October 12 devotional

Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:6 “So be on guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be sober.”
Observation
Paul was teaching on the second coming of Jesus. Jesus is coming like a thief in the night. His coming will be unexpectant. He said we will not know the day or hour. So Paul commands us to be on guard. Stay alert and sober. We do not live our lives in fear of his coming but in anticipation of his coming. We are to watch and pray.
Application
When Jesus comes I want to be prepared in two ways.
1) I want to be living a life pleasing to Him. I desire to cause God to smile. I want to be as a bride without spot or wrinkle.'
2) I want to be busy about His work. I want to be found investing into the expansion of his kingdom. I desire to see as many people saved as possible in the time remaining.
Prayer
Come soon Lord Jesus come soon. May I be found faithful, ready, and pleasing to you. May I work while it is day.

October 11 devotional

Scripture
Jeremiah 17: 7-8 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.”
Observation
They key to this passage is placing my trust and confidence in Jesus. If I place my hope and confidence into Him I will:
1) Be blessed
2) Be like a tree planted by a riverbank. My roots will be deep.
3) I will overcome worry during difficult times.
4) I will prosper and be successful.
Application
Life is not that complicated. During times of intense heat and drought, I need to trust God. I need to put my confidence into Jesus and not my own efforts or others. Jesus is my answer. He is all I need.
Prayer
Teach me. So many times I fail at this. I get overcome by worry and anxiety. Teach me to trust you at all times. Today I place my confidence in you.

September 29 devotional

Scripture
Philippians 1:5 “because you have been my partners in spreading the good news about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”
Observation
1) The church partnered with Paul
2) The church provided Paul the resources he needed as a missionary
3) There was no end to their partnership. It began when they were first saved “until now”.
4) The church received a reward from God for their partnership.
Application
First Assembly of God is to be a missions church. We are to partner with missionaries to spread the good news about Christ. It is our calling.
Prayer
I pray that you will enable First A/G to fulfill it's call. Do not let us shrink back but to go forward. Do not let us grow weary in doing good but may we be found faithful. Do not let us listen to the naysayers but to act in faith.

September 28 devotional

Scripture
Isaiah 55:11 “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to do, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
Observation
As a teacher of God's word this verse is a great encouragement. God word”
1) will always produce fruit
2) will accomplish what God wants it to do
3) will prosper everywhere I send it
There is nothing Satan can do to stop the success of God's Word. It is God's sword. It is a spiritual weapon that does damage to Satan's kingdom. It brings prosperity and blessing to the believer who believes and acts on it. The Bible is the inspired word of God. It is to be believed and obeyed.
Application
I proclaim God's Word in faith.
I proclaim God's Word with boldness
I teach and preach the Bible unashamedly.
Prayer
Thank you for this promise. I ask that you give me the very words to speak. I know that your word will achieve your will. I pray in faith.

September 27 devotional

Scripture
Ephesians 5:17 “Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do”
Observation
1) think before I act
2) Seek His will everyday
3) The most important information for me to have is to understand what God wants me to do.
Application
I should never act without seeking God first. I should set aside time everyday seeking to understand what God wants me to do. He is my general and I seek my orders from him. He is all knowing. His direction is always right.
Prayer
I ask that you reveal your will to me today. Give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Give me the faith and courage to obey your will. I desire to be pleasing to you.

September 26 devotional

Scripture
Isaiah 48:17 “The Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good and leads you along the paths you should follow.”
Observation
This verse tells me who God is and what God does.
1) God is:
Lord- my master and master of the universe
Redeemer- he rescued me from slavery
Holy One- He is set aside as holy, pure, and righteous.
My God- I am His child
2) What God does:
Teaches me what is good
Leads me along the paths I should follow
Application
Everything I need is found in who God is and what he does for me. He is my master, redeemer, Holy One, and my God. He teaches and guides me in life. I look to Him as the source of my every need, want, and desire.
Prayer
I acknowledge my complete and total need of you. You are everything I need. I will not look to you. You are my God. You are everything I need.

September 25 devotional

Scripture
Isaiah 45:22 “Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to my name.”
Observation
Jesus is the only way to heaven. God says there is no other. Every knee will bow to Jesus. Every tongue will confess their allegiance to Him. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.
Application
I must proclaim Jesus as the only way to salvation. I cannot fold under the pressure of tolerance that claims it doesn't matte what you believe as long as you believe sincerely. That is a lie from the pit of hell. That is Satan's attempt to deceive the masses. Jesus is the only savior. He is the only one who died on the cross for my sins. I will place my trust in him. I will proclaim his name to the nations. I will invest my life into missions.
Prayer
I ask that the name of Jesus will be proclaimed on every continent, in every nation, to every people group. I pray that Jesus will be preached in every language of the world.

September 24 devotional

Scripture
Ephesians 3:18 “And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.”
Observation
This verse tells us of the four dimensions of God's love.
It's width
It's length
It's height
It's depth
God's love is four dimensional and we have the ability to understand it. Verse 19 says we can experience God's love. The Holy Spirit reveals God's love in a way I can comprehend and experience it. What a gift.
Application
Understanding and experiencing God's love is the key to the Christian life. It is not about following a religious creed but being overcome by the love of God. “For God so loved the world that he gave His Son that whosoever believes on him will not perish but have everlasting life.” It is all about love.
Prayer
I ask that today I will understand and experience your love. Do not allow my heart to grow cold. Do not allow for my relationship with you to become a religion. I want it to be a love experience.

September 23 devotional

Scripture
Isaiah 43:1 “But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says, Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”
Observation
I do not have to be afraid.
I belong to God.
He knows my name, my fears, my insecurities, my anger.
My safety is in him,
Application
God is trustworthy. He paid a great price to bring me into his family. He has already demonstrated his love and loyalty to me. I don't have to be afraid. I can trust him.
Prayer
Forgive me for worry and doubt. The root is unbelief. You demonstrated your love for me when Jesus died on the cross. I should never question your love for me again. I am sorry. I trust you with my present and with my future. Thank you for ransoming me from sin and death.

September 22 devotional

Scripture
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Observation
Spending time with God is the key to receiving new strength. Waiting means eager expectation. I eagerly expect God to act on my behalf. Faith in god is not inactivity. It is trusting in God's action.
Application
Disciplining myself to spend more time with God so He can build my faith. When I am full of faith, I am full of energy and strength. Worry and fear drain me. My time with God increases my faith in Him. To know him is to trust Him.
Prayer
I wait on you. I expect you to act on my behalf. I believe in you and I believe for a miracle.

September 21 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 65:5 “You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deed, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.”
Observation
1) God is faithful.
2) God answers prayer
3) God performs awesome deeds
4) God is my hope.
5) I am never far from God. He is with me.
Application
Trust in God. Never give up on Him. Never cease to pray. Hang on to hope. Believe God for a miracle.
Prayer
I ask for a miracle. I acknowledge my total need of you. I place my trust in you.

September 20 devotional

Scripture
Isaiah 35:8 “And a main road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named a highway of holiness. Evil-hearted people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways. Fools will never walk there.”
Observation
The road I must travel is the highway of holiness. Holy people are those who walk in God's ways. They separate themselves from the world and dedicate them to God.
Application
God will honor those who dedicate themselves to him. They turn away from evil and foolish living and dedicate themselves to God, His kingdom, and His righteousness.
Prayer
Search my heart. Remove any offensive way within me. Make me holy and pure in your sight. I pledge my allegiance to your kingdom. I will live for it. I am the righteousness of Christ. I will live like you made me be.

September 14 devotional

Scripture
Galatians 1:24 “And they gave glory to God because of me.”
Observation
Paul’s testimony was amazing. When People heard hat God had done in Paul’s life, they began to praise and worship God. God received glory through Paul’s testimony.
Application
This is my desire. I want God to receive glory when people hear what God has done in me and through me. I want Jesus to receive all the glory, honor, and praise.
Prayer
Be glorified through me. May the name of Jesus be lifted up because of the testimony of the power of God evident in my life. I humble myself before you. I do not want to live for the praise of men but for the glory of God. I worship you today.

