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September 25, 2023 · 5:21 AM

Heaven’s Ambassador

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and knowing a lady who is an ambassador from another country. She’s not like the ambassadors and diplomats they portray in movies. She doesn’t drive around in a car with her country’s flags flying from the hood. What she does is the work of an ambassador. She works as a liaison between her country and the United States. Her goal, like all ambassadors, is to build relationships, to communicate important information and to promote programs that benefit both countries. She has fascinating stories of the work her office does and honestly inspires people to want to visit her country when she talks about it. Her work is never done it seems. She is always traveling and educating and promoting.

In John 20, we read the story of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus and found the stone had been moved. When they told the disciples, Peter and John raced to it to find it empty as well. That night, as they were talking about it, Jesus appeared to them. He showed them His scars and wounds. They rejoiced because it was really Him. Then in verse 21 He said to them, “Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you [as My representatives]” (AMP). He then instructed them to do the work of an ambassador. However, His call wasn’t just to them in this moment. It goes out to you and I as well.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.” Wherever you go, you are His representative to promote His Kingdom here on earth. You should be communicating His love for others, giving your testimony, telling stories of what God has done for you and inspiring others to want to go to Heaven. You don’t have to fly the Christian flag from the hood of your car announcing it everywhere you go that you’re an ambassador, but you should be living in such a way that’s different from the customs of this world. As you go about your day today, look for opportunities to be His representative so you can make a difference in the lives of others and build a bridge between them and God.

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September 22, 2023 · 5:14 AM

Don’t Neglect Your Responsibilities

Did you know that to neglect something is to not give attention to something that is your responsibility? I have a friend who went to buy a house recently. The house had never been lived in and was beautiful. The problem was that it had been built ten years early. The couple who built it went through a divorce during the building process and could never agree on selling it. When they finally did, the years of neglect had taken its toll and made it unlivable. The same thing happens to all things we neglect. The Bible is very specific on many things that God says we should never neglect so that they don’t become unusable. These things the Bible mentions are our responsibility to care for and maintain on a regular basis.

Here are some Bible verses on things we shouldn’t neglect.

1. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

1 Timothy 4:14 ESV

2. So be careful to obey and do everything that is written in the book of the Law of Moses. Do not neglect any part of it.

Joshua 23:6 GNT

3. Give respect to your father and mother, for without them you wouldn’t even be here. And don’t neglect them when they grow old.

Proverbs 23:22 TPT

4. Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2 AMP

5. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10:25 NLT

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September 21, 2023 · 5:30 AM

Chasing Your Dream

What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail? What dream would you go after? So many times fear of failure or being defeated is what holds us back from chasing after the things God put in our heart. Back in the early 2000’s, I started writing devotionals. There were no blogs really, and social media was yet to come. I figured I would just email them out to friends and whoever wanted them. I asked about five people if they’d be interested. One of them replied, “Please don’t put me on any list. I get enough junk mail as it is.” I let the fear of other rejections hold me back. I didn’t write devotions for 10 years after that. I quit chasing after something God put in me because of something someone else said.

After the Israelites left Egypt, God reminded them that He had promised them land. It was a good, beautiful, fertile land, but they would have to fight to take possession of it. They were guaranteed victory if they were willing to fight for it. Instead 10 of the 12 spies came back confirming what God said about the land, but they were afraid of the giants and walled cities in the land. It took forty years before they had an opportunity again. This time, the spies were told how fearful everyone was of them, and it boosted their confidence. In Joshua 2:24, they reported back, “The Lord has given us the whole land for all the people in the land are terrified of us” (NLT).

The only thing that changed was that they quit listening to fear and started listening to God. That’s exactly what you and I need to do. No, it won’t be easy and there will be some struggles and battles ahead when you chase after what God has put in you. You are guaranteed victory in the long run if you will push past your fear. God is ready to act on your behalf, but you have to be the one to step out in faith to chase after what He called you to. As my friend says, it’s time for you to smash fear in the face! The enemy is afraid of you doing what God told you to do, so he uses fear to hold you back. Know that the Lord has given you those dreams and will make them happen. You just have to step out in faith and chase them.

