August 31 devotional

Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 “So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies.”

Observation

Some people think that everyone will have equal reward in heaven. That is not true. Believers will be judged by Christ and will be rewarded based on the works they do on this earth. Some people will have a greater reward than others in heaven. Heaven is a great place and everyone will be filled with joy there but there will be different levels of reward. The good news is that everyday you live is an opportunity to build your reward in heaven! Paul said we will receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done. That means every time I do a good deed, I build a reward in heaven. I can major in doing good deeds and store up reward in heaven.

Application

Christianity is a lifestyle and not just a belief system. Christians should be people known for doing good works. We should be known not for just what we believe but our reputation should be built on our good deeds. I have an opportunity today to do good. I can become fanatical about doing good works. I get to determine my reward in heaven.

Prayer

My desire is to be please you in all ways. I want to do good today. I want to be known not just for what I believe but for my love, kindness, gentleness, and good works. I want people to see my love and to understand that my faith in you motivates me to do good. Empower me today to be a good representative of you. May I cause you to smile and bring you pleasure.

August 30 devotional

Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:4 “Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

Observation

This is an important truth concerning evangelism. Do you ever wonder why someone doesn’t get it? You share Jesus with them. You witness to them. You invite them to church and the go but nothing happens. They don’t get it. They don’t seem to understand. They don’t want to change even though their lives are miserable. Why are some people like this? Paul tells us that Satan has blinded their minds. They are unable to see the truth of the gospel even when it is shining brightly. They don’t understand the message no matter how simply it may be presented to them. Before they are going to accept the truth about Jesus and repent of their sins, their minds have to be open. I, personally, believe that the thing that blinds most people is pride. They do not see or understand their need for salvation. That cannot admit they need of a savior. They are "all right." They can make it. They will find a way. Pride blinds sinners from seeing their need for salvation. Pride hinders them from from being saved.

Application

We must act in spiritual warfare. We must go to battle for our unsaved family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We can bind the spirit of blindness. We can tear down imaginations. We can bring every thought into captivity. We can demolish strongholds. The Bible teaches that our weapons are not weak but strong with God’s power. What am I talking about? I am talking about intercessory prayer. I am saying that before we witness to someone we need to intercede for them. We need to demolish the stronghold of pride. We need to tear down their imaginations. Intercession prepares the way for the witness. We need to bring our lost loved ones to God in prayer and witness to them. It is not one or the either. It is both/and. We intercede for them in prayer. We live Godly lives before them. We tell them about Jesus and witness to them. All of these things are a part of evangelism.

Prayer

I ask that you prepare the way for people to be saved this morning in the service. I ask that you destroy pride and anything else that would hinder one person from receiving Christ. I ask for an anointing upon the preaching of Your Word. I ask that your word will not come back void today. I ask for the harvest and I ask that you prepare the harvest now. Work in their hearts to make them ready to respond to the gospel.

Prayer Requests

A few prayer requests:

1) Today is my Aunt Ethel's funeral. She is my dad's oldest sister. Her funeral is in Detroit and I have a wedding this weekend so I was unable to go. Kind of missing them right now. Pray for my family.
2) Whirlpool announced it is closing it's plant in Evansville. I know several people in our congregation work there. It will have an economic impact in our area. Pray that God provides another job.
3) Mary Jo Havens is in the hospital. She is having her gall bladder removed early next week.
4) Coni Beck is having back surgery next week.
5) Gloria Hutcheson is still in the need of a miracle.

Thanks for your prayers. They make a difference.

Ministers Prayer Breakfast

I'm going to Madisonville today for a minister's prayer breakfast. I love being with other pastors. We will have a time of fellowship at Cracker barrel during breakfast. Then we will go to Earlington A/G for a time of prayer. I will be a wonderful morning. Pastors need friends and encouragement. Tonight I'm going to an Otters game with some men in the Church. Should be fun.