September 13 devotional

Scripture
Isaiah 14:26 “I have a plan for the whole earth, for my mighty power reaches throughout the world.”
Observation
1) God has a plan for the whole earth. His plan includes me as an individual but his plan is for all peoples.
2) God’s power is mighty. He has the power to fulfill His plan.
Application
God is at work in His world. He is the creator. The earth and everything in it belongs to him. He is at work fulfilling his purposes. His power is mighty. He has the ability to accomplish his purpose. There is no government, person, or institution that can stop God. He is all-powerful. God will complete his plan for this earth.
Prayer
I ask that the good news of Jesus Christ will be preached on every continent and nation. I ask that the gospel be preached to every people group and in every language of the world.

September 12 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 56:3 “But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Observation
Life can bring fear. I can be afraid of what will happen in the future. During these times it is important that I turn to God and not away from him, that I trust God. Trust is belief in the character of God. God is good. God is faithful. God is strong. God is loyal. God is trustworthy. When my life is falling apart, I can trust in his character.
Application
Most people are not trustworthy. In fact the only being that is 100 percent trustworthy is God. That is why I place my trust in Him. People will fail me but God never fails.
Prayer
I place my trust in you. I believe you are faithful and will get me through the difficult times of my life.

September 11 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 23:4-5 “Don’t weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had wings of a bird.”
Observation
What makes a man wealthy? Is it money? Is it possessions? Is it status? God says that earthly riches are fleeting. They can be gone in a moment. It is a waste of time trying to be happy by accumulating more stuff. All you accomplish is making yourself tired and weary.
Application
I believe relationships make a man wealthy. To have a healthy relationship with God, my family, and friends is to be rich. I would rather invest in the people who are close to me than the stock market any day. I believe a person’s priorities ought to be God, family, friends, and world. If I have that right, I am a rich man.
Prayer
The world pulls me in the opposite direction. My flesh desires wealth, fame, and power. Crucify my flesh. Enable me to realize what true wealth is. I ask that I be in a right relationship with you. I ask that you renew my love for Cathy and the kids. I ask that you give me friends and that I would be a good friend. I desire to make a difference in the world. I want to be wealthy in people.

September 10 devotional

Scripture
Isaiah 9:6 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Observation
The birth of Jesus Christ was predicted thousands of years in advance. Isaiah saw the coming of the Messiah. He saw the birth of Jesus. His prophecy reminds us of who Jesus is. He is royalty. He is wonderful, mighty, everlasting, and a prince. He walks along beside us as our counselor and he brings peace to the world. He is a great king. He is a great God.
Application
The only proper response to the royalty of Jesus is worship and obedience. I worship him because he is great. I obey him because he is my king.
Prayer
Thank you for sending Jesus Christ to this world. I am grateful for your love. I give you all the praise, glory, and honor. You are my king. You are a great king. I pledge my allegiance to you and your kingdom.

Missions Workshop in Louisville

Please pray for me. Wednesday I will be in Louisville, KY. I am hosting a missions workshop at Trinity Chapel. Pastors from Kentucky will come to receive training on how to build a missions church. World missions giving is down across the nation. KY has seen it's own decrease. We are trying to train pastors how to raise the level of missions giving in a down economy. I am in charge of the workshop. I have a lot of work left to do. I need your prayers. Because I will be in Louisville, the daily devotional will start again on Friday. Thanks.

September 7 devotional

Scripture
2 Corinthians 9:6 “Remember this- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”
Observation
This passage teaches the principle of generosity. If I am stingy and give only a little, I will reap a small harvest. If I am generous, and give with a cheerful and unselfish heart, I will reap a generous crop. I will reap in proportion to what I sow. Generosity leads to generosity.
Application
I have to fight selfishness from creeping into my heart. My flesh desires to get what it wants. My flesh longs to be fulfilled and satisfied. I counteract that evil through generosity. Being generous keeps me from being selfish. God also promises to be bless me not in proportion of the amount I give but in proportion to the level of generosity.
Prayer
Remove selfishness and greed from me. Develop within me a generous heart. I desire to meet the needs of the poor through my giving.

September 6 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 50:15 “Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”
Observation
This verse was given to me as a promise 10 years ago. It has gotten me through some difficult times.
The verse tells me that I will go through times of trouble. Just because I am a Christian does not mean that my life will be trouble free. I live in a fallen world. The instruction is that in times of trouble, trust God. Do not place your trust in man, institutions, or things. Trust God because He is trustworthy. The promise is that He will rescue me. I may feel like I am drowning but do not be afraid, God will always come to my rescue. The results are that God will receive Glory. I will have a testimony of the power and faithfulness of God.
Application
I cannot forget this promise. It is still true today. It is one of my “life verses”. I can still trust God in times of trouble. He will rescue me and I will testify of his faithfulness. Praise the Lord.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your loyalty and faithfulness. In my trouble, I will trust you. You will rescue me. I give you all the glory ahead of time. Thank you. I love you much.

August 31 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 22:13 “The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, “If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed.”
Observation
1) Don’t make excuses
2) My excuses are not rational. It is unlikely you would meet a lion on the street.
3) Take responsibility for my life, attitudes, and actions
Application
There are many things I cannot control. There are many people I cannot control but I can take responsibility for myself. I can control I how respond to people and circumstances. Between stimuli and response there is a gap of time. In that gap of time I have the power of choice. I can choose my response.
Prayer
Enable me to see myself accurately. Do not allow me to fool myself about me. I want to see me as you see me and as I really am.

August 30 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 44:4-5 “You are my king and my God. You command victories for your people. Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes.”
Observation
1) God is my source for victory. Victory does not come through my strength, intellect, or abilities.
2) God is the giver of victory. I can count on God when I face my enemies. He will make me victorious.
Application
1) Trust God when my enemies come against me.
2) Wait upon the Lord for victory. He will act on my behalf.
3) Do not grow impatient and take matters into my own hands.
Prayer
Father I trust in you. Give me victory over my enemies. May your name be glorified over all the earth.

August 23 devotional

Scripture
Job 9:33 “If only there were a mediator who could bring us together, but there in none.”
Observation
Job desired a mediator. He desired for someone to bring him and God back together but no one was worthy. There was no one qualified. Man needs a mediator today. Son has separated us from God. We need someone to build a bridge between us and God. The good news is that we have a qualified mediator today. He is Jesus. Through the cross Jesus built a bridge so I could cross over and be reunited with God. Through the work of Jesus I have been reconciled with God. Praise be to His name!
Application
I place my complete trust in the work of the cross. I do not add anything to it or take anything away from it. The work of the cross is complete and finished. I am saved by faith. I am justified by faith. Jesus made me righteous in the eyes of God. Jesus is my mediator.
Prayer
Thank you for the cross. Thank you for loving me so much that you sent Jesus to die for my sins that I may have eternal life. I am grateful. I am free. I am your child. Praise be to His name!!!

August 22 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 37:30-31 “The godly offer good counsel; they know what is right from wrong. They fill their hearts with God’s law, so they will never slip from his path.”
Observation
1) I need Godly counselors that can give me good advice.
2) Good counselors are godly people. They have a relationship with God.
3) Good counselors know right from wrong. They will steer me in the right direction.
4) Good counselors know God’s word. Their advice will be Biblically based.
Application
I must develop relationships with Godly people who can give me good advice. I need mentors. These types of relationships rarely develop on their own. I have to take the initiative.
Prayer
Father, send at least three men my way that will be mentors to me. Bring into my life Godly counselors that will give me good counsel. Enable me to recognize them and develop a friendship with them. I never want to slip from your path.

August 19 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 21:21 “Whoever pursues godliness, and unfailing love will find life, godliness, and honor.”
Observation
I will become and get what I set my affections on. I should pursue godliness, to become more like Jesus. I pursue love, to love even those who hate and mistreat me. When I pursue these things I will find true life, I will really live! I will progressively become the person God wants me to be and others will give me honor. God promises that when I seek Him with all my heart, I will find Him.
Application
Set my affections on things above, not earthly things. Pursue God. Pursue the fruit of the Spirit. Desire to be pleasing to God.
Prayer
I pursue you today. I want to know you more. I need you more today than any other day. I set my affections on you. I want you. I desire to be pleasing to you. I want to make you smile.

