Author: rbeaird

BEGIN RIGHT TO END RIGHT…


Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God…”  NASB

Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.”  NASB

I have often said and believe that if you want to build a sound structure you have to begin with the right foundation.  If you omit the basic principles or steps and begin at a wrong starting place you will never reach the desired destination.  That is true in life and in God.

God gave the Ten Commandments as guides for life, not options. They are guides to help us develop a healthy relationship with Him and handle life’s difficulties.  The Ten Commandments are God’s Ten Laws of Life.  I never ask anyone to accept what I say or think as the final word on human conduct or direction in life. I always refer them to the Word of God and encourage communication with the LORD Himself and His Spirit.

Jesus, summed up the Ten Commandments in Matthew 22:37-40, “And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Tragically in this age of confusion, when many seem to have thrown their old convictions and beliefs on the trash heap and have loosed their moral moorings, we need to revisit the Ten Laws of Life.  They are guideposts not simply prohibitions to keep something from us or us from something.  I realize that there are those in today’s world and in today’s church that disagree and believe these laws of life are antiquated.  I disagree!

Some feel that the Ten Commandments have been left in the believer’s rear-view mirror spiritually.  I contend that you can no more run past these laws of life than you can run past the North Star in the skies from the earth.  These are not merely arbitrary rules like which side of the road you drive on.  They are rooted in Divine Principles and are Guides for Life which are invaluable and liberating.

Albert Einstein did not begin each day reciting the multiplication table.  Yet, he could not ignore that 2 x 2=4 without utter confusion.  Modern Scientist do not rush to the apple orchard daily to reaffirm the law of gravity.  Yet, they cannot ignore that law without disastrous results.

I ask that you join me in considering the First Commandment that begins with God.  “I am the LORD your God…”  It begins with the Great Assumption of the Reality of God.  I suggest that it is not an assumption but a recognition of all the evidence in the creation of the Creator. 

The Bible makes virtually no defense of the declaration that God Is!  It is not an appeal to get us to accept it but an assertion that GOD IS!  There is no effort made to prove the existence of God.  It is assumed and even declared in scripture that only the fool would say there is no God.  The Psalmists do not argue proof of God’s existence but rejoice in His Mercies.  The Prophets do not try to prove Him they proclaim Him! 

They do not take that position because there is no proof.  There is abundant proof of the existence of God.  An ordered universe is incredibly revealing of His existence.  The human body is another incredible evidence and argument against evolution.  I believe that the writers of the Bible did not deal with proof is because evidence alone is inadequate in a real sense. 

I know people who have an old rose from a casket pressed in a book for a keepsake.  It is a reminder or evidence that you loved and lost but it is a poor substitute for that person.  Some have baby shoes hidden away in a box or a drawer reminding them of that little baby that once sat on their laps and hugged them.  Those are evidence of that the baby that toddled out of their lives but not out of their hearts.  But they are poor substitutes for that baby.

I believe that the writers do not concern themselves with proof is because they have something better to offer.  It would be of little value to argue about the reality and usefulness of bread when the table is spread.  Of what value would be an argument about the reality of water to the thirsty when they are standing near a gushing spring.  They did not argue to prove God because THEY HAD GOD!

I want to discuss more but will pause here and take this up in the next devotional.  Until then may God bless you richly and guide your journey. 

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THE WAY TO SUCCESS – Part Two…


Genesis 6:1-8

In the last devotional, we began considering the way or secret to success.  We discovered and discussed that Success was impossible without a plan and that Noah Received God’s Plan and followed it explicitly.  That leads us to the next factors for consideration.

NOAH BELIEVED GOD’S PLAN – (Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 7:7; Genesis 8:20).

We read in Hebrews 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” 

Knowledge of the plan does not automatically mean it will appear feasible.  When I think of God’s Plans revealed to man, I think of Gideon and how far-fetched that plan seemed.  It seemed impossible, but with God All Things are Possible!  It always requires Faith, Trust, Confidence, and Obedience.

