Devotional Thoughts

Psalm 40:16    "Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified." As children, we used to play hide and seek. I remember just a few years ago, my grandchildren wanted me to play hide and seek with them, but I quickly found out that I was too big to hide. No matter how much I tried, I could never squeeze between things to squat down and hide. Of course, they found me very quickly. There would be much laughter as we enjoyed that game together.  The game would go on and on, "Pops, let's play hide and seek!" Of course they knew they would find me first. I realized as I typed that paragraph that our God is too big to hide from us. Everywhere we look, we can see God. The key to finding Him is that we must be looking for Him.  "Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee."   It is understood that those who truly are seeking God will find Him. There is another key to...

Genesis 8:1    "And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;" Have you ever been in a situation that just seemed to go on and on? You were faced with what would appear to be an impossible task. You had no idea what was going on around you. And if it ever did end, you had no idea what you would find on the other side. In such times, we might be tempted to wonder, “Where is God?” Noah had been faithful to all that God had commanded. He built a great vessel on dry land. He preached the righteousness of God (2 Peter 2:5). He prepared to house and feed himself, his family, and all the creatures God would send to him. Then, God closed them all in the ark. In all of these strange and trying circumstances, God remembered Noah and every living thing He had sent into the ark. The expression “God remembered” in no way implies that God forgot Noah and his circumstance...

Psalm 40:5    "Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." Have you ever tried to count the stars? What about grains of sand? Have you ever tried to count sheep?  I have to confess that my mind begins to wander into another thought whenever I try to count any of those things. If I cannot count those things which I can see and understand, then I'm certain that I cannot fathom the number of blessings that I am given on any particular day.  The Psalmist simply says, "Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou has done."  He says in another place, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." (Psalm 68:19)  God loads us with blessings every single day.  He simply says, "they are more than can be numbered....

Genesis 7:16    "And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in." I feel sure most of you are familiar with the story of the flood. In the sixth chapter of Genesis starting with verse thirteen we see the beginning of this remarkable event. God had given man 120 years to repent of his ungodliness (Genesis 6:3). Rather than repent, man became more wicked. Noah, having found grace in the eyes of the LORD, was saved along with his wife, his three sons, and their wives. God chose this little remnant out of all the people on the earth. He gave Noah very specific instructions, and Noah heeded the voice of God. When the flood started with that first drop of water, God shut this remnant in the ark. When God closed that door, no one else was coming in and no one was going out. How often has God preserved you or those you love in astonishing ways? Sometimes it takes a long season for His purpose to be fulfilled. We get so ...

Genesis 6:9-10    "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth." In verse eight of this chapter, we see that Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the LORD. Noah did not EARN grace, but he found it. We, who are washed in Jesus’ blood, have also found grace in the eyes of the LORD. And, like Noah, we did nothing to earn it. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners and enemies to God (Romans 5:6-11). The first thing the scripture tells us about Noah is that he found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Everything that follows is the result (not the cause) of Noah finding favor with God. Noah was blessed with generations (children, family). He had three sons named Shem, Ham, and Japheth. By God’s grace, his family was delivered with him from destruction.  Because Noah found favor with God, he lived a righteous life amid a world that was corrupt and full of ...

Genesis 6:4-8     "There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.  And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.  And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. " We learned in the first few verses of this chapter that the sons of God began to take wives of the daughters of men. These daughters of men were fair to look upon. This is a warning to us today who would serve God faithfully. We must be careful n...

Psalm 40:1-3   "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  (2)  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  (3)  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD." Do you ever find yourself humming or whistling as you go about your everyday activities? It might be a particular song or it might just be some musical notes that you are humming that really do not fit a particular song. It might be a tune that is just coming from deep inside you. Maybe you have gone through a rough time as David described in our verses or maybe a blessing came to you from out of the blue. Whatever the case, something has made your heart feel lighter. That is a wonderful feeling, isn't it? We can know that those musical notes came from the good Lord above! Aren't you glad that God created mus...

Psalm 40:2    "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." Yesterday, we saw that God bends His ear toward to hear our cries, our pleas, our petitions. While we are waiting, He is working His plan, His design, for our life.  He isn't just listening and saying, "I wish I could do something to help."  Those are the words that I have spoken many times throughout my life, but unable to do anything to change a person's situation or circumstance. I'm so thankful that our God does stop to listen to our cries, but He is able to do something to help.  In this Psalm, we are told that not only does God listen, but He answers. Sometimes that answer is in the form of words of comfort to let us know that He is in that pit with us. He did that for the three Hebrew children when He went into the fiery furnace with them. Yes, sometimes He allows us to have a time in the pit where we can thin...

