"
And they said, "Seven."
So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments. Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away, immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation."

And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then He charged them, saying, "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have no bread."
But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?"

They said to Him, "Twelve."
"Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?"

And they said, "Seven."
So He said to them, "How is it you do not understand?"
Mark 7:1-23, 31-37; 8:1-21

So what are you facing today? What needs are you being asked to fulfill? What demands are coming on you? Do you feel overwhelmed? What do you have that you can use? What do you have that you can give up to God?

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The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. - Proverbs 18:15

Today’s Devotional: Why God Blesses - And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel. - 1 Chronicles 14:2

Today’s Reading: Jesus Sends His Disciples on a Mission - Matthew 9:35-10:42; Psalm 105:16-19; Proverbs 18:13

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is within it. I thank You for the gift and talents You have given me. I thank You for the fruit of the Spirit in my life and ask that You help me to be like a fire hose – help me to be able to take the blessings You have put into my life and allow me to share them with those around me. Help me Lord to share and spread joy to those around me. Lord, help me to speak peace, Your peace into the lives of those I encounter and those who are feeling anxious or stressed. Lord, help me be patient with others. Lord, help me to share and spread goodness and kindness to those around me. Lord, help me to share faithfulness with other that not only would my faith grow, but Lord that those around me who are feeling down or lacking faith would turn back to You and be filled with faith to overflowing and removing any fear that would be paralyzing them from accomplishing all that You are calling from them. Lord, help me to be self-controlled and to demonstrate it to others. Lord, help me to be gentle and be able to lead as a servant leader, not as one who is trying to be authoritative. And most of all Lord, help me to share love with those I meet, with those around me, that Lord, Your Love would shine in and through me today. And Lord, show me where there is a kink in the hose, help me to see where the flow through me is blocked, and then give me the strength and the courage to be able to remove the kink, remove the blockage and allow Your blessings to flow through my life, in Jesus’ name I pray. And Lord, I give and will give You all the praise and all the honor and all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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God’s Word is clear – Fear Not, Just Believe

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all that is within it. I thank You Lord that You care for us personally, so personally that you call us by name. Lord, when we pray, we need to believe that You can and You will. If we are praying and not believing, then Your Word says we are like the ways going to and fro. Lord, I am in AWE of all that You do and continue to do in and through me and those around me. Lord, I am continuously amazed by Your love and grace, Your wisdom and power, and how You have blessed me and spoken to me. Lord, as I look to Your Word today, as I read my devotional, and as I pray, I invite You to come and meet with me and to speak wisdom and direction into my mind and heart. Help me to make the right decisions. Grant me the wisdom to know and the courage to act as I ask in Jesus’ name. Lord, I thank You and praise You and glorify You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Reading: Jesus Continues to Back up His Claims - Mark 4:35-5:24,37-43; Psalm 105:8-11; Proverbs 18:12

Today’s Devotional: A Tool for Miracles - With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the Lord disappeared. - Judges 6:21

About the serpent…

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden '?"

Prudent, discreet. Serpents are very cautious in avoiding danger.

About the dove…

Guileless and innocent as doves. The dove, peaceful, never preying on other birds, has always been a symbol of innocence.

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RE: http://www.gracegems.org/Watson/wise_as_serpents.htm

Christ gives the Apostles their INSTRUCTIONS

, whereof this text was one, "Be wise as serpents—and harmless as doves." Note:

1. The exhortation, "Be wise."

2. The simile, "as serpents."

3. The qualification of this wisdom, a wisdom mixed with innocence, "harmless as doves."

This union of the dove and the serpent is hard to find. Matthew 24:45, "Who then is a wise and faithful servant?" On which place, said Chrysostom, it is a hard matter to find one who is both faithful and wise. Faithful, there is the dove; wise, there is the serpent. It is hard to find both. If one would seek for a faithful man, no doubt, he may find many. If one would seek for a wise man, he may find many. But, if he seeks for one both wise and faithful—it is hard to find. It is possible, though not common.

Moses

was a man "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," Acts 7:22. There was the wisdom of the serpent. And he was the meekest man alive. Numbers 12:3, "Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." There was the innocence of the dove.

Daniel

was an excellent person. Daniel 5:14, "Excellent wisdom is found in you." There was the prudence of the serpent. Daniel 6:4, "The administrators and princes began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize. He was faithful and honest and always responsible." Behold, here, the innocence of the dove.

Look at Paul, Acts 23:6, "When Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were all my ancestors!" By this speech, Paul got all the Pharisees on his side. Here was the wisdom of the serpent; and verse 1, "I have always lived before God in all good conscience!" Here was the innocence of the dove. How lovely is this union of the dove and serpent!

The Scripture joins these two together, meekness and wisdom, James 3:13. Wisdom, there is the serpent; meekness, there is the dove. This beautifies a Christian, when he has the serpent's eye in the dove's head. We must have innocence with our wisdom—else our wisdom is but craftiness. And we must have wisdom with our innocence—else our innocence is but weakness. We must have the innocence of the dove—that we may not harm others; and we must have the wisdom of the serpent—that others may not harm us. We must have the innocence of the dove—that we may not betray the truth; and the wisdom of the serpent—that we may not betray ourselves. In short, innocence without wisdom is too weak to be safe. Wisdom without innocence is too subtle to be good. When wisdom and innocence appear together, they preview the soul's happiness.

DOCTRINE. Christians must be both wise and innocent.

I. Firstly, Christians must be WISE.

"Be wise as serpents."

Concerning wisdom in GENERAL. Solomon said, "Wisdom is the principal thing," Proverbs 4:7. Wisdom is better than riches, "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her!" Proverbs 3:13-15. If the mountains were pearls, if every sand of the sea was a diamond—they would not be comparable to wisdom. Without wisdom, a person is like a ship without a pilot, in danger of wrecking upon the rocks. Job sets forth the eulogy and praise of wisdom, Job 28:13,18, "The price of wisdom is above rubies." The ruby is a precious stone, transparent, of a red fiery color. But wisdom casts a more sparkling color than the ruby. It makes us shine as angels. No chain of pearl you wear so adorns you—as wisdom. Wisdom consists chiefly in three things:

Knowledge to discern wherein happiness lies;

skill to judge what will be the fittest means to conduce to it;

activity to prosecute those things which will certainly accomplish that end. So much for wisdom in general.

More PARTICULARLY, wisdom is variously distinguished. It is either natural, moral, or sacred.

1. A natural wisdom is seen in finding out the secrets of nature. Aristotle was, by some of the ancients, called an eagle fallen from the clouds; because he had so profound an insight into the causes of things. This natural wisdom is adorning—but it is not sufficient to salvation. Jerome brings in Aristotle with his syllogisms, and Tully with his rhetoric, crying out in hell.