August 18 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 21:20 “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.”
Observation
Wise people do not “spend whatever they get”. They live by good money management principles. The Bible teaches us to do four things:
1) Work
2) Give
3) Plan
4) Save
Application
I have to follow good money management principles. I will not be prepared for the future or retirement if I spend whatever I make. I have to work and make a living. I give to God. I have a plan for how I will spend my money. I will live on a budget and I will save money for the future. If I do these things, I will be wise and prepared for the future.
Prayer
Father, give me wisdom concerning the money you give me. I desire to be a good steward. I ask that you enable me to plan and save for the future. I ask that you enable me to give to your church and for the expansion of your kingdom. Remove selfishness from me. Give me a generous heart.

August 17 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 11:1 “And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s.”
Observation
Paul modeled the way. He told the church to follow him. He was an example of what a passionate follower of Jesus Christ looked like. He was the leader. He was the example.
Application
As a pastor, I need to model the way for the congregation. Whatever I want them to do, I must do first. I am the example. I am the leader. I go before the people.
Prayer
Make me a good example to the people. Do such a work in my life that I can say follow me as I follow Christ. Make me worthy of such a statement.

August 16 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:24 “Don’t think only of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them.”
Observation
1) Do not be selfish
2) Do not try to get your own way
3) Think of others first
4) Put their best ahead of your own
Application
I have to trust God. If I take care of his business, he will take care of my business. If I take care of his church, He will take care of my family. If I put the best interest of the church above my own, God will intervene on my behalf. I believe that.
Prayer
Father, enable me to put my words into practice. Give me the courage to put action to my faith. Forgive me for my unbelief. I place my trust into you. You are the only one who is truly trustworthy.

August 15 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 21:13 “Those who shut their ears t0 the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.”
Observation
1) To shut my ears to the cries of the poor means to ignore them. I turn away so that I cannot see or hear the needy.
2) I will reap what I sow if I help the poor in their time of need, others will help me in my time of need.
Application
Be a giver. Look for opportunities to help the needy. Pay attention to the needs around me. Do not put my head in the sand.
Prayer
Father, give me a generous heart. Remove selfishness from me. Allow me to hear the cries of the poor, needy, and hurting.

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
My responsibility as a preacher/teacher is to:
1) Read the word. My Bible is the source of my teaching.
2) Clearly explain the meaning of it.
3) Help all the people to understand what it means and how they can live it out.
I am to make the Bible simple so that everyone who is present can understand it. I am not to worry about being eloquent or entertaining. I am to read, explain, and apply the Bible.
Application
I desire to motivate everyone to read their Bible’s on a consistent basis. I want to help them understand what the Bible is saying and then motivate and encourage them to live it our in their everyday life.
Prayer
Father, make me a better preacher/teacher. Give me a fresh anointing of your spirit. I cannot do this on my own. I need to be filled with your spirit.

August 12 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 7:35 “I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.”
Observation
My priority is to serve God to the best of my ability, to do that I need to simplify my life. I rid my life of distractions so that I can focus on doing God’s will and pleasing him.
Application
I have to take the time to evaluate my life. What is there that needs to be or could be eliminated? What distracts me from focusing on God? What am I doing that I should not be doing? What should I put on my “stop doing” list?
Prayer
Father, my desire is to be pleasing to you. Holy Spirit search my life. Reveal to me any thing that prevents me from doing God’s will. Give me the courage and faith to obey. Develop self control within me.

August 10 devotional

Scripture
Ezra 10:11 “Confess your sin to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do what he demands. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women.”
Observation
Repentance includes two actions:
1) Confession
2) Separation
It is not enough to be sorry for my sins and confess them to God. There must be change. It includes separation from the world. I turn away from my sins and wickedness and live my life according to God’s standards and ways.
Application
Holiness will not be developed in my life until I separate my self from the world’s culture, values, and ways. Christianity is counter cultural. I am to live counter to the ways and standards of the world. I am to live according to God’s word.
Prayer
I crucify my flesh. I humble myself before you. Remove any offensive way from within me. I desire to be pleasing to you. Empower me today to live a holy and pure life.

August 9 devotional

Scripture
Ezra 9:3-4“When I heard this, I tore my clothes, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sit down utterly shocked.”
Observation
When Ezra was informed of Israel’s sin, he went into a state of mourning. Where is the shock and mourning over America? We entertain ourselves with sin. We put them on daytime television and laugh at them and cheer them on. America will never experience revival until it turns from its sins, not be entertained by them.
Application
We need to be shocked by sin, embarrassed by sin, repulsed by sin. We should mourn over the spiritual condition of America. We must turn from our wicked ways. It is more than being sorry for our sins, there must be a change, a turning away from.
Prayer
Father, I mourn over the condition of America. I ask for your forgiveness and for you to purify us from all sin. I ask that you send a spirit of repentance and holiness to our nation. May we separate ourselves from evil and turn to what is good. Have mercy on us. We do not deserve revival but we ask that you pour out your spirit in these last days. We need you.

August 8 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 30:5 “His anger lasts for a moment but his favor for a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night but joy comes in the morning.”
Observation
God disciplines the children he loves but it is temporary but His love for me in eternal. It never ends. I will go through difficult and dark times but joy will always follow.
Application
I trust God during the difficult and dark comes. Whatever pain I may be going through, it is temporary. God’s love and favor are eternal. No amount of suffering will can cancel God’s love, favor, and joy.
Prayer
Teach me to trust at all times. Do not allow me to only see the darkness. Enable me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Enable me to see the mountain top when I am in the valley.

August 7 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 20:27 “The Lord’s search light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every motive.”
Observation
God knows my hidden secrets. God knows my real motives. The Holy Spirit searches every corner of my heart. It is his desire to clean my heart of any impurity. It is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to make me holy, pleasing to God.
Application
I have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. I yield and respond to his conviction. I obey his promptings. I partner with the Holy Spirit to progressively become the person God wants me to be.
Prayer
Remove any offensive way from within me. Burn away the dross, the impurities. Make me more like Jesus. I crucify my flesh and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.

August 6 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. But we know those things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God’s deep secrets.”
Observation
The Holy Spirit reveals to me what God has prepared for me. I cannot learn it in on my own. It is taught to me by the Holy Spirit. He searches everything and shows me the secrets of God. God speaks to me by the Holy Spirit. God reveals his will and ways to me. The key to successful living is to be Spirit filled, led, and empowered. God has given me His Spirit to guide me in life.
Application
I need a fresh filling of God’s Spirit every day. I need to be filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit. I crucify me flesh and my selfish desires. I want no will but God’s will. I desire him and the advancement of his kingdom. I need the ministry of the Holy Spirit to be active in my life.
Prayer
Father, crucify my flesh. Enable me to die to selfishness and pride. I ask that I decrease and you increase. I ask that you fill me with your Holy Spirit today. Refuel me. May I be led and empowered by your Holy Spirit.

August 5 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:30 “God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom.”
Observation
1) God made it possible for me to be in Christ.
2) Jesus made me acceptable to God.
3) Jesus made me pure
4) Jesus made me holy.
5) Jesus purchased my freedom.
It is all in the past tense. I am acceptable to God. I am pure and holy. I am free from the power of sin. It is a finished work. I do not have to strive to become acceptable, free, pure and holy. I already am. The work was completed at the cross. I receive and apply to my life what Jesus has already done.
Application
I do not strive to be pleasing to God. I live in what Jesus did for me. I receive it by faith and I live by faith. The Holy Spirit makes real to me what Jesus did for me. I do not have to add to the work of the cross. I just live in it. Praise God!
Prayer
Father I ask that I will no longer try to become acceptable to you but that I will truly believe you have made me acceptable. I am pure and holy. I am free from the power of sin. I am in Christ. I am your child. I am victorious. I am more than an over comer. I am free indeed!

August 4 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:10b “Let there be real harmony so there won’t be division in the church. I plead with you to be in one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
Observation
Paul pleaded with the church. He humbled himself and literally begged the church to be in unity. He gives a clear definition of what unity is. Unity is the absence of division and strife. Unity is going in the same direction. It is working together for the same goal and vision. They were to be one in thought and purpose.
Application
My responsibility as a pastor is to lead the church into unity. I am to stand against anything that would divide the church. I am to lead the church to fulfill one goal, to go into the same direction. The Holy Spirit works in an environment of unity. Division quenches the work of the Spirit. Jesus’ prayer was that his church be one.
Prayer
Father, bring and keep the unity of the church in First Assembly. Remove any dissension, strife, or division. Give us one vision. Enable us to work together in harmony. May we all go in one direction for the glory of God.

