NEWSPAPER DEVOTIONAL ARTICLES
January - June, 2003

    These weekly articles were written by Rev Mike Jones for South Carolina Newspapers on a busy Pastor's schedule. Space was limited to around 300 words so in depth exposition is not possible.
    To receive Devotional articles like this each week via E-mail simply request them by clicking on the envelope at the right- To receive printed copies of the devotional messages in booklet form send your name and address to
        Rev Mike Jones, Minister Ministry
        2434 Allen Road, Effingham, S C 29541
[The Material is free and no follow up solicitation will follow]

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 31, 2002

    One year ends. Another year begins. In the coming year Nations will rise and fall, multitudes of people will be born and many will die, and the must have toy of a week ago will be assigned to a corner of the closet; forgotten and unwanted. Wars and rumors of wars will trouble men’s minds and consume daily news broadcast. And life will go on.
    Debt, disease, divorce, disaster, and death will be the prevailing problems and will be the preoccupying issue in the hearts and minds of most people. Trying to make the money you want and need, trying to avoid or cure sickness, trying to keep your family together and functioning well, trying to keep abreast of weather warnings so you can avoid disasters, and spending your life avoiding death will occupy most of your energy and efforts. But, in the final analyst, are these the most important issue you will face this year?
    One second after death the only debt that will matter is the one you owe God. One second after death disease will no longer concern you. One second after death the issue that will trouble you the most about your family is where they will spend eternity. One second after death you will realize that the greatest disaster you could ever face is having to face God unprepared. One second after death you will realize that death not only ended your life but it also ended your opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and get right with God.
    Isn’t it strange how a doctor’s report of a possible problem seen in an x-ray can cause us to go to great expense and pain to make sure of what the problem really is while a preacher’s proclamation from the infallible word of God about coming judgement rolls off our back and out of our mind. Many important issues will occupy your heart and mind this coming year. Of those issues, the most important one concerns your relationship with God. Will it be important to you or ignored by you?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, January 1, 2003

    A new year looms before us. Will it be filled with thrills or scary with terror? Will it be a year in which you experience stunning victories or will it bring agonizing defeats? Will it be the best year of your life, the worst year of your life, or another year where you simply try to exist from week to week?
    Gladly, I do not know the details of the year before us. There are, however, several permanent principles I can rest in as I venture into the unexplored year that stretches ahead of us.
    1) Nothing in the new year will take God by surprise. He sees the end of the year from the beginning and is fully aware of every obstacle and opportunity that the new year holds. As long as I walk with God then nothing I face will be unfaceable.
    2) God is the solid Rock and I can rest in His stability no matter what changes come in this new year. As time flows through this year it will undercut many people and principles that I thought were permanent and stable. Time after time I know I will shake my head as I see customs and character crumble beneath the onslaught of changing public standards but the tumultuous waters all around me will only add to the greatness of the Rock on which I stand.
    Will you make this new year one in which you walk hand in hand with God or will you simply be dragged along by the river of time? Just remember this; Time will run into eternity one day so you had better spend your time getting ready for eternity.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 7, 2003

    Wouldn’t it be great if you could get just the gift you needed as just the time you needed it! According to James 1:17 that is exactly what God is able to do- "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
    God gives Good Gifts; things that will benefit and help you. This is not a gift from a distant aunt who is trying to be polite. It is just the gift you need from an all knowing, ever loving heavenly Father.
    God’s gifts are not only Good, they are also Perfect. The word "Perfect" here means "Complete". God’s gift has everything you need!
    It is perfect because of its Source- it "is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights". It is perfect because of the Stability of the Giver- "With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning". He remains so steadfast in His love and care for you until not even a shadow of concern need ever be felt.
    What are some of the Good and Perfect Gifts that God gives? Satisfaction- Ec 5:19 "Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.". Eternal Life- Ro 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." And the Spirit’s indwelling presence- Ac 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
    All good gifts come down from God. Disease, death, destruction, and disasters are all "gifts" from Satan. Who are you serving?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, January 8, 2003

    The only time the word "Variableness" is found in Scripture is in James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." It is used here as a term of astronomy that equates the stability of God with that of the Sun.
    In a day and age in which people thought the sun revolved around the earth this shows the amazing integrity of the word of God as it revealed that the Sun was stable and the earth was the one that moved. Once again God’s word proves that it is trustworthy because it was given from an all knowing God instead of being thought up based on the limited knowledge of men.  
    Think of the truth contained in this verse. God has no "variableness" in any circumstances. In the darkness of night when the sun is completely hidden from view and hope seems all but gone, the sun is still shining just as brightly as ever. And in a few short hours it will come back into view once again- Glory!
    The earth may tilt away from the sun and the season may grow cold but the sun remains steadfast simply waiting on the earth to tilt back into a place of warmth; just as God patiently waits for us to see how cold it gets when we draw away from Him and how wonderful it is when His warmth returns.
    Thank God for a stable God with "No Variableness".

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 14, 2003

    The world is full of words. Words are used to excuse, accuse, bemuse, and confuse. Words blare from the radio in our car, stream from the TV in our living room, and cascade from the crowds as people try to get us to accept their point of view or buy the product they are selling. Into the midst of this waterfall of words let me throw three life changing questions that could change your life for now and for eternity.
    1) Has the Lord been dealing with you recently? Has sickness or sorrow turned your thoughts from the frivolity of mind numbing TV programs to an awareness that the situations and circumstances of life are more than you can handle by yourself? Does your laughter ring hollow because of a sudden ache in your heart? Do your possessions suddenly seem unimportant as your conscience pricks your heart about death and judgment? Has God been getting your attention recently?
    2) Down in your heart do you really want to be right with God? Are you satisfied with the way you are living now so that you have no desire to change your character and conduct or is there a deep yearning in your heart to make a meaningful life changing change? God knocks at heart doors and asks permission to enter. Do you long to hear Him knock on your heart or would you rather He just leave you alone to live and die as you please?
    3) If you knew how to get right with God would you trust Christ as your Savior today? If someone told you that acknowledging your sinfulness, believing Christ paid your sin debt, and confessing your faith in Christ would change you from the inside out would you follow that plan and make those steps? Well, will you?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, January 15, 2003

