GospeLines Devotionals: 8/8/05 - 8/12/05
August 8, 2005
"Obligations"
What's an obligation? Webster's dictionary tells us that an "obligation" is something we are bound to do; a duty or responsibility we are liable to be called on to answer. Also note that if we can be called to answer, this implies that an obligation must be to someone, not something. Putting all this together, we can determine that to be obligated means to be answerable to someone for a responsibility (or duty).
If we made a list of some of the people to whom most of us would consider ourselves to be obligated, it might look something like this:
- Family
- Friends
- Country
- Employer
- School
- Neighbors
We are obligated in some way or another to support, protect or defend each of these people or groups. However, you would very quickly admit that your "obligation" to them is not the same - you support, protect or defend each differently and to a greater or lesser extent. Why? What makes one obligation stronger than the other? What do they all have in common?
The deciding factor is love! If you ordered the names in my list by "love", most of us wouldn't change it much. Those we love the most, we feel the most obligation to support, protect or defend. How about God? Romans 8:11-13 tells us that "we have an obligation" - but it's not to our sinful nature - it's to live according to the Spirit of God."
Jesus says, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me" (Mathew 10:37); and, "If you love Me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15). These statements make it clear that Jesus wants to be #1 on our list. Therefore, our obligation to Him is greater than to all others. He will also call us to answer for how we supported, protected or defended Him on this earth. Is your love for Jesus more than all the others? If not, remember these words of Jesus: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38) Also remember, "If anyone does not love the Lord - a curse be on him..." (1st Corinthians 16:22)
Your first obligation is to love the Lord and obey His commands. Your second is to love your neighbors (everyone else) as yourself. It's pretty simple when we say it that way isn't it...?
Ron KillenU
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
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ron@gospelines.com
August 9, 2005
"Overwhelmed?"
Last night I told my wife, "There's just not enough hours in the day!" Sound familiar? Life has a way of piling more and more on us until we can't see how we'll ever get out from under the load.
Our Pastor recently told of a small boy who was pulling a wagon up a hill. The boy had three beautiful rocks in his wagon and pulling it was easy. As he traveled up the hill, he saw another beautiful rock; so, he added it to his load. The wagon was still easy to pull. Later, he added a fifth rock and then a sixth. By now, the wagon was getting pretty hard to pull; but, the boy knew he could still make it. Then he saw another beautiful rock. This one was bright red; and, since he had no red rocks, he added it to his load. Unfortunately, now he couldn't make it to the top of the hill. What could he do?
You're probably saying, "That's obvious. Take some rocks out of the wagon." Ok, but which one? They're all beautiful. How does he decide?
Have you ever taken on too many "rocks?" Our jobs are important – they pay the bills and provide for our families. Our families themselves are important; but, they demand time. We have hobbies and no one would tell us that we should give up those things that bring us enjoyment. We've also volunteered time to our church, the Little League or maybe the local Homeless Shelter – all very worthwhile things. However, when you take on one rock too many, life can become overwhelming. Their all beautiful; so, which rock are you going to take out of your wagon?
Like the little boy, we frequently overlook the "other" obvious solution – Get help! Why is that a problem? "All of you worship the Lord, so you must trust Him to help and protect you." (Psalm 115:11 - CEV) God has already promised: "I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you." (Isaiah 41:13 - CEV)
When life gets you down; when even the good things you do seem to overwhelm you, remember these words from the Psalmist: "My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes." (Psalm 17:5-7)
Father, in the name of Jesus, give us the faith to trust in the You with all our heart rather than to lean on our own understanding. We acknowledge You Father and ask that You direct our paths so that we will not be overwhelmed. Give us the strength to do Your will and the faith to trust You in all things. Amen.
Ron Killen†
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
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hron@comcast.net
August 10, 2005
"Do you love and respect Christ?"
Sometimes, when I'm writing a devotional, I don't know where the Lord is taking me. I start with a topic and just ask the Lord to lead me to the words and scriptures that will present His message. Sometimes I'm surprised; sometimes, I'm very thankful.
When the question was asked, "Do you love and respect Christ?" I didn't consider it as a topic for a devotional because, frankly, it offended me. "How can someone ask such a question?" I thought. "All Christians love Christ! Why else would they be Christians?"