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Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

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September 20, 2023 · 5:46 AM

Dressed For Battle

The Landsnechts were German speaking mercenaries hired for battles in the 1400’s – 1700’s. You couldn’t miss them on the battlefield. They wore oversized, flats berets to battle with amulets and ostrich feathers attached to it. Their shirts were baggy with puffy sleeves of vibrant colors. Their pants were also colorful and baggy. They were a sight to be seen on the battlefield. Emperor Maximilian said they should be allowed to wear whatever they wanted to battle because their lives were so short and brutish. Could you imagine seeing someone wearing something so vibrant to a battle? These days wear camouflage and ghillie suits to blend in with the environment. What you wear to a battle should give you a competitive advantage rather than place a target on you.

In 1 Samuel 17 we see young David show up to the battlefield. The army is dressed for battle, but the other side has a formidable giant whose mouth was just as big. He called out to the army for 40 days taunting them and challenging them. No one rose to the occasion. Instead they cowered in fear. When David heard it, he got mad and wanted to fight. The king heard about it and decided to send him out to fight Goliath rather than to continue the stalemate. He placed his own armor on David, but he couldn’t walk with all of it on. Instead he grabbed his shepherd’s staff, five smooth stones and his slingshot to head out to the battle. The giant laughed that they would send someone out without armor and so seemingly I’ll prepared. Goliath walked toward David, but David ran to him, put a stone in the sling, killed the giant and then cut off his head with his own sword.

Ephesians 6:13 says, “So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground” (GNT). You and I are in a spiritual battle every day. What armor are you wearing for it? Do you even have any on? If we’re going to hold our ground we must wear the armor that God made for us. Someone else’s armor won’t do (see the story of the seven sons of Sceva). God gives us a helmet to protect our mind, a breastplate to protect our heart, a belt that reminds us of the truth over the lies, shoes that carry us to help others, a shield to protect us and a sword to advance. Without these, we’re I’ll prepared for the battle we’re in and can be easily defeated. Paul tells us to put on the armor now so don’t wait. He’s given you everything you need to stand through anything and hold your ground.

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September 19, 2023 · 5:37 AM

Giving God Control

One of the books I read a couple of years ago was a study of 100,000 churches and the results. Something that caught my attention was it showed how many Christians are good with living lives that are close to Christ. However, there was a significant drop off to those who live Christ centered lives. We’re comfortable with the first one, but struggle to make the leap into giving up full control. A life that is close to Christ prays, reads their Bible and seeks Jesus for decisions in their life. It’s like a person who is driving the car of their life and asks Jesus for directions of which way to turn. By contrast, a Christ centered life is one where Jesus is in the driver’s seat making the decisions and we are in the passenger seat going where He takes us. Few fall into this category.

It reminded me of the story of the Rich, Young Ruler in Mark 10:17-27. This man approached Jesus to ask what he needed to do to receive eternal life. Jesus told him to obey the commandments. He felt good since he lived a life that did that (like most of us). Verse 21 says, “Jesus looked straight at him with love and said, ‘You need only one thing. Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me’” (GNT). Jesus didn’t tell him he wasn’t going to Heaven. He called him to a life that was Christ centered. To give up his will and possessions for Christ was more than he was willing to do. He, like us, enjoyed being in the driver’s seat and went away sad because he wasn’t willing to give up control.

Galatians 5:22-23 talks about the Fruit of the Spirit that God produces in our lives as Christians. Then in verse 25 it says, “The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives.” How much control have you given the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you find yourself in the driver’s seat or the passenger seat? Both are saved and going to Heaven, but only one offers a life that is truly Christ centered. The life that Jesus was inviting the rich, young ruler into. If we want that kind of life, we’re going to have to give Him control of our life. It’s not an easy thing to do which is why so few make that leap. Jesus is always calling us into a deeper commitment to Him, to a life more abundant. The way to get to the fullness He offers is through giving up control.