    Achsah was the daughter of Caleb. As a wedding present she had been given a south land. She should have been happy but this south land was part of the Negev desert. It was good for wandering herders but not for a wife who wanted to settle down and raise a family.
    What it needed was some water so the desert could be changed into a garden. So Achsah went to her father and asked for a watering hole to go with the land. Like all good fathers, Caleb gave her more than she asked for- He gave her 2 springs of water: an upper spring and a lower spring (One on each side of the land). Several important principles about how God works in our life are evident in the answer to Achsah’s request.
    1) Always desire something better- Achsah could have been satisfied with a desert but she knew things cannot change if they remain the same. She got more because she wanted more. Lukewarm gives God indigestion; He wants you to be the best you can be.
    2) You have not because you ask not. Achsah could have spent her life wandering in the desert but she asked. Will Heaven reveal marvelous things God wanted to give us if we would have just asked for them?
    3) God is able to give us exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think; even if it means putting a spring on either end of our desert! God has a big hand and a big heart for His children

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 21, 2003

    I keep a note pad in my bathroom at home. I also keep one beside my bed, in my car, and by the kitchen table. I never know when I will need to write down some inspiration or information.
    Recently, I noticed that my note pad in the bathroom had the outline of a hand traced on it. My niece had recently stayed several days with us and she had evidently traced her hand one day while she was in the bathroom. It was very easy to tell it was her hand. It was smaller than the hand of either my wife or I and it was traced with purple ink (Her favorite color right now).
    From time to time something special or unexpected happens in my life. That's when I begin to look around for the hand print of God. Sometimes its so easy to identify until you would think it were drawn with purple ink. Other times the outline is so faint until you wonder if an angel simply laid their hand on the problem and all that remains is an imprint from stardust.
    God is continually at work in the lives of His people; helping and guiding them. Sometimes He works through a dramatic miracle that shakes us to our very roots. Most times, however, it is simply the imprint of His hand on the incidents of life. Either way, whether in imprints or in powerful manifestations, He is showing us His love and care.
    Learn to recognize the distinctive outline of God's hand as He continually protects and prods you. It will add an excitement and adventure to your life that will change your entire outlook. And rejoice that one day you will be able to grasp the hand behind the hand print and thank Him for His wonderful works on your behalf.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, January 22, 2003

    The function of my job means that I keep the financial records of numerous ministry organizations. This record keeping demands a fair amount of time during the year but it is especially stressful when end of year reports must be completed. One of the ministries that is of special interest to me is the Free Will Baptist State Office financial statement because that is the one that supports me!
    Last year at our state meeting in February we made some changes in our budget and I simply instituted those changes the first of March. When I figured up my report for the year I found that these changes had caused me to spend $100 over my budget. We have no outside source to look to so that meant I would have to make up that difference. The problem was that Christmas and the end of the year expenses had cut me short.
    Five minutes after I found this need an individual came in and said that God had impressed him to bring me a personal check for $100- Is there a "Glory" anywhere in the house?
    That God would meet my need is wonderful. That he would have burdened this person’s heart to furnish the provision for the need hours before I knew I had the need is simply mind boggling. God paid the debt before I knew that I had a debt!
    By the way, that is exactly the same thing Jesus did when He died on the cross for you. He paid for your debt before you were born so your could be born again many years later!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 28, 2003

    When the church was originally being drawn up it seemed like a good idea; put the rest rooms at the back of the Sanctuary so people could get to them easily from inside the church. It looked good on paper but it turned out not to be so good in real life. The wall for the ladies rest room was only 3 feet from the back pew. Whenever someone was in the ladies room any sounds carried very loudly into the back of the church. The Ladies were not happy campers.
    After several years of this the men finally figured that moving the rest rooms was the only way to restore peace and harmony among the women. They devised a plan that would relocate the rest rooms into the back of a large room beside the sanctuary. This would make them easily accessible while also making them much more private.
    But you know how lazy men are. The area in which they wanted to relocate the rest rooms already had a light in the center so the men simply erected the wall between the men’s room and the ladies room so that the light would shine into both rooms. I can almost see the men’s sigh of relief at not having to run all kind of electric wire to finish this project.
    A problem developed, however. The light switch was located in the ladies room. If you were in the men’s room and a lady leaving the ladies room decided to cut off the light you were left in the dark. How do I know? Been there, done that!
    Sometimes men, because of there own wisdom, their fleshly weakness, or their sinful wickedness think they can use God’s Light without being connected to God’s Power. It may work for awhile but sooner or later the light will go out and you will be left in a really awkward position.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, January 29, 2003

    It happened twice in a short period of time. I was visiting with two different Pastors and both of them could hardly walk. These were young preachers who were supposed to be full of vigor and vinegar and they were moving around like old men. And in both cases the reason was the same.
    These young preachers had decided to play some basketball with a church group after a long winter of inactivity and now they were so sore until they could hardly move. In fact, one of them said he never knew he had muscles on his kneecap but he did now because even those muscles were sore!
    Changing from a time of inactivity to a period of much activity had caused pain and discomfort. Remember that the next time people start complaining as soon as the Church decides to begin a new program. Everyone wants the fun and fitness that comes from playing basketball but no one wants the sore muscles that result when you first get into playing.
    Jesus did not call us to sit on the seat of laziness and become Church couch potatoes. He said we were to go into all the world and stir things up for God. Sometimes that will mean dealing with new music, new programs, and new activities; and all of these will tend to make someone sore! Just keep up what you are doing and soon the soreness will turn to success and you will find the results are well worth the efforts and pain you endured.