2. A moral wisdom consists in two things—the rejection of those things which are harmful; and the choosing of those things which are beneficial. This is called prudence. Knowledge without prudence may do harm; many a man's wit has undone him, for lack of wisdom.

3. A sacred wisdom is knowing God, who is the supreme and sovereign Good. Greece was counted the eye of the world for wisdom, and Athens the eye of Greece; but neither of them knew God, Acts 17:23, "I found an altar with this inscription—To the unknown God." To know God, in whom is both truth and goodness, is the masterpiece of wisdom. 1 Chronicles 28:9, "And you, Solomon my son—know the God of your father." And this knowledge of God is through Christ. Christ is the looking-glass in which the face of God is seen, Colossians 1:15.

We know God rightly, when we know Him not only with a knowledge of speculation, but appropriation, Psalm 48:14, "This God is our God." This knowledge of God is the most sublime wisdom, therefore, it is called wisdom from above, James 3:17.

But to come nearer to the text and speak of the wisdom of the serpent: "Be wise as serpents."

QUESTION. But must we in everything, be like the serpent?

ANSWER. No, our Savior did not mean that in everything we should imitate the serpent. I shall show you how we should not be like the serpent—and how we should be like the serpent.

How we should NOT be like the serpent

:

1. The serpent eats dust.

Isaiah 65:25, "Dust shall be the serpent's food." It was a curse upon the serpent. Thus we should not be like the serpent, feeding immoderately upon earthly things. It is absurd for him who has a heaven-born soul, capable of communion with God—to greedily eat the serpent's food. A Christian has better food to feed on—the heavenly manna, the precious promises, the body and blood of Christ. It is counted a miracle to find a diamond in a gold mine; but it is as great a miracle to find Christ, the pearl of great price, in an earthly heart. The lap-wing wears a little coronet on its head—yet feeds on dung. To have a crown of profession on the head—yet feed inordinately on these dunghill-comforts, is unworthy of a Christian.

What a poor contemptible thing is the world! It cannot fill the heart. If Satan should take a Christian up to the top of the pinnacle and show him all the kingdoms and glory of the world—what could he show him but a pleasant delusion? There is a lawful use which God allows of these outward things—but the sin is in the excess. The bee may suck a little honey from the flower—but put it in a barrel of honey, and it is drowned. The wicked are thus characterized. Philippians 3:19, "Who mind earthly things." They are like Saul, "hidden among the stuff." We should be like eagles—flying aloft towards heaven; and not as serpents—creeping upon the earth and licking the dust!

2. The serpent is deceitful.

The serpent uses many shifts, and glides so cunningly that we cannot trace him. This was one of those four things which wise Agur could not find out, "the way of the serpent upon a rock," Proverbs 30:19. The serpent is a deceitful creature. We should not, in this sense, be like the serpent, deceitful. Naturally, we too much resemble the serpent for fraud and collusion. Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things."

First, deceit towards man:

(1) To pretend friendship—to cover malice with pretenses of love—to commend and detest; to flatter and hate; to have a Judas' kiss and a Joab's sword!

(2) To pretend honesty—to pretend just dealing—yet use false weights.

Second, deceit towards God. To draw near to God with the lips, while the heart is far from Him. To serve God—and seek ourselves; to pretend to love God—and yet be in league with sin. We should not in this sense, be like the serpent—deceitful and given to shifts. Oh, be upright! Be what you seem to be! God loves plainness of heart, Psalm 51:6. The plainer the diamond is, the more it sparkles; the plainer the heart is, the more it sparkles in God's eye! What a commendation Christ gave Nathaniel! John 1:47, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit."

3. The serpent cast the coat—but another new coat comes in its place.

In this we should not be like the serpent, to cast the coat, to cast off one sin, and have another sin as bad, come in its place. The drunkard leaves his drunkenness because it impairs his health, his credit, his purse—and falls to the sin of deceit. The prodigal leaves his prodigality—and turns miser. This is as if one disease should leave a man—and he should fall into a worse disease. Oh, do not be like the serpent, who casts one coat—and another comes in its place! This is like the man in the gospel, who had one devil go out of him—and seven worse demons came in its place! Matthew 12:45.

4. The serpent is a venomous creature;

it is full of poison, Deuteronomy 33:24. In this, do not be like the serpent. It is said of wicked men that their poison is like the poison of a serpent, Psalm 58:4. What is this poison? It is the poison of malice. Malice is the devil's picture. Lust makes men brutish—and malice makes them devilish! Malice carries in it its own punishment. A malicious man, to hurt another, will injure himself. Quintillian speaks of one who had a garden of flowers, and he poisoned his flowers that his neighbor's bees, sucking from them, might be poisoned and die. Oh, do not be venomous like the serpent!

Malice is mental murder; you may kill a man and never touch him. I John 3:15, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer." Malice spoils all your good duties. The malicious man defiles his prayer, poisons the sacramental cup, and eats and drinks his own damnation. I have read of one who lived in malice and, being asked how he could say the Lord's prayer, he answered, "I leave out those words—As we forgive those who trespass against us." Augustine brings in God replying thus to him, "Because you do not say My prayer, therefore, I will not hear your prayer." The malicious man is not likely to enjoy either earth or heaven; not the earth, for the "meek shall inherit the earth," Matthew 5:5; nor is he likely to enjoy heaven, for God "will beautify the meek with salvation," Psalm 149:4. The malicious man is cut off both from earth and heaven.

5. The serpent is given to hissing.

In this, do not be like the serpent, hissing out reproaches and invectives against the saints and people of God. They are the seed of the serpent—who hiss at godliness. The Lord will one day reckon with men for all their hard speeches, Jude 15. Lucian was such a one who hissed out and scoffed against religion; and, as a just judgment of God, he was afterwards torn in pieces by dogs.

6. The serpent stops her ear.

It is an obstinate deafness, Psalm 58:4, "They are like the deaf adder, that stops up its ears." In this, do not be like the serpent, obstinately stopping up your ears to the voice of God's Word. While God calls you to repent of sin, do not be as the serpent to stop your ear, Zechariah 7:11, "They refused to hearken, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear." The Word denounces threatenings against sin—but many, instead of being like the publican, smiting on their breast—are as deaf adders, stopping their ears! If you shut your ear against God's Word, take heed that God does not shut heaven against you! If God cries to you to repent—and you will not hear; when you cry for mercy—God will not hear. Zechariah 7:13, "Since they refused to listen when I called to them, I would not listen when they called to me, says the Lord Almighty."

