Hebrews 13:3 "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners"
I remember the sound as if it were yesterday. "David Walden, you have a visitor! Go immediately to the administration."
The heart pounds right out of your chest when your name is broadcast across the prison yard. It echoes off the forty-foot walls, flat and cold and without design as if to say, "nobody cares about you!"
But God, He sends the messenger.
But God, He moves on the hearts of His chosen and prompts them to respond to His call, "Who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8).
The sound of God's voice flowing through the vessel of the messenger, "David, my friend, I am here to visit you." It is the voice of empathy. It is the embrace of love. It is the comfort (2 Cor. 1:3) that comes from the one who "remembers those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners." (Hebrews 13:3).
When was the last time you thought about those who are in the local jail, the state prison, the federal penitentiary?
Today is a good day to begin . . .
Pray for those behind bars.
Love, Chappy
Please pray with me:
Dear God,
Please bless those in our local jails, prisons, and penitentiaries. Lord, send people to them to show the love of Jesus to them, disciple them, and be their friend. Comfort them during these troubles times, especially during this Christmas season. Lord, I pray that those whom You are calling to minister to Your children behind bars hear the call and take a step forward to serve You as you have called them to serve. Lord, thank You for sending Your messenger to us in our time of need, and comforting us in our time of need. Thank You for the precious gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I pray that we glorify You as we celebrate His birth this Christmas season.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2008 MOTE, Inc.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
If You Believe
Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
What a giant word “if” is!
It is life-changing, family building, soul searching, world altering. There is so much power in this simple conjuncture. Negative and positive hang on either side.
Since “God is spirit . . .” (John 4:24) and it is impossible to intimately know God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), then on the positive side of “if” is belief.
Jesus said, according to the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 21, verse 22, “If you believe, you will receive . . .” Now that has a positive ring to it.
But on the other side of “if” would be the negative. The opposite of belief is doubt - - - unstable, inconsistent, wavering off course and unsure.
Is that how you are today? Have you been unstable a week, a month, or longer? If you have, then grab a hold of the other side of “if”.
Jesus Christ is on the right side, and He alone offers you and me stability, security and the positive promise.
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Ask Jesus in, He is knocking at your door . . . He will come in IF you believe.
Love, Chappy
Please pray with me:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for hearing and answering all of our prayers. Father, we ask you today to help us believe when we are in doubt. Help us Father to walk with you on the positive side of "if". We love you Jesus, we believe in you and all of your promises. Jesus, we hear you knocking and invite you in. Fill us with your Spirit as we walk with you today.
In Jesus Name - Amen
Love,
Chappy
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Alone with God
Psalm 139:2 "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar."
"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image ..." (Genesis 1:26)"i am" seeks to walk humbly with "I AM" (Micah 6:8)
When I go to my secret place . . .
When "i am" is alone with YOU . . .
Though the fog approaches all around me and dims the light from above . . .
I will take refuge in this place.
YOUR divine power dwells here . . .
YOU listen to me in this quiet space, at this present time in all of time that YOU have created.
YOU meet this lowly creature whom YOU have chosen, rescued, redeemed, and understand.
I find peace here.
Thank YOU, Father, for loving me.
I need YOU.
YOU replace that which has been poured out to others . . .
I get so drained which is my spiritual act of service, a living sacrifice that is acceptable to YOU.
And in this giving to others day in . . . day out, abiding in YOU, my God restoreth my soul . . .
HE meets my every need . . .
HE is my portion WHEN I go to my secret place.
When is the last time you were there?
Do you miss the sound of the air?
Can you taste he wind that crosses your nostrils?
YOUR Creator understands your needs in truth.
HE knows and comprehends what you are thinking right now as you read this! (Psalm 139:2b) . . .
Refresh yourself my friend.
Recharge the battery . . .
It will cost you all but a little "time" . . .
How much "recharging" depends on how long you visit HIM in the "secret place."
Love, Chappy
Please pray with me:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving us a place a refuge. A place to be alone with you. Thank you father for your perfect love.
Thank you father for restoring my soul and meeting my every need. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to remember to walk in Your light wherever we go so that others may see You. Lord, help us to continue serving others with a pure heart. Help us to remember to return to our secret place, alone with You.
In Jesus Name - Amen
Love,
Chappy
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image ..." (Genesis 1:26)"i am" seeks to walk humbly with "I AM" (Micah 6:8)
When I go to my secret place . . .
When "i am" is alone with YOU . . .
Though the fog approaches all around me and dims the light from above . . .
I will take refuge in this place.
YOUR divine power dwells here . . .