 

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 4, 2003

    Paul declared that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. The problem many people have, however, is discerning what it means to believe.
    Do you just believe in the church and what it represents? I know sometimes that I am ashamed of the way ministers and members of churches behave so that must not be it. Do you believe in Christianity as a religion? I am embarrassed sometimes at the actions and attitudes of people who call themselves Christians so that must not be it.
    The Greek work for Believe here means to "Trust in, to rely on, to cling to". But what do you trust and how do you cling to it? Of course, as Christians, we believe that your trust must be in the sacrificial death and supernatural resurrection of Jesus Christ. But how does that change from a head knowledge to a life changing trust?
    There are a trio of needs in true belief. First, there must be a personal Trust in God’s word about the way God has provided. Faith cannot be second hand. You may change your opinions because of family, friends, or society but your heart will only change when you have a personal trust in a trustworthy God.
    Secondly, Trust must bring you to the place of confident surrender. This is where many people hesitate in their trust of Christ. They want to believe that Christ will save them but they are not willing to surrender themselves into the will and work of God.
    Finally, Trust is built on a Firm faith in Faith. Your feelings will change. Your character will change. Your friends will change. But your Faith must rest in none of these; it must rest in your belief in the truthfulness of God’s word.
    A personal Trust, A confident surrender, a firm reliance on God’s word. That is what Saving Faith is all about. Is that the Faith you have?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, February 5, 2003

    My wife and I will celebrate thirty-three years of married bliss this week. The scriptures proclaim that, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD"(Pr 18:22). My wife has truly been my "good thing" from the Lord and I praise Him for His leadership in choosing her.
    Most people know that I call her "Princess". Partly because she is so regal and partly because she tends to have a "Princess attitude" about everything being just right - remember the old story about the way you discerned a real Princess; you put a pebble under 27 mattresses and the Princess was the one who said their was a lump in the bed!
    My Princess has not only been the joy of my life but she has also been a tremendous partner in my ministry. Her unswerving devotion to things being done in a certain way have kept me from becoming a totally absent minded professor. Her willingness to accept the hardships, financial insecurity, and lack of stability of a Pastor have enabled us to devote our lives to ministry instead of misery. And her personal holiness and dedication to the Lord have enhanced our walk with the Lord and enabled us to fight the good fight of faith in our work for God.
    When you have a Princess for a partner and you walk as a child of the King then life is indeed good. Praise God for a good wife and loving Heavenly Father.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 11, 2003

(Mark 1:17-18) And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

    Do you really want to show your love for someone. Then tell them about the greatest love ever displayed; the love of God for lost men.
    There are 2 basic ways to Fish; Net Fishing (Many at one time- equal to preaching to a congregation) and Line Fishing (1 at the time- equal to personal Soul Winning). If you are going to be successful in obeying Jesus’ command to be a fisherman then you must decide what kind of fishing you will do (You can do Both! But not normally at the same time.).
    The First thing a fishermen must have is A DESIRE TO FISH. Do you WANT to catch some Fish or are you satisfied with growing Fruit instead of catching Fish?? Do you want to obtain Fish bad enough to go fishing?? (Or would you rather "eat" what someone else has caught?)
    Secondly, there must be A PLACE TO FISH. You don't fish in the middle of a field! You have to go where the fish are located. Most of the time, you net fish in the ocean and line fish in rivers and lakes (Most of the time you Preach in Church and do Personal work in the highways and hedges)
    Finally, there must be EQUIPMENT TO FISH WITH. Use your Testimony (What Jesus done for you) and a Text (The Roman's Road is good- No one is righteous- Rom 3:10; All are Sinners- Rom 3:23; The Wages of Sin is Death- Rom 6: 23 ; Christ loved us even as Sinners- Rom 5:8; You must believe and confess Christ- Rom 10:9-10; Assurance is based on God's Word Rom 10:13)
    Have you been fishing lately? There are lots of good fishing "Holes" available if you want to take advantage of them. So show someone you love them this week by sharing Christ with them.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, February 12, 2003

    Sometimes Jesus makes it very difficult for us to just "Play the Christian game". One prime example of that is part of a sermon he preached as recorded in the gospel of Luke.
    (Luke 6:27-36) But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
    I have no problem loving my favorite people. Its pretty easy to love my friends. But loving my enemies and the people who despitefully use me; that takes God living inside. Does He?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 18, 2003

Miracle Message for Wednesday, February 19, 2003

    While riding with my wife recently, I asked her to share with me four words that she thought would best describe "Love". Her answer was so good until I wanted to share it with you.
    According to Princess Paula Love is: (You know she is a preacher’s wife when she illiterates her points!).

1) Truthful- Love means you are honest with one another. You don’t use truth as a sword to harm but as a foundation to build upon. This turns a romance into a relationship and enables the years to draw you together instead of wedging you apart.

2) Trustful- Love means you can depend on one another. You are a person of your word and your mate has no need to worry about your actions when you are apart.

3) Thoughtful- Love thinks of the other. It is not self centered or self satisfying. I try to never get a cup of coffee without asking my wife is she wants a cup. In the same way that "little foxes spoil the vine" so the little things can make or break a relationship.

4) Tender- Love is not heavy handed and controlling. Several times I have seen people who thought love meant they treated their mate as a slave or a child. Love treats the person loved with respect and sensitivity while recognizing they have their own personality.

    Real Love is the greatest ability God has given man. Make sure you love right- toward others and toward God.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 25, 2003

    I did not have any sisters so my three brothers and I had to take turns washing dishes. I don't like washing dishes. When I married a wife I gave up washing dishes except during an emergency or sickness. My wife is very understanding about my dislike for dish washing and she tells me that she doesn't try to preach for me and I don't have to wash dishes for her!
    After we were married for a few years, I decided to "butter" her up by washing the dishes for her one afternoon while she was doing something else. I expected her to come in and really rave about how thoughtful I was for washing dishes for her. Did she deflate my balloon. Instead of telling me how nice I was, the first thing she did was tell me the spoon I had washed were lying in the drain the wrong way. So much for buttering up your wife!
    I hated to admit it but she was right. I had rinsed the spoons off and put them in the drain face up. That allowed the rinse water to collect in the bottom of the spoon and leave an ugly stain. I should have turned them upside down so all the water would drain from them.
    That's a problem people sometimes have also. They come to God for cleansing but they don't turn over after they're clean and sin begins to collect in their life again. They need to learn that God expects us to turn our back on sin when we turn our face toward Him.
    If sin is continually defeating you today, maybe you're facing the wrong way. Turn over and let the sin drain out of your life. After all, God does not want to simply wash you from pass sins, He wants to help you live pure in the present. And that is the life of peace and joy you have been looking for.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, February 26, 2003