August 27 devotional

Scripture

Psalm 41: 1-3 “Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor. The Lord rescues them in times of trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and eases their pain and discomfort.”

Observation

God makes promises to those who are kind to the poor. He promises to:

1) Fill them with joy.

2) Be kind to them.

3) Rescue them in times of trouble.

4) Protect them and keep them alive.

5) Give them prosperity and rescue them from their enemy.

6) Nurse them when they are sick.

7) Ease their pain and discomfort.

What a great promise! God basically says if you take care of the poor, I will take care of you. If you provide food, clothing, and shelter to the poor, I will take care of your needs. If you provide justice to the poor, I will provide justice for you. When I take care of God’s business, He will take care of my business.

Application

I have a responsibility to take care of those in need. I have a responsibility to feed the hungry, give clothes to the needy, and provide shelter for the homeless. I have a responsibility as God’s agent on this earth to provide justice for the weak and poor. In America the greatest injustice is not racial but financial. The gap between the rich and the poor is the leading indicator in crime, bad health, lack of education, etc. The church must stand up for the poor, not cater to the rich. We must be a voice of justice. We must care for the needy and hurting.

Prayer

I ask that I never lose sight of the poor. I ask that I never consider myself better than any other human being. I ask I be a voice for those experiencing injustice. I ask that First A/G always be a church that reaches out to the poor. I ask that First A/G love them and accept them. I ask that First A/G be place that they feel comfortable. I ask that you forgive me of my own prejudices. I ask that you give me a baptism of love. I ask that you change me and my perception. Make me a more loving and reaching person.

August 26 devotional

Scripture

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

“All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give the same comfort that God has given us.”

Observation

Every person goes through hard times. Every person experiences pain and sadness. The good news is we are not alone. God our Father comforts his children in their times of sorrow. He comes and stands by our side. But like every other blessing God gives us, we are not to keep the comfort God gives us to ourselves. When I see someone else suffering I am to give them the same comfort that God gave me. I do not hoard God’s comfort. I am a conduit. God comforts me in my sorrow and troubles and I comfort others in their sorrows and troubles.

Application

There are two applications in this passage.

1) When I am going through difficult times and when my heart is broken I can rely on God. I can lean on Him. He will comfort me in my troubles. Comfort is more than having compassion. God does more than feel sorry for me. Comfort means to come alongside and walk with me. Jesus uses the same concept when he calls the Holy Spirit our comforter. He comes along beside me and walks me through my troubles.

2) I am to be a comforter. I am to give comfort to others when they are experiencing troubles. I am to do more than feel sorry for them and pray a token prayer. I am to walk along beside them. I am to hold their hand. I am to intercede in prayer. I am to meet their practical needs. I am to do for them what God has done for me.

Prayer

I ask for your comfort. Walk with me. Come along beside me. Lead me as I try to lead the church. I need your comfort. I also ask that I may be a comfort. I want to be a good shepherd. I want to care for the people you have placed under my care. Give me a fresh baptism of love for the people, even the difficult people. I want to be a help to those who are hurting.

District Leadership Conference

I am going to the leadership seminar tomorrow. I will be in Crestwood, KY at the district office. There will be no post on Tuesday. I will continue the devotionals Wednesday morning.
Leadership quote of the day: Don't let the negativity of your critics affect your faith. Keep believing. I believe the heavens are open, the river is flowing, and the wind is blowing.

August 24 devotional

Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:58 “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the lord is ever useless.”

Observation

Paul is concluding his letter to the church in Corinth. He is stressing certain high points. He teaches the church to be strong and steady. Don’t be hot and cold. Don’t be involved in ministry and then quit. Be steady. Be faithful. Be strong. It takes determination to be effective in ministry. He HHHHH

Paul teaches them to be enthusiastic. There should be an excitement and sense of expectation in ministry. Notice this is our choice. We can choose to be strong and steady. We can choose to be excited about ministry. The reason we can be excited about ministry is everything we do for God matters in eternity. Nothing is in vain. Nothing is useless. It is encouraging to know that everything you do for God makes a difference.