Psalm 40:1-2    "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  (2)  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." David wrote this 40th Psalm with the thought of patiently waiting. This waiting took place after two other things occurred. First, David cried unto the Lord . Something was troubling David and he took it to the Lord and was waiting for the answer to come to him. While he was waiting, he had sunk down into "an horrible pit". We can assume that pit to be an emotional time of trouble - whether it was fear, anxiety, doubt, or whatever the cause, we know David was extremely troubled about something. He followed the instruction of the Lord for all of us... In the day of trouble, we should call upon the Lord. The second event that took place, before David assumed the posture of waiting, was the Lord "inclined unto me".  That is to say, God l...

Galatians 6:18    "Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." Although this letter had been written in order to refute a false teaching that had been introduced and received by the Galatians, Paul concluded the letter with the word, "Brethren."  He understood the meaning and impact of using this word when dealing with these people who he loved dearly. He had heard that word at a time in his life when he needed comforting. After Jesus appeared to Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, He sent Ananias to talk to him.  In Acts 9:17, we read that Ananias "... entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul..." These two actions, that we might read right over without a thought, meant something wonderful to Saul. Someone who a short time before had been an enemy to him was now placing his hand on his shoulder and  calling him, "Brother".  So, as Paul is concluding this letter, he does not use the word...

Galatians 6:17    "From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus."  Paul was stating a fact that imprinted a precious truth in his heart and mind. This was a statement on the same line as the man who was born blind. His one testimony that would stand the test of time was that he once was blind, but now he could see. Paul knew that his life once was in direct contrast to what the Lord had done for him. "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." He could state that over and over with a conviction of the Lord's grace in his life.   There was a sense in which Paul literally bore the marks of the Lord Jesus. Let's refresh our minds on that. in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.  Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a...

Galatians 6:14-15    "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.  (15)  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." "But God forbid that I should glory...."  What does that word, glory, mean? If I could define it in a nutshell, it means to draw attention to myself.  For some of us, we can remember in our childhood days seeing a bright light that moved around in the sky. We knew when we saw it that a new business had opened or some business was having a big sale. The spotlights would swirl around in the night sky when a new movie previewed. I remember the big light at the airport that would go around in circles to alert the planes of the location of the airport. Yes, I know I am showing my age now. But my point is those lights would draw attention to some place or event that was taking place.  Paul ...

Galatians 6:9    "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." The older I get, the faster time seems to pass. That is, unless it is something that I feel needs to happen more quickly. Then it seems that it takes forever for the results to be accomplished. I confess that I am not the most patient human being on the face of the earth. There are times when I want instant results and they seem to take forever to occur.  Prior to today's passage of Scripture, Paul was inspired to remind us that we reap what we sow. May I add just now that we will reap in the same field where we sow.  Beans are not planted in one field but picked in another. No, they grow and are reaped from the same field. That's just something to think about. In other words, God is not keeping a tally board in heaven and ready to hold it over our heads when we get there.  That's just a side thought this morning. I tend to take rabbit trails sometimes. ...

Galatians 6:1-2    "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  (2)  Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." The Gospel according to John speaks these words of Jesus to us, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  (35)  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35) This subject spoke to John's heart in such a way that the theme of his epistle is this, "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." (1 John 3:23) Paul was inspired to write concerning the matter of the law of Christ. He was brought to understand that the entire purpose for God's people is found in the subject of loving ...

Galatians 5:25    "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." In this book of Galatians, Paul speaks a great deal about living. Oftentimes, we do not give as much thought to living as we should. We can easily take life for granted. We are going to wake up and go to work. Or if we are retired, we are going to wake up and do whatever the day holds for us, whether it be a hobby or some activity that we have volunteered to participate. We just assume that's going to happen. Yes, Paul speaks a great deal concerning this subject of living and he places the emphasis on the proper perspective of life. We read in Chapter 2, "...  the life which I now live in the flesh..."  Paul was specific to mention the life we now live and the importance of the manner in which we live that life. Let's finish the thought of that chapter 2:20, "... the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for ...

Galatians 5:14    "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."  Galatians 5:16    "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."  Galatians 5:18     "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." There are those people who feel it is too rigid a life to follow Christ. They think it really puts too many restrictions on them if they try to walk the path that God has laid out for us. The truth of the matter is that the only restrictions that are placed are those which would bring pain and misery upon us. Paul began this chapter by saying, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." Christ has made us free!  Christ has made us FREE !!  So what are the guidelines for walking in this liberty? The key is found in one word - love.  We love God because He first loved us. Because of His love for us, ...