    WHAT IS GOD DOING IN YOUR CHURCH THAT YOU NEED TO RESPOND TO?? Christ said that HE would build His Church and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it. The way He builds His Church is by sending people and opportunities to a Church.
    Keep your eyes out for PEOPLE that God will send to your Church. The Holy Spirit knows what the body of Christ (The Church) needs and He will send in the right part at the right time to allow the Church to fulfill it's mission for Christ.
    These people may be Eyes (People of Vision), Hands (People to work), Feet (People of Service), and even Funny Bones (People with a sense of humor to allow us to take God seriously but still laugh at some of life’s circumstances). But if they are sent by the Spirit they will be just what the Church needs at that time.
    In addition to People God will also send OPPORTUNITIES. These are situations that God provides so that a congregation can accomplish His work. Your Church may suddenly find it has many widows (An opportunity to minister emotionally, financially, and spiritually). Or you may have an influx of other nationalities, or youth, or singles, etc. Just remember, these are not obstacles, they are opportunities.
    God wants to work in your Church. Will you respond to what HE is doing so He can build His Church?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 4, 2003

    It had been a long hard day that was advancing into the night when I finally was able to leave the office and take my lovely wife to supper. We wanted something fast so we went to a local buffet restaurant. Suddenly, as we were preparing to tell the cashier our order, a policeman came bursting in and started looking us over very closely. Then he told the cashier to stop everything and get the manager.
    When the manager came out the policeman pulled him into a corner and started gesturing at us. I looked at my wife and she looked at me and we both were wondering what in the world was going on. Finally, the policeman left and the manager came back and told the cashier, new at her job, that she had accidently pushed the silent alarm and the police thought a robbery was taking place! And guess who the policeman thought was doing the robbing!
    Around the turn of the century many people got all excited about Y2K and the coming of the Lord. In the three years since the new millennium began I seldom hear the Lord’s return even mentioned in sermons. It is almost as if people have decided that if the Lord did not return before the year 2000 then He was not going to return at all.
    Let me share some news with you. Some soon coming day you will be going about your normal activities just as my wife and I were doing. Then in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the Lord will return and rapture His bride, the Church. Later He will come with a trumpet and with glory so that every eye can behold Him but that will be after the "silent alarm" has sounded and the Church is already gone.
    I’m glad I was innocent when the silent alarm went off in that restaurant and I’m glad I’m living expectantly so that I will be ready at any time the Lord returns. Is that the way you are living?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, March 5, 2003

    The best I can determine it happened one night because I was tired. I came home from work and was at my home computer trying to catch up on some Outreach Ministry work. In the middle of trying to write something I just fell asleep (No, I was not listening to my preaching at the time!).
    When I awoke nearly an hour later I found I had been leaning on my right arm while I slept. Evidently, I bruised something or damaged a nerve because since then I have had extreme pain in my arm and have hardly been able to use it. And this at one of the most busy times in my year.
    The Church is called the body of Christ. Each member of the body has a function to perform and if one member suffers then the entire body feels the effects. In my case, my body is still going but my effectiveness has greatly decreased. The same principle holds true for the church. If one part of the body is not able or willing to do its part then the church will go on but it will impact all areas of the work.
    In my case, it was such a silly way to be hurt. In many cases of hurt members of churches it is just as silly. Someone fails to say "hello" or something else as unintentional. But the damage is done and the body will not work well until the hurt is healed.
    One final truth. I did not cut my arm off just because it was hurt. I expect it to get well and function correctly again. Remember that the next time you are hurt in church

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 11, 2003

    Preachers change their text and the manner of their delivery but almost all sermons fall into one of three categories. Some sermons are meant to Condemn sin and sinful actions. This is the most common theme and is the reason so many people think of church in a negative way (It is hard to be positive about the destructive effects of sin!).
    Some sermons major on bringing Comfort to the weary and broken hearted. Life is tough and many people come to church needing to have the balm of Gilead applied to their aching heart so they can find the strength and courage to continue. A good text for a sermon like this is Hebrews 12:12-13 "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed."
    But more and more I am noticing that less and less do I hear sermons that Challenge people. The average church is stagnate in its growth and plagued with personal problems because people are so concerned with the wrong they are doing or with the problems they are facing until they become like the dead sea; always taking things in but never giving anything out until the good water actually turns deadly.
    Jesus amazed me with the way He would challenge people. He would walk up to a hated Tax Collector or a busy fisherman and challenge them to leave everything and come follow him. He seldom left people in their comfort zone as He required would be disciples to let the dead bury the dead or to sell all they had and come follow Him.
    Preachers should never stop condemning sin or bringing comfort to people but they need to earnestly pray that God will sometimes give them a message of challenge. After all, you will never change if you stay like you are.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, March 12, 2003

    Amazingly, Christianity is based on your ears and not on your eyes- "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God". Even the gift of Salvation is offered through the preaching of the Word rather than the performing of miracles. And when God wanted a way to describe His Son He called Him "the Word".
    That is the reason such great stress is placed on Hearing God’s message. Which leads us to the four kinds of Hearers of the Heavenly Proclamation.

1) Delighted Hearers- (Psalms 1:2) "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." These people do not have to be bribed or brow-beaten to get them to listen to God’s word being preached or taught. They delight in what their ears are hearing.

2) Dull Hearers- Dull Hearers are those who hear but seldom heed what is being proclaimed. They may attend Church for months and years but their actions and attitudes remain unchanged because they hear without hearing.

3) Denying Hearers- These refuse to believe or accept God’s proclamation about their sinfulness and their need of salvation.

4) Deaf Hearers- These have ears to hear but they hear not. The hardness of their heart deafens the music of God’s Message.

    How is your hearing? Have you heard any good news from God lately?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 18, 2003

    God’s definition of Faith still amazes me- "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is the evidence, the proof that brings conviction, of things that cannot be proven by normal human senses. You cannot see Faith. You cannot touch Faith. You cannot put Faith in a test tube and analyze it. Yet Faith in Faith produces enough evidence until it changes the lives of countless multitudes on earth and the destination of this same group for eternity!
    Faith is not only the convincing proof of that which cannot be seen; it is also the substance of things we hope for. The "things we hope for" is the realization that Earth is temporary, Heaven is awaiting, and God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us. This is the driving force in the life of a Christian. It is the motivation that motivates us to move forward when the body, and society, screams for us to quit struggling and simply go with the flow.
    What then is the substance of the Substance of the things we hope for? "Substance" comes from a Greek word meaning "To place under" and is used to describe a foundation or support. One writer described it as Assurance or Confirmation. In simple English, you cannot hang the hook of faith on the empty air of "I hope so" or "I wish it". Faith must be built on a solid foundation or it is just wishful thinking.
    So what is the Substance that puts Faith on a solid foundation? "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Rom 10:17). Faith must be built on the rock of the authority of the Word of God; not on the sinking sand of your opinion, your feelings, or the standards of society. So read and study God’s Word. It will put some substance in the things you hope for and turn your faith from a Sunday morning drudgery into a joyful abundant life.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, March 19, 2003