7. The serpent casts her coat—but keeps her sting.

In this sense, do not be like the serpent, casting off the outward acts of sin—and keeping the love of sin. He whose heart is in love with any sin, is a hypocrite.

A man may forbear sin—yet retain the love of it. He may forbear the act of gross sin—for fear of hell. This is like the man who forbears a dish he loves—for fear it should bring a disease or ailment upon him. A man may forsake sin—yet keep the love of sin. He may forsake sin either out of policy or necessity.

First, policy. Vice will impair his health—and eclipse his credit. Therefore, out of policy, he will forsake it.

Second, necessity. Perhaps he can follow the trade of sin no longer. The adulterer has grown old—and the prodigal has grown poor. Either the purse fails—or the strength. Thus, a man may refrain from the act of sin—yet retain the love of sin. This is like the serpent which casts off her coat—but keeps her sting!

Oh, take heed of this! Herein do not be like the serpent. Remember that saying of Jerome, "It is worse to love sin—than to commit it." A man may commit sin through a strong temptation, or out of ignorance. And, when he knows it to be a sin—he is sorry for it. But he who loves sin, his will is in the sin—and that aggravates it, and is like the dye which makes the wool of a crimson color.

8. Serpents are chased away with sweet perfumes.

The sweet odor of the storax tree will drive the serpent away. In this, do not be like the serpent, being driven away with the sweet perfumes of holiness. Carnal hearts are only for things which delight the senses. They will discourse of news or money. Here they are in their element; but let a man bring with him the sweet perfume of pious discourse, let him talk of Christ, of living by faith—and this spiritual perfume will drive them away! Oh, do not be in this like the serpent! How do you think to live with the saints in heaven—if you cannot endure their company here? You hate the sweet savor of their ointments—the fragrant perfume of their graces.

9. The serpent no sooner casts his skin—but he eats it up again

(as is noted of the stellio, a kind of serpent). In this, do not be like the serpent, to forsake sin—and then take it up again. 2 Peter 2:22, "A dog returns to its own vomit, and, a sow, after washing itself, wallows in the mud." Such were Demas and Julian. Many, after a divorce from sin, espouse their sins again. This is as if one's fever should leave him a while—and then come back again. The devil seemed to be cast out—but came again the second time; and the end of that man is worse than his beginning, Luke 11:26, because his sin is greater. He sins knowingly and willfully—and his damnation will be greater.

10. Serpents are great lovers of wine.

Pliny, who writes the natural history, said, "If serpents come where wine is, they drink insatiably." In this, do not be like the serpent. Though the Scripture allows the use of wine, 1 Timothy 5:23—yet it forbids the excess, Ephesians 5:18, "Do not be drunk with wine, wherein is excess." Do not be like the serpent in this, being "lovers of wine."

Because this sin of drunkenness so abounds in this age, I shall enlarge upon the evils of drunkenness. It is said of the old world, "people went on eating and drinking—until the flood came and destroyed them all!" Luke 17:27. Drinking is not a sin—but the meaning is they drank to intemperance. They disordered themselves with drink and God let them have liquor enough. First they were drowned in wine—and then in water!

There is no sin which more defaces God's image, than drunkenness. It disguises a person and even unmans him. Drunkenness makes him have the throat of a fish, the belly of a swine, and the head of an donkey! Drunkenness is the shame of nature, the extinguisher of reason, the shipwreck of chastity, and the murder of conscience. Drunkenness is hurtful for the body. The cup kills more than the cannon.

Drunkenness fills the eyes with fire, the legs with water, and turns the body into a hospital! But the greatest hurt is what it does to the soul. Excess of wine breeds the worm of conscience. The drunkard is seldom reclaimed by repentance, and the ground of it is partly because, by this sin—the senses are so enchanted, reason is so impaired, and lust is so inflamed. Partly, it is judicial, the drunkard being so besotted with this sin. God says of him, as of Ephraim, Hosea 4:17, "Ephraim is joined to idols—let him alone!" "This man is joined to his cups—let him alone! Let him drown himself in liquor, until he scorches himself in fire!"

How many woes has God pronounced against this sin. Isaiah 28:1, "Woe to the drunkards of Ephraim!" Joel 1:5, "Howl you drinkers of wine!" Drunkenness excludes a person from heaven. 1 Corinthians 6:10, "Drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God." A man cannot go reeling to heaven. King Solomon makes an oration full of invectives against this sin, Proverbs 23:29-30, "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has babbling? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine!"

"Who has strife?" Excessive drink breed quarrels.

"Who has babbling?" When one is drunk, his tongue runs; he will reveal any secrets of his friend.

"Who has bloodshot eyes?" Bloodshot eyes comes sometimes from weeping—but too often from drinking; and what is the outcome? verse 32. "In the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like a viper!" The wine smiles in the glass—but stings in the conscience!

Drunkenness is a sin against all the Ten Commandments.

1. Drunkenness casts off the true God. Hoses 4:11, "Wine takes away the heart"; it takes the heart off from God.

2. It makes the belly a god. Philippians 3:19. To this god, the drunkard pours drink-offerings; there is a breach of the second commandment.

3. The drunkard in his cups takes God's name in vain by his oaths.

4. The drunkard makes no difference of day. He is seldom sober on a Sabbath. On that day, he worships Bacchus.

5. The drunkard honors neither his natural father, nor the magistrate, his civil father. He will be drunk, though the laws of the land forbid it.

6. The drunkard commits murder. Alexander killed his friend Clytus when he was drunk, for whom he would have given half his kingdom when he was sober.

7. The drunkard's wine proves lust. Augustine calls wine the enflamer of lust. "I never believe a drunken man to be chaste," said Jerome.

8. The drunkard is a thief. He spends that money upon his drunken lust, which should have been given to charitable uses. So he robs the poor.

9. The drunkard is a slanderer. He cares not, when he is on the ale-bench, how he defames and belies others. When he has taken his full cups, he is now fit to take a false oath.

10. The drunkard sins against the tenth commandment, for he covets to get another's estate, by circumvention and extortion, that he may be the better able to follow his drunken trade. Thus he sins against the ten commandments.

If this sin of drunkenness is not reformed, I pray God, the sword is not made drunk with our blood. And, whereas some will go to shift off this sin from themselves, that they are no drunkards, because they have not drunk away their reason and senses, they are not so far gone in drink that they cannot go. He is a drunkard, said Solomon, who tarries long at the wine, Proverbs 23:30. He who sits at it from morning to night, who drinks away his precious time—though he does not drink away his reason. He is a drunkard who drinks more than does him good, and that, though he is not himself drunk—yet he makes another drunk, Habakkuk 2:15, "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk!"

