Introduction: Do you really LOVE Jesus? Jesus asked Peter the same question after his embarrassing denial.

1. Love for Jesus Shows!

“21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21)

In the upper room just prior to going to the cross and suffering and dying for our sins, Jesus pours into His disciples. He knew they would need it after He was gone, even though He promised to send His Spirit.

2. Love for Jesus Grows!

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

Love for the brethren is a SIGN of being born again!

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” (1John 3:14)

3. Love for Jesus Goes!

“14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. …………18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2Cor 5:14-21)

Conclusion: LOVE for Jesus is a non-negotiable. Anything less would be hypocrisy. Take a moment to examine your life right now. Does your LOVE for Jesus SHOW, GROW, and GO?

Introduction: If it was not for our Lord’s AMAZING GRACE, we would not be able to run victoriously in this race. Yet, because of His not only AMAZING, but AVAILABLE GRACE, we are equipped and enabled to finish our race.

1. Grace for the humble!

“6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)

The opposite of humility is prideful. Watch out for a superficial humility. Thanksgiving to the Lord because He extends GRACE to those who will acknowledge their total dependency upon Him…not just with their lips but with their life!

2. Grace for the hell-bound!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:8,9)

Do you see His GRACE? Have you experienced His AMAZING GRACE? Jesus gives us what we do not deserve… His GRACE!

3. Grace for here and now!

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” (Rom 5:20)

Sin is powerful, but God’s GRACE is much more powerful! “Grace is greater than all our sin!”

4. Grace for the hereafter!

“1For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13)

God’s GRACE is sufficient for both here and preparation for the hereafter.

Conclusion: Do you need a dose of Holy Ghost GRACE today?

Will you join me in praising our Lord Jesus today for His GRACE?

“10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1Cor 15:10)

Introduction: “9And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” (Gen 3:9)

Adam fell into disobedience by listening to his wife, Eve, who was deceived by Satan. According to Paul’s letter to Timothy, Adam was not deceived, but Eve.

“For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” (Tim 2:13,14)

But Adam sinned as well by disobeying the Lord who had instructed him not to eat of the tree of knowledge of both good and evil.

“16And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Gen 2:16,17)

 Yet, Almighty God holds Adam accountable. Are we being accountable to God? Where are you?

1. For some CHRISTians, this may mean Church attendance. 

“5Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb 10:25)

This is not legalism, but LOVE for Jesus. We do not HAVE to go to Church but we GET to go to Church!

Who needs the Church? Jesus LOVES the Church! What Jesus LOVES we ought to LOVE! There are those today that say, “We don’t need the Church”! Jesus is coming back for His Church.

However, after death or the rapture, there will be accountability. This will take place at the JUDGEMENT SEAT of CHRIST (2Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10; 1Cor 3:11-16). What are we going to say as we stand before Jesus Christ?

Spiritual gifts have been given by the Holy Spirit (Rom 12:5-8). But Why? To serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

“Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

2. Where are you? For others, it may mean no accountability for daily Bible study, prayer….applying truth or witnessing, etc.

Conclusion: Will you be accountable today? When holding others accountable in LOVE, let’s be sure to first examine our own heart. And remember, where ever others are…..there I go, but by THE GRACE of GOD!

1. Do you need an extraordinary dose of FAITH in Jesus today?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1Cor 13:13)

Faith is…..

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1)

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb 11:6)

We all need “mega” FAITH for these trying days!

However, Jesus said, “Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” (Mark 11:22,23)

2. Do you need an extraordinary dose of HOPE in Jesus plan for your life today?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1Cor 13:13)

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1Pet 1:3)

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.” (Heb 6:18,19)

3. Do you need an extraordinary dose of LOVE in Jesus plan for your life today?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1Cor 13:13)

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Rom 5:3,4,5)

Conclusion: Whatever your need, Jesus can meet it. If you need forgiveness, Jesus will forgive. If you need acceptance, Jesus will bring acceptance. If you need peace, Jesus is our peace. If you need grace, Jesus has a storehouse of grace. If you need strength, Jesus is our strength. If you need heaven, Jesus will promise you heaven, and then take you there. If you need encouragement, Jesus will encourage you.