    Today is a VERY IMPORTANT DAY to me; it is my Spiritual Birthday. 41 years ago I knelt at an altar and asked God to forgive me of my sins. I didn’t know much about the Bible or about God but I realized that I had sinned and that the results of those sins would be eternity in Hell. And I didn’t want that!
    Kneeling at that altar; convicted, confused, and crying, I didn’t know what to do. I just knew I needed forgiveness and the preacher had asked me to come to the altar to be saved.
    As I knelt there, trying my best to get God to do something in my life, one of the Deacons of the Church leaned over and told me to "Trust Jesus". That simple act of faith changed me from a hell bound sinner into a Heaven going child of God.
    Since that day I have made more mistakes than I have fingers, toes, and elbows; but the mercy and grace of God have kept me in the fold and on the way. And the fact that God loves me and cares for me through it all still overwhelms me.
    When I asked God to forgive my sins, the Holy Spirit came into my life. This Holy Spirit has become my companion, my comforter, and my guide. His presence has brought instruction to my mind, direction to my life, and power to my service.
    You can have the same birthday as I have. Simply stop where you are, tell God you are sorry for your sinful life and you want to change, and then simply "Trust Jesus".

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 25, 2003

(James 2:1) My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
    This is a very serious command because it list something that should not be part of our life if we have Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ- "Respect of Persons". The Greek for this phrase means to "Show no Prejudice or Partiality toward people" and describes the attitude of a child of God as being that of his Heavenly Father who loved the entire world so much until He gave His only Son to die so that Whosoever would might come and take of the waters of life freely.
    James illustrates this principle by telling about some who accept a rich man because he is rich but reject a poor man because he is poor. Most people think themselves above this kind of "respect of persons" and declare they would never treat a person badly simply because the person does not wear the best clothes. But if you think this prejudice is dead ask a teen to wear affordable clothes to school instead of the latest fashion. Or ask dad to trade in his new SUV or fancy chrome pick-up for a fuel economy car that works well but does not impress the neighbors.
    But "Respect of Persons" goes far beyond financial prejudice. It also raises its ugly head in racial prejudice and national prejudice. Christians in India, Brazil, and Japan may look different and even worship a little differently but they are just as dedicated to the Lord as American Christians. Many of them may be financially poor but they are spiritually rich with their zeal and dedication to the Lord. Being an American does not give us a corner on being a Christian.
    Multitudes of people need the Lord. Many nationalities serve the Lord. Don’t color your vision with the shades of prejudice- "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." (James 2:9)

Miracle Message for Wednesday, March 26, 2003

    Throughout the Bible, God gives us many things that we should always do. Permanent practices that will bring joy to our life and power to our testimony. Here are a few "Always".
    Always Pray- (Luke 18:1) And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
    Always be Confident- (2 Corinthians 5:6) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
    Always be Thankful- (Ephesians 5:20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
    Always abide in God’s Peace- (2 Thessalonians 3:16) Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
    Always be Ready to Testify- (1 Peter 3:15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
    Always abound in the work of the Lord- (1 Corinthians 15:58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 8, 2003

    Life is all about choices. Some choices are made by responsibility- if you do not get out of bed and go to work or go to school then you will not get paid or receive an education. Some choices are made by necessity- if you choose not to eat you will starve. Some choices are make by society- If you choose not to bathe then you will stink! Every day your life is directed, and, to some degree, your future is determined, by the choices you make. So what are some good choices you should make?
    Chose how you will use your Abilities. It is not about the greatness of your abilities but about how well you use the abilities you have. One of the great stories in the Bible involves a woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and dried them with her hair. She chose to do what she could with the abilities that she had.
    Chose how you will use your Resources. Jesus told several stories about the amount of resources that were given to various people. In each case the problem was not how much resources the person had but how they used the talents entrusted to them by the master.
    The most important choice of all, however, is your choice about serving God- Jos 24:15 ..., choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
    Life is full of choices. All of them impact you either now or for eternity. Make God’s work and God’s will the key ingredient in your choices every day.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 9, 2003

    Christians should be able to say, "I would rather be in Hell with Christ than in Heaven without Him". A thought provoking statement that may be immediately rejected by some because it sounds so radical but it goes to the very heart of Christianity.
    The true meaning of Christianity involves a genuine relationship with God through Christ. Sin is wrong not just because it is sin but because it separates us from God. Jesus died so that our sin debt could be paid. This was not just an accounting procedure put in place by a nit picking God who had to have everything His own way. The debt of sin had to be paid because it separated us from God. The place of sin’s punishment was not the main problem; separation from God was the real issue.
    The reason so many people today find Church to be dull and Christianity to be a dreary duty is because they believe Christianity is a religion to perform instead of a relationship to enjoy. Instead of a bride anxiously awaiting the bride groom they picture God as a really neat granddad who is supposed to give them pleasure and prosperity on earth before they are dragged kicking and screaming through death’s door into Heaven.
    Is your Christianity a life insurance policy with premiums that must be paid by a weekly visit to your local church? Or is it a living personal relationship with a God that brings peace to your heart, joy to your life, and hope to your future?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 15, 2003

    In Matthew 9:28 two blind men came to Jesus and asked to be healed. Jesus said to them, "Believe ye that I am able to do this?" Their healing was based on their faith in His ability.
The Scriptures say a lot about the Abilities of the Lord:
1) He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him. Heb 7:25
2) Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling. Jude 24
3) He is able to succour (Assist) them that are tempted. Heb 2:18
4) And being fully persuaded that, what he has promised, He was also able to perform. Rom 4:21
5) God is able to make all grace abound toward you. 2 Cor 9:8
6) I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. II Tim 1:12
7) Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us. Eph 3:20
    The two blind men responded to Jesus, "Yes, we believe that you are ABLE." They were then healed by the power of Jesus’ touch. If we believe in God’s ability then soon we will see God’s power at work in our lives.
    And remember, God’s ability extended even unto raising Christ from the dead. Easter just shows us that God’s ability is greater than any problem we may face. What a Great God we serve!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 16, 2003