Trust is an absolute requirement in the success of God’s Plan and Purposes.  We must trust in the face of danger, failure, and all opposition and obstacles.  Trust is not only in times of ease but at all times!  Noah believed God!  That is far more powerful than we give it recognition.  Consider what was happening around him.  Consider the fact that it had not rained on the earth.  Consider the fact that there had never been such an undertaking among men. 

This was far beyond anything that Noah or anyone else had ever contemplated.  No wonder, the Bible declares in 2 Corinthians 5:7 that we “walk by faith, not by sight.”  Not only did Noah receive God’s Plan and believe God’s Plan but he took the next step.

NOAH WORKED GOD’S PLAN – (Genesis 6:22; 7:5).

In Genesis 6:22 we see the key, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did.”  Obedience is an absolute requirement for success in God’s Purposes.  I believe that knowledge and faith require obedience and work to enjoy fulfillment and success.  That is true in virtually all of life.  If we go to the doctor it is important that we follow his advice.  If we hire an attorney, it is usually vital that we follow his counsel.  That applies in the natural and in the spiritual.  If we are to have God’s Success, we must follow God’s Directives and Plan.

Noah did ALL that God told him to do.  That is vital!  It is not doing part of what God directed. It is not doing some of what God directed. It is doing ALL that God directed that enabled Noah to succeed. He obeyed in the face of ridicule and scorn.  He obeyed when he could see no logical reason to do what he was doing.  He obeyed because He believed God and trusted God.  He like the apostle Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.  He Obeyed!

NOAH FOUND GOD FAITHFUL – (Genesis 7:17; 8:1)

In Genesis 7:17 we see, “Then the flood came upon the earth for forty days; the water increased and lifted up the ark so that it rose above the earth.”  In Genesis 8:1 we are told, “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided.”  God did what God said He would do!  He was faithful to His faithful man.

The floods came just like God said they would. Noah’s family was saved, just like God promised.  They were spared amid a corrupt people and spared from the destruction of the flood.

To have success in God’s Plan in life we must obtain the plan, believe the plan, act upon the plan and we will find that God is a God of His Word!  He never fails.  Therefore, if success is your desire then I suggest three considerations.

  • Seek God’s Direction through prayer, the word of God and wise counsel.
  • Believe God’s Direction weight it with the Word of God.
  • Obey God’s Direction by implementing and incorporating it into your life.

You will find God always faithful.  He may not move in your time frame, but He will move and bring you to the fulfillment of His Promises.  Noah pleased God and it brought about the deliverance of his family and the preservation of the race.

What will you have?  My desire is to walk in obedience to All that God says! May the LORD bless you richly as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

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THE WAY TO SUCCESS…


Genesis 6:1-8 – “Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 And the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”  NASB

A key is the declaration found in the last verse, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”  That is powerful beyond words! Everyone wants to be a success, or at least, they are interested in knowing how to get on the road to success.  The criteria for success differs with different people.  Success is defined a thousand different ways with a thousand different people.  For some it is money, for others it is power, there are those who see it as position or fame and the list goes on. 

The success story found in our text is incredible.  Noah lived in a world filled with people so evil and corrupt that God said that He regretted making man.  That is descriptive of the depth of depravity man had descended.  In verse 8 we read that Noah found Grace and Favor in the eyes of the LORD.  That is contrasted to the disfavor of the rest of humanity.  One man stands alone in exhibiting righteousness when everything around him is plunging deeper into the darkness.

Man had become so corrupt that the stench of their corruption was repulsive to God. His own creation has become a foul odor to him. God vows to destroy man from the earth and yet amid that stench in the nostrils of God, there is a sweet aroma of righteousness in Noah.  My immediate question is, what was the secret of Noah’s success?  What was it about Noah that pleased God, and can we achieve and attain that status today?

NOAH OBTAINED GOD’S PLAN – – (Genesis 6:13-21)

In verse 13 God tells Noah that the end of all flesh has come before Him and in verse 14 He gives Noah the plan for the preservation of humanity in one family.  He gives him the plans for the Ark of Safety and the Ark of Life.