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September 18, 2023 · 5:39 AM

Seeking God For Help

One of my favorite scenes from the 90’s movie “The Little Rascals” is when their clubhouse is on fire. Porky and Buckwheat run to a pay phone and Buckwheat says, “Quick! What’s the number to 911?” Porky shrugs and says, “I don’t know!” I remember a time when we had the police and fire numbers posted by the telephone. If you had an emergency, you had to call specific numbers to get them. Then 911 came along and made it easier to get help when you need it. I’ve had to call 911 a few times to get help. Some times when I call it they let me know that they are aware of the situation already and help has been dispatched. I love how quickly they answer the call and how quickly they get help to where it’s needed.

In 2 Chronicles 20, it was reported to Jehoshaphat that a vast army was headed for them and had already taken one of their cities. Verse 3 says, “Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the Lord for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country” (GNT). People came from all over Judah to Jerusalem to stand in the courtyard of the Temple to pray and seek God for help. While they were praying, the Spirit of God came over a Levite and he said, “Your Majesty and all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, the Lord says that you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this large army. The battle depends on God, not on you.” He told them to show up for battle and God would take care of it and that’s what happened.

Psalm 18:6 says, “In my trouble I called to the Lord; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.” When we need help, God is there to listen and respond. Many times we simply cry out, but in times of desperation, it’s good to be like Jehoshaphat. We need to fast and wait to hear from God. Our minds want to do something immediately, but often we act before seeking what God wants. Remember your solution depends on God not you. He may ask you to step out in faith, but the real work is done by Him in response to our prayers and humility understanding that the answer is beyond our control. If you need help or guidance in what to do today, take time to stand in His presence seeking Him, His will and His help. I encourage you to go read the entire story in 2 Chronicles 20 today.

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September 15, 2023 · 4:46 AM

Trusting God’s Faithfulness

One of my favorite hymns has always been “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. We sang it all the times when I was young. As an adult, I’ve come to trust and rely on the faithfulness of God. In the original language of the Old Testament, the word faithfulness means to be steady or steadfast. In a world where change is rewarded, it’s good to have something steady to hold onto. When life gets flipped upside down, you can count on the faithfulness of God to be your rock. He doesn’t change with the times or culture. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Like the North Star in a sea of turbulence, He is there faithful and steady to guide us if we will keep our eyes on Him. There’s nothing you or anyone else can do to keep Him from being faithful to His Word. If you need an anchor today, call out to Him. He will be faithful to answer and guide you.

Here are some Bible verses on God’s Faithfulness.

1. The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT

2. Remember that the Lord your God is the only God and that he is faithful. He will keep his covenant and show his constant love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands.

Deuteronomy 7:9 GNT

3. Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word].

Hebrews 10:23 AMP

4. But if we freely admit our sins when his light uncovers them, he will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and he will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 TPT

5. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and keep you safe from the Evil One.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 GNT

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September 14, 2023 · 5:30 AM

Closing Wounds

If you know me or have followed this site for a while, you know my story. I was deeply wounded by the person I trusted most in the world. For years, I held onto that pain to the point that it was keeping me from living the life God wanted me to. Then God spoke to me through an evangelist. He said, “It’s in your scars that others will find their healing.” I spent months going back through the wound so I could let it go and forgive. I needed to let God bring healing into my own life first before He could use it to heal others.

I think that one of the greatest tragedies in life isn’t that people hurt us, it’s that we carry those wounds with us to the point that they limit us. When we allow our identity to be found in our wounds, we minimize who we are in Christ. Doing that keeps the wound open and we walk through life with this raw emotion that allows us to stay hurt which keeps us from making deep connections with people. We then hide behind the pain of the past and use it to keep people at a distance, but that’s not God’s way of doing things. He wants to close our wounds and heal us by helping us forgive.