    Suppose I came to a major cross road intersection where the road I was traveling branched off in two different directions. I have been warned that following one of these roads will lead to great joy and allow me to reach my desired destination but following the other road will lead to many troubles and trials and finally end up in a bog of despair from which there is no escape.
    Both roads look the same from the intersection so I have no clue as to which one to take. Suddenly I see two men sitting on a bench under a tree so I approach them to see if they can give me directions. As I get closer and can see more clearly I notice that one of the men is alive and well but the other is simply a corpse sitting up on a bench!
    Which one of these men do you think I should consult about directions in this important life decision? Obviously, the answer is the man who is alive and can actually help me.
    Many religious leaders have come into this world. Some of them have been extremely smart and have left great teachings about how to deal with life and its problems and they have multitudes of followers. But this fork in the road is not just about being happy in this life; it is about being able to deal with death and what lies beyond.
    Only one religious leader has journeyed through the valley of death and come back to give us directions. His name is Jesus and He is the one to point you down the right road to eternal life.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 22, 2003

    Suddenly her entire world changed. A Saturday adventure to visit an aunt and enjoy some free time ended in a major accident with many broken bones and several serious injuries. Jobs and plans were put on hold as pain, surgery, and hospital routine replaced the daily duties of life.
    When I visited this child of a missionary I expected to see tears, groans, and sorrows. Instead, I saw a pretty smile and a positive attitude that made her more of an encouragement to me than I was to her! And I also heard a great sermon from a hospital bed.
    Someone had visited this young lady just before my visit and had shared some scripture with her as part of the visit. Part of the scripture told about dwelling under the shadow of God’s wing and she was excited because she had never thought about God having a shadow before. She could really relate to God’s shadow now because she had been to the valley of the shadow of death where she learned that our days are but as a shadow that is soon past but you need not fear this darkness as long as you dwell under the shadow of God’s Wing. The shadow had suddenly become sunshine to her as she realized it was a place of God’s protection and care instead of darkness and despair.
    When a shadow suddenly darkens your day do you wallow in the pit of pity and the ditch of despair or do you abide under the shadow of the loving wing of God? The difference will be whether you look around at the darkness or look up at His covering care.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 23, 2003

    The day had been very long and included a quick trip to Charleston. It had rained the entire week but it looked like the sun would finally peek out as the day came to an end.
    Tired and almost home I was beginning to relax a little when I came to a very dangerous curve. The road I needed to take branched off to the left just as you got into this curve and I was always a little leery about turning onto that road with almost no visibility.
    Just as I started to make the turn I suddenly saw a shadow out of the corner of my eyes. I immediately hit the brake and stayed on the road I had been traveling. Good thing. The Shadow was caused by an 18 wheeler making very fast time coming around that corner. Had the sun not come out just when it did and caused that truck to cast a shadow then I would have probably been broadsided by that truck as I tried to turn onto the side road.!
    Amazingly, I had just left the hospital where the patient I had visited was rejoicing in being under the shadow of God’s wing. I certainly did not realize when I started my trip home that the shadow of God’s protection would make itself so evident in my life in such a miraculous way that very day.
    Ps 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 29, 2003

    The greatest honor that can ever come to a person is to be called a Christian. A million years from now no one will know, or care, who was the most valuable player on some ball team but those who bear the name of Christian will still be exulting as they are identified with the name of their savior. We live in a difficult day, however, and some Christians are making choices that gain them chaos instead of glorifying Jesus Christ.
    Some Christian are Selling Out. They are trading their heavenly inheritance for a few moments of pleasure or an increase in their profits. Choosing fun or finances over Christ has filled their nights with parties and their purse with pennies but it has left their hearts empty and their testimony hollow. Like Esau, who sold his birthright for a bowl of beans, they are selling out their future rewards for a moments satisfaction right now.
    Other Christians are Giving Out. Weary in well doing, they have been so busy working until they have had no time to worship so now they are exhausted in church instead of exalting in Christ. They think God and His work can only go forward because of their abilities so they work ever harder instead of waiting on the Lord to renew their strength and end up falling by the wayside at critical times.
    But, thankfully, some Christians are busy Living Out their Christianity. Their actions and attitudes are governed by their relationship to Christ and each day brings greater opportunities to work and witness for the Lord. Instead of squeezing out a testimony in order to fulfil their duty their cup overflows with their joy in the Lord and people are blessed, and impressed, by their Christianity in action.
    Do you want to enjoy the Abundant life? Start being an out and out Christian that lives out your relationship with the Lord.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 30, 2003

    A joyful triumph suddenly turned into a fiery trial of my faith and integrity. When I finished figuring my taxes I found that I was to get a refund of over one thousand dollars! I desperately needed the money right now and it seemed like pennies from Heaven. But then I looked closer.
    Normally, I end up paying tax instead of getting refunds so I decided to look the situation over again before I got too excited. Everything was in order until I finally realized that I had forgotten to include my estimated tax payments into my total income for the year. They were paid by my office but only as a matter of convenience and were part of my salary package so they had to be included for tax and Social Security purposes.
    The W-2 had already been sent. More than likely, no one would ever know about this if I simply let it slide. It would be a great deal of trouble to correct this problem. And if I left it alone I would get some desperately needed money.
    Three things made me go to a great deal of trouble to give that money to the government. First, I have to look in the mirror each day. Secondly, I have to look at congregations each week and tell them that serving God is the only right thing to do. Lastly, I have to face God one day and give an account for the way I have handled the resources He has given me. And that thousand dollars would not be worth the look in His eyes!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 6, 2003