Application

It is my responsibility to keep myself motivated in ministry. It is not some feeling that comes from heaven. I am to be a self starter. I am to be self motivated. I motivate myself in ministry based on the belief that what I do for God matters. It is never in vain. Sometimes I do not see the results. I cannot base my zeal for ministry on what I see or feel. It is a faith walk. The Bible says that nothing I do for the Lord is ever useless. It counts. I believe the Word of God and act on it. This keeps me motivated in ministry during the hard times and during the dry times.

Prayer

I want to be faithful. I want to have a sense of excellence in my life. Whatever I do for the Lord I want to do it with all my heart. I want to give God my best efforts. I want to keep my zeal and enthusiasm in what I do. I don’t want to go through the motions but be passionate about God and his church.

August 23 devotional

Scripture

Job 9:33 “If only there were a mediator who could bring us together, but there is none.”

Observation

Job was being condemned by his so called comforters. They said Job was suffering because of his sin. Job replied what sins is God punishing me for? Then Job cried out for a mediator. He needed someone to stand in the gap between him and God. He needed someone to reconcile him back to God because he could not on his own. In the Old Testament there was no mediator. Man could not be reconciled to God. Then God provided the mediator. He sent his own son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus paid the price for our sins and has provided the way for every person to be reconciled to God. Praise the Lord. Jesus is our mediator. Jesus provided for our salvation. What I could not do, the Father did for me.

Application

All I have to do is receive the gift of salvation by faith. I cannot earn or purchase salvation. Nothing I can do is good enough, plus it is not necessary. Jesus provided the way. He paid the punishment of my sins on the cross. He is my mediator. I can be right with God because of what Jesus did for me. I accept the gift and live by faith.

Prayer

Thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you for providing me a mediator. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins and provide my salvation. I really am grateful. I want to live by faith and not by sight. I don’t feel “it” this morning but I know it is true. Jesus is my savior. I am in right-standing with God. I am his child. I am loved by the king. I am a friend of God.

August 22 devotional

Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:33, 40 “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” Be sure that everything is done properly and in order.”

Observation

Paul is teaching us about the public use of spiritual gifts. The gifts of the spirit are for today. In fact Paul says do not forbid speaking in tongues. They are to be active in our public worship service. They build up and edify the church. We need the gifts so that we can grow in our relationship with God. The gifts of the spirit are to be controlled and done in an understandable way. Paul says God is not a God of disorder and chaos. Everything is to be done properly and in a fitting way. It is to fit the service. It is to be understandable and not cause confusion. It is to build up the whole church and not the person exercising the gift. The spirit of the prophet is under the control of the prophet. You can control yourself and the gift God has given you. To have order in a service prevents the abuse of the gifts. Abuse leads to disuse because it grieves the Holy Spirit. Proper order and care of the gifts leads to the gifts growth and effectiveness.

Application

First A/G must continue to desire the gifts of the Spirit. We must desire that the Holy Spirit manifest himself. That means to make himself known or to reveal himself to us. I want to know and experience the Holy Spirit. So we desire the gifts but we also make sure the gifts are used properly and in order. We want to bring honor to the Holy Spirit in the way we present him. We want God to receive all the glory and for his church to be edified. The proper use of the gifts of the Spirit will make First A/G a stronger church. God will mature and grow his family. The Bible says the church will be a prevailing church. We are a victorious church!

Prayer

I ask that the gifts of the spirit be in operation. I ask that you teach and use us in the gifts. I ask that First A/G be edified and built up. I ask that our services will be proper and in order. I ask that there never be confusion but peace. I ask for a spirit of unity: one vision, goal, and direction. I ask there be no division or dissension in the body. I ask for peace and unity.

August 21 devotional

Psalm 37: 18-19, 23-26 “Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive a reward that lasts forever. They will survive through hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Once I was young and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly forsaken not seen their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.”