There can be no Success without a Plan.  Success does not happen by chance.  That is especially true in the things of God.  God has a plan and gives man that plan and it is incumbent upon man to follow that plan.  Psalms 127:1 gives a wonderful truth to be remembered in our walk.  “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…”   I have often been reminded and reminded others that either way the house is built but one way is successful and the other is in vain.

Years ago, I read a detail of the Great Clock at the Strasbourg Cathedral in France.  In addition to the regular features, it has a combination of moons and planets moving through the days and months with the accuracy of the heavenly bodies.  It was built in the 14th Century but this clock could not exist without a plan.

The beauty of God’s Plan is that it is totally fool-proof.  Noah realized that God had all in His control and was faithful.  He maintained his relationship with God even in the face of difficult circumstances and his faithfulness resulted in God’s favor and the revelation of God’s Plan.  That Plan led to his success and our survival as a race!

I have only begun to lay this simple foundation for the Secret of Success and will address a bit more in the next devotional.  Until then, may the LORD be with you and guide your footsteps and life.

Blessings abundant as you enjoy this day in Him!

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A PROPHETIC WORD THAT I GAVE IN 1984 – You Judge It… (Part Three)


Psalms 25:4-5 – “Make me know Thy ways, O LORD; Teach me Thy paths. 5 Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day.”  NASB

I am repeating a prophetic word that I gave in Chandler, Texas on March 11, 1984, and asking you to examine it and see if I was right and if it still resonates today.  I ask that you reread the first blog post and then read this offering.

In the Humanist Manifesto II, they declared, “We affirm that moral values derive their source from human existence.  Ethics is autonomous and situational, needing no theological or ideological sanction.  Ethics stems from human need and interest.  To deny this distorts the whole basis of life.”  If you agree with that, we are on total opposite pages.  I believe the Bible and the Bible contradicts that thesis and precept. 

Let me offer some additional facts to anchor my declaration that our world is in trouble and needs God and stands on the brink of God’s judgment.  On the moral scene we discover that since 1973, more than 15 million babies have been aborted.  (That was 1984 and today that number has soared to over 60 MILLION!)  The 15 million was twice the number that Hitler destroyed in Nazi Germany.  That difference is so much greater today and we call Hitler a barbarian?  Wow! 

The same legal philosophy that allowed the Nazis to do what they did now allows Americans to kill unborn babies.  In 1984 we were aware that New York’s highest court ruled that the New York State Legislature must determine which human beings are actually persons who are entitled to live.  How about all humans including the unborn, especially those with a heartbeat? 

My brothers and sisters, if the courts can decide that unborn children are not persons, they can decide that people of 60, 70, 80, etc. are not persons.  They can decide that the deformed and the handicapped are not persons.  They can decide that Jews or Christians are not a person.  That is beyond frightening it is a belch of evil from the pit of hell.  We are dangerously near the judgment of God and His turning us over to reprobate minds.  It will only get worse if we do not deal with the problem today.

In the State of California, their Supreme Court ruled that a child could sue his/her parents for being born.  That’s right!  There was a lawsuit brought against the Sacramento hospital.  The courts required the hospital to pay $900,000 in damages.  That is mind-boggling.  In the State of Delaware, the Attorney General issued an opinion stating that a doctor who failed to kill two unborn babies with lethal saline injections could be sued for criminal malpractice.  That is an expression of evil that must be recognized.

In 1984, there were studies that indicated that over the previous decade one-half of all teenage girls had engaged in sexual intercourse by the age of 16 years of age.  Time Magazine, usually a defender of the humanist acknowledged the blooming tragedy of unwed pregnancy.  Their article stated:

“According to federal figures, illegitimate births increased so rapidly in the 1970s that 17% of U.S. babies (one out of six) are now born out of wedlock.  In 1979, the last year for which statistics were available, at that time, it was estimated that 597,000 illegitimate babies were born, up 50 percent since 1970.  Among unmarried teens there are 3 live births to every 5 abortions.  1.3 million children live with teenage mothers, about half of them unmarried.”