Oh, I beseech you, do not be in this like the serpent, lovers of wine! This, I fear, is one cause why the Word preached does so little good to many in this city. They drink away sermons. They do as the hunted deer. When it is wounded—it runs to the water and drinks. So, when they have been at a sermon, and the arrows of reproof have wounded their conscience—they run presently and drink away those convictions. They steep the sermon in wine. The tavern bell does them more harm—than the sermon-bell does them good. Thus you have seen wherein we should not be like serpents.

How we should be LIKE the serpent

:

We should be like the serpent in prudence and wisdom. "Be wise as serpents." The serpent is a most prudent creature; therefore, the devil made use of the serpent to deceive our first parents because it was such a subtle creature. Genesis 3:1, "The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field." There is a natural wisdom and subtlety in every part of the serpent, and we should labor to imitate them and be wise as serpents.

1. The serpent has a prudence and subtlety in his EYE. He has a singular sharpness of sight. Therefore, among the Grecians, a serpent's eye was a proverbial speech for one of a quick understanding. In this, we should be like the serpent. Get the serpent's eye; have a quick insight into the mysteries of the Christian religion. Knowledge is the beauty and ornament of a Christian. Proverbs 14:18, "The prudent are crowned with knowledge." Get the serpent's eye, be divinely illuminated. Faith without knowledge is presumption; zeal without knowledge is blind passion, Proverbs 19:2. Without knowledge, the heart is not good. For one to say he has a good heart who has no knowledge, is as if one should say he has a good eye when he has no sight. In this, be like the serpent—of a quick understanding.

2. The serpent has a prudence and subtlety in his EAR.

The serpent will not be deluded with the voice of the charmer, but stops its ear. In this, we must be wise as serpents, stopping our ears to false teachers who are the devil's charmers.

We must stop our ears to Arminian teachers who place the chief power in the will, as if that were the helm that turns about the soul in conversion. 1 Corinthians 4:7, "Who makes you to differ from another?" Said one, "I have made myself to differ." Be as the serpent: stop your ears to such doctrine.

We must stop our ears to Socinian teachers who raze the foundation of all religion, and deny Christ's divinity. This the Apostle calls a damnable heresy, 2 Peter 2:1.

We must stop our ears to Popish teachers who teach merit, indulgences, and transubstantiation; who teach that the pope is the head of the church. Christ is called "the head of the church," Ephesians 5:23. For the pope to be head is to make the church monstrous—to have two heads. Popish teachers teach the people nonsense and blasphemy; they cause the people to pray without understanding, to obey without reason, and to believe without sense. It is a damnable religion; therefore, worshiping the beast and drinking the cup of God's indignation are put together, Revelation 14:9. Oh, in this be "wise as serpents." Stop your ears to the charming of false teachers! God has given His people this wisdom to stop their ears to heretics. John 10:5, "A stranger they will not follow—but will flee from him."

3. The serpent has a chief care to defend his HEAD

—a blow there is deadly! So in this we should be wise as serpents; our chief care should be to defend our head from error. The plague in the head is worst. Loose principles breed loose practices. If the head is tainted with erroneous opinions, such as—that believers are free from the moral law, that there is no resurrection, that we may do evil that good may come of it—what sin will this not lead to? Oh, keep your head! Error is a spiritual gangrene, 2 Timothy 2:17, which spreads, and if not presently cured, is mortal. Heresies destroy the doctrine of faith; they rend the mantle of the church's peace, and eat out the heart of religion.

The Gnostics, as Epiphanius observes, not only perverted the minds of their proselytes—but brought them at last to immorality. Error damns as well as vice. Vice is like killing with a pistol; and error killing with poison. Oh, be wise as serpents; defend your head! "Be wise as serpents—and harmless as doves." Our Savior Christ here commends to us the wisdom of the serpent and the innocence of the dove. The elect are called wise virgins, Matthew 25:4. Virgins, there is the dove; wise, there is the serpent. We must have innocence with our wisdom—or else our wisdom is but craftiness; and we must have wisdom with our innocence—or else our innocence is but weakness. We must have the innocence of the dove that we may not harm others and we must have the wisdom of the serpent that others may not harm us.

This union of the dove and serpent is hard to find—but it is possible. The most famous instance of wisdom and innocence was in our Savior. When the Jews came to Him with an ensnaring question, Mark 12:14, "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?" Christ answered wisely, verse 17, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's—and to God the things that are God's." Do not deny Caesar his civil right—nor God His religious worship. Let your loyalty be mixed with piety. Here He showed the wisdom of the serpent.

And would you see Christ's innocence? 1 Peter 2:22, "There was no deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, reviled not again." He opened His mouth in praying for His enemies—but not in reviling them. Behold here the innocence of the dove.

II. Christians must be HARMLESS.

The second thing I am to speak of is the dove: "be harmless as doves." The dove is an excellent creature. It was so acceptable that, in the old law, God would have the dove offered in sacrifice. The Holy Spirit, when He would appear in a visible shape, assumed the likeness of a dove, Matthew 3:16.

We should be as doves in three respects:

(1) In respect of meekness;

(2) In respect of innocence;

(3) In respect of purity.

1. In respect of MEEKNESS.

The dove is the emblem of meekness; it is without gall. We should be as doves for meekness; we must avoid unruly anger, which is a temporary madness. We must be without the gall of bitterness and revenge. We must be of mild spirits, praying for our enemies. So did Stephen, Acts 7:60, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." This dove-like meekness is the best jewel and ornament we can wear. 1 Peter 3:4, "The ornament of a meek spirit, which in the sight of God, is of great price." Anger disfigures; meekness adorns.

2. We should be as doves for INNOCENCE.

The innocence of the dove is seen in two things: Not to deceive and not to hurt.

Not to deceive. As the dove is without gall, so it is without guile. It does not deceive. Thus we should be as the dove, without fraud and craft. A holy simplicity is commendable, Romans 16:19, "I would have you simple concerning evil." To be a bungler at sin, not to have the art to beguile, is a good simplicity; as Nathaniel, in whose spirit there is no guile, John 1:47. Where is this dovelike innocence to be found? We live in an age where there are more foxes than doves. People are full of guile; they study nothing but deceit, so that one knows not how to deal with them. Psalm 12:2, "With a double heart do they speak."

