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Thought 244: Scripture from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 244

Scripture

“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 27:12 KJV

Thought 243: Time Changer, Facing the Giants, The Widows Might, and The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 243

Time Changer, Facing the Giants, The Widows Might,  and The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

   The titles mentioned in the heading of today’s thought are great movies which I encourage you to either buy a copy of or find one to borrow. Also, please pray for these production companies and others like them to continue to be able to make a godly impact on the American culture.

Thought 242: We must be an Example from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 242

We must be an Example

 God calls us to be an example. Young adults, I believe that you have a special opportunity to be such an example. Check out this verse: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12 KJV).” This verse lays out The Timothy Commission—

To portray the proper example we have proper character, and character is formed by our personal habits.

Questions and Thoughts

P Are you making the right choices?

P Do you have the right kind of habits?

P Great men fall because of the little stuff—it isn’t all big; everything starts out as something small.

P  Your habits are formed by your choices.

Thought 241: Porn from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 241

Porn

  I have read many articles and testimonies from boys and men that have battled with this ugly monster. But let me assure you, most of the things that I have learned; any wisdom that my soul might now cling to, has come from using the gifts of my ears and eyes to listen and to read and using my mind to muse over something and consider the matter. God is the only way out of an addiction to pornography.

 God accepts me despite my failures and despite all my sins and all my miserable shortcomings. If He can accept me, one of the worst sinners, then He can accept you as well.

 If you struggle with the sin of pornography, first recognize that you cannot be free in your own strength, but the Lord’s Spirit in you can give you the power to become free. Believe—have faith—that the Lord will free you from this. It is not His will for you to stay in sin and if you are willing He will delight in helping you out.

 Read these Scriptures and stand on their promises—memorize them, know them, quote them when temptation comes: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Ephesians 5:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Psalm 24:3-4, James 1:12-16, Psalm 119:9-11, Philippians 4:13, James 4:7-8, Matthew 1:21,   Hebrews 2:17-18, 1 John 2:14, Psalm 101, Job 31:1, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, 1 Cor. 10:13

Thought 240: Hebrews 11 from Ryan's devotional book Thoughts

Thought 240

Hebrews 11

Really listen to this passage…

      Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

       By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

     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.

      By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

       These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

       By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.  

         By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

       By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

      And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11 KJV

Thought 239: The Desires of Your Heart from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 239

The Desires of Your Heart

 

“Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give      

thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4 KJV

  I do not believe that this Scripture is referring to your lusts and fleshly passions when it talks about the desires of your heart. If that it what it meant, God would be condoning sin! However, God does place desires in your heart for a reason. One that has really been on my heart for years is a wife: even a little boy I’ve looked forward to getting married and having a family. I don’t see God moving in this area, yet He is working. HE placed that desire in my heart for a reason, and God is never slow about carrying out His promises. As I continue to delight myself in the Lord, spend time in His presence and share His Word, I am sure that His perfect timing will fulfill every desire that is from Him. Any lustful or sinful desire; however, will be cast to the ground for sin cannot dwell in the heart of a person after God. Sin may tempt, but it cannot inhabit a vessel of the Lord for what fellowship has light with darkness, life with death; how does a good tree produce bad fruit?

Pray and then read the whole Psalm 37; as you do so be prepared to learn from the Lord.

Thought 238: Black Out from Ryan's devotional book series Thougths

Thought 238

Black Out

  Have you ever come close to blacking-out?  I almost did one day when needles were mentioned. So here’s the story: one day I was mowing up by the road at the corner of my parent’s property and was stung four or five times by a yellow jacket. Most of body swelled up with hives and my mom called an ambulance. When it got there they said I was stable and they could take me to the hospital and give me an IV, but there wasn’t any real need to. I am scared ‘to death’ of needles; I hate shots and the mention of needles made me start to turn white. I made some excuse to go to the bathroom right after they said that, but halfway there my vision was narrowing steadily. I turned around and made it back to the kitchen where the paramedics and my mom was. My lips were white when I came back and I ended up laying down to regain my vision—I came awful close to passing out. As I was recovering on the floor, the paramedic said that he “was just waiting for me to drop” because I looked just like the people that are afraid of needles and pass out when they are given an IV. Long story short, if you have ever come close to blacking out, you know just what it is like to have your vision constricted because of fear. Likewise, when fear is dominating our lives it becomes increasingly harder to steer away from the temptations and the broad paths which so often stem off of the straight and narrow. 