Those studies indicated that 43% of all girls graduating from High School are sexually experienced.  The percentages were even higher with boys.  Before you insist that it is not that way with Christian teens let me offer this statistic. “Among Evangelical Christians, 33% of the girls and 40% of the boys engage in premarital sex by the time they graduate from High School.”  There are those who were identified then and may still be called, “Technical Virgins.” They engage in everything except vaginal penetration and actual coitus.

Our world is in deep trouble and in need of revival, renewal, and restoration.  I am sometimes labeled a fanatic, an alarmist, and other derogatory names. We are told by many that we are only to preach love, mercy, and forgiveness.  However, I do not consider it love to allow people to destroy their lives with sin.  The need for love has never been greater and we need people to love enough to be willing to expose the Lies of Hell to this Generation.

If we are to save this and successive generations from the Anti-God, Anti-Moral, Anti-Home world we must return to the Old Paths of Biblical Morality and Truth!  Here’s what we need to give this coming generation:

  • A Heritage That is Worthy & Worthwhile – A Good Name that demonstrates Morality and Integrity.
  • Train Them Up in the Way They Should Go – – Biblical Foundation must begin in the Home.
  • We Must Become Men and Women of Intercession and virtually Pray without Ceasing.
  • We Must Point Them to Christ in our Words and Through Our Lives.

God desires to send upon us Revival but will not send it without our cooperation.  If we will follow the prescription of 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 – “My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now My eyes shall be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.”

God has sounded the Alarm not it is time for us to become tools in His hand to Save America from destruction and see the Harvest of the Kingdom gathered.  Will you receive this word and as Isaiah said, “Here am I LORD, send me”?

God bless you and have a fantastic Sunday!

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A PROPHETIC WORD THAT I GAVE IN 1984 – You Judge It… (Part Two)


Psalms 25:4-5 – “Make me know Thy ways, O LORD; Teach me Thy paths. 5 Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day.”  NASB

I am repeating a prophetic word that I gave in Chandler, Texas on March 11, 1984, and asking you to examine it and see if I was right and if it still resonates today.  I ask that you reread the first blog post and then read this offering. This is Part Two of that Word.

CURRICULUM CHANGES and AIMS

We have been inundated with the ‘Values Clarification Courses’ in our schools.  The motive and purpose are to indoctrinate the young to reject the moral absolutes of the Bible.  I offer this fact for your consideration:

A Carter Administration Educrat, during a discussion funding for government-controlled preschool day-care centers, made an astonishingly revealing statement.  He said: “One of the reasons we need to establish preschool day-care centers for children from three years of age and up is because in spite of the billions of dollars at our disposal and the thirteen years we have the children in our public schools, we are still unable to undo the harm done to them before they arrive in kindergarten.” 

The Harm?  What he expressed was their view that the harm being done was that the children were being taught to believe in God, have an absolute value system, and respect authority, including their parents.  How does that make you feel about the government and public education?

In 1984, the Federally-funded U.S. Office of Education offered the following materials to help educators function as ‘change agents.’  That’s right CHANGE AGENTS!  The offerings are ED 056-345: Humanism – The Counselor’s Role as a Change Agent.  ED058-664 – Change Agent Teams Changing Schools: Case Studies.  ED054-513 – Emotional Arousal and Attitude Change During Simulation Games.  That is a clear threat to everything biblical and godly and a clear attack on the home, biblical values, and morality.  It is a plan to brainwash our children.  How does that make you feel about the government and public education?

Additionally, in a document titled: Report to the President’s Commission on School Finance, the concern expressed was that the majority of our youth hold the same values as their parents and that pattern, according to them, MUST BE CHANGED!  Wow!

In August 1973, the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare awarded $5,900,000 to 21 institutions to train 500 educational personnel to become leaders of educational change. 

Among the subjects taught in school one incredibly disturbing one was found in a Sociology textbook which explained “Situation Ethics” in this manner: “There are exceptions to moral laws, depending on the situation. What is wrong in one instance may be right in another.  Most children learn that it is wrong to lie.  But later they may learn that it is tactless, if not actually wrong, not to lie under certain circumstances.”  So much for the Bible’s version of “Thou Shalt Not Lie.”