    The Apostle Paul declared that he had a debt to share the gospel with all men and he did not want to stand before the Lord without making regular payments on this debt. God told the prophet Ezekiel that if a watchman saw death and destruction coming on people and did not warn them that the person would die in their sins but their blood would be on the hands of the watchman.
    Cold and somber thoughts that should cause every Christian to want to share their testimony with as many people was possible. But how do you know what to do and when to do it in a matter as delicate as a man’s decision about his destiny? Good soul seekers pray for three indications as they seek to witness for Christ.
    First, they look for the right door to go through. The Holy Spirit is doing the preparation and pleading work in hearts and a good soul winner knows that he is just wasting his efforts without this wooing and drawing power. The wrong door will only place the gospel seed on stony ground instead of in good soil.
    Secondly, a good soul seeker prays for the right words to say. He is not trying to sell insurance or manipulate the mind; his desire is to introduce this person to the love and forgiveness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Words can either build bridges or erect fences so the good soul seeker prays earnestly for guidance.
    Thirdly, a good soul seeker is very sensitive to the right timing as he gives his testimony. A person whose mind is so busy until it can not hear, so proud until it dare not hear, or so rebellious until it will not hear will only cause the soul seeker to cast his pearls before swine. The good soul seeker looks for those who have ears to hear.
    Are you a soul seeker or just a spectator saint? When your life trip is over will you tell the Lord you enjoyed the journey or will you introduce Him to the others you have won?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, May 7, 2003

    I am the one they talk about who not only cannot carry a tune in a bucket; but even has trouble finding the bucket! So I am not the best authority on providing help to singers- but, I like good music and I can tell you what I like to hear when I hear music.
    I like a song with Clarity. Singers who mumble their words or who try to eat the microphone so that all the words come out blurred lose me very quickly. Paul declared that a trumpet that gave an uncertain sound would do no one any good. The same principle applies when singers sing.
    Secondly, I like a song with Conviction. Choirs who sing about how happy they are as Christians with a frown on their face do little for me. A person’s body language says almost as much as their words when they sing. This also applies to a singers tone of voice. Choirs that mouth their words while it is obvious that everyone’s mind is somewhere else do little to cause me to worship the God they are singing about.
    Finally, make sure your song has Content. A pretty melody is nice but if it has no message then it does not inspire or inform me. Say something if you are going to sing something.
    Many church services have as much music as they have preaching. Don’t just use the music as a filler until time for the preaching. Sing clear songs with passion and meaning. That way it may cause even those who just hum along to rejoice!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 13, 2003

    The writer of Psalms tells us we need to realize that life has a length; and a wise man draws wisdom from knowing the end is coming- So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 90:12). The Apostle James tells us that life is brief at its best- Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).
    Realizing that life is brief, our next question is whether or not we have any input on the length of our life. Do we live until we die unless a tree falls on us or is there something that makes a difference?
    The Bible points out one main thing that shortens our life; wickedness- Prov 10: 27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. Ecc 7:17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? Walking in the ways of wickedness destroys our health, puts us in dangerous situations, and declares to God that we don’t value the life He has given us or the mercy He has extended us.
    The Bible also points out two ways for us to lengthen our life- 1) Leave wickedness and begin to do right- Ps 34:12-14 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 2) Follow the guidelines laid down by good parents- Ep 6:2-3 Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
    Life has a length that you can extend or shorten. But it always has an end. So Life’s most important question is not the duration of your life but your destination after death.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, May 14, 2003

    While talking with a pastor before services recently we noticed that a bee had gotten into the Church. Like all good pastors, this one knew that a bee flying around during his services was not a good thing so he promptly found a broom and began trying to drive the bee back into the great outdoors. As I watched him fight this bee I thought about how symbolic he was.
    Satan is like a bee when he comes to church. He is an uninvited guest. If he is not dealt with then he will try to distract everyone in the service so they cannot hear, and respond to, the word of God. He is also dangerous to leave in the midst because he might find someone he wants to sting and cause that person great harm (Some people even die from bee stings!).
    So what should a pastor do when the "Satan bee" comes to church? He should be able to recognize immediately that a problem exists. He should take action even if it means he puts himself in a dangerous position confronting the bee. He should determine he is not going to stop until the bee is no longer a threat to his congregation. And he might even have to enlist some others to help him in dealing with the bee.
    The "Satan bee" would like to come to your church this week. If he does, some will see only the honey he produces but a good Pastor will recognize his stinger- and stand against this bee as he proclaims the word and protects his flock.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 20, 2003

    In his great sermon at the beginning of the Christian Church the Apostle Peter made an unusual statement. Peter’s sermon produced such conviction until numerous people asked him what they should do in response to the message he had just given them. After telling the people to turn from their sins and trust Jesus Christ as their Savior he told the crowd to "Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40).
    What in the world is an "untoward generation"? If I need to save myself from it then I need to know what it is. This is the only time the word "untoward" is used in the Bible. The Greek word translated "untoward" is used three other places in Scripture with the idea of being crooked. That makes sense. If I am "untoward" something then I am not headed toward it!
    So I guess that means an "untoward generation" is a crooked generation that is not headed in the direction God wants it to go. Is that a good description of the generation we live in today? I believe even the most naive of us would have to say that our present generation is more and more "untoward" God.
    We live in a generation in which people demand that I give them the right to believe and do wrong while these same people demand that I not be allowed the right to believe right (For example, they say that sexual perversion should be a right for them but it should be wrong for me to believe it is wrong). This generation is being taught that it is right to talk about any religion or religious leader as long as we do not mention the name of Jesus in public- any religion is right, they say, as long as it is "untoward" God!
    My advice to you is the same advice that was given by Peter, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation".

Miracle Message for Wednesday, March 21, 2003

    I had the great privilege of attending the graduation services for my niece recently. The newspaper had declared that the youngest person ever to graduate from this college would be graduating this year. I told my niece that this made a double honor for the college- they were graduating the youngest person to graduate and also the prettiest person ever to graduate!
    The seats were hard, the crowd was crowded, and the ceremony was long but it was worth it to see the pride and joy on the faces of the parents and the graduates. Years of financial burdens and personal sacrifices were finally coming to a conclusion in this special event and tears and smiles were evident everywhere.
    I could not help but compare this to the ceremony in Heaven some day when "graduation" from this life finally takes place. Several similarities will be evident. 1) Parents will be looking to see if they can find their children among the participates. 2) Some will receive more rewards than others because of the effort and energy they have put into their work. 3) The joy of an anticipated future will mingle with sorrow over being separated from friends that have been part of your life for so long.
    Graduation is a time of accomplishment and acknowledgment. When you face the Lord in the final graduation what will you have accomplished for God? Will it bring a, "Well done" or "Not done" from the Lord?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 27, 2003