When you are blinded by fear you are cut off from freedom.

Thought Provoker

V  Think hard, are you ensnared in any fashion? Is a spiritual ‘black out’ drawing nigh? Or are you already so blinded that you don’t even realize it (lukewarm), because the blindness has been the norm for so long?

   If you are ensnared, Pray and ask the Lord to remove the shackles of fear, and ask Him to open your eyes to what wicked and ugly things (though sinful things are lustfully beautiful at first) ensnare you.

Thought 237: 2009 Clarity. . . . 2010 Moving Forward from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 237

2009 Clarity…. 2010 Moving Forward

 A previous pastor at my church, Pastor Brock, preached a couple of sermons, each at the beginning of separate years in which he testified to what God had spoken to him about the coming year. God revealed to Pastor Brock that the year of 2009 would be a year of CLARITIY in our decisions, dreams, and desires; the truth was that it was a year of clarity for me. When I look back to 2009 I remember the joy of rededicating my life to the Lord, of being called into the ministry, of being told to write this book, of water baptism, of the birth of my second sister, and of much more. It was a year of clarity! Is all this a big coincidence? No, this is God simply using a servant of His to spread His word to His people and it was proved true over the course of that year!  Nothing happens by accident, because God reigns over all. God still speaks today, He is not silent and uninvolved!

In 2010, a few months before God moved him to a different state, Pastor Brock again had a message. This time the message was Moving Forward in faith, future, favor, and finances. Well, it is only September 9^th as I am writing this, but yet again this message has rung true in my life. This year hasn’t been as clear as last year was and I have had to exercise faith much more. Likewise, financially, God has blessed me with work and monetary gifts, my average income per year, based on a rough estimate will be doubled by the end of 2010.  In terms of favor (grace), God has been raining down many blessings this year: from completing my Gold Medal of Achievement (like Eagle Scout) to the blessing of being self-taught in 11^th Grade (except for Spanish and geometry)—I am also doing better and developing self-teaching skills that are bound to prove beneficial over the course of my life. In addition, God has helped me to realize that my work with young men isn’t about helping them earn a Gold Medal of Achievement that is simply a benefit. The ultimate goal is for me to continue to be faithful to Christ and mentor the young men that God allows me to serve. God also led me to start teaching a Young Adult Bible Study which has had some pretty neat results.

To keep this short, I won’t go on about the many other ways the Lord has blessed and helped me Move Forward this year, but I pray the Holy Spirit will reveal to you some of the things that He has done in your life over the course of a years’ time.

  I have found that writing a list or article about what God has taught me throughout a year to be a source of encouragement. Perhaps if you develop a similar compilation it will be an encouragement to you.

Thought 236: Trials, Tribulations, and Faith from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 236

Trials, Tribulations, and Faith

  Trials are simply testing periods during our walk with God. Just like with Job, Satan, has to receive God’s permission to torment or take something away from you. The Lord sometimes grants these requests to our Enemy and it is often difficult to understand why (and if we ever understand it is usually after the testing has occurred). For example, did Abraham not understand why God told him to sacrifice his son—Isaac was a gift!—yet God told Abraham to sacrifice the young man. . The command of the Lord did not make sense, but Abraham knew that God was speaking to him, not some Satanic messenger. So Abraham OBEYED in faith. Abraham had faith because he lacked the reason or evidence of why God was asking him to do such a thing, yet he believed it.

 Ultimately, Abraham’s obedience foreshadowed the coming of Christ our Savior. Christ was the final sacrificial Lamb upon an altar to the Lord. Only the ultimate sacrifice of God’s very being, who was in a human form, can rapture us to the Lord after our earthly death. Remember, this world is not our home, and our earthly death is merely the beginning of our eternal bliss with a Loving, gracious, and Merciful Lord, who is also Sovereign, Just, and Eternal! Hardship was necessary for Abraham and our Lord Jesus, we need not fear it, but endure it and place our faith in God’s wisdom and plan.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” 1 Peter 4:12 KJV

Thought 235: Laziness from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 235

Laziness

 God has a plan for your life, but that plan includes valleys of shadow and mountains of revelation: hard times and easier times. Your human nature desires to find an easy way out of the hard times. Thus, laziness is a temptation and it can become a habit.