I want to delve into this prophetic word a bit more and hope that I do not bore you with the details I give but it was heavy on my heart in 1984 and has expanded exponentially today in 2019.  What was happening as a trickle then is a flood today!

God bless you as you go through this day in His Presence!

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A PROPHETIC WORD THAT I GAVE IN 1984 – You Judge It…


Psalms 25:4-5 – “Make me know Thy ways, O LORD; Teach me Thy paths. 5 Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day.”  NASB

I would ask that you also read 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and Jeremiah 6:16 as we consider this word and see if I was right and if it is applicable today.  I preached this on March 11, 1984, at the Church I was leading in Chandler, Texas.  Some may remember it.  It was heavy on my heart then and the weight of it has never diminished through the past 35 years.

It would take more than an optimist to think that our present world is not a troubled world.  It would require a total denial of the facts.  Facts that are clearly visible on every hand.  There are many voices crying out today seeking the attention of the young and impressionable.  There are coordinated efforts to alter the behavior of our youth, shift their thinking and the ideological views away from God and the Bible.

There are dedicated efforts to give credibility to moral decay and advance situational ethics to the front of the line in people’s minds.  There are diabolical efforts afoot to lull us to sleep and make light of the subtle tricks of the forces of hell to implement his program in the hearts of the susceptible.  The target that is at the forefront of their objective more than any other is the young.

            Bill Gothard of Basic Institute of Youth Conflicts was spot on when he taught about the progression of moral decay and the acceptance of situational ethics and in the modern era political correctness.  He said: “What we allow in moderation our children will do in excess.”  Those who adhere to the doctrines of satanism and those who follow communistic and socialistic philosophies have long said: “Let us control the music and influence the education of just one generation and we will control the world.”  That is frightening but true!

There is a vast difference between a humanitarian and a humanist.  A humanitarian is a person who promotes human well-being.  Humane is the quality marked by compassion, sympathy, empathy, or consideration for others.  However secular humanism is a far cry for either of those.  It is birthed out of the pit of hell and diabolical at its core.

Secular humanism has sought and is seeking to introduce doctrine centered on human interests and human secular values, not biblical values.  It teaches that man has the capacity for self-fulfillment and in him is the human ability to determine what is ethical and right not the Bible. 

This philosophy, in 1984 has invaded American thinking beyond what we would have believed just a few years ago.  It can be found in every facet of life.  It is evident in the political, the judicial, and in education.  John Dewey recognized as the Father of Progressive Education was also the designer of the Humanist Manifesto of 1933.  Does that give you confidence in where our educational system has been and is headed?  Charles Francis Potter, a signer of the Humanist Manifesto I and president of the National Education Association said: “Education is the mower powerfully ally of Humanism and every American Public School is a School of Socialism.” 

I must ask, “What can a theistic Sunday School meeting, lasting one hour each week and teaching only a fraction of the children do to stem the tide of the five-day program of Humanism Teaching in the Public Schools?”  Please understand, I am not against education, I am very much for it, but I am adamantly against, the indoctrination of godlessness as being witnessed in our Public Schools and their stated agenda.

The Jan/Feb ’76 Issue of the Humanist had this to say: “Something wonderful, free, unheralded, and of significance to all humanists is happening in the secondary schools.  It is the adolescent literature movement.  They may burn “Slaughter House Five” in North Dakota and ban a number of innocuous books in Kanawha County, but thank God (interesting statement from an atheistic organization) the crazies don’t do all that much reading.  If they did, they’d find that they have already been defeated.  Adolescent literature has opened Pandora’s box…  Nothing that is part of contemporary life is taboo in this genre, and any valid piece of writing that helps make the world more knowable to young people serves an important humanistic function.”  That still shakes me to my core!

I apologize but I will be forced to put this in several parts because of space in a short devotional blog.  I hope you will go back each time and reread the first part, then the second part, and so forth as you examine my prophetic word in 1984.

God bless you as you rely on His Grace and rest in His Presence today!