Not to hurt. The dove has no horns or talons to hurt—only wings to defend itself by flight. Other creatures are commonly well-armed: the lion has its paw, the boar its tusk, the ram its horns—but the dove is a most harmless creature. It has nothing with which to offend. Thus we should be as doves for harmlessness. We should not do wrong to others—but rather suffer wrong ourselves. Such a dove was Samuel, 1 Samuel 12:3, "Whose ox have I taken? or whose donkey have I taken? or whom have I defrauded?" He did not get men's estates into his hands, or raise himself upon the ruins of others. How rare is it to find such doves! Surely, they are flown away! How many birds of prey are there! Micah 7:2, "Godly people have vanished from the land; there is no one upright among the people." These are not doves but vultures! They travail with mischief, and are in pain until they bring forth.

3. We should be as doves for PURITY.

The dove is the emblem of purity. It loves the purest air; it feeds on pure grain. The raven feeds on the carcass—but the dove feeds pure. Thus, let us be as doves for sanctity, cleansing ourselves from all pollution both of flesh and spirit, 2 Corinthians 7:1. Christ's dove is pure, Song of Solomon 5:2, "My dove, my undefiled one." Let us keep pure, among dregs. 1 Timothy 5:22, "Keep yourself pure." Better have a rent in the flesh—than a hell in the conscience! The dove is a chaste, pure creature; let us be doves for purity.

USE 1.

See here the nature of a godly Christian: he is both wise and innocent. He has so much of the serpent that he does not forfeit his discretion—and so much of the dove that he does not defile his conscience. A godly man is looked upon by a carnal eye—as weak and naive—as having something of the dove, but nothing of the serpent. To believe in unseen realities, to choose sufferings rather than sin—is counted as folly. But the world is mistaken in a believer. He has his eyes in his head—he knows what he does. He is prudent as well as holy; he is wise who finds the pearl of great price. He is wise who provides for eternity. He is the wisest man who has wit to save his soul; he is wise who makes him his friend—who shall be his judge. The godly man acts both the politician and the divine; he retains his ingenuity—yet he does not part with his integrity.

USE 2.

Reproof. It reproves them who have too much of the serpent—but nothing of the dove. Jeremiah 4:22, "Wise to do evil—but to do good they have no knowledge." These are like the devil who retains his subtlety—but not his innocence.

We have many in this age, like the serpent for craftiness. Men have the headpiece of subtlety—but lack the breastplate of honesty. They are wise to contrive sin and to forge plots—to study compliance rather than conscience. The port they aim at is preferment; the compass they sail by is policy; the pilot that steers them is Satan! These have the craftiness of the serpent, "They are wise to do evil."

They are like the serpent for harm. You know the fiery serpents stung Israel. These have the sting of the serpent. They have a sting in their tongues, stinging the people of God with bitter slanders and invectives. Such stinging serpents were Nero, Diocletian, and Julian, and their spirit is yet alive in the world. These have too much of the serpent in them—but nothing of the dove. 2 Peter 2:3, "their damnation does not slumber."

USE 3.

Exhortation. To put in practice our Savior's counsel in the text, join the serpent and the dove together: wisdom and holiness. Here lies the knot; this is the great difficulty—to unite these two together, the serpent and the dove, prudence and innocence. If you separate these two, you spoil all.

QUESTION. How does a Christian join these two together—the serpent and the dove, prudence and holiness?

ANSWER. This I shall answer in twelve particulars:

1.

To be wise and innocent consists in this: to be sensible of an injury—yet not revenge it. A Christian is not a stoic—nor yet a fury. He is so wise that he knows when an injury is done him—but so holy that he knows how to pass it by. This is a most excellent temper of soul. I almost said "angelic." As the wind allays the heat of the air, so grace allays the heat of revenge. Moses herein showed a mixture of the serpent and the dove. Miriam murmured against him, Numbers 12:2, "Has the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses?" Is he the only prophet to declare God's mind to us? Moses was so wise as to discern her pride and slighting of him—yet so meek as to bury the injury. When God struck her with leprosy, he prayed for her. Numbers 12:13, "Heal her now, O God, I beseech You." And, upon his prayer, she was cured of her leprosy. A godly Christian has so much wisdom as to discern his enemy's malice—but so much grace as to conquer his own malice. He knows it is the glory of a man to pass by a transgression, Proverbs 19:11. Though a Christian has so much prudence as to vindicate himself—yet he has so much goodness as not to avenge himself. Behold here the serpent and the dove united—sagacity and innocence.

2.

The mixing of wisdom and innocence is seen in this: to be humble—but not base. Humility is part of the dove's innocence. 1 Peter 5:5, "Be clothed with humility." Paul, though the chief of the Apostles, calls himself the least of saints. A gracious soul has low thoughts of himself, and carries himself lowly toward others; but, though he is humble—he is not base. Though he will not saucily resist his superiors—he will not sinfully humor them. Though he will not do such proud actions as to make his enemies hate him—yet he will not do such sordid actions as to make them despise him. Here is the serpent and the dove united.

A godly Christian is so humble as to oblige others—but not so unworthy as to disobey God. Paul, as far as he could with a good conscience, became "all things to all, that he might save some," 1 Corinthians 9:20, 22; but he would not break a commandment to gratify any person. When God's glory lay at stake, who was more resolute than Paul? Galatians 2:5. The three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace were humble; they gave the king his title of honor—but they were not sordidly timorous. Daniel 3:18, "Be it known unto you, O king, that we will not serve your gods!" Though they showed reverence to the king's person—yet no reverence to the idol he had set up. A godly Christian will not do anything below himself—nor ever cater to men's lusts. He is humble (there he shows the innocence of the dove); but not base (there he shows the wisdom of the serpent).

3.

The prudence of the serpent and innocence of the dove is seen in this: to reprove the sin—yet love the person. We are commanded to reprove, Leviticus 19:17, "'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly—so you will not share in his guilt." Not to reprove sin—is to approve it; but this sword of reproof is a dangerous weapon, if it is not well-handled. To reprove and yet love is to act both the serpent and the dove.

QUESTION. How may a Christian so reprove sin, as to show love to the person?

ANSWER. In taking a fit season to reprove another; that is, when his anger is over. For example, when God rebuked Adam, He came to him, in the cool of the day, Genesis 3:8. So, when we are to reprove any, we are to come to them when their spirits are more cool and fit to receive a reproof. To reprove a man when he is in a passion, is to give strong drink in a fever—it does more harm than good. By observing a fit season, we show both prudence and holiness; we reveal discretion as well as affection.