Galatians 5:1-4    "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  (2)  Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.  (3)  For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  (4)  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." I acknowledge that the language of the book of Galatians can be hard to understand due to the fact that we Gentiles were never under the written law. The book of Romans tells us that we have a law written in our hearts, but we were never subjected to the harshness of condemnation which was the result of breaking the written law of God. I say that and yet Galatians is very important for us to read and seek understanding. Though we were never under the written law of God, many people have either been ...

Galatians 4:28-29    "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.  (29)  But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now." In this 4th chapter, Paul used the account of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar to show the difference between works of the flesh and being obedient to the Spirit of God. Let's look at just a quick review of those events. God had promised a son to Abraham, but the child had not been conceived. Abraham and Sarah decided that maybe God meant for them to take care of the situation, so Sarah gave her handmaid to Abraham. Maybe God meant for the promised son to come through Hagar. You remember a son was born to Hagar and his name was Ishmael, but he was not the promised son from God. God intended to, and did, show His power in spite of the weakness of Abraham and Sarah. Isaac, the promised son, was born to Sarah when she was 90 years old and Abraham was about 100 years old.  T...

Galatians 4:3-7    "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world  (4)  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  (5)  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  (6)  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  (7)  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." And then there are a few more verses that are very important to place with these passages. (John 8:31-32)    "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  (32)  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."   (John 8:36)    "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." I pray th...

Galatians 3:29    "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Today, this is my third attempt to write a devotion. Each time, my thoughts went blank. So for now I just want to say, "Thank you Lord for fulfilling your promise to provide the promised Redeemer, Jesus Christ, through the seed of Abraham. You promised. You provided. I am yours. I believe. I rejoice. I praise your Holy Name.

Galatians 3:19   "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." The law was added. To what was it added? And why was it added? Stay with me, please, as I share my thoughts. The law was added to the promise. The promise was made to the seed. Who was the seed? Paul answers that for us in Galatians 3:16, "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." The promise was made to the seed, which is Christ. It was made known to Abraham. See Genesis 12:1. What was the promise given to Christ?  "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. (18 ) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment ha...

Galatians 3:19-20  Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. (20)  Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one." God's promise was made to Abraham over 400 years before the law was given to Moses. Paul is careful to make certain that we understand the law does not make the promise of no effect.  In other words, the law does not override the promise.  Why then was the law given if it was not intended to give life? What purpose does it serve? Paul tells us the law identifies and warns us of transgressions against God. A separation of fellowship occurred as a result of transgression, which first occurred in the Garden of Eden. The law identifies that which is contrary to God. But there had to be retribution made for the transgressions. How would that happen? Even if we could go t...

Galatians 3:18-19    "For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.  (19)  Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator."   The entire book of Galatians is Paul's addressing the contrast between law and grace. I realize there is a vast difference in people's approach to both. There are those who believe that you have to do good works in order to get to heaven. On the other end of the spectrum, you find people who believe they can live any way they want to because they are saved by grace. Paul's teachings take us down the path of balancing the two.     In Ephesians 2:10, we read that "we are God's workmanship created unto good works."  In Titus 3:5, we read "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us....

Galatians 3:21-22     "Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. (22)  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." "... if there had been a law given which could have given life..." In my own terminology, that is a mighty big "if". IF righteousness could be obtained by our obedience,THEN the law of God would be the way. We saw in Romans, "... the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." (Romans 7:12) So we can come to the understanding that the problem was not with the law; rather, the problem was in us. The law is holy. In my old nature, I was unholy (unrighteous). I could not change that. But the Scripture, and our own experience of life, concluded we were under the bondage of sin. We needed deliverance and we could...

Galatians 3:13-14    "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:  (14)  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law."  In order to rejoice in this grand truth, we must understand there really is "the curse of the law".  Those who would think their works can take them to heaven should understand there is a curse that is pronounced under the law. What is that curse?  The condemnation of the law was death. When you take time to go back and read through Exodus and Deuteronomy, you will see that the transgression of the law demanded the person to be put to death. But what if the transgression was only a "minor" one?  The first question would be, "Who is the judge as to what is minor and major?"  But...

Galatians 3:2-3    "This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" Why would anyone feel the need for a law? To me, it seems that my need for the law is a full statement of the tendency of my flesh to sin. I have the nature of Adam within me and that brings about thoughts, words, and actions that are contrary to God. Therefore, I feel the need for a law, or guideline, that will help me try to live a better life.  But the problem with the law is that it does not take away the condemnation that is the result of my transgressions.  The law merely points out my weaknesses and the shortcomings of my life. So, how can those tendencies, those weaknesses, be changed. How can my heart be put back at one with God? Yesterday was a day of celebration. We celebrated life - a better life each day and more importantly, life for all eternity. We celebrated the great hope (assurance) of our home in heaven. How has that hom...