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RESERVATION REQUIRED…


Revelation 21:27 – “and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”  NASB

I have had the pleasure and misfortune of traveling extensively. I have stayed in various types of hotels and different levels of quality.  I have discovered that, frequently, it is impossible to secure accommodation without reservation.  Even while serving in the Navy we discovered the importance of having a reservation.  We were going through the Panama Canal and were forced to wait several hours before we could go through because of the time of our reservation.  We had to wait for our reserved time slot.  Had we not had a reservation we would have had to wait hours and possibly more than a day before being permitted to go through the Canal to the Pacific from the Atlantic.

Traveling aboard ship, we found that in numerous ports we had to anchor offshore and await a slot at the pier because we did not have a reservation.  Most of us have discovered that going to the doctor requires an appointment or reservation.  Your name must be logged into his book with a time-slot or you will have to wait a long time if you get in at all.  Likewise, in some restaurants, you must have a reservation to get a table to dine or you are turned away.

In this world, the importance and requirement of making an advanced reservation to get into or do what you desire to do is readily apparent.  How much more, entering Heaven because in God’s House – A Reservation is Required!

Jesus said in John 3:3, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  Our text in Revelation, reveals that only those whose names are written in the Book of Life are permitted to enter.  A Reservation is Required!

CONSIDER THE PRIZE

The 21st Chapter of the Book of Revelation is an wonderful picture of Heaven.  The Prize for which we seek is Heaven, not Hell.  The Prize we desire is that we will be able to live, in this life, free of condemnation, guilt, shame, and sin.  In Heaven, there will be no more death, no more tears, no more pain.  In Heaven there will be no separation or rejection.  In Heaven there will be no disappointment or defeat.  We live Eternally in the Presence of the Eternal God of All Creation, the Living God!

CONSIDER THE PRICE

John 3:16 declares the incredible price that God paid for our Redemption and Reservation.  He gave Heaven’s best for Earth’s worst.  God’s Only Begotten Son became sin for us that we could live forever.  The Price was incredible, and the Prize is amazing!

CONSIDER THE PREPARATION

Jesus declared in John 10:9 – “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”  There is only one door and that door is Jesus!  We must be Born Again through the Forgiveness of God.  We received God’s Grace through the Sacrifice of Jesus, His Blood, His Obedience, His Suffering, His Death, His Resurrection, and Ascension.  He opened the Reservation Book for us because – A Reservation is Required!

There is only one classification of people that will enter Heaven – The Redeemed!  Those who are ‘born-again’.  Jesus said in John 6:37 – “All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” 

Redemption is required to make your reservation. It is the requirement for Heaven.  Today is the Day of Salvation and now is the accepted time.  If you do not know Jesus, then I ask that you examine your own heart and allow the Holy Spirit to bring to your consciousness:

  • Recognition of your sinful state.
  • Recognition of your need for a savior.
  • Repentance of your sin.
  • Reception of His Forgiveness and Jesus as your Savior.

The only question is – “Do You Have Your Reservation?” 

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

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GOD’S PLAN FOR THE CHURCH…


Revelation 2:29 – “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  NASB

Our LORD instructed John to write, “He that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the church.”  In John’s writing in the first two chapters of the Book of Revelation, he speaks in very plain language and lays out the plan of God.  The plan is incredibly simple and when followed in parts one and two, part three becomes possible and probable.

TO THE PASTORS – “Angels” – – Speak Up!

God makes a powerful declaration in Jeremiah 3:15 – “Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding.”    Jesus instructed His followers of their mission and commission in Matthew 28:20 as He told them that they were to go, “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 

Our mission and commission are to proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord of all.  We are to instruct others of the benefits, blessings, and truth of God’s Word.  In Salvation, we have Freedom beyond anything we have or could ever know.  We have moral freedom, spiritual authority, positive self-acceptance, and can become mighty in God through the power of the Holy Spirit.  We are to warn of the pitfalls and obstacles presented by sin. We are to expose rebellion and the results of that path and the benefits afforded believers through obedience.    So, pastors, it is time for you to Speak Up!

TO THE MEMBERS – – Shape Up!