Observation

This is a great promise for the Godly. God will take care of you even in difficult times. I believe we are entering into days of testing and judgment. These are perilous days. Yet I am not afraid or worried. I know my God will take care of me. Here the Psalmist says we will survive hard times and famine. We might stumble but we will not fall. God will hold me by my hand. We will have more than enough. Our steps are directed by God. God will bless us and our children. David is not old and in all his years he had never seen God forsake the righteous or seen their children begging for bread. The promises are true for us today.

Application

I will trust the Lord at all times. I will place my faith in him. He is trustworthy. Even in hard times, God will take care of me and mine. I will not be overcome with fear and worry. I will trust in him.

Prayer

I love you. I trust you. You are my God. You will take care of me and my family. I believe in you. You are great. You are able to provide for me even in the most difficult times. I am not afraid. I rejoice in you. I believe these will be great days for the church.

August 20 devotional

Scripture

Proverbs 21:23 “If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.”

Observation

How is that for words of wisdom? It gets to the point doesn’t it? But it is true. The worse trouble I have gotten myself into is with my mouth. I said something I should not have said. I said something that hurt someone else’s feelings. I said something that was inappropriate. If I could learn to keep my mouth shut, my life would be easier. I get myself in trouble by what I say. The Bible teaches to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. That is great advice! The Bible also teaches that it takes great maturity to control the tongue. The tongue is strong, active, and full of evil.

Application

I need to learn to control my tongue. Silence is better than saying the wrong thing. If I don’t know what to say, keep silent. I need to become a better listener. I need to keep my mouth shut. I need to be full of and under the control of the Holy Spirit. I need him to produce patience and meekness in me. I need to be slow to speak and quick to listen.

Prayer

I need your help. So many times I say things that get me in trouble. Develop the fruit of the spirit in me. Teach me to keep my mouth shut. Help me to be a better listener. Mature me to the place that I can control my tongue. I cannot do this on my own. The tongue is a powerful instrument. I pray that my tongue will bless and not curse.

Receiving New Members

This Sunday we are receiving new members. It is one of the highlights for our church. I am teaching on "Becoming a Spiritual Leader." I will teach out 1 Timothy 3. I believe God gives us desires to be used by God. I believe he puts dreams and visions into our hearts. He wants us to step up and do great things for His kingdom. We will learn the process of becoming a leader. I think it is going to be helpful to us and we continue to grow. Hope to see everyone there.

August 19 devotional

Scripture

Psalm 36: 5-6 Your unfailing, love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds, Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths.”

Observation

As you read through the Bible every once in a while you will come across some of the most beautiful language. It is poetry. Psalm 36: 5-6 is one of those passages. What incredibly beautiful language. David is describing God. He is describing his love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. These are some of the attributes of God but notice the adjectives. He uses phrases: as vast as the heavens, beyond the clouds, like the mighty mountains, like the ocean depths. What beautiful words.

Application

God is worthy of my praise and worship. Worship is more than a song. It can be a love letter, a poem, or anything else that brings glory to God. When I dated my wife I tried to communicate my love to her in more than one way. I took her on dates. I wrote her love letters. I served her. I spared her my singing because it is bad. The point is that I wanted her to know how much I loved her and I communicated to her in many ways. I encourage you to do the same with God. Worship him in more than one way. You may not be a poet and you may not be able to write this kind of words but you can express your love to God. Do it in your way. Don’t try to be somebody else. Just express your love, thoughts, and feelings to God. It will be beautiful to his ears.

Prayer

I love you. I worship you. I praise you. You are great. You are mighty. You are wonderful. You are my savior. You are my healer. You are my provider. You are my deliverer. You are the baptizer. You are the soon coming king! I love you. You are my God. I thank you for all the things you have done for me. You are great. I love you so much.

August 18 devotional

Scripture

Esther 2: 15 “When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of he harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.”