August 3 devotional

Scripture
2 Chronicles 34:3 “During the eighth year of his reign while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year, he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images.
Observation
1) Josiah began to seek the lord while he was young. He was 16 years old. The youth can seek God. They do not have to wait until a certain age. Children and young people are capable of seeking God.
2) Josiah purified Judah after be began to seek God. People will not purify themselves today until they seek God. Seeking God comes first, purification comes second.
Application
My responsibility as a pastor is to lead people to seek God. My job is not to clean people up. The Holy Spirit does that. I am to lead people into God’s presence, into worship and prayer, and into the Word of God. When people begin to seek God, the Holy Spirit will make them holy.
Prayer
Father, enable me to lead people into your presence. Every Sunday morning we desire a fresh encounter with God. We desire the presence of Christ. I ask for a fresh outpouring of your Spirit upon all flesh. May we experience you this week.

August 2 devotional

Scripture
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 “Don’t be afraid of the king of Assyria or his mighty army. For there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are just men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battle for us!”
Observation
Satan has limited power and an army of demons but his power is weak compared to the power of God. God’s power is far greater! Greater is he who is within me than he that is in the world. He fights my battles for me. He gives me victory over Satan and every demon.
Application
I have to trust God to fight for me. I have to wait upon the Lord and allow him to fight for me. When I pick up the battle and fight, it is because of my lack of faith. I do not really believe that God can or will fight for me. It is a lack of trust. I will trust in the Lord my God. I is all-powerful. He loves me and will protect me. He will fight my battle for me.
Prayer
Father, I trust in you. I will not fight the battle. I believe you will fight for me. You have already conquered death and the grave. He is victorious and has provided for me the victory!!!

August 1 devotional

Scripture
2 Chronicles 31:21b “Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result he was very successful.”
Observation
There was a direct correlation between Hezekiah seeking God and his success. His success was due to his seeking God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. I do not become successful by working harder and smarter. God gives me success as I seek and obey him.
Application
I need to seek God more. My flesh wants to work more. My mind wants to work smarter but I need to listen to my spirit. The Holy Spirit within me calls me to stand in his presence and minister to him. Then I am capable to minister to others. Then God will grant me success.
Prayer
I seek your face this morning. I desire to stand in your presence. I desire you. I love you. I need you. I want to experience your glory, presence, and power. I want more of you!!!

July 31 devotional

Scripture
2 Chronicles 29:11 “My dear Levites, do not neglect your duties any longer! The Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and make offerings to him.”
Observation
God desires for me to be faithful and not neglect my duties. My duties are:
1) To stand in his presence
2) To minister to him
3) To lead the people in worship
4) To make offerings to him
Application
I cannot lead the people into worship until I get before God. I cannot lead the people where I have not been. My first responsibility is to stand in his presence and minister to God. Then I can lead the people into worship and giving offerings.
Prayer
Father I love you. I stand before you today. I desire your presence. I ask for a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. Enable me tomorrow to lead the people in worship and to make offerings to you. I love you and praise you.

July 30 devotional

Scripture
Romans 13:10 “Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.”
Observation
The only thing I have to do to be pleasing to God is love. I am to love God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I am to love other Christians, my neighbor, and my enemies. Love is the law. Love is what God wants from me.
Application
I need to grow in love. I need a fresh baptism of love. I need God to remove my pride. I crucify my flesh. I need less of me and more of Him. I need God to produce the fruit of love in me.
Prayer
Father, make me a more loving man. Remove pride, selfishness, and greed from me. I humble my self before you. Reduce me to love.

July 27 devotional

Scripture
2Chronicles 19:6 “and he gave them these instructions: “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord.”
Observation
1) God wants me to think. God wants me to use the mind he gave me. Faith is not ignoring my intellect. Faith is using my mind under the control of the Holy Spirit. I have the mind of Christ.
2) My motive in ministry is always to please God. I cannot compromise God’s standards in order to please people.
Application
1) I should spend time thinking, planning, and dreaming under the influence of the Holy Spirit. I need to think things through carefully.
2) I must stand for what is right and what is pleasing to God no matter what the circumstances. Faith is trusting that if I do the right thing, God will produce the right results.
Prayer
Father, I ask that you give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Give me dreams and visions. I ask that you put steel in my backbone. Give me the faith to do what is right and pleasing to you no matter what. Give me faith and courage to always obey you.

July 20 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 19:20 “Get all the advice you can, and be wise the rest of your life.”
Observation
I can and need to grow in wisdom. One of the ways I can develop wisdom in my life is to seek out wise counselors to advice me. I need men who I can ask questions. I need men who have walked the path before me, men of experience.
Application
I have to seek out advice. I take the initiative. Mentors do not just happen out of the blue. They have to be discovered and developed. The responsibility is mine.
Prayer
Father, enable me to discover and develop wise counselors in my life. Bring people into my life that can help me grow in wisdom and make wise choices. Give me the courage to do the “ask”. Enable me to be consistent in my search for wisdom.

July 19 devotional

Scripture
1 Chronicles 28:9 “And Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the lord sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.
Observation
This is David’s last instructions to his son Solomon who will succeed him as king.
1) Get to know God
2) Worship him will all your heart and a willing mind
3) Serve him with all your heart and a willing mind.
4) God sees every heart.
5) God knows every plan and thought
6) Seek him, and you will find him
The key to Solomon’s success as king was his relationship with God. It was not his leadership skills or knowledge. It was not his ability in human relations. It was his relationship with God. If Solomon sought God, God would make him successful. If Solomon was faithful to God, God would make him successful.
Application
The key to my success in life is my relationship with God. Everything is found there. My relationship with God is the key to being a good husband, father, friend, and pastor. I need to seek him more. The promise is that I will find God and if I find God I receive everything that comes with him. His power is found in him. His healing is found in him. His provision in found in him. When I find God, I discover everything I need in life.
Prayer
I seek you today. I acknowledge my need of you. I desire to find you. Everything else can wait. Nothing else is important in comparison. You are my everything. I need you and I desire you

July 18 devotional

Scripture
Romans 4:20-21 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised.”
Observation
This is a record of Abraham’s faith:
1) He never wavered in believing God’s promise
2) His faith grew stronger over time.
3) He was absolutely convinced that God was able to keep his promise
Time did not weaken his faith. His faith grew. He did not doubt God. He was more convinced that it would happen. This is an example to me. This is the kind of faith that God responds to. In fact, if I have this type of faith, it brings glory and honor to God.
Application
Faith is a fruit and faith is a gift. It is a fruit of the Spirit. Faith is something the Holy Spirit produces in me. Faith is a gift of the Spirit. It is something the Holy Spirit gives to me. I can not work up faith. I cannot manipulate my emotions into believing more. It flows out of my relationship with God. It is completely a work of the Holy Spirit. It comes from my time with Him and in His word.
Prayer
I ask that you produce the fruit of faith in me. Give me mountain moving faith. I desire that the gift of faith be in operation in my life, family, and church. May we bring glory and honor to God through the quality of our faith.

July 17 devotional

Scripture
1 Chronicles 26:6-7 “Obed-edom’s son Shemaiah had sons with great ability who earned positions of great authority in the clan. Their names were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad. Their relatives, Elihu and Semakiah, were also very capable men.”
Observation
The men who were given “great authority” were proven men. They had experienced. They were capable. They did not give responsibility to someone who had not shown they were able to perform the job. They had “great ability”. They had the talent, knowledge, and skills to do the task. David looked for men with ability that had proven themselves to be capable.
Application
One of the most important responsibilities I have as a pastor is to choose leaders. I appoint people to lead ministries. I need to follow David’s pattern. I look for people who have proven themselves. I look for leaders who have the ability to serve in the ministry that have shown they are capable.
Prayer
Father, I ask for workers to be sent into your harvest field. The harvest is ripe. People are ready to commit themselves to Christ. We need laborers. Send the right people to First A/G to help harvest the fields.