God is not playing a game and fellowship with Him has some requirements.  He is Holy and wants us to be holy.  The apostle Paul declares in Romans 13:11-14 – “And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now, salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”

We discover a powerful revelation in Titus 2:11-14 – “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” 

We dare not overlook the powerful directive found in Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” 

The desire and requirement of God are that we walk in obedience to Him embracing His appointed leadership allowing ourselves to be lead deeper into His presence and grace.  There are incredible blessing and benefit that come through Obedience to God, His Spirit, and His Word.  Our acceptance into Heaven demands that we walk in obedience to Him.  We never want to be broken cisterns that can hold no water but vessels of honor for His Glory!

TO THE DEVIL – – Shut Up!

When pastors and teachers present the Truth of God explaining the benefits, blessings, and pitfalls something powerful happens.  When the congregation hears the truth of God’s Victory and the devil’s defeat something powerful happens.  When the Word goes forth people hear it, faith is developed in the heart, courage is inspired and the anointing comes!  The mouth of the enemy can be silenced by God’s people who know the Truth and know Who and Whose they are!

Satan has no right to say anything.  He has no power to overcome us because we are ‘more than conquerors through Jesus.’  It is important and imperative that we commit ourselves to Him and determine to walk in obedience to God’s plan and enjoy the benefits not only for ourselves but for the lost and all of humanity. 

May God inspire you to press into His presence and live in the Atmosphere of Heaven and allow the Holy Spirit to develop the culture of the Kingdom in you!   

Have a fantastic day!

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GOD’S UNSHAKABLE PRINCIPLE – Part Two…


1 John 5:14-16 – “And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”  NASB

In the last devotional we discussed a key to having prayers answered. That key is available to all believers all the time! Today we hope to expand that enlightenment and encouragement. Hopefully we will discover some things to help us in our pursuit of the Promises of God.

This text mentions some specific things that need to be examined individually.  It speaks of our confidence in God and our hope in prayer.  That confidence and hope are based on something specific.

  • IF We ask ANYTHING…

That takes the limitations off what we can pray about.  That covers every area of life and omits nothing.  Whatever we need is included in this declaration.  We have a solidly sure confidence and hope in God that “If we ask anything…”  But is that the finale of that statement?  No, there is more but it is the beginning which we need to embrace.

  • The Asking is to be According to or in Harmony with His Will.

I want to definitively insist that to know His Will it is mandatory that we know His Word and know Him!  I am equally convinced that to know God’s Word or understand the precepts and principles revealed therein it is mandatory that we be ‘born-again’.  As a Child of God, we are to ‘study’ as a workman not only learning but applying what we have learned. 

Theory is not what God is looking, He is looking for application.  Theoretical faith is of no real value but Applied Faith is. God wants us to ‘destroy’ the works of the devil not theorize about destroying the works of the devil.  If would be a mistake to assume that we can know the Word and Will of God without going to His Word or The Will and Testament where the Promises are made.

  • Additionally, We Discover that IF we ask According to or in Harmony with His Will – He Hears Us.

That is the key!  Psalm 34:15 informs, “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.”  That’s Prayer!  The fact that He hears us is of major significance as we read in verse 15 of our text.

  • If He Hears Us, the Promise is that WHATEVER We Have Asked is GRANTED.

Imagine such a guarantee in any area of life.  This promise sounds too good to be true but when you consider who is making the promise you quickly realize that if God said it, He will fulfill His part of the bargain.  Matthew 24:35 declares, “Heaven and Earth shall pass away but My Words shall not pass away.”

If we cannot rely on God’s Word and God to fulfill His Promises, then the Bible is worthless, and our faith is in vain.  The key is simple but not easy!  It is not easy become so completely committed to the Will of God and to invest ourselves in the pursuit of His Word, Will, and Purposes that we have complete confidence that we know His Will.  However, much of His will is plainly revealed in the Word and so obvious that even a blind man could see it clearly.