YOU listen to me in this quiet space, at this present time in all of time that YOU have created.
YOU meet this lowly creature whom YOU have chosen, rescued, redeemed, and understand.
I find peace here.
Thank YOU, Father, for loving me.
I need YOU.
YOU replace that which has been poured out to others . . .
I get so drained which is my spiritual act of service, a living sacrifice that is acceptable to YOU.
And in this giving to others day in . . . day out, abiding in YOU, my God restoreth my soul . . .
HE meets my every need . . .
HE is my portion WHEN I go to my secret place.
When is the last time you were there?
Do you miss the sound of the air?
Can you taste he wind that crosses your nostrils?
YOUR Creator understands your needs in truth.
HE knows and comprehends what you are thinking right now as you read this! (Psalm 139:2b) . . .
Refresh yourself my friend.
Recharge the battery . . .
It will cost you all but a little "time" . . .
How much "recharging" depends on how long you visit HIM in the "secret place."
Love, Chappy
Please pray with me:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving us a place a refuge. A place to be alone with you. Thank you father for your perfect love.
Thank you father for restoring my soul and meeting my every need. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to remember to walk in Your light wherever we go so that others may see You. Lord, help us to continue serving others with a pure heart. Help us to remember to return to our secret place, alone with You.
In Jesus Name - Amen
Love,
Chappy
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
When? Win!
Philipians 3:12-14 "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
When my emotions get the better of me and my anger goes that next step; when I listen to the world system which encourages me, “indulge self,” “take,” “hold on too”; when both combine against me and I succumb to these forces, the after effect for the believer can be shame and even the pain of guilt.
Have you been there? Are you there now? When the believer is there, a friend is needed. A friend, not a professional. A listener who will come alongside and “be still and know that ‘I AM’” (Psalm 46:10) is with you.
The internal war goes on, the external realm of darkness persists to put out the light. But God! My friend and fellow follower of Jesus of Nazareth, stills the emotions through quiet adoration of Jesus (Psalm 27:4), confess that “step over,” that went beyond anger and seek to reconcile; thank the only true God who has overcome the world and is in you (Philippians 1:6).
Then seek to go intimately deeper in knowing Christ … gain Christ … press on toward the goal … right now – today – with an attitude of victory … success …
Win! Now that is a When/Win package for power-filed living!
Please Pray With Me
Gracious father, thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you God that you live in us, when we seek you with our whole heart. We want to live a life that honors you, to win others to Christ, to be an example in our community. We want that When Win combination. Father, we desire that you be first in our life. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Love,
Chappy
To listen to this and other devotionals visit Our Town With Chappy Davehttp://www.chappydave.podcastpeople.com/.
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at www.mote.ws or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at devotions@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
When my emotions get the better of me and my anger goes that next step; when I listen to the world system which encourages me, “indulge self,” “take,” “hold on too”; when both combine against me and I succumb to these forces, the after effect for the believer can be shame and even the pain of guilt.
Have you been there? Are you there now? When the believer is there, a friend is needed. A friend, not a professional. A listener who will come alongside and “be still and know that ‘I AM’” (Psalm 46:10) is with you.
The internal war goes on, the external realm of darkness persists to put out the light. But God! My friend and fellow follower of Jesus of Nazareth, stills the emotions through quiet adoration of Jesus (Psalm 27:4), confess that “step over,” that went beyond anger and seek to reconcile; thank the only true God who has overcome the world and is in you (Philippians 1:6).
Then seek to go intimately deeper in knowing Christ … gain Christ … press on toward the goal … right now – today – with an attitude of victory … success …
Win! Now that is a When/Win package for power-filed living!
Please Pray With Me
Gracious father, thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you God that you live in us, when we seek you with our whole heart. We want to live a life that honors you, to win others to Christ, to be an example in our community. We want that When Win combination. Father, we desire that you be first in our life. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Love,
Chappy
To listen to this and other devotionals visit Our Town With Chappy Davehttp://www.chappydave.podcastpeople.com/.
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at www.mote.ws or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at devotions@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Battle of Love
Ephesians 6:10-13 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Against me earth and hell combine
But on my side is power divine;
Jesus is all, and he is mine!”
Quoted from C.H. Spurgeon
What comes to my mind as I read this rhyme is celestial battle.
I can almost hear the thunderous sound of gigantic swords clashing, pounding hoofs stomping and thrashing, as warriors of God the Almighty stand firm against the evil villains of darkness.
The war that rages 24/7 is in the spiritual realm.
The battle armor is hardened and sealed with the blood of the King of Kings.