July 16 devotional

Scripture
1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now seek the Lord your God with all your heart. Build the sanctuary of the Lord God so that you can bring the Ark of the Lord’s covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor the Lord’s name.”
Observation
David gave his son Solomon two instructions.
1) Seek God with all your heart.
2) Build the sanctuary
The result would be Solomon could bring the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple. The Ark of the Covenant represents the presence of God. If Solomon sought God with all his heart and built the sanctuary he and all the nation of Israel would experience the presence of God in their midst.
Application
As pastor of First A/G I should follow the same instructions. Personally I seek God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I become a worshipper of God. Secondly I build the sanctuary. I lead the church to become worshippers. The result is we will experience God’s presence. The presence of God will dwell in our midst.
Prayer
Father, I seek you today. I desire to be pleasing to you. Make me a worshipper. Enable me to lead First A/G to be worshippers. We desire the presence of God in our lives, families, church, community, and world.

July 14 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 18:8 “To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”
Observation
1) I have the ability to acquire wisdom.
2) It is in my best interest to grow in wisdom.
3) Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will enable me to be successful in life.
Application
I need to stay on my personal growth plan. Who I will be in 5 years will be determined by how much I grow. I commit to growing in wisdom and understanding.
PrayerFather, I ask that you give me the gift of the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and discernment.

July 13 devotional

July 13, 2010
Scripture
Psalm 10:1 “O Lord why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?”
Observation
Sometimes God seems far away. My emotions can believe a lie. They deny the truth that God loves me and is always with me. I feel like God has abandoned me and I am all alone. Fear can set in and it can determine my actions. These are lies from the devil.
Application
The only way to overcome a lie is to replace it with the truth. I must read and meditate on the Bible. It is the word of God. It is truth. It is my moral compass. By choosing to believe God’s word, I can overcome the lies of the enemy. The truth is God will never leave me nor forsake me. He loves me. He is always there. God’s silence does not indicate his absence.
Prayer
Father, build my faith. Faith is a fruit of your spirit. Produce faith in me that I may believe and stand upon your word.

July 12 devotional

Scripture
Romans 1:5 “Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.”
Observation
1) The goal of preaching is to bring glory to God. It is not to receive personal glory, fame, or wealth. And even though we want people to be ministered to and needs met, the primary focus is to honor God in the preaching of His Word.
2) God receives glory when people place their faith in Jesus and obey Jesus. Obedience is a result of salvation. People believe and obey. Salvation is more than saying a token prayer. It is repentance. It is a faith that leads to obedience.
Application
My motive in preaching and ministry has to be to bring glory and honor to God. It is a sin to preach for personal glory, wealth, or fame. I must keep my heart pure or I will lose the anointing.
I can never compromise God’s word. Obedience is a part of salvation. I must proclaim that people are to believe and obey.
Prayer
Father, purify me. Search my heart and motives and remove any offensive way within me. I desire for my preaching to bring glory and honor to the name of Jesus. I desire that Jesus be lifted up. I ask that lives will be changed. That people will place their faith in Jesus and obey his commands.

July 11 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 19:3 “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.”
Observation
How many times have I seen people do this? They make a mess of their lives and then blame God. How many times have I done this? I get myself into trouble and then get mad at God when he doesn’t get me out of it.
Application
1) Take personal responsibility for my actions. Do not blame God or others for my mistakes.
2) Bless God in every circumstance. Keep a grateful heart. Give thanks always. Be a worshipper in good times and bad.
Prayer
I bless you this morning. I give thanks for who you are and for what you have done. You are good and do good.

June 17 devotional

Scripture
Acts 11:25-26 “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching great numbers of people.”
Observation
1) Barnabas opened another door of ministry to Saul. His mentoring was long term. His commitment to Saul was consistent. It was for the long haul.
2) This passage reveals the importance of the teaching ministry. They stayed a full year teaching the people the Bible.
Application
Prayer and teaching the Word are my priorities. I want to be the spiritual leader of the congregation and leave most of the administration to qualified men. I am a shepherd. I am the pastor. My focus is on prayer and teaching the Bible.
Prayer
Show me the way. Reveal to me how I can teach the Bible more. Help me to be creative, consistent, and competent in my teaching. I want to increase in my effectiveness as a Bible teacher. I desire to see lives transformed by the Word of God. I ask that you confirm the word with signs and wonders following.

June 16 devotional

Scripture
Acts 10:31 “He told me, Cornelius, your prayers have been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God.”
Observation
Cornelius was the first Gentile to receive salvation. God choose him for two reasons.
1) He prayed
2) He gave gifts to the poor.
Cornelius got God’s attention because of those two things. They are still the things that gets God’s attention today.
Application
I devote myself to prayer and giving. These things are eternal. They are acts of worship. They matter to God.
Prayer
Develop faithfulness and generosity in me. I desire to be a man of prayer. I desire to be a giver. May I be found faithful.

June 15 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 133:1-3 “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore.”
Observation
1) Unity is the environment that God uses to pour out his spirit
2) Unity is more than the absence of division, dissension, strife or a party spirit
3) Unity is one vision, goals, and direction. Everyone is going the same direction working together to fulfill God’s will.
4) When the church or a family is in unity everything is wonderful and pleasant.
5) Unity is as important as the anointing. It is as refreshing as the anointing oil over Aaron.
Application
I need to promote unity in my family and in the church.
I must work to be in unity with the leadership of the church.
I need to teach the real meaning of unity.
I protect the unity of the church by confronting anything that threatens the unity of the body.
Ask God to bring and continue the unity of his church.
Prayer
Bring unity to my family.
Bring unity to First Assembly
Give us one vision, direction, and goals.
Remove any division, dissension, strife, and party spirit.
May we be one.

June 14 devotional

Scripture
Acts 9:27-28a “Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus. Barnabas also told them what the Lord has said to Saul and how he boldly preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. Then the apostles accepted Saul.
Observation
Barnabas was a friend and mentor to Saul. He helped Saul by:
1) Introducing him to the apostles. He opened doors for Saul that he could not open by himself.
2) Barnabas defended Saul. He told the apostles about him seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus.
3) Barnabas promoted Saul’s ministry. He told them about how he boldly preached Jesus.
The result was the apostles accepted Saul because of Barnabas’ influence. Barnabas used his influence to benefit Saul and the kingdom of God.
Application
I need to make mentoring a priority. I need to pour my life into a few men with potential to do great things for God. I need to open doors for them. I need to teach them. I need to defend them and promote their ministries. Saul became the greatest missionary ever but it began with Barnabas helping him. Everyone needs the help of someone else.
Prayer
Show me how to do this correctly. Give me men to pour my life into. I desire to raise up a generation of ministers. Make this more than just a momentary thought but make it a reality.

June 13 devotional

Scripture
Acts 9:11 “The Lord said, Go over to Straight Street to the house of Judas. When you arrive, ask for Saul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right now.”
Observation
1) A sign that Saul had changed was that he prayed. Other Christians knew that Saul was one of them because he did what they did. Prayer is normal for the believer. Saul was saved and he prayed.
2) Saul immediately knew how to pray. He did not take a class or attend a seminar on prayer. Saul was now a child of God, so he prayed. He experienced a heart change and now understood how to communicate to his father. Prayer is natural for the believer.
Application
Prayer is the priority. Nothing I do is more important than spending time with my father. Talking to him, sharing my thoughts, fears, dreams, and concerns. Listening to him. Hearing his instructions and will. Prayer is my life line. Spending time in prayer and in the Bible is how I grow. It is how I know the father. Prayer is everything.
Prayer
Develop in me a heart of love towards you. Love is the motivation to pray. If I love you I will desire to know you. Develop self-control in me that I will discipline myself to spend time with me. I need more of the fruit of love and the fruit of self-control.

June 12 devotional

Scripture
Acts 8:14-15 “When the apostles back in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new Christians to receive the Holy Spirit.
Observation
1) The Samaritans accepted the message of Christ and were new Christians
2) The church sent Peter and John to teach the new converts.
3) They had been saved but had not received the Holy Spirit.
4) The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a second experience after salvation. These verses plainly reveal this.
5) Vs. 17 says “They received the Holy Spirit.”
Application
The doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is clearly taught in the Book of Acts. It is a second experience after salvation that empowers believers for service. It must be taught and practiced in First A/G. It is who we are and what makes us distinct. It must be proclaimed boldly without compromise. We need to be empowered to fulfill God’s will in this community.
Prayer
Fill me afresh and anew. Give me a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. Pour out your spirit upon all flesh: young and old, male and female, rich and poor. May all your people be empowered to advance your kingdom on the earth.