Reproving sin so as to show love to the person is seen in this: when, though we tell him plainly of his sin—yet it is in mild, not provoking words. 2 Timothy 2:25, "Instructing his opponents with gentleness." Peter tells the Jews plainly of their sin in crucifying Christ—but uses persuasives and gospel promises to allure and encourage them to believe. Acts 2:23, "Him you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified"; verse 38, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin: for the promise is to you and to your children." Reproof is a bitter pill, and hard to swallow; therefore, we must dip it in sugar! Use those sweet mollifying expressions that others may see love coming along with the reproof. David compares reproof to oil, Psalm 141:5. Oil supplies the joints when they are hard and stiff. Our reproofs, being mixed with the oil of compassion, work most kindly and most soften stiff, obdurate hearts!

Reproving sin—yet loving the person, is when the end of our reproof is not to revile him—but to reclaim him. While we go to heal men's consciences, we must take heed of wounding their names. The surgeon, in opening a vein, shows both skill and love: skill in cutting an artery, and love in letting out the bad blood. Here is the mixing of the serpent and the dove. The wisdom of the serpent is seen in not reproaching the sinner; the innocence of the dove is seen in reclaiming him from sin.

4.

Prudence and holiness is seen in this: to know what we should do, and do what we know. To know what we should do is the wisdom of the serpent; to do what we know is the innocence of the dove, John 13:17.

Knowledge is a jewel which adorns him who wears it; it is the enriching and bespangling of the mind. Knowledge is the eye of the soul to guide it in the right way—but this knowledge must be joined with holy practice. To separate practice from knowledge—is to separate the dove from the serpent. Many illuminated heads can discourse fluently in matters of religion—but they do not live up to their knowledge. This is to have good eyes—but to have the feet cut off! They know they should not defame nor defraud; but they do not practice what they know. Here they separate the dove from the serpent, virtue from knowledge. How vain is knowledge without practice! As if one should know a sovereign medicine—but not apply it. Satan is a knowing spirit; he has enough of the serpent. But that which makes him a devil, is that he lacks the dove! He does not practice holiness.

5. To mix the serpent and dove is to keep two trades going.

To understand worldly affairs is the wisdom of the serpent; yet to not neglect the soul is the innocence of the dove. God has said, "Six days shall you labor," Exodus 20:9. Religion never granted a patent to idleness. There is a lawful care to be had about secular things. To have knowledge in one's vocation, is a commendable wisdom—but, with this wisdom, join the dove's innocence—follow your vocation, as not to neglect your soul. The soul is a precious thing; it would beggar the angels, to give half the price of a soul. Our greatest care should be to get grace. While you put gold in your bag—do not forget to put oil in your vessel. Trade beyond the East Indies; drive a trade of holiness. "For she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her!" Proverbs 3:14, 15. Live in a vocation—but especially live by faith. Look to providing for your families—but especially to the saving of your souls.

The soul is the angelic part; the loss of the soul can never be made up. God has given a man two eyes. If he loses one, he has another; but he has but one soul. If he loses that, it is irrecoverable! It can never be made up again. Oh, unite the serpent and the dove, prudence and holiness! Use the world—but love your soul; trade on earth—but beware of failing in your trade for heaven. How many part these two, the serpent and the dove? They are wise for the world—but fools for their souls! It is too often seen that men pull down their souls—to build up a worldly estate.

6.

To join the serpent and the dove, prudence and innocence, consists in this: to know how to give counsel—and how to keep counsel. He has the wisdom of the serpent who can give counsel. He knows how to advise another in difficult cases, and speak a word in due season. 2 Samuel 16:23, "Every word Ahithophel spoke, seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God."

But this is not enough to have the wisdom of the serpent in being able to give counsel. There must be the innocence of the dove, too, in keeping counsel. If a friend's secret is imparted to us, unless in case of harm, we are not to reveal it. A friend is as one's own soul, Deuteronomy 13:6; and what he imparts of his heart, should be kept under lock and key, Proverbs 25:9-10, "Do not betray another man's confidence." To disclose a friend's secret, though it is not treason, is treachery. It is most unchristian; a word may be spoken in secret, which, when it is trumpeted out, may occasion quarrels or law-suits. He who cannot keep a matter committed to him, is like a vessel which leaks out, or a sick stomach which cannot keep the food—but vomits it up again. He who publishes his friend's secret, publishes his own shame.

7.

To mix these two, prudence and holiness, is to know the seasons of grace—and improve them. To know the seasons of grace is the wisdom of the serpent. It is wisdom in the farmer to know the fit time for pruning of trees, and sowing of seed. Just so, it is no less wisdom to know the golden seasons of grace. While we hear the joyful sound, while we have praying hours, while the Spirit of God blows on our hearts—here is a gale for heaven. The day of grace will not always last; the shadows of the evening seem to be stretched out. Things look as if the gospel is tending towards a decline. Be wise as serpents—know what a treasure is put in your hands. And with the serpent, join the dove—that is, in improving the seasons of grace. Doves not only know their season but improve it. They fly to the warmer climate in the spring. Here is the serpent and dove united, knowing and improving the day of grace. When we profit by ordinances, when we mix the word with faith, when an ordinance has stamped holiness upon us, as the seal leaves its print upon the wax. This is to improve the seasons of grace.

8.

The serpent and the dove, wisdom and innocence, is to be moderate—yet zealous. Moderation is good in some cases. Philippians 4:5, "Let your moderation be known to all." Moderation is good in case of anger. When the passions are up, moderation sits as queen and governess in the soul. It allays the heat of passion. Moderation is the bridle of anger.

Moderation is good in case of lawsuits. If there is a dispute in law between us and others, we are not to take the extremity of the law, but use Christian equity and mildness. Nay, for peace's sake rather part with some of our rights—than oppress others. This much honors the gospel.

Moderation is good in things indifferent. Moderation and Christian forbearance in things indifferent would much tend to the peace and unity of the church. All this moderation is commendable and shows the wisdom of the serpent; but remember to join the dove with the serpent. We must so exercise moderation, as still to nourish zeal. Paul, in some things, was moderate. Acts 15:25. He was sensitive of laying a yoke upon the consciences of the disciples; but he had zeal with his moderation. When he saw their idolatry at Athens, the fire of his zeal broke forth. Acts 17:16, "He was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols!" To be cool and silent when God's blessed truths are undermined or adulterated, is not moderation but lukewarmness, which is to God a most hateful temper. Revelation 3:15, "I would you were cold or hot", anything but lukewarm. This is to show prudence and holiness, when we are moderate yet zealous.

9.

To unite serpent and dove consists in this: when we defend the truth by argument and adorn it by life. Defending the truth is the serpent's wisdom. An intelligent Christian can convince gainsayers. This wisdom of the serpent was eminent in Stephen. Acts 6:9-10: "None of them was able to stand against the wisdom and Spirit by which Stephen spoke." We read of John Fryth, martyr, being opposed by three papists. He, like another Hercules, fighting with all the three at once, by his wisdom so convinced them that one of them turned from popery and became a zealous Christian. Herein is the wisdom of the serpent: not only to love those who profess the truth—but to silence those who oppose it.