The breastplate the warriors wear is secure because of the cross.
And who are these warriors protecting?
And to what cause do they stand firm?
It is the one who heard the call from the Caller
“Who will go for us?”
And I said . . .
“Here am I, send me!”
It is the youth who hears the gospel at camp and yields to Jesus by faith.
It is the mother who believes the Savior at His Word.
It is the prisoner who repents and is baptized.
And the cause for this battle over these precious saints?
L O V E
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Psalm 11:1 “In the LORD I take refuge.”
Please pray with me:
Dear Lord,
We are so blessed to have Your divine power and love on our side.
No matter how tough the battle gets, we know that we can win because of Your love.
Help us Lord to hear your call. Give us the courage to say “Here I am Lord, send me.”
Lord, in You I take refuge.
In Jesus Name - Amen
Love,
Chappy
To listen to this and other devotionals, leave your comments, and subscribe to podcasts visit Our Town With Chappy Dave at http://www.chappydave.podcastpeople.com/.
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Simple Hut
Matthew 6:33 ". . . Seek ye first the kingdom of God . . ."
"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image ..." (Genesis 1:26)
"i am" seeks to walk humbly with "I AM" (Micah 6:8)
I begin my journey early in the morning seeking God for understanding and His perfect will in my life. It is good to strive for perfection. The Apostle Paul did when he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Should "i" attain such understanding and practice it . . . ?
When "i" seek God with all my heart and mind shall “i” not be above all things of this world and a most blessed person? Yes, again “i” say yes!
Serving the Lord Jesus brings me closer to His glory.
Selfish desire separates me from it.
Understanding the will of God begins when "i" seek Him first, early, daily, week by week. It is called devotion.
It is there in the stillness of the day awakening that "i" hear His voice.
"i" recall those early mornings, it was 1984, in my cell, alone, abandoned and in deepest despair.
Jesus visited me there, it was my house. He entered in just as He had done for the poor fisherman when his mother was sick (Mark 1:30).
Jesus made a personal call to the lowly. Although the fisherman was to become a giant in the faith, his journey was through many trials, many denials, and many tears.
The simple faith in the Savior is the beginning of understanding.
The proud in heart, the rich according to the world, are more often than not, without understanding.
"God is oftener in little huts than in rich palaces." (C.H. Spurgeon) Isaiah 1:18.
Love,
Chappy
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Pray Always
“Have you any sickness in the house this morning?”
You will find Jesus by far the best PHYSICIAN , go . . . tell Him at once and tell Him all about the matter.
"Immediately lay the case before Him. It concerns one of His people, and therefore will not be trivial to Him." (C.H. Spurgeon)
“Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So He went to her, took her hand, and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.”
(Mark 1:30-31).
God may not remove all disease, but the follower of Jesus of Nazareth knows that believing prayer for those who are sick are far more likely to experience restoration than anything else in the world.
The Lord over all creation has a tender heart and waits to hear the intercessor’s prayer for the sick. He knows our grief, He understands our frailty. Let us pour them into His patient ear.
Love,
Chappy
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
You will find Jesus by far the best PHYSICIAN , go . . . tell Him at once and tell Him all about the matter.
"Immediately lay the case before Him. It concerns one of His people, and therefore will not be trivial to Him." (C.H. Spurgeon)
“Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So He went to her, took her hand, and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.”
(Mark 1:30-31).
God may not remove all disease, but the follower of Jesus of Nazareth knows that believing prayer for those who are sick are far more likely to experience restoration than anything else in the world.
The Lord over all creation has a tender heart and waits to hear the intercessor’s prayer for the sick. He knows our grief, He understands our frailty. Let us pour them into His patient ear.
Love,
Chappy
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Place of Intercessory
"In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now." (Numbers 14:19)
"Your piety is worthless unless it leads you to wish that the same mercy which has been extended to you may bless the whole world." (C. H. Spurgeon)
May my selfishness be evaporated in the light of Your eternal glory.
Your blood has blotted out my sins.
"i am" is prostrate before You, O' Lord my God, confessing my selfishness, pride, idolatry and so much more that "i am" has done and forgotten.
I bow my spirit before You and look only to the One who taketh away all my sins, Jesus, the Christ, the crucified, the risen Lamb of God . . . and in this lowly place is when "i am" is enriched.
Your grace is sufficient . . . (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is here that "i am" brings petitions for the whole earth to be filled with Your glory.
Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. (Psalm 72:19)
. . . it is here where intercessory is effective upon Omnipotent One who is longsuffering and the One that invites the sinner to come and reason together . . . "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
Him on high and "i am" face down . . . this is the place of intercessory.