    Normally I never use the back door to our Free Will Baptist Book Store. This day I had been using a paint stripper machine to brighten up the parking spaces in our parking lot and I needed to come in the back door to ensure that I did not get paint on the carpet. When I got to the back steps and looked down my heart skipped a beat.
    At some time in the past few days someone had sat on the back steps and lit several boxes of fireworks, the remnant of which were still laying on the steps. It did not take a great imagination to see how easy it would have been for some of these fireworks to have started a fire in the old leaves blown up around the back of the store; or for some of them to have landed on the top of the store and began a blaze. I don’t know who had used these steps for a launching pad but it certainly was a dangerous situation.
    The Bible declares that "the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, ... (James 3:6). Like the person with these fireworks, many times people will sit around talking loose talk without realizing that their gossip or the rumors they are spreading has the potential of starting a very damaging fire. They think they are just engaging in some harmless "fun" when in reality they may be throwing lighted matches into piles of leaves. One day one of those matches may start a fire that will end up doing tremendous damage.
    I was not real happy to find that someone had endangered our Book Store for the sake of a few fireworks. And I do not think you would be happy if someone endangered your reputation for the same reason.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, May 28, 2003

    One of the greatest joys in the world is teaching someone something that will help improve their life. One of the most frustrating things in the world is trying to teach and feeling that you are not getting the message across to your students. Many times you need to build a bridge of involvement before the student really begins to grasp the lesson. Here are some ways that may help that involvement.
    1) Plan an object lesson for the class each week for a month. Then ask someone if they will plan one for you for the next week. Then you do several more. Then ask someone else to do another. Slowly you begin to get more and more people involved.
    2) Once a month, or once a quarter- Assign the parts of the lesson to various members. This will give you a break and get them involved (Sometimes the greatest teacher is having to teach!).
    3) Give them a quiz without letting them know you are giving them a quiz. At the beginning of the lesson ask them to share with you what they thought was the most important part of the lesson as they studied it. At the end of the lesson ask them how they think the lesson can be applied to them, or to their family, or to the community.
    The Bible declares that God teaches precept upon precept. Use this same method of teaching principle upon principle in order to slowly build lives and change character.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 3, 2003

    In my devotions recently I came across a passage that told me where God lives. God lives in the Acclamation of His people! - (Psalms 22:3) "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.". What a great thought; and what a tremendous incentive for me to continually praise the Lord.
    Being naturally curious, I decided to find other places where Scripture declares that God lives. Here is what I found.
    God lives in the loving Actions of His People- (1 John 4:12) "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." God is manifested to others when they see God in what we do. God becomes real to us when we begin treating others as God would treat them.
    God lives in the Attitude of His People- (Isaiah 57:15) "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." God dwells on high with those who think of themselves lowly! The place of pride is not the dwelling of God.
    Most importantly, God lives in the heart of those who invite His son into their heart- (1 John 4:15) "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God".
    Where does God live? He lives in the praises of my mouth, in the actions of my life, and in the humility of my heart. He wants to live in you. Does He?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, June 4, 2003

    My wife started complaining about a week ago. Something was wrong with the shower and she could not get the flow of water she was accustomed to getting. I told her I would look into it but I kept putting it off because I thought it might be a major problem. I assumed the problem was with our water pump or something was wrong with the pipe going to the shower.
    Every time I would take a shower I would be reminded of the problem and begin thinking about how I could correct it. Today I decided to see if the head of the shower would unscrew so I could see if it was clogged. When I started to turn the head suddenly the water started coming out in full force. Something has caused the head to get between two positions and that was the cause of the decreased water flow!
    I know that Jesus is the water of life and that He is always ready to supply all my needs at full force. I know that I thirst for the water of Life and want a full and complete relationship with the Lord. If that is not happening then I need to realize that the problem is not with God and, hopefully, not with me; it is caused by something hindering the full flow of God’s Blessings.
    This hindrance can be the actions of Satan (He delayed the answer to Daniel’s prayer for 3 weeks) or the actions of adversaries (They closed a door for Paul) but if you will make the necessary corrections then the water will flow freely again- and life will be good!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 10, 2003

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 24, 2003

    On the way to church recently we were stopped by a train. It didn’t take long to pass, however, because it was only four engines hooked together. Immediately I saw a problem.
    These engines made a lot of noise but they weren’t doing any real work. No lumber was being hauled so homes could be built. No groceries were being carried to feed the hungry. No passengers were being transported to a better destination. Just some engines traveling down the track making a lot of noise and stopping other people from going about their business.
    These engines had tremendous power but no real purpose. They were simply ganged together, enjoying each other’s company, and seeing whose horn would toot the loudest. People admired them as they raced up and down the track but they sure did waste a lot of good diesel fuel just being pretty instead of being productive.
    God has blessed Churches in America with tremendous opportunities and resources. Isn’t it a shame that many of them are so busy just being engines until they never do any real good for God. They could be building homes, feeding hungry souls, and carrying people to a better life but they are so busy enjoying themselves and tooting their own horns until they seldom get any real work accomplished. They are on the right track but they were meant for more than running up and down a track. Someone must get them to realize that engines are made to pull loaded cars and they should never be satisfied until they are accomplishing their purpose.
    When your church meets this week end ask yourself this question, "Are we simply tooting our horn or are we doing a work for God that will make a difference in the lives of people?"

Miracle Message for Wednesday, June 25, 2003

    I rode over a river today. I did it while traveling 60mph and with no problems at all. I rode over the river on a bridge. Three things were immediately obvious about the blessing of the bridge.
    Two hundred years ago I would have had to stop my wagon, look for a shallow place to cross, or prepare a raft to go to the other side. The bridge made my travel much easier.
    Two hundred years ago there were few books and commentaries available to help Christians on their journey for the Lord. Thankfully, someone studied hard and wrote books and lessons so that those of us who travel life’s roads for the Lord today can do so much faster and easier.
    Because someone built a bridge I was able to travel over the mud and mire surrounding the river with no trouble. In the same way, the standards set by Christians in days gone by built a bridge that allows me to stay above the quagmire and swampland of loose morels and bad behavior that is so prevalent today.
    Finally, taking the bridge allowed me to get to the other side! That is also what Jesus make possible in my spiritual life when He used an old rugged cross to build a bridge from man to God. Now anyone can cross that bridge and reach the destination of eternal life with God simply by believing in the "bridge" enough to travel by faith across it.
    Life’s road crosses many rivers. They stop progress or dirty lives unless someone builds a bridge. What are you doing?