June 11 devotional

Scripture
1 Kings 8:29, 32, 34, 36, 39, 43, 45, 49 “then hear their prayers from heaven where you live.”
Observation
At the dedication of the temple the main prayer request was that God would hear their prayers and grant their request. They asked God to hear their prayer from heaven where he lives.
Application
The church is to be a place of prayer. Prayer is to be a priority of the people of God. It is amazing thing that God hears our prayers from heaven where he lives.
Prayer
May I be faithful in prayer.
May I pray in faith.
May you hear my prayers and grant my request from heaven where you live.

June 10 devotional

Scripture
Acts 7:34 “You can be sure that I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries. So I have come to rescue them. No go, for I will send you to Egypt.
Observation
1) God sees
2) God hears
3) God saw Israel’s misery.
4) God heard their prayers
5) God decided to intervene on their behalf.
6) When God decides to act he sends a man/woman to be his representative.
Application
1) God sees my circumstances
2) God hears my prayers
3) God will intervene in my life
4) I can trust God.
5) God called and sent me to Henderson.
6) I am God’s representative to this community.
Prayer
I ask that you intervene in my life and family. There is a need I am asking you to intervene in. I believe for a miracle. I ask that you refresh and renew your call on my life. I am Christ’s ambassador. I want to represent you well. I desire for your kingdom to grow.

June 9 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.”
Observation
Without the blessing and activity of God, my work is useless. I can labor, strive, and work as hard as I can but God is the one who gives success. God is the one that gives live purpose and meaning.
Application
I need to not strive but to abide. Abiding in Christ produces much fruit. Time spent with him is never a waste of time. I need fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit and to be empowered by God to fulfill his will. This is not an excuse for laziness. It is a lesson on abiding. My labor is useless without God. My labor is productive with God.
Prayer
I acknowledge my need of you. I can do nothing apart from you but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I ask for a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. Empower me today to expand your kingdom and fulfill your will.

June 8 devotional

Scripture
Acts 6:2, 4, 7 “We apostles should spend out time preaching and teaching the word of God.”
“Then we can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
God’s message was preached in ever-widening circles.”
Observation
What are my priorities?
1) Preaching and teaching the word of God
2) Prayer
What was the result?
1) God’s word will be preached in ever-widening circles.
2) This would not have happened if the apostles did not make prayer and preaching and teaching God’s Word their priority.
Application
I have to keep my priorities God’s priorities. I have to fight to spend time to pray. It has to be number one in my life. I will abide in the vine so he can produce much fruit in me. I will spend time preparing lessons and teaching people the Bible. Preaching and teaching is a high priority of my ministry. I will let other people do the administration of the church so I can focus on prayer and preaching God’s word.
Prayer
It is not enough for me to know this, I have to do it. Father, develop self control in me. Enable me to keep the right focus. Enable me to spend time with you out of love not obligation. Place a love for God’s word in my heart. It is a privilege to teach your word to the few or to the masses. May your message spread in Henderson County in ever-widening circles.

June 7 devotional

Scripture
Acts 5:42 “And every day, in the temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: The messiah you are looking for is Jesus.”
Observation
1) They taught the people every day
2) They taught in the temple- large group gatherings
3) They taught in homes- small group gatherings
4) Jesus was their message
Application
How can I accomplish this?
1) Teach the word in my daily devotional
2) Teach the word weekly in the Sunday morning service- large group gathering
3) Teach the word in homes in the connection groups
4) Always make Jesus the focus of the message
Prayer
Enable First Assembly to model after the early church. I ask that we can teach your word daily. I ask that we teach it in large group and small group settings. I ask that Jesus be lifted up.

June 4 devotional

Scripture
Acts 2: 17-18 “In the last days, God said, I will pour out my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophecy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophecy.”
Observation
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for everyone. God promised to pour out his spirit upon all people.
1) young and old
2) rich and poor
3) male and female
4) people from every race, tribe, and language
God breaks down every social barrier. He empowers every person to be a part of his mission, to play a role in his kingdom.
Application
I must seek fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit for me, my family, and church. I must preach and teach the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and give people an opportunity to receive. I must depend upon the Holy Spirit to empower me to fulfill God’s call upon my life and not minister in my own strength. The great need today is a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
I ask that you fulfill your promise and pour out your spirit upon all flesh. May it begin with me, my family, and First A/G. My heart’s cry is pour out your spirit! Send the power! Fill us afresh and anew! May First A/G never back down from being Pentecostal. May we operate under the power of the Holy Spirit.

June 3 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.”
Observation
Pride will destroy me and my ministry. It is the enemy of success. Humility is acknowledging my need of God. It is lowering myself and exalting God. I can do nothing apart from God but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Application
I humble myself before God. I acknowledge my dependence upon Him. I need you. I ask that you fulfill your will through me by your Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Purify me from pride.
Protect me from pride rearing its ugly head.
I humble myself before you.

June 2 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 120:1 “I took my troubles to the Lord, I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.”
Observation
1) I will experience trouble
2) I can take my troubles to God
3) I cry out to God. There is emotion in prayer
4) God will answer my prayers. This is a promise to stand on and live by.
Application
When I experience troubles, I do not pout or live in fear, but I take my troubles to God. I cry out to him. I pray with emotion. I am honest with God about my circumstances and my feelings. God is my very present help in times of trouble. He will answer my prayers.
Prayer
Help me. Show me the way. I bring my troubles, worries, and fears to you. I need your help. I need you now. I cast my burdens upon you because I know you care for me.

June 1 devotional

Scripture
John 20:31 “But these things are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life.”
Observation
1) The Bible is written that I may believe in Jesus.
2) Believing in Jesus gives me life.
Christianity is more than going to heaven and not going to hell. It is living an abundant life or life to the full. True life is found in Jesus.
Application
I will not settle for anything less than what Jesus provided for me. He came that I might have life, life to the full. I believe in him and will live the life he has for me.
Prayer
Jesus I believe you are the Son of God. I believe true life is found in you. I ask that you give me an abundant life.

May 31 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 119:143 “As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.”
Observation
1) I will experience pressure
2) I will experience stress
3) At times they will bear down on me
4) I can find joy even in those times
5) I find joy in the word of God
6) God’s word contains promises to stand on
7) God’s word contains principles to live by
8) God’s word encourages me in difficult times
Application
God’s word is food for my spirit. I must feed myself daily. I need a steady diet of the Word of God. It gives me joy during times of pressure and stress. I can encourage myself with the word of God.
Prayer
I desire for your word to be in my mind and heart. I want to know your word but I also desire to love your word. Most importantly I want to live the word. I want to learn it, love it, live it.

May 30 devotional

Scripture
2 Samuel 16:12 “And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses.”
Observation
1) The Lord sees. He knows the injustices that I face.
2) The Lord hears. He hears the things that are said about me.
3) The Lord defends. He will bless me when others curse me. He will guard my reputation. He is my avenger.
Application
1) Don’t defend myself
2) Don’t take vengeance in my own hands
3) Trust God to take care of me.
Prayer
I place my trust in you. You are my God and you will protect and defend me. I do not have to worry about my reputation. I believe in you. I trust in you. I rest in you.

May 26 devotional

Scripture
John 15: 4-5 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
Observation
1) My connection to Jesus is the key to success in my life.
2) I cannot grow apart from Jesus.
3) Jesus is the vine.
4) I am a branch.
5) If I am connected to Jesus, I will grow in Godly character.
6) Apart from Jesus I can do nothing and be nothing.
Application
My relationship with Jesus is the key to everything in my life. If I am connected to Jesus I will become the person God wants me to be and accomplish His will. I have to invest in my relationship with Jesus. My human nature wants to work. My spirit wants to abide. Abiding in Christ is my work. It is my time with God that my character is formed. It is my time with God where I am empowered to be a witness.
Prayer
I desire to know you more. I want to be connected to Christ. I want to learn to abide in you. I ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit in my life. I need you more today than ever before. I want to bear much fruit.