The first step in receiving answers to our prayer is Knowing the Will of God.  Therefore, the first line of our prayers should not be ‘gimmie,’ but what do you want, LORD?  I contend that God would never have a will for us and hide it from us.  He is not unconcerned about what we do, He has a preference.  We are to Ask, Seek, and Knock.  The question is our motives? What is our objective?  Why do we want what we want? 

I contend that much of the time we already know the will of God before we petition Him.  Sometimes we pray trying to get Him to change His mind and do what we want rather than what He has declared is His objective, desire, and purpose. 

The second step is to ask according to or in harmony with His will.  If we ask amiss, the Bible informs us that we will get nothing.  Our prayers become nothing more than noise. We become chatters of noise not purpose and faith.

The third step is to ‘Hold Firm to That Confidence’ and rest in the assurance of 1 John 5:14-15 refusing to doubt or be double-minded.  Jesus said it, the Bible authorizes it, God wills it, we believe it, it is settled, and it is ours!  That should be our approach to prayer!  

I believe that God has a will regarding any and every situation we encounter.  Hebrews 13:8 affirms that our LORD is the same yesterday, today and forever.  The Spirit of Truth is standing ready to minister to our every need and is concerned about our every prayer. 

God bless you as you embark on today’s leg of life’s journey!

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GOD’S UNSHAKABLE PRINCIPLE…


1 John 5:14-16 – “And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”  NASB

Through the years I have noticed that Christians talk a lot about faith.  Sometimes it is wishing they had faith or more faith.  Some wish they had the faith of Paul, Elijah, Moses, Daniel, or some other mighty man of the Bible.  I have had discussions with preachers and names such as Charles Finney, E.M. Bounds, Leonard Ravenhill, Martin Luther, Charles Wesley, John Hyde, David Brainard or some other legendary man of the past arises and the wish for a ministry or faith like they had is expressed. We marvel and are awed by those who are able to get results from God.  We are often captivated by them because they have something that we wish we had or perceive we do not have.

Tragically, we sometimes utter answer-less prayers expecting nothing and getting what we expected.  In our finite minds, we visualize God as a God limited in our situation but able to do great exploits for others.  There is a real problem that has a simple solution.  I said simple not necessarily easy!

God made His Word simple for the person who will seek His face and has the desire to discern and obey His will.  The Bible is an open book understood in precepts and principles both specific and general.  We have the Promise of Scripture that the Holy Spirit will:

  • Guide Us into All Truth.

He will guide or lead us but will not drive us to truth. God never forces us to receive His Truth. He almost never drops truth in our laps when there is no investment on our part.  Leading implies that someone is following.  Likewise, when driving begins leading ends.  It is a cooperative effort – He leads, and we follow.

  • Teach Us the Things of Christ.

Teaching does not take place unless there is learning on the part of the disciple or student.  Our openness to His instruction is necessary for Him to impart truth and knowledge to us.  It is for use not hoarding that He gives revelation.

  • Bring to Our Remembrance Christ’s Words.

The Holy Spirit is our resource bank of the Word of God.  He enables us to learn the precepts and principles of God so that we can function according to God’s purposes and plan. 

This is for everyone!  All who will avail themselves to His Promises can receive His Promises!  The Bible gives us a simple key to answered prayer and that key is available to whosoever will. 

I believe that based on the revelation of Romans 13:8 that Jesus is eternally the same, past, present, and future.  I rely on the revelation of Acts 10:34 that God is not a respecter of persons.  I build my faith on the declaration of James 1:17 that there is no variableness in God.  He is always the same and the same for everyone. 

I stand on Psalms 119:89 that His word is forever settled in Heaven and does not change.  I rest in Psalms 119:152, “Concerning thy testimonies, I have found of old that Thou hast founded them forever.”  I trust the words of Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”  My anchor is secured by 1 Peter 1:25, “But the Word of the LORD endures forever.”

God’s Word is sure and can be relied on in every situation.  So, if there is a key to answered prayer what is it and where can we find it?  That is what we will discuss in the next devotional.  It is found in the text that we used, and we will attempt to open it up at that time.

Until then, may God be with you and enable you to enjoy this beautiful day in Him!

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