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. . . .The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.” Proverbs 10:4-5,9 KJV

The word of God says that if we deal with a slack had we will become poor, but the hand of the diligent prospers. The same Word says that all hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads to poverty (Proverbs 14:23). Why did America become so rich as a growing nation? Because the people recognized that they were to work as unto God and not as unto man (Col. 3:23) and as they worked extremely hard, they reaped abundant harvests. This doesn’t mean that they never had crop failures or tight times, but God blessed their diligence and honor of His Word.

When greed and selfishness have snatched the heart of a man, he is in trouble whether he has one dollar or one million. It not only becomes hard for him to surrender all and come into eternal life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but he opens himself up to get rich quick schemes, and the false philosophy of the “easy” life.

Do you deal with laziness habitual laziness in any area? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you do by taking few moments of prayer and silence to listen for His small, still voice.

 

 When tempted Remember that

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

If you are stuck in a habitual pattern Remember that

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV

Thought 234: Fire refines from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 234

Fire refines

  Fire removes impurities. In a like manner, hard times, those times that life feels like Hell are actually going to refine us. Not only do we learn what our character really is, but we learn what we need to work on. For example, if we cower easily when trouble comes, then we probably need to search our Bibles about humility, perseverance, and standing strong.

Thought 233: God Orchastrates in the Affairs of Men from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 233

God Orchestrates in the Affairs of Men

      I don’t want to steal any phrases when I say this, because many have said similar things, but how does a man or woman know that their spouse is the “One”? Is it some subconscious evolutionary drive? Is it some animal like instinct and desire that is simply there for the furtherance of the human race? Is just because that person is ‘pleasing to our eye’? NO! God is the one who told them that who was the one. How do some men grow up always having a “crush” on their future bride and no one else? The answer is, God. God, brought Eve to Adam—God “set it up.”  Waiting on the Lord is the best option, and Isaiah 30:19-26 promises that HE will direct us.

Just because God is sovereign does not mean that we don’t have a free will. Our choices can be against God’s will.

        Now, people take different approaches to pre-marriage relationships. Some will foolishly flaunt themselves around and just date anyone that there heart desires. Others, which I believe choose the better way, decide to save even their first kiss and moments alone together till their wedding day. Only God can give a couple the power to do such things; on the other hand, anybody can ask someone out and follow-their-heart. I purpose that you choose the Biblical way. God has been teaching me what His Word says about romance and He has a lot to say! As God has been lining up conversations for me to share some of His Word on this topic, few appear to have a change of heart. Only two of the many young men I’ve shared with on this issue have appeared to change their view.

      Take heart! You were born at the exact moment that God had ordained and predestined you to enter into this world of wonder! God loves you; and if you haven’t ever received your letter of admittance into heaven because of Jesus Sacrifice (and no work of your own), I pray that you fall on your knees right now, tossing aside this wretched book and cry out to God to save your soul from the encompassing flames of Hell.

⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ¹²For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. ¹³For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.    Romans 10:9-13 KJV

 

GOD IS SOVEREIGN AND ORCHASTRATES THE

LIVES OF MEN AND WOMEN.

…

FOR HIS GLORY

Thougth 232 The Year Uzziah died.....What happened the year of your birth? from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 232

The Year Uzziah died…..What happened the year of your birth?

     Well, if you’re anything like me I don’t have a clue. In 1994, all that I know is that I was born, and so were several of my friends. But does the year you were born determine your future? No and Yes. God had you born the year that you were for a very important reason. You must understand that you are here right now, the exact  # of years old you are for a reason. That reason(s) are orchestrated by a sovereign God. He knows every detail of everyone’s life from before time began to after it ends in eternity! God is truly sovereign! If He cares for the sparrows why do you worry? Why do you worry about who you will marry? Do not worry because God will direct you. Besides worrying doesn’t do any good, and each day has enough in it.