But with this wisdom of the serpent—there must be joined the innocence of the dove. Together with defending the truth by argument, there must be adorning it by life. Titus 2:10, "That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." There are some who can dispute for the truth—but disgrace it by their bad living. This is to act both the serpent and the dove, when we not only plead for the truth but walk in the truth, like Nazianzen, of whom it was said he had thunder in his doctrine—and lightning in his life.

10.

The uniting the serpent and the dove is to be serious in religion—yet cheerful. Seriousness puts the heart in a holy frame; it fixes it on God. Seriousness is to the soul as ballast to the ship: it keeps the soul from being overturned with vanity. The heart is ever best when it is serious—but this seriousness in religion must be mixed with cheerfulness. Cheerfulness conduces to health, Proverbs 17:22. It honors religion; it proclaims to the world that we serve a good Master. Cheerfulness is a friend to grace; it puts the heart in tune to praise God, Psalm 71:21. Uncheerful Christians, like the spies—bring an evil report on the good land. Others suspect there is something unpleasant in religion, when those who profess it hang their harps upon the willows, and walk so dejectedly. Be serious—yet cheerful. Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always." Why was Christ anointed, but to give "a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair!" Isaiah 61:3. Joy is as much a fruit of the Spirit, as faith, Galatians 5:22. One way of grieving the Spirit, is by an uncheerful walking. If you would render the gospel lovely, mix the dove and the serpent; be serious yet cheerful in God.

11.

The uniting of the serpent and the dove, wisdom and holiness, consists in this: when we so lay up—as we lay out. It is a duty to provide for our family. 1 Timothy 5:8, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." To lay up for our family is the wisdom of the serpent; but we must lay out for the poor too—here is the mixture of the dove. 1 Timothy 6:17,18, "Charge those who are rich in the world, that they do good, that they be rich in good works." The poor man is, as it were, an altar. If we bring our alms and lay upon it, with such sacrifices God is well-pleased. Faith, though it sometimes has a trembling hand—must not have a withered hand—but must stretch forth itself to works of mercy. There's nothing lost by charitableness. Proverbs 11:25, "The liberal soul shall be made fat." Psalm 41:1, "Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor. The Lord rescues them in times of trouble." While men so remember their family—that they do not forget the poor—they show both prudence and piety; they unite the serpent and the dove.

12.

The serpent's wisdom and the dove's innocence is seen in this: so to avoid danger—as not to commit sin; to preserve our liberty—yet keep our integrity. There is a sinful escaping danger, namely, when we are called to suffer for the truth and we decline it. And there is an escaping danger, without sin. For example, when we do not betray ourselves into the enemies hands by rashness, nor yet betray the truth by cowardice. We have a pattern of this in our Savior. He avoided His enemies in one place that He might preach the gospel in another place. Luke 4:29-30, "They led Him unto the brow of the hill, that they might cast Him down headlong; but He passing through the midst of them, went His way." There was Christ's wisdom in not betraying Himself to His enemy; and verse 43, "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also." There was His holiness. Christ's securing Himself, was in order to preach of the gospel. This is to mix prudence and innocence, when we so avoid danger—yet do not commit sin.

Thus I have, as briefly and as clearly as I could, shown you how we must unite these two, the serpent and the dove, prudence and holiness. For lack of coupling these two together, true religion suffers much in the Christian world. "What Christ has joined together, let no man put asunder." Observe these two: prudence and holiness. Here is the serpent's eye in the dove's head. When these two, wisdom and innocence appear together, they are a preview of much good and happiness, which will befall a Christian.

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Today’s Devotional: Calling by Name - These were the chiefs among Esau's descendants: The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz. - Genesis 36:15

Today’s Reading: Stories About the Kingdom - Matthew 13:1-50; Psalm 105:1-4; Proverbs 18:11

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that will be in it. This is the day that You have made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it. Lord, as I read today’s devotional and then posted a comment on my Facebook page, an interesting thought came to mind. If I relate to Philip the Evangelist, I should dive in a bit deeper. Lord, in my current work I can see how the gifting to be able to share with others and to speak with others as an evangelist for the technology and services my group is there. Today as I start to look deeper into Philip the Evangelist, I pray that You will grant me wisdom and insight into the name Philip that I may embrace even more the name that You gave me and how I may pursue even further after the plans and purposes and future You have for me. Lord, I thank You that You speak to me personally and hear the cry of my heart and I will give You all the praise and the honor and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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References:

• http://satucket.com/lectionary/Philip_Deacon.htm
• http://www.keyway.ca/htm2003/20031224.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Evangelist
• http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/txh/philip.htm
• http://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/encyc/encyc09/htm/ii.xxxv.htm
• http://www.deacons.net/Deacons_before_us/philip.html
• http://www.openbible.org/message/Nov_Dec04Message/PhiliptheEvangelist.html
• http://net.bible.org/dictionary.php?word=Philip%20The%20Evangelist

Today's Reading:

Conflict with the Religious Leaders

Matthew 12:1-45; Psalm 104:31-34; Proverbs 18:10

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Heavenly Father,
There are so many things that people say these days without know where it originated. There are so many sayings that people hear without knowing where it originated.

Lord, the truth is that many of them have come from Your Word. If people took the time to search for the sayings they use, they would find many are from the Word of God. Some from Proverbs. Some from Psalms. Some from the Old Testament. Some from the New Testament.

Today, I took one of them and put it as the title. Lord, may You receive all the praise and all the honor and all the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Devotional:

Will You Enter?

By Os Hillman, September 12, 2009
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Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. - Numbers 20:11a

Will you fulfill the destiny God has for your life? Perhaps you have never thought about it. God had a perfect plan for Moses to lead the people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. It's been said the hardest place to score a touchdown is from the goal line. You're almost there. But there is something about crossing over that makes those last few yards the most difficult. Moses failed at the goal line, and it prevented him from finishing well a glorious life of service for God.

The people of Israel were complaining that they did not have water to drink. It was another of many tests for Israel. Moses inquired of God and God said, "...Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water" (Num. 20:8a). Moses, in his frustration and anger with the people, began to act on his own and made a strategic mistake. Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck the rock twice with his staff. In spite of his disobedience, the rock poured forth water.

God was calling Moses to a different dimension. Moses was to use his words to speak the miracle. However, he not only lost his temper, but he also took credit and dishonored God. He used his staff, the symbol of his work life as a shepherd, to force the provision.