“Faith, Hope, and LOVE”

Introduction: 
How strong is your faith?
How secure is your faith?
How settled is your faith?
How serious is your faith?

“5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” (1Pet 1:5,6,7)

1. It is God’s POWER that keeps us through the vehicle of FAITH!

“5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1Pet 1:5)

The word “kept” is φρουρέω,(froo-reh’-o), which means to guard, keep, as by a military guard.

The word “revealed” is ἀποκαλύπτω,(ap-ok-al-oop’-to), which means to uncover, bring to light, reveal.

2. There are seasons of “heaviness”!

“6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.”(1Pet 1:6)

3. Like gold that is tested our FAITH in Jesus will be tested but ultimately will be proven as it passes through the crucible!

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” (1Pet 1:7)

Introduction: Does CHARACTER really count? You better believe it does! Even though–in our culture–it seems like educational, political, and religious leaders get by with shady CHARACTER, according to the Word of God, sooner or later, sin will find you out.

“….and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Num 32:23)

Solomon writes,
“The memory of the just is blessed.” (Prov 10:7)

1. Through CORRECTION!

“My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Our God is like a loving Father who has our best interest in mind and desires that we be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.” (Heb 12:5,6)

2. Through CONFESSION!

“18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.” (Rom 7:18)

“….the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt 26:41)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9)

3. Through CLEANSING!

“…… and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1John 1:7)

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3)

4. Through CONSECRATION!

“1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom 12:1,2)

Notice the steps in Consecration:

Conclusion: When you look in the mirror, do you see any flaws? Maybe. When you look in the mirror of God’s Word do you see any flaws?

“2But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:22-25)

Introduction: Do you agree that the people we hang around influence us? Sometimes, more than we are willingly to admit! This can mean negatively, as well as positively. How can believers in Jesus Christ overcome influences that are contrary to God’s will and God’s Word? One way is to look beyond people and look to Jesus. Joshua and Caleb did just that. Moses writes that 12 spies were sent from outside of Israel at a place called Kadesh Barnea to check out the promised land. While resting under a shade tree in what appeared like a desert (actually the Negev desert), this Pastor thought about that event recorded in the book of Numbers. 

Here is a lesson on how we need to exercise Faith in the God of the Bible: Will you today?

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.” (Num 13:1,2)

1. Did you notice the words in verse 1?

God said He ALREADY gave the land to them!

” …..the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan which I give unto the children of Israel.” (Num 13:1)

2. Did you notice what the 12 spies were instructed to do?

“And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land.” (Num 13:18,19,20)

This was a test! A test of FAITH!

3. Did you notice what happened after the 12 men spied out the land, what 10 reported?

“And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. 28Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.” (Num 13:27,28)

We are influencing others by our decisions and actions.

4. Did you notice what (1) Faithful man – Joshua, said, standing in opposition to the other 10 men?

“And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” (Num 13:30)

One plus God is a majority!

5. Did you notice the Negative report by the Faithless crowd?

“But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (Num 13:31-33)

Were they telling a lie? No. What then was their problem? They were responding in the flesh instead of the Spirit. In other words, they were walking by “sight” and not by “faith.” Faith is taking God at His Word.

4. Did you notice how the Negative report influenced the rest of the congregation?

“And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!” (Num 14:2)

Negativity breeds negativity! Others are watching and listening to what we say and how we act.

5. Did you notice how (2) godly men, Joshua and Caleb, stood strong in FAITH?

“Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: 7And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 8If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 9Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.”

Sometimes you have to stand alone. Persecution and opposition will inevitably come. But when you are approved, our Lord will pour out BLESSINGS!

Conclusion: Did you notice how our Lord honored their FAITH in Him and judged the others who rebelled.

“37Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD. 38But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.” (Num 14:37,38)

Where is our Lord testing your FAITH in Him?

Let’s trust Him!