  On the subject of God directing you listen to this passage:

      “For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

        Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures. The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.”   Isaiah 30:19-26 KJV

Thought 231: What does your name mean? Research it, stand on it, examine it! from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 231

What does your name mean? Research it, stand on it, examine it!

      I am amazed by how often people live up to their names. For example, many of my friends have personalities that affirm their names and Samson means
“a Second Chance.” I could list a bunch of names and their meanings, but I challenge you to look several up and find their meanings. You may be surprised.

Thought 230: False Prophets from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 230

False Prophets

 “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:24 KJV

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Peter 2:1 KJV

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 KJV

¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

²¹ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:14-23 KJV

  Believe the words of the Lord, false prophets have arisen and will be very deceiving and even look like Christians. May we all draw close to the Lord and focus on Him for He is our source and our strength. Amen

For Further Study Read: 2 Peter 2, Matthew 24, 1 John 4, 1 Timothy 4

Thought 229: 'name it, claim it'- WRONG from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 229

‘name it, claim it’- WRONG

  How many times have you heard the “name it, claim it” philosophy? The real question is, is it Biblically sound or not and does this mindset have anything to do with a something called Faith?

God will provide for all our needs, however, God does not say that He will provide everything that we want. Here are some Scriptures that prove it:

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 KJV

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 KJV

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:1-3 KJV

²⁵ 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?

²⁶ Behold 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?

²⁷ Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

²⁸ And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

²⁹ And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

³⁰ Wherefore, 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?

³¹ Therefore 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.

³³ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³⁴ Take 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. 

Matthew 6:25-34 KJV

     Naming what you want and claiming it as yours is not Scriptural and it is not based on faith because real faith rests in the power of God to do His will, not in a God who is an order machine.

Thought 228: If God isn’t finished with me, what can anything do to me? from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 228

If God isn’t finished with me, what can anything do to me?

  If God isn’t done with me, then who or what can stand in my way? A government? A person? A storm? Death? Satan? All the forces of Hell? The Culture? The World? My friends? NO! Nothing can kill us or defeat us until God says that our life is finished.

Thought 227: My Fears, Your Fears from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 227

My Fears, Your Fears

  There is only one Biblically grounded fear and that is the Fear of the Lord. We should fear the judgment and wrath of God—we should tremble at that reality. However, any other fear is not right. Satan wants to strike fear into us and use it to diminish our effectiveness as Christians. But the Lord does not want us to fear, repeatedly having his Angels declare “Fear Not” when they deliver His direction.

We are human and Satan knows how to encourage us to be afraid. But, amidst the attack of fear, we need to quote Scripture, pray, and stand strong in the Lord. We have to wage war against the Enemy! The Enemy can never prevail against the Lord and we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. Satan and his demons can only do what God allows them to do—no more, no less. Next time we are tempted to be afraid, let’s remember that God wants us to stand against Satan and his tools of destruction.

Read Ephesians 6:10-20

Satan comes after your faith, sowing seeds of doubt, fear, and worry. All his weapons are interconnected and are pointed toward accomplishing that goal. Example: Eve- “Did God really say?”

Thought 226: Contentment from Ryan's devotional book series Thougths

Thought 226

Contentment

  We need to be content. Christ emphasizes the need contentment when He refers to the Pharisee’s as a generation of vipers who don’t know that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt. 12:34). The problem of discontentment is in our heart, it is a lack of trust in God.

Take some time to examine your heart before God. If their discontentment in your life, what wrong passion of the heart had not been dealt with? The Holy Spirit is your teacher, He will show you.

Thought 225: Hard Times produce a stronger Christian from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 225

Hard Times produce a stronger Christian

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

James 1:2-4 KJV

 

  We all must go through storms so that our roots will go deeper, so that our foundation will be shown for what it really is. It is nearly impossible to grow if everything is always easy. Was learning to read easy for you? Was learning to drive easy or a little bit challenging?