In Christ's love,
Chappy Dave
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng (Psalm 42:1-4)
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
"Your piety is worthless unless it leads you to wish that the same mercy which has been extended to you may bless the whole world." (C. H. Spurgeon)
May my selfishness be evaporated in the light of Your eternal glory.
Your blood has blotted out my sins.
"i am" is prostrate before You, O' Lord my God, confessing my selfishness, pride, idolatry and so much more that "i am" has done and forgotten.
I bow my spirit before You and look only to the One who taketh away all my sins, Jesus, the Christ, the crucified, the risen Lamb of God . . . and in this lowly place is when "i am" is enriched.
Your grace is sufficient . . . (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is here that "i am" brings petitions for the whole earth to be filled with Your glory.
Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. (Psalm 72:19)
. . . it is here where intercessory is effective upon Omnipotent One who is longsuffering and the One that invites the sinner to come and reason together . . . "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
Him on high and "i am" face down . . . this is the place of intercessory.
In Christ's love,
Chappy Dave
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng (Psalm 42:1-4)
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Lord Knows You
Do you ever feel like nobody really understands your hardships, nobody knows all the good things that you have done, and nobody really knows your heart? Sometimes I feel like nobody really knows about all my good deeds, my struggles with sin, and how hard I work to be obedient to the Lord. But the Word tells us that God knows everything. He knows all of our good deeds, how hard we work, our hardships, and he knows all the times we have fallen.
Today we are going to take a look at some verses in Revelation. Revelation was written by Apostle John in about 95 A.D. At the time John is writing to the seven churches in the province of Asia to encourage the faithful, and to inform them that a final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Although his writings are to the seven churches in Asia, the message is there for us.
Revelation 1:10 says "On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
Take note that John tells us "I was in the Spirit". Friends, let me remind you that we don't need to be an apostle or a pastor to be in the Spirit and hear the voice of God. As obedient Christians, we are required to ask the Lord to fill us with His spirit, and to open the eyes and ears of our heart to Him. Then we are called to Love, Trust, and Follow Him.
In Revelation Chapters 2-3 we are reminded seven times that the Lord knows us. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, the number seven appears repeatedly and is considered a symbol of divine perfection. As John writes to the seven churches of Asia we are reminded that nothing is hidden from God. To the church in Ephesus John writes "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance." (2:2) To the church in Smyrna he writes "I know your afflictions and your poverty." (2:9) To the church in Pergamum he writes "I know where you live - where Satan has his throne". (2:13) To the church in Thyatira he writes "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance and that you are now doing more than you did at first." (2:19) to the church in Sardis he writes "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." (3:1) To the church in Philadelphia he writes "He knows your deeds." (3:8) To the church in Laodicea he writes "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot." (3:15)
To know that God knows my works, the love that I have given freely through service to children's ministry, orphanages, youth prisons, Strong Tower ministries, hospitals, and patience with my family and others is incredibly encouraging. He knows that we are growing as Christians. In verse 2:13 he reminds us that he knows that we are now doing more than we did at first.
Yes, God knows all of our goodness and our love for Him, yet there are still things that are against us. Verse 2:4 says "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love."
We cannot hide our sins from God. He knows when we have fallen and when we have turned our backs against Him. He knows all of our struggles, our hardships, and our sins. The good news is that by trusting in, relying upon and clinging to the blood of Jesus, we are forgiven. God tells us how to overcome the times when we have fallen. And God tells us how to get back up and start over again. Verse 5 tells us to "Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first."
In Revelation Chapters 2-3 we are also reminded seven times "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 2:6, 2:13, 2:22) Remember in verse 1:10 when John said "On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet." So how are we able to hear what the Spirit has to say to us? John is very specific when he writes "I was in the Spirit, and I heard".
Brothers and Sisters, in God's perfect love He has given us the gift of eternal life. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."
Doesn't that just make you want to jump up and down and shout Hallelujah!!! It does for me. God loves you and wants you in His paradise for all of eternity. He knows your deeds, good and bad, and He has given you instructions on how to overcome your sinful nature. Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, ask Him to fill you with the Spirit, and open the eyes and ears of your heart to Him, and you will hear His voice. Then in faith, love, trust and follow Him.