Observation

Esther showed great wisdom. She was able to take the advice of someone else. She was not head strong. She did not have to do things her own way. She trusted Hegai and took his advice. She asked for nothing except what he suggested. Because she took his advice she was admired by everyone and was eventually appointed queen.

Application

I must be humble enough to accept the advice and help of others. I do not know it all. I do not have all the answers. Other people can help me. Others know more than I do. I need to have wise counselors in my life and I need to have the wisdom to accept good Godly advice. I think two things keep us from accepting help:

1) Pride. I think I know it all and have all the answers

2) Distrust. I don’t trust people. I have been burned in the past so I keep everyone at a distance and do not let them get close enough to me to advice me.

I have to overcome these shortcomings. I need the help of others. I need good Godly input.

Prayer

I ask that you remove pride from me. I humble myself before you. I acknowledge that I need you and wise counselors. Enable me to trust. Bring the right people into my life. Give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

August 17 devotional

Scripture

Psalm 35: 13-14 “Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them. I even fasted and prayed for them but my prayers returned unanswered. I was sad, as though they were my friends or family, as if I were grieving for my own mother. But they are glad now that I am in trouble; they gleefully join together against me.”

Observation

King David experienced one of the worst kinds of pain. His friends were rejoicing over his troubles. It was not enough that David was going through a difficult time but his friends made it worse. Rather than comforting him, praying for him, standing with him they rejoiced and took pleasure in David’s pain. They received some perverse pleasure in seeing David suffer.

Application

The most painful times are when friends turn against us. David supported his friends in their times of trouble. He grieved with them as he would grieve his own mother. He loved them and stood by them but when he needed someone to stand with him, they turned on him. Sometimes no one will understand what we are going through. Even our spouses may try to understand but are unable. Paul faced the authorities in Rome all alone. All of his friends had abandoned him. The good news is that Jesus sticks closer than a brother. Jesus will never forsake or leave me. Jesus is always faithful. Jesus is always there for me. I can count on Jesus. When I am all alone, I am not alone. Jesus is with me. He is there. He is as close as the mention of his name. He is my God and he will never leave me or forsake me.

Prayer

Thank you for your faithfulness. It is comforting to know that you are always with me. No matter how bad things seem or how dark my days get, you are there. You are my refuge. You are my strength. I love you. I can make it through today because you are with me. Thank you.

August 15 devotional

Scripture

1 Corinthians 9: 21-23 “When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings. “

Observation

This passage teaches Paul’s method of evangelism. I call it bridge building. Paul built bridges to unreached people so that Jesus could walk across. He tried to fit in with them. He gained their confidence. He found common ground. Why? I do all this to spread the Good News. Yet, Paul also obeyed the law of Christ. What does that mean? He built bridges without compromising morality. He did not compromise Godly standards but he did use different means to share Christ. This is a great lesson.

Application

Evangelism is all about relationships. Paul became like them so that he could reach them. Paul tried to connect to lost people. He fit in, gained their confidence, and found common ground. He did not compromise Biblical standards but he was a friend of sinners. It is possible to do both. We can be a bridge builder to the lost without joining in their sins. It is friendship evangelism. Make a friend. Be a friend. Lead a friend to Christ.

Prayer

Father, give me one more. Open doors of opportunity for me to make friends with lost people. Enable me to make the most of those opportunities. I want to be a bridge builder in our community. I want to build bridges to lost people and share the love of Christ with them. Give us souls. Give us one more. Tomorrow in the service I ask that sinners be saved. In Jesus name.

August 14 devotional

Scripture

Nehemiah 8:8 “They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.”