  When we prepare to learn something that we don’t know anything about, we willingly subject ourselves to hard times and work. Perseverance gets us through. It is the same in our spiritual lives: when the seasons of Euroclydon (Acts 27:14) attack us, it is easy to want to give up, to doubt, to fear; but we must hold on like Job:

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. . . .” Job 13:15 KJV

Job was willing to continue living for God even though he didn’t understand why all the horrible trials he was going through were happening, why God wasn’t speaking, and why the dearest person in the world to him, his wife, was telling him to give up and die by cursing the God who created him. Job must have felt an enormous inner attack by Satan; yet we see him hold on to trusting in God.

   Every Christian will go through hard times because it is part of the Christian life. Jesus was mocked, ridiculed, persecuted, and killed, likewise His followers have been beaten, made fun of, belittled, killed, and persecuted throughout history. Take courage dear brothers and sisters, hard times are a season of life. Even though it seems too hard to bear the Lord has promised He will not let us go through more than we can bear:

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

Thought 224: A Purpose Driven Life from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 224

A Purpose Driven Life

  A life needs a purpose; otherwise there is no reason for that life to exist, right? No, God doesn’t create mistakes. You might not think that you look the best or are the smartest, but God created you to be you. He loves you and He cares for you.

Read Job 31:15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; and 1 John 4:16

The Lord created you for a reason (Psalm 139:13). God wants you to wholeheartedly pursue Him (Matthew 6:33): a fruitful life reflecting Christ will be developed as you intentionally live each day following Jesus (Luke 9:23).

For most of my life I didn’t have a purpose, or at least I felt like it. I would play army men, Legos, and video games for hours on end. Around my freshman year of High School it dawned on me that buying and playing the newest and “greatest” games, chasing “cute” girls, and pursuing having fun had no real meaning or lasting value to my life. My friendships were many and empty: there was no depth, no true understanding or growth for the good of both parties. But one day, the Lord spoke to my heart as I was sitting in my basement writing or reading that He had a plan for me—I had purpose!

You have a Purpose!

Thought 223: The SOLID Rock, The Sharpening Stone from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 223
The SOLID Rock, The Sharpening Stone

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”      Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

 People can sharpen each other; but I submit to you is that Christ is sharpening us. . . As we read the Word, we are transformed and as apply what we’ve learned to our lives, we are like a piece of pottery in the Potter’s hands: be shaped and molded into the vessel that He desires.

Another analogy would be this: imagine yourself one day becoming a beautiful sword with precious gems inlaid in the hilt with a shining yet strong blade. All you are right now is a hunk of dirty old medal, and the gems are lying in a pile on a nearby table along with the sword polish across from the furnace. In order to be turned into that beautiful sword you have to be put through extreme fire—and heat!—sometimes to the point of becoming a liquid metal. You have to be beaten into shape and engraved with your Maker’s signature. The dirty, undesirable metals have to be drawn out so that you can become a pure weapon, worthy for your Master to use. It is the same way in our Christian walk, we don’t shine right away; our sword polish hasn’t been worked in enough. We grow brighter each day, yet we never reach the perfection on this earth: the metal we are made of has to pass into death so that the last bit of fire I’m not talking about “purgatory,” I’m talking about our sanctification [the process of becoming holy] on this earth which culminates in glorification [perfection] when we are united with Christ.) can cleanse us as we march over into eternity in Heaven. I’m not talking about purgatory, I’m talking about our sanctification on this earth and our glorification when we are united with Christ.

Thought 222: Christian Freedom from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 222

Christian Freedom

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”  Galatians 5:13-15 (NIV1984)

Thought 221: Obey from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 221

Obey

 “If only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today.” Deuteronomy 15:5 (NIV1984)

   When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come upon you and you take them to heart wherever the Lord your God disperses you among the nations, and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. The Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you. You will again obey the Lord and follow all his commands I am giving you today. Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, f you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30 (NIV1984)

God blesses when we are obedient.

       We have just nailed one of the very important studs of Biblical truth into the spiritual building of our lives. Obedience is so important. This is why the child who cursed his father or mother was to be stoned under the law, this is why Christ died (in obedience to the Father’s plan), and this is why we go to Hell without Christ (refusing to acknowledge of out sin and receive Christ as Savior and Lord). 

  Pray about what areas God wants you to be obedient in.