In Christ's love,
Chappy Dave
Today's Prayer:
God,
Thank you for your perfect love. Thank you for knowing and understanding everything about us, how hard we work, all of our struggles in life, and our sinful nature. God, thank you for sending your son Jesus to us to teach us how to live and then to die on the cross so that we can live with You, in Your paradise, for eternity. Thank you for the prophecy that You have given us in the book of Revelation, and the encouragement that you give us through the Word. We confess that Jesus is Lord. We are sorry for the sins that we have committed, and we ask for your forgiveness. Lord, please fill us with your Spirit and give us ears to hear your voice. Lord, give us the strength to love, trust and follow You. We ask this all in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
Today we are going to take a look at some verses in Revelation. Revelation was written by Apostle John in about 95 A.D. At the time John is writing to the seven churches in the province of Asia to encourage the faithful, and to inform them that a final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Although his writings are to the seven churches in Asia, the message is there for us.
Revelation 1:10 says "On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
Take note that John tells us "I was in the Spirit". Friends, let me remind you that we don't need to be an apostle or a pastor to be in the Spirit and hear the voice of God. As obedient Christians, we are required to ask the Lord to fill us with His spirit, and to open the eyes and ears of our heart to Him. Then we are called to Love, Trust, and Follow Him.
In Revelation Chapters 2-3 we are reminded seven times that the Lord knows us. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, the number seven appears repeatedly and is considered a symbol of divine perfection. As John writes to the seven churches of Asia we are reminded that nothing is hidden from God. To the church in Ephesus John writes "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance." (2:2) To the church in Smyrna he writes "I know your afflictions and your poverty." (2:9) To the church in Pergamum he writes "I know where you live - where Satan has his throne". (2:13) To the church in Thyatira he writes "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance and that you are now doing more than you did at first." (2:19) to the church in Sardis he writes "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." (3:1) To the church in Philadelphia he writes "He knows your deeds." (3:8) To the church in Laodicea he writes "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot." (3:15)
To know that God knows my works, the love that I have given freely through service to children's ministry, orphanages, youth prisons, Strong Tower ministries, hospitals, and patience with my family and others is incredibly encouraging. He knows that we are growing as Christians. In verse 2:13 he reminds us that he knows that we are now doing more than we did at first.
Yes, God knows all of our goodness and our love for Him, yet there are still things that are against us. Verse 2:4 says "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love."
We cannot hide our sins from God. He knows when we have fallen and when we have turned our backs against Him. He knows all of our struggles, our hardships, and our sins. The good news is that by trusting in, relying upon and clinging to the blood of Jesus, we are forgiven. God tells us how to overcome the times when we have fallen. And God tells us how to get back up and start over again. Verse 5 tells us to "Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first."
In Revelation Chapters 2-3 we are also reminded seven times "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 2:6, 2:13, 2:22) Remember in verse 1:10 when John said "On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet." So how are we able to hear what the Spirit has to say to us? John is very specific when he writes "I was in the Spirit, and I heard".
Brothers and Sisters, in God's perfect love He has given us the gift of eternal life. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."
Doesn't that just make you want to jump up and down and shout Hallelujah!!! It does for me. God loves you and wants you in His paradise for all of eternity. He knows your deeds, good and bad, and He has given you instructions on how to overcome your sinful nature. Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, ask Him to fill you with the Spirit, and open the eyes and ears of your heart to Him, and you will hear His voice. Then in faith, love, trust and follow Him.
In Christ's love,
Chappy Dave
Today's Prayer:
God,
Thank you for your perfect love. Thank you for knowing and understanding everything about us, how hard we work, all of our struggles in life, and our sinful nature. God, thank you for sending your son Jesus to us to teach us how to live and then to die on the cross so that we can live with You, in Your paradise, for eternity. Thank you for the prophecy that You have given us in the book of Revelation, and the encouragement that you give us through the Word. We confess that Jesus is Lord. We are sorry for the sins that we have committed, and we ask for your forgiveness. Lord, please fill us with your Spirit and give us ears to hear your voice. Lord, give us the strength to love, trust and follow You. We ask this all in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
I hope that you enjoyed today's devotional. You are welcome to forward this message to your friends and family. Forward instructions are at the bottom of this email. If you have received this message as a forward and would like to receive free devotionals from Chappy Dave you can sign up from the MOTE website at http://www.mote.ws/ or simply email us at devotions@mote.ws and provide us with your name and email address.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more please email us at mailto:info@mote.ws and let us know how to reach you. We would be blessed with the opportunity to talk with you and pray for you.
To invite Chappy Dave to speak at your church, or to schedule a workshop on Creating Faith-Based Organizations, Local Missions, Our Town - A Class on Wheels, After School Homework Club Programs, or Prison Ministries, email us at info@mote.ws.
Copyright 2007 © MOTE, Inc.
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