Observation

I love this verse because it describes one of my greatest passions. I love to teach the Bible. Nehemiah gathered all the people together and Ezra taught the Bible. Notice the pattern:

1) Read the Bible

2) Explained the meaning

3) Helped the people understand

This is a systematic way to teaching scripture. Read the Bible. I must teach the Bible not popular culture or anything else. The focus was on the word of God. I explain what it means. I help the people understand what God is saying to them. The goal of Bible teaching is obedience. Jesus said to teach them to obey everything I have commanded but they cannot obey what the do not know and understand. I teach the Bible so everyone can understand it and then they can live it.

Application

I must be committed to teaching the Bible. I will not give in to being popular. I will preach the whole counsel of God. The Bible is the Word of God. It is living and active. It has the power to change a life. This is my calling. I am called to preach or proclaim the word of God. I am to be instant in season and out. I am to teach people what to believe and what not to believe. I am to teach them how to behave and how not to behave. I am to proclaim the Bible in way people can understand it. Ezra taught the Bible is a way people understood what it meant and what they were suppose to do.

Prayer

Father I ask for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. Anoint me to teach your Word. I remember as a 12 year old boy that you called me to preach. I have never wanted to do anything else. I want to be faithful and I want to be effective. Teach me Holy Spirit to better teach the Bible. Give me an anointing and enable me to sharpen my skills. I want to become better. I desire excellence. I also desire results. I ask that you will confirm your word with signs and wonders. I ask that sinners will get saved. I ask that the sick will be healed. I ask that the captives will find liberty. Thank you. I love you.

Midweek Discipleship

This week was a great week. It was the kickoff of our new season of midweek discipleship ministries. We began Tuesday morning Women's study, Tuesday night intercessory prayer, Wednesday night family dinners, boys club and girls club, youth ministries, and men's and women's Bible studies. If you are not involved in one of our midweek Bible studies I encourage you to do so. It is fun to study God's Word with our friends.

August 12 devotional

Scripture

Nehemiah 4:21-23 “We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard. I also told everyone living outside the walls to move in Jerusalem. That way they and their servants could go on guard duty at night as well as work during the day. During this time, none of us- not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, or the guards who were with me- ever took off our clothes. We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water.”

Observation

God's work is hard work. Repairing the wall in Jerusalem was difficult especially with their enemies making death threats. They worked hard all day. In addition to building the wall they had to take a turn standing guard. Nehemiah worked so hard he never took his clothes off. He carried his weapon even when he went for water. He carried his weapon and the bucket of water back to his room. This was hard labor. This was back breaking work.

Application

We believe in the Holy Spirit and that He helps us in our work but that does not take the place of a work ethic. Ministry is hard work. Teaching children and youth takes effort. Shepherding people can be tiresome. Leading a church is work. We work hard doing a lot of things. People even play hard but our best efforts should go to what is eternal. Building the kingdom of God takes hard work. When Jesus saw the people he had compassion on them and prayed that God would send workers. He knew that the harvest would take people who were willing to work. He needed laborers. I must work hard at the ministry God has given me.

Prayer

God do not let me be lazy or lackadaisical in my ministry. I want to be faithful. I want to take my ministry seriously and work hard at it. Don’t let me be satisfied with minimal effort. I want to go the extra mile. The fields are ready for harvest. I want to be a laborer in the field.

August 11 devotional

Scripture

Nehemiah 2: 4 “The king asked, well, how can I help you? With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, If it please your majesty and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”

Observation

I love this passage. Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer. He was kind of like the secret service. He heard the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed and desired to go rebuild them. He wanted to ask the king for permission to leave his service and go to Jerusalem. When the time came, the king asked, how can I help you? The passage says “with a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied.” Nehemiah did not have an hour to go intercede to God. He said a quick silent prayer before he answered the king. God answered his prayer. The king allowed Nehemiah to leave his service and go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall.