May 25 devotional

Scripture
John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Observation
1) Peace of mind is a gift from God
2) Peace in my heart is a gift from God
3) It is not the peace the world gives
4) I will not be troubled.
5) I will not be afraid.
Application
God is peace. Jesus is the prince of peace. Jesus gives me peace. I do not have to live in fear. I do not have to be overcome with worry and anxiety. I can have peace of mind. I can live with a peace in my heart. No matter what circumstances I may face, God gives me peace that surpasses my understanding.
Prayer
I ask for your peace today. I need it. Give me peace. Remove my anxieties. Remove my fears. Give me the peace of God in my mind and heart!

May 24 devotional

Scripture
John 14:13-14 “You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Observation
1) Jesus gives me permission to ask in His name- you can ask for anything in my name
2) Jesus promises to fulfill my request- and I will do it.
3) The purpose of Jesus fulfilling my request is to glorify the Father- the work of the Son brings glory to the Father.
4) Jesus assures me that if I ask in His name, He will do it- yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it.
Application
I make my request in the name and under the authority of Jesus. He has given me permission to go to the Father in his name. Jesus will grant my request because he desires to bring glory to God. Answered prayer gives God glory. God does not receive glory through unanswered request. He is glorified by Jesus as He answers my prayers.
Prayer
Thank you for the right and privilege to pray in your name. I come to the Father not based upon my worthiness but based upon Jesus. I am assured of receiving answers to my prayer

May 23 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 119:9, 11 “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules.
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Observation
How can I stay pure?
1) Hide God’s word in my heart.
2) Obey God’s word- direct commands
3) Follow God’s word-principles taught in God’s word
Application
Getting the word of God in my heart is the key to living a pure life. It has to go from my head to my heart. I love God’s word not just know it. Loving God’s word leads to living it. I must
1) Learn it
2) Love it
3) Live it
By doing this I will progressively become the person God wants me to be and live the life he desires me to live.
Prayer
I love your word. I ask that the Holy Spirit will take the word of God and change me. Break me. Mold me. Shape me. Use me. I desire to be a man of God.

May 22 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 5:28 “The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.”
Observation
1) My mouth is the hardest instrument of my body to control.
2) Godly people think before they speak.
3) The wicked say whatever comes to their minds.
Application
I need the Holy Spirit to develop self control in me. I want to think before I speak. I want to be slow to speak and quick to listen. I desire for my words to build up and not tear down. I want my words to be a blessing and not a curse.
Prayer
Forgive me for the times I have spoken words that hurt, lie, or make myself look good in the eyes of others. Develop self control in me. I desire to control my tongue. I want to be a godly man who thinks before he speaks.

May 21 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 118:8-9 “It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people. It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in princes.”
Observation
I have a tendency to place too much faith in people. People are human and they will fail. They will let me down, even princes. Powerful people will fail me as well. God never fails. God is absolutely trustworthy. He will never leave me or forsake me. God is faithful and loyal.
Application
I will place my faith in God. I can count on him. God is honorable and loyal. People who love me may fail me. They are human. They are not perfect but God is perfect. I can completely trust him with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Prayer
I love you. You are a great God. I trust you. I know you love me and your will is always best. Thank you for being loyal, faithful, and honorable.

May 20 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 15:22 “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success.”
Observation
Having people speak into my life is a key to success. Plans go wrong when I go it alone. I need wise counselors to guide me towards success. Notice that the word is plural. I don’t need one great counselor but many counselors.
Application
Areas of my life that I need counselors:
Finances
Marriage
Parenting
Leadership
Health
Future
Church direction
Spiritual formation
Personal weaknesses
Etc.
Prayer
Give me people in my life who can speak into my life. Give me many counselors. Give me men and women who love me, desire God’s best for me, and who will be honest with me.

May 19 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 116: 1-2 “I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
Observation
1) God hears my prayers
2) God answers my prayers
3) Answered prayer increases my love for God. Answered prayer increases my thankfulness and I become a worshipper
4) Answered prayer motivates me to pray more
Application
I need to keep a record of answered prayer. The greatest discouragement to pray is thinking that God does not hear or answer but when I remember what he has done for me, my faith will grow. My desire to pray will increase. I need to establish memorials where I remember what God has done for me. Gratitude is the door to worship. A thankful heart is a worshipping heart.
Prayer
Thank you for all you have done for me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for saving and restoring my family. Thank you for leading and guiding me. Thank you for your kindness and grace. I am grateful for your blessings and provision. I am thankful for your faithfulness and loyalty. I love you. I praise you. I worship you.

May 18 devotional

Scripture
John 10: 4 “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice.”
Observation
1) Jesus is the Shepherd
2) I am a member of his flock
3) He leads and guides me
4) I am able to recognize his voice.
5) I obey his instructions
Application
Jesus is Lord and the leader of my life. I follow him. I am able to recognize the voice of God in my life. The key to my success is obeying the guidance of God. He is the good Shepherd. He speaks. I hear and obey.
Prayer
Enable me to hear, understand, and obey your voice. Increase my spiritual sensitivity. Give me the faith and courage to obey.

May 17 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 15:17 “A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.”
Observation
I love the simplicity of the Bible. This proverb reminds me that I can do a lot of things and spend time with lots of different people but there is nothing better than spending time with people I love. I can spend time with people at work. I can spend time with business associates and others in the community and neglect my family and friends. Spending time with Cathy and the kids is the best.
Application
Being with the people I love will increase the quality of my life. Taking Cathy on a date is better than anything else. We don’t have to spend a lot of money. Soup with Cathy is better than a steak with anyone else! Spending time with my kids is better than anything else I can do. Simply having them over to the house is priceless. Life is not complicated and it does not have to be fancy. Keep it simple: God, family, and friends. That’s all.
Prayer
Enable me to keep my priorities straight. I don’t want to win the world and lose my family. I don’t want to spend my time trying to change people who do not want to change. I want to make my family my priority. I want to invest my life into them.

May 16 devotional

Scripture
1 Samuel 18:5 “Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander in his army, an appointment that was applauded by the fighting men and officers alike.
1 Samuel 18:13 “Finally, Saul banned him from his presence and appointed him commander over only a thousand men, but David faithfully led his troops into battle.
ObservationDavid was demoted. He was not demoted because anything he had done. In fact he was successful in everything he was asked to do. Saul demoted David out of jealousy. Saul was small minded and he took out his insecurity on David.
David did not pout. David did not quit. David did not demand his rights. David just stayed faithful. David continued to go to work every day and do his best. David showed great character.
Application
My true character is revealed when things do not go my way, when I am demoted even though I did not deserve it. It is easy to be faithful when men are singing your praise and everything is going your way but faithfulness is shown when we are mistreated. I do the best at my job not because of the benefits but because it is right. I don’t just do the parts of the job I like but I give me best effort to the parts of the job I do not like. I don’t say that is not a part of my job description. I work as a good team member and go beyond what is expected. David is a great example of what it means to be faithful. David is a great example of a good work ethic.
PrayerMake me like David. Develop faithfulness in me. I want to be a good worker. I want to do my best for the church and my family. I do not do my work because of the benefits but because I want God to receive glory

May 15 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 15:11 “Even the depths of Death and Destruction are known by the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart!
Observation
1) God is all-knowing
2) He knows all the facts. He knows everything about science.
3) He also knows the human heart.
4) I cannot fake God out.
5) He knows me completely
6) He still loves and accepts me
Application
I can be real with God. H e already knows what is inside of me anyway. There is no use trying to be somebody I am not. I can be completely honest with God. I can be myself. I can bring to God my hurts, fears, worries, and anger. He knows all. He loves me. My relationship with him can be honest and real.
Prayer
I love you because you first loved me. You accepted me as I am. You died on a cross for me when I was a sinner. I do not have to act like somebody else. I can be real with you. This just increases my love for you. Thank you for loving and accepting me.