When we become callous, we can use our skills and abilities to force what we believe should happen. We take control. When we do this, we are in danger of failing to enter the Promised Land of blessing from God. Living in life's spiritual dimension requires patience and obedience. Beware of solving problems in your own strength. God wants to bring you into the Promised Land of His blessing. But it will require walking in the spiritual dimension.

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Today's Reading:

September 12

The Blind See, the Lame Walk, and the Dead Are Raised

Luke 7:1-23,36-50; Psalm 104:24-26; Proverbs 18:9

Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."

Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.

Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people." And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"

When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?'" And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.

Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."

Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner."

And Jesus answered and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you."
So he said, "Teacher, say it."

"There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?"

Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."

And He said to him, "You have rightly judged." Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
Luke 7:1-23, 36-50

WORSHIP

O LORD, how manifold are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions-
This great and wide sea,
In which are innumerable teeming things,
Living things both small and great.
There the ships sail about;
There is that Leviathan
Which You have made to play there.
Psalm 104:24-26

WISDOM

He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
Proverbs 18:9

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God's Destiny for you and for me...

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this day and Lord for having surrounded me with people who can speak wisdom and correction into my life. Lord, I turn to You today as I face this new step or shift and ask that You provide me with the wisdom and direction required to accomplish it. I know Lord because You have built so many monuments to remind me of what You can do if I am obedient that I will not walk in fear, but in faith knowing that if You are with me, nothing will be against me. When I look back, it isn't to relive the past, but to encourage myself to continue moving forward for the glory of Your kingdom. It builds my faith. It builds my courage. It builds my hope.

• Let me remember when You first called me closer to You back in University and I knew I needed more of You.
• Let me remember when You called me into Your presence, into a living relationship with You and I started to walk in obedience through water baptism.
• Let me remember when You called me into Your presence, and allowed the baptism of the Holy Spirit to teach me a new way to pray, to speak, to worship You.
• Let me remember Your provision of a home, a car, a job, and a child in one year
• Let me remember Your provision of a home, a job, another child in one year
• Let me remember when You spoke to me through Your Word when I prayed to see if I was to have more girls or if You had plans for a boy in my future, and Your Word for the day was about the promise of Isaac and I thank and praise You for my son - Isaac.
• Let me remember when You spoke to me when I asked if I was ever to have a horse from a dream when I was just a boy around 8 years of age, and You brought to mind a sermon where our pastor had preached that it is easier to drive a moving vehicle. So we started to look and You blessed me with my little part of heaven on earth and since I couldn't afford a horse, You have continued to provide people who want to let their horses stay in my field and allow my family the blessing of seeing horses daily.
• Let me remember when I was feeling small and unsure about stepping up into a major leadership role in my community, and You told me I was to do it and gave me an ultimatum. As I stepped into it with the mind set of "God if you want me to do it, then I will do it" and even though it looked like there would challenges and there were offers for people to step in to try and force it to happen, I made them take care of their needs and God, You made a way that opened the door for even more blessings not only to the staff but to the community at large.
• Let me remember the continued blessings of connections and provision through and at my work because of Your light shining in and through  me.

God, Thank You. I know that all things are possible through Christ Jesus. I know that nothing is too big for You. I know that the truth of Your Word will speak to me daily. I know that Your Word that never changes is ready to meet my every need and every situation. As look to my destiny, help me not to miss the mark. Help me not to get stuck on the 1 yard line and miss getting to where You have planed. Help me to see my next step. Help me to find the encouragement and support I need to make the next steps.

And Lord, I will give You all the praise and all the honor and all the glory in Jesus' name. Amen.

WOW - The Big Picture 9/11

September 11

Jesus Describes Life in His Kingdom

Luke 6:12-45; Matthew 7:24-29; Psalm 104:21-23; Proverbs 18:8

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:
"Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
"But woe to you who are rich, For you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are full, For you shall hunger.
Woe to you who laugh now, For you shall mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets.

"But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

"But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

"Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.

"For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

"But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Luke 6:12-45; Matthew 7:24-29

WORSHIP

The young lions roar after their prey,
And seek their food from God.
When the sun rises, they gather together
And lie down in their dens.
Man goes out to his work
And to his labor until the evening.
Psalm 104:21-23

WISDOM

The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.
Proverbs 18:8

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Their is a way, there is a pattern that leaders will go through:
1) Separation from his old life - "You can't go with God and stay where you are"
2) Time of solitude - so God can speak to you without distractions
3) Discomfort
Are you ready for the classroom of leadership preparation? How will you respond if God chooses you?

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Lord, I thank You for this new day. I thank You Lord, for surrounding me with people who can speak into my life. I thank You for my wife. I thank You for my parents. I thank You for my pastors. I thank You for Mohan and James who have encouraged and supported me for year. I thank You for friends like Daron, Rod, Joe, Scott, and so many more who help call out more from me. God, I thank You for the divine appointment yesterday afternoon and the conversation that took place. Help me Lord, to make Your priorities, my priorities. Grant me the courage and the strength required to step out in faith in order for you to perform a miracle. Allow me Lord time to be with You, to focus on You, without the distraction of all that is around me. Be glorified in what I do and what I say. And Lord, I will give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor in Jesus' name. Amen.

Bless those around me Lord. Grant them divine words to keep me on track.

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The Way of God - If My people would but listen to Me.... - Psalm 81:13

Momentum Builds and the Crowds Are Amazed - Mark 1:14-39; 2:1-12; Psalm 104:1-4; Proverbs 18:3

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Who are the 3? Who are the 12?

Heavenly Father,
I was touched by the prayer that was in my devotional today and ask that You grant me the wisdom and the courage when times of attack surround me. Lord, when a prayer like "Lord, I don't know about this. If this is not of Your hand, I pray against it in Jesus' name. I pray for Angie's healing right now and I bind this spirit of infirmity." – Os Hillman. Lord grant me wisdom as to which spirit is attacking the person I am praying about.  Lord, there is always more going on than what we can see in the physical realm and I pray that You will grant me eyes to see what is really taking place, ears to hear what is being spoken, and the wisdom and courage to speak and pray over the situation. God,there is nobody like You. You are so awesome and are in control of every situation. Help me be a better ambassador for You. Help me be a better follower of You. Help me to be a better reflection of You. And Lord, I will give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Word:

Jesus Proves He Is for Real - John 4:1-43; Psalm 103:19-22; Proverbs 18:2

We must worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.

The fields are ready for harvest, will you join in with the Lord and help gather the fruit for eternal life?

WORSHIP

The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Psalm 103:19-22

WISDOM

A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.
Proverbs 18:2

Today’s Devotional:

Spiritual Warfare - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 6:12