Application

It does not always take long prayers to be effective. Nehemiah had a few seconds to pray a silent prayer, but that is all it took. God heard his prayer. God answered his prayer. Sometimes we think we have to convince God to bless us. We think we have to convince God to meet our needs. Prayer is not convincing God to do something he does not want to do. Prayer is communication. Prayer is petition. Prayer is bringing our needs to God. He wants to answer your prayers. He wants to meet your needs. Prayer is not a religious exercise. It is talking to your Father. It is bringing requests to your God. Prayer works. God is moved by our honest simple request. Don’t make prayer hard or difficult. Prayer is simple.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I have made prayer difficult. Forgive me for the times I have tried to impress you with my prayers. Forgive me for the times I have tried to manipulate you with my prayers. I love you. I bring my needs to you. I have complete confidence that you love me and desire to meet with me. You care for me and will meet my needs. I do not have to convince or persuade you. You are my Father. You love and care for me. Thank you for your mercy and grace.

August 10 devotional

Scripture

Ezra 10: 10-11 “Then Ezra the priest stood and said to them: You have sinned, for you have married pagan women. Now we are even more deeply under condemnation than we were before. Confess your sin to the Lord the God of your ancestors, and do what he demands. Separated yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women.”

Observation

Ezra is one of my favorite books of the Old Testament. In chapter 10 Ezra gives us a clear picture of what true repentance is. True repentance is more than being sorry. True repentance requires:

1) Confession of sin. Sin is not sickness. It is wickedness. We admit to God that our behavior is wrong and we take full responsibility for it. We do not blame others or make excuses.

2) Obedience to God’s Word. We stop sinning and do what God commands. Repentance is more than going to an altar and asking God for forgiveness. It is changing the way we live. It includes action not just confession.

3) Separation from the world. We stop sinning and start obeying. We separate ourselves from the world and dedicate ourselves to God. That is the definition of holiness. Holiness is not following a set of rules. It is separation and dedication. Separate yourself from anything that will make you unclean and dedicate yourself to the purposes of God. That is the kind of person God can use.

Application

I must be holy because God is holy. I separate myself from the world. I confess my sin as wickedness before God. I obey God’s commands for my life. I become a student of God’s Word and live it out. I transform my life by renewing my mind. I repent of sin not just feel guilty or desire forgiveness. I must seek change. I seek transformation and that comes through true repentance.

Prayer

Father I repent of my sins. I acknowledge that my sin is wickedness and not sickness. I do not blame anyone else. I take responsibility for my actions. I ask that you forgive me. I desire to obey your word. Remove any offensive way within me and enable me to obey your commands. I ask that you show me any tie I have to this world. I want to be separate. I cannot influence the world for Jesus if I have the world in me. I want to be full of the Holy Spirit and dedicated to His purposes. I want to be pleasing to you.

Prophetic Words

We have had three prophetic words in the last month.

1) The heavens are open.
2) The river is flowing.
3) The wind is blowing.

See a theme here. I believe we are experiencing Acts 2. I believe we are on the verge of something special. Let's press into God. Let's not fall back but press forward. One thing I am praying for is unity. I am praying against division and dissension. I am praying for one vision, goal, and direction. Most churches implode from within. It is the the enemy inside the church not the outside. Let's move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let's be unified as the family of God. Let's experience everything God has for us.

Devotional for August 9

Scripture

Ezra 8:22-23

“For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, Our God protects all those who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him. So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.”

Observation

This was an act of great faith. Ezra proclaimed that his God took care of his people. When it was time to prove it Ezra did not ask the king to protect the caravan to Jerusalem. They fasted and prayed that God would protect them as they travelled. And God did hear their prayers and God took care of his people. This was a great witness to the king. It is one thing to say your God can do something; it is another thing entirely to prove it. Faith is not just saying it is living. There must be action to our faith. Ezra declared that God would protect him and then trusted that God would do it.

Application

We must declare to our community who God is and then trust God to show who He is. We say he is the healer, we must believe God for healing. We say he is the deliverer, we trust him for deliverance. We prove our God is real and true by showing God’s power.

Prayer

I want to show your glory to Henderson, KY. I don’t just want to declare your greatness, I want to them to experience your greatness. Show them your glory.