May 14 devotional

Scripture
1 Samuel 15:17 “And Samuel told him, although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel?
1 Samuel 15:24 “Then Saul finally admitted, Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.”
Observation
1) Saul thought little of himself even though he was king of Israel.
2) A position does not build your esteem.
3) It may magnify your low self esteem by making you feel inadequate.
4) Saul disobeyed God because he feared the people more than he feared God.
5) Saul’s low self esteem contributed to his disobedience.
6) God did not excuse his disobedience.
Application
1) My self worth cannot come from a title I have, a position I fill, or a job I do.
2) My self worth comes from who I am “in Christ.”
3) I am who Jesus Christ has made me be.
4) I do not have to win God’s approval
5) He loves me just as I am
6) He has given me the Holy Spirit to enable me to be who He wants me to be.
7) He has given me the Holy Spirit to do what He has called me to do.
8) My worth is not based upon my performance but upon His performance.
Prayer
Father let my identity not be based upon title or position but upon who I am in you. Let it be based upon what you have done for me. I receive it by faith. It is a work of grace. I do not earn my worth. It is given to me. I receive it today. I am a child of God. You are my God. I am your child. You are with me.

May 13 devotional

Scripture
John 7: 38-39 “If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within. (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)
Observation
1) The Holy Spirit is living water
2) The Holy Spirit flows from within
3) The Holy Spirit is given to every believer
4) Jesus is the giver of the Holy Spirit
5) I can drink from the river
Application
The Holy Spirit flows out from within. The river of the Holy Spirit will satisfy my soul and enables me to touch others. It will change the way I interact with people. I need more of the Holy Spirit. I need the river of water flowing through me and out from me. I am thirsty. Jesus, I come to drink.
Prayer
Give me a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. I desire that the river in me will be overflowing. It is the only thing that can satisfy me and I need it to make a difference in the lives of others. I desire more of the Holy Spirit in my life.

May 12 devotional

Scripture
1 Samuel 12:23 “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.”
Observation
There are two main responsibilities for spiritual leaders.
1) Spiritual leaders pray for their people
2) Spiritual leaders teach the Bible to their people.
This agree with what Peter said in Acts 6:4 “”and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” The Apostles turned over the administration of the food program to the deacons so they could focus on their priorities. Their priorities were the same as Samuel’s.
Application
As a pastor I can stay busy doing many things but the most important things I can do is 1) prayer and 2) teach the Bible. I have to set my priorities and have the discipline to follow through. I cannot become so busy that I neglect prayer and the Bible. I cannot get distracted by the urgent that I forget the important.
Prayer
I ask that you produce the fruit of self control in me. I desire to be disciplined in how I spend my time. Impress upon my heart today my priorities as a pastor. Enable me to spend adequate time in prayer and ministry of the Word. I want to be a good leader. The world screams to me what they want me to do but I want to focus on what God wants me to do. I want his priorities to be my priorities.

May 11 devotional

Scripture
1 Samuel 10:9-10 “As Saul turned and started to leave, God changed his heart. Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul and he, too, began to prophecy.”
Observation
1) God changed Saul’s heart.
2) Then the Holy Spirit came upon him.
3) Then Saul prophesied.
Prophecy was the verbal confirmation that the Holy Spirit had come upon Saul. This is how Saul’s friends knew that Saul had been empowered to be king. It was an outward evidence of the Holy Spirit coming upon him to give him power.
Application
It is the pattern of scripture that when the Holy Spirit comes upon a person, there is a verbal confirmation. In the Old Testament they prophesied. They spoke in their language under the compulsion of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament they spoke in tongues. They spoke in a language they did not know under the compulsion of the Holy Spirit. In both the Old and New Testaments there was a verbal evidence of the Holy Spirit empowering a person for service.
Prayer
I ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. Empower me for service. Enable me to expand God’s kingdom on this earth.

May 7 devotional

Scripture
1 Samuel 1:23 “Whatever you think is best, Elkannah agreed. Stay here for now, and may the Lord help you keep your promise. So she stayed home and nursed the baby.”
Observation
1) Hannah made a promise to God.
2) She was sincere when she made it
3) But it was a difficult promise to keep. She promised to give her only son Samuel to the Lord. This meant giving Samuel to the priest to serve at the tabernacle.
4) Hannah wanted to keep her promise but was struggling doing it.
5) Her husband prayed that God would give her the strength to keep her promise.
Application
I need to God’s strength to do everything. I can do nothing apart from God but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. God is all-powerful. He can enable me to accomplish His will. I rely on God’s strength. I do not depend upon my own power. I depend upon the power of God. When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, His power came upon me. I must operate in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Give me a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit today. I need a fresh endowment of power. I can do nothing eternal on my own. I need the power of God flowing through my life. I humble myself before you. I acknowledge my need of you. I stand upon the promise that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

April 30 devotional

Scripture
Judges 11:29 “At that time the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephtah, and he went throughout the land of Gilead and Manasseh, including Mizpah and Gilead, and led an army against the Ammonites.”
Observation
It was the Holy Spirit that empowered Jepthah to lead an army. It was not his military training or experience. As far as we know, this was the first war he fought in. The Holy Spirit equipped him to fulfill God’s call upon His life.
Application
I must depend upon the Holy Spirit to equip me to fulfill God’s call upon my life. It is not just my education and skill level. It is the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through me. Dependence upon the Holy Spirit is the key. He develops his character through me and he gives me gifts to enable me to act. The Holy Spirit is my friend. He is the key to success.
Prayer
Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Give me a fresh touch today. I sense my overwhelming need of you. Help me. I can do nothing apart from you but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

April 29 devotional

Scripture
Luke 24:49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.

Observation
1) The Father promised the Holy Spirit
2) Jesus is the giver of the Holy Spirit
3) The Holy Spirit was the priority. Jesus said don’t leave until you have received the Holy Spirit
4) The Holy Spirit comes upon you and fills you.
5) The Holy Spirit gives you power.

Application
The Holy Spirit is my priority. I have to full of the Holy Spirit. I am completely dependant upon him. He empowers me to be the person I need to be. The Holy Spirit empowers me to do what God calls me to do. I need the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life.

Prayer
Jesus, you are the giver of the Holy Spirit. Fills me afresh and anew today. Thank you.

April 27 devotional

Scripture
Judges 7:14 “His friend said, “Your dream can mean only one thing-God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over all the armies united with Midean!”
Observation
God constantly confirmed his vision to Gideon. He did it through the fleeces. He did by bringing fire on the sacrifice at the altar. Now he is confirming His word to Gideon by allowing him to overhear this conversation. The enemy was scared of Gideon and his God. This encouraged Gideon. God was building Gideon’s faith.
Application
God confirms his word to me. God builds my faith. I do not work up faith. I do not earn or purchase faith. God develops my faith. Faith is a fruit of the Spirit and faith is a gift of the Spirit. God is the giver of faith. God is the developer of faith. I love God because He first loves me. I believe in God because He gives me faith.
Prayer
I ask that you confirm your word that you have given me. Confirm the vision you have placed in my heart. I ask that you produce the fruit of faith in me. I ask that you give me the grace gift of faith. In Jesus name.

April 26 devotional

Scripture
Judges 6:34 “Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon.”
Observation
1) Gideon was doing what he could to provide food for his family. It might not have been much but at least he was doing something.
2) God chose and called Gideon to deliver the people of Israel.
3) God empowered Gideon through the Holy Spirit
4) Gideon accomplished God’s will under the influence of the Holy Spirit
Application
I need to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables me to be the person God desires for me to be and to do what God has called me to do. The key to Gideon’s life and the key to my life is the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Fill me afresh and anew with the Holy Spirit today. I submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I ask that I will operate under His influence.

Holy Spirit Conference

In April First A/G is conducting its second annual "Holy Spirit Conference." Evangelist Tim Enloe is the guest speaker. Tim and his wife travel the country teaching the church about the Holy Spirit. Their mission statement is "Our calling is to introduce and connect people with the vibrant person and power of the Holy Spirit!" You can learn more about their ministry at www.enloeministries.org.

I am also excited to announce that Ryan Delling will be our guest worship leader. Ryan grew up in Henderson. His father was the previous pastor at First A/G. Ryan is now a missionary with Eagle Wings ministries. Ryan will lead worship at all the services.

The dates are April 4-7. The evening services begin at 7:00 p.m.