Hebrews 12:1 says, “As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us” (TPT). When we let go of our wounds, they begin to heal. When they heal, they create scars. People don’t find healing in our wounds, they find healing in our scars for they are proof of God’s work in our life. They carry in them the hope for someone else that their wounds will one day be closed.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

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September 13, 2023 · 5:37 AM

Understanding Later

As a parent, you often have to make hard choices for your kids. There may be certain music you won’t let them listen to or movies you won’t let them watch. There are games you prevent them from playing that all their friends are playing. It could be a party or get together that you keep them home from. You’re doing it for their good and their future, but many times they don’t understand. They accuse you of all kinds of things when you make tough decisions. You hope that one day they will understand and appreciate what you did for them even though it was uncomfortable at the time.

I’m sure Joseph didn’t understand when he was attacked by his brothers, sold into slavery and put in prison in a foreign country. At the end of the story we see that all his troubles were about maturing him and putting him in position to save his family. His great grandfather faced some difficulties as well. Abraham was asked to move away from his family and the life he had always known. He wasn’t even sure where he was headed until he got there. God’s promise to him was 25 years slow in the making as well. Because he obeyed and was uncomfortable during a season, he was able to see and live in the land God would give his descendants. All throughout the Bible we see where God asked people to do uncomfortable things without them understanding in the moment. He was asking them to trust Him with their future.

In John 13, Jesus and the disciples were in the room about to have the Passover dinner when Jesus put on an apron, got a bowl of water and began washing their feet. Peter protested and didn’t want the Messiah to do such a lowly task. In verse 7 Jesus replied, “You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later” (GNT). We usually don’t understand much of what God does for us in the moment. It’s often uncomfortable or even painful, but He has a plan. In every case where I went through difficult situations and I look back on it years later, I can see the hand of God protecting me, positioning me and growing my faith. If you’re there now, trust His plan and know that while you do not understand now what He’s doing, you will later on in this life or the next.

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September 12, 2023 · 5:45 AM

Getting More Followers

During the pandemic a girl on TikTok licked a toilet seat on an airplane to get more views. Let that sink in. Later on she went on Dr. Phil’s show who asked her why and she said, “I was really annoyed that Corona was getting more publicity than me.” She went on to say that did it for clout. She, like so many of us on social media, become addicted to likes, views and follows. We have assigned value to people based on these things. The more of them you get, the more you’re considered an influencer. Because it feeds our ego, if people start losing followers, people start to do crazy things like licking a toilet seat on an airplane to get them back. This isn’t a phenomenon that’s just started. It’s been around for thousands of years.

In John 12, Jesus had been in ministry for 3 years and crowds followed Him. They wanted to see the next great miracle or even be a part of it like when He fed the 5,000. He continued to point people to God and repentance throughout His ministry. The Pharisees were livid that they were losing followers and clout and plotted to kill Him over it. Verse 43 says, “For they loved the glory that men could give them rather than the glory that came from God!” (TPT) Sounds familiar. However, we can contrast that with John the Baptist, who in John 3 was approached by his followers who were upset because people were leaving their ministry and “flocking to Jesus.” In verse 30 he replied, “It is necessary for him to increase and for me to decrease.” He understood that we must get people to follow Jesus rather than us.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (NIV). Are you trying to get followers for yourself or for Jesus? Are you following people or following Jesus? These questions get to the heart of our ego and remind us of what our purpose is. We can easily get caught up in the madness of trying to get more followers and then start doing ridiculous things when we lose them. If our goal is to follow Jesus and to get others to follow Him more than they follow us, then it’s hard to fall into that trap. John the Baptist understood the assignment. It’s not about us. It’s about Jesus. There’s nothing wrong with clout, being an influencer and getting millions of views as long as it’s not controlling your perceived worth and driving your life. Don’t just try to get people to follow you. Get them to follow Jesus instead.

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