1. What is meant by our “OUTER MAN” perishing?

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2Cor 4:16)

The word for “faint” is ἐκκακέω,(ek-kak-eh’-o), which means (2Cor 4:16) faint, am weary. Are you getting faint and weary with all the “STRESS” of life?

2. How is our “INNER MAN” being renewed?

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2Cor 4:16, 17)

The word “renewed” is ἀνακαινόω,(an-ak-ahee-no’-o), which means renew, make new again. In other words, our Spirit man is growing stronger, getting ready to take its heavenly flight.

3. What should be the believer’s FOCUS?

“18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2Cor 4:18)

The word “temporal” is πρόσκαιρος, (pros’-kahee-ros), which means in season, temporary, for a season. This is just a SEASON of life!

Conclusion: Here is Paul’ s resolve in his heart because of the reality of our bodies weary out but our Spirit’s being renewed.

“7For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Introduction: Are you finding yourself getting mad lately? Losing your temper… or really finding it? Which one? With Hot weather comes hot-headedness! Right? Do you get angry? What is causing your anger? Is it something that you cannot control? Do people make you angry? Aren’t you glad we don’t have people-zappers like bug-zappers?

What do you do when you lose your COOL? How can we Stay COOL in a HOT-HEADED culture?

1. Ask, what is CAUSING your ANGER?

“9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” (Eccl 7:9)

Solomon probably had to deal with anger constantly, with his many wives, concubines, servants, and possessions. 

A bitter and resentful spirit causes anger. The writer of the book of Hebrews mentions, “roots of bitterness springing up and defiling many,” (Heb 12:15).

Unresolved conflicts can cause harshness. Ungratefulness causes anger. Lack of trust in the Lord can create anger.

2. Ask how can we DEAL with ANGER before it DEALS with us?

“4Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go.” (Prov 22:24)

If we hang out with angry people, Solomon warns us that it will influence us. Instead of us influencing them, too often it is the opposite. They rub off on us. Be sure to surround yourself with those who can deal with anger. But at the same time, if you are ready, help disciple – only a teachable, cooperative, student.

Conclusion: Obviously, there are other factors besides the ones mentioned in this devotion that cause anger. Anger toward sin is justifiable…. Jesus turned over the money changer tables and drove them out with a whip because He said they were making His FATHER’S house a den of thieves. However, remember, He was God with pure motives. 

While some INTERNALIZE their anger and take it out on themselves, others EXTERNALIZE their anger and take it out on others. The sooner we deal with the problem of HOT-HEADEDNESS, the better and further we walk with our Lord.

COOL OFF!

Introduction: Do you ever get discouraged? Life has a way of handing us lemons…. But you know what is next…
Make lemonade. Discouragement, disappointments, and even depression can set us back. Solomon writes about both the causes of discouragement and the cure of encouragement.

1. What causes DISCOURAGEMENT?

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” (Prov 12:25)

“Heaviness” – Interesting to note, the word “heaviness” is דְּאָגָה (deh-aw-gaw’), which means anxiety, anxious care.

Wow! Anxiety will get you down. Literally. Physically. Mentally…. and sometimes Spiritually. Would you agree, it appears our heart constantly fights worry and care? If it is not one thing, it is another!

2. What are the Cures for DISCOURAGEMENT?

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” (Prov 12:25)

I love the words of our Lord. Jesus gives His disciples, as well as us today, some insight and wisdom to overcoming care and anxiety. Listen to His words:

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matt 6:25-34)

Speaking of “worry” and “care,” Peter writes the following, “7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you,” (1Pet 5:7).

The word “care” is μέριμνα,(mer’-im-nah), which means care, worry, anxiety.

3. How can you Help lift the load of “CARE” and DISCOURAGEMENT someone is carrying today?

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” (Prov 12:25)

The word “stoop” can be translated depression. It is the Hebrew word : שָׁחָה,(shaw-khaw’), which means to bow down.

The word “good” is טוֹב, which means pleasant, agreeable, good.

Conclusion: Will you purpose in your heart right now to speak a “good word”? It can lift a load off of someone right now who is facing DISCOURAGEMENT. Ultimately, God will get the glory!