Was that the correct answer? Is it that simple? The question kept rolling around in my head for days until I finally went to the source. "Jesus, Help me. Do I love and respect You?"
His answer was simple and filled with love. "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15)
I answered, "I do! At least, I do the best I can."
Then He said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
"I hear You Lord, and I follow... Most of the time..."
"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. (1st Peter 2:17) Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1st Peter 3:15) Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)
What I heard next brought joy to my heart. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2nd Peter 1:10-11)
It's not very often that the devotionals He gives me bring tears to my eyes; but, this time I'm very proud to say it did.
Thank You Jesus...
Ron KillenU
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
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hron@comcast.net
August 11, 2005
"Amen?"
When I finished my morning prayers, I got a very unusual message. God asked, "Do you understand what you just said?"
I was a bit confused and replied, "I think so. I wasn't sure what to pray for some people, but I know my spirit did."
Then He said, "Not your prayer, but the way you ended your prayer. Do you understand what you said?"
I said, "I always end 'in Jesus' name'?"
"No" He said, "You always end with 'Amen.'"
Now I was really confused, but He was silent; so, I did what I always do when He gives me a question... I went to His Word.
The word "amen" ('amēn) is carried directly from Hebrew into Greek and then into English and many other languages. It may be the most recognized word in human speech. "Amen" is almost identical to the Hebrew word for "believe" (amam), and may be translated as "sure", "truly" or "verily"; all expressions of trust and confidence.
Jesus frequently began His statements with the phrase, "I tell you the truth" or "Verily I say unto you." In all these cases, the actual Greek word used was "Amen." Jesus was saying, "This is true! Believe it!"
Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24) Do we really mean it when we end our prayers with amen? The next time you pray, instead of ending your prayer with the word "amen," try ending with something like: "In the name of Jesus, this will come to pass" or "In Jesus' name, I believe that God hears my prayer and will answer." Let God know you really believe!
Father, we come before You and confidently ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit; to be filled with faith in Your Holy Word and to be filled with Your love for our brothers and sisters, those who believe and those who do not yet believe. Father we ask that You direct our thoughts, our words and our deeds to Your service so that Your will may be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Father we pray to You in Jesus Holy name trusting and fully believing that You hear and that You will answer according to Your Word.
Ron KillenU
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
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hron@comcast.net
August 12, 2005
"WELCOME LEVI!"
"If you read this prophecy aloud…you will receive a blessing from the Lord.
Those who listen to it being read and do what it says will also be blessed."
Revelation 1:3 (LB)
The birth of a first grandson is an awesome experience!
Levi, a big whopping nine pounds, had to be delivered by c-section. Since his mother needed me to help with the night time duties, I spent the first week of his life with our daughter and son-in-law.
Those were precious times.
I sensed a special bond being formed between grandma and grandson as we shared the wee hours of the night feeding, cuddling, and loving one another. Levi soon learned the voice of his grandma as I talked to him while doing the necessary things that keep a newborn baby happy.
While taking care of Levi that first week I missed our church services at home. The message was on Revelation, and I love anything on the victorious, last book in the New Testament. So while running a few errands I went by and picked up a tape of the message I had missed.
That night, about midnight, Julia and Alan went to bed and left little Levi and me to do the middle of the night feeding. I enjoyed those times when it was just the two of us. Levi would look up at me as if to say, "Thank you, grandma, for being here to feed me again tonight."
The tape of Sunday's services was ready for me to listen to as soon as I finished Levi's feeding.
Suddenly, I remembered Revelation 1:2 says we are blessed when we hear someone read those Scriptures. I cuddled Levi to me, gave him his bottle that had been prepared ahead from his mother's milk, and turned on the tape recorder. With big, brown, adoring eyes transfixed on grandma's face, Levi and I listened to my pastor read from Revelation.
Sleepy eyes and sweet, nighttime sounds let me know Levi's bottle was nearly empty and he would be happy for another few hours.
I prayed that all the days of his life, Levi would know the joy, contentment and blessings that come from hearing and obeying the words of God.
Melva Cooper
melva@melvacooper.com
www.melvacooper.com
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