+Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor

Date: February 14, 2018 at 12:51 AM

Topic: +DEV+. A Vision of Heaven

A Vision of Heaven

They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."  Revelation 4:10b-11

Scripture Focus: Revelation 4

Today we turn to the book of Revelation for this devotion on adoration in prayer. We find the 24 elders of the church worshiping the Lord in heaven-day and night they never stop. Whenever the living creatures around the throne worship, so do the elders. It has been said that when we get to heaven, one of the things that will amaze us most is that we didn't love God more. I believe that these passages show us just that. Here are created men with all the frailties and limitations natural to human life. Yet when we see them in heaven, they devote their entire time to worshiping God. He is good enough, deep enough, wonderful and majestic enough that there is no boredom in perpetual worship. Sitting in church all day listening to a pastor-even the very best pastor!- could not be compared to worshiping in the presence of God. We may grow tired and weary as we worship now, but in heaven we will be refreshed with living water. The One we worship is all-sufficient for us, all-knowing, and all-worthy of our praise.

Insight: Know who it is you worship, and that will drive your worship and compel you to adore Jesus!

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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Michael D. Inman

Topic: +DEV+. Radiance and Glory
Radiance and Glory

…high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man, This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown,… Ezekiel 1:26b, 28b

Ezekiel 1

Now that we are several days into our meditations on adoration in prayer, are you finding your thoughts of expressing adoration to God expanding? Remember that the Hebrews writer told us Christ is the radiance of the glory of God. In today's Old Testament passage, Ezekiel paints another picture of the glory of God. And it is spectacular! In his vision Ezekiel sees the likeness of a man on a throne, one whose splendor is but a glimpse of the glory of the Lord. By reading this Old Testament passage in light of Hebrews, we know that it is Jesus whom Ezekiel is seeing on the throne. And what can Ezekiel do but fall to his face on the ground in awe? Worship is the proper response to the holy nature of God. Our fallen hearts are so hardened that we fail to glorify and worship Him as He properly deserves. Worship and awe should characterize the Christian life, for we know better than anyone else the deep love and unparalleled character of the Lord. We have to worship! Speak words of adoration as you begin a prayer to Him today.

Insight: Today's Christians know the Lord in ways Old Testament saints would have only dreamed of. Our response: adoration resulting in worship.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: February 8, 2018 at 11:51 PM

Topic: +DEV+ A Consuming Fire

A Consuming Fire

Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. Exodus 19:18

Exodus 19
Far from displaying just entertaining theatrics, the Lord descends upon the earth in visible power. At the time of the Exodus, the Israelites were warned that if they so much as touched Mount Sinai, they would die. From the priests to the animals in their midst, any living thing that touched the foot of the mountain would meet with certain death. The Lord God is a holy God. Anytime a man forgot his place and breached the divide between holy and common, it never ended well for him (2 Samuel 6:7). Israel trembled in fear when they saw the Lord descend. They felt that reverential awe caused by a right understanding of God. Godly fear is a knowledge of unworthiness, a fear which puts man in his place. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). As you come to the Lord in prayer, be in awe of who and what He is. Let the very first words to Him voice your adoration for His magnificence. Stand in awe of who God is: your consuming fire, the One who conquered the flames of eternal death for you.

INSIGHT: "Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" (Hebrews 12:28b-29)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: February 8, 2018 at 12:18 AM
Topic: +DEV+. A More Excellent Name

A More Excellent Name

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3a
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 1

When you start your prayer time intentional about expressing adoration to God, consider the introduction to the book of Hebrews. The writer compares the surpassing glory of Jesus to that of the angels. The Bible does give us some descriptions of angels. We have ideas about their appearance that have worked their way into our art forms, our literature, and our songs. But in every aspect, Jesus exceeds the angels, superior to them, as the writer of Hebrews says. In Christ, we have the most perfect image of God. Because of Jesus, we understand better God's nature, power, and glory. Jesus told His disciples, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9b). Therefore in Christ we find the most perfect revelation of God. And His name is more excellent than any of the angels because it is the name of the Lord. Perhaps your words of adoration in prayer would say, "Lord, you are our great high priest, more excellent than the heavenly hosts. You uphold the universe and dwell among us. You are worthy to be praised!"

Insight: Jesus Christ is not just a man. He is fully God and fully man, the perfect image of God and worthy of all praise.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: February 7, 2018 at 12:31 AM
Topic: +DEV+. Holy Is the Lord

Holy Is the Lord

And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 6

The Lord brings Isaiah into the heavenly throne room where Isaiah is granted a vision of the Lord. Imagine how the prophet must have trembled! There the heavenly hosts witness to the pure and perfect beauty of the Lord, crying, "Holy, holy, holy." Since the days of creation, the angels have testified to the holiness of God, and they continue to do so, for His holiness is unending. He is so absolutely far from sin that those who surround Him veil their faces. If a man but glimpse such holiness, he falls to his face in both worship and fear. Worthy is He to be praised! The very song the angels called out became a refrain which the saints joined in (Revelation 4:8) and a hymn which believers have sung for generations. "Holy, holy, holy! Lord, God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee." Since the Hebrew language repeats for emphasis, the angels proclaim that the Lord is the holiest of holiest of holies. Let the first words of your prayer at the new day declare again that He is most worthy.

Insight: But for the atoning work of Jesus, we could not see God and live, for He is holy and we are not.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: February 5, 2018 at 1:15 AM

Topic: +DEV+. The Work of Your Hands
The Work of Your Hands

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:3-4

Scripture Focus: Psalm 8

I know that sometimes believers struggle with finding the words for adoration in their prayers. Perhaps we should start by opening our eyes and looking at all that is around us. The glory of God is so wonderfully testified to in the beauty of creation. When we look at a stunning sunrise or sunset, when we gasp at the innumerable stars in the night sky, we are reminded of a Creator who is greater than all that we can see or even imagine. Creation bears witness to a magnificent Creator, and Scripture testifies that He cares intimately for His children. The psalmist is awestruck by such a thought. God set man over all the earth and the fullness thereof. By just looking at the particular fullness in our immediate word, we are filled with adoration for our Creator. How great is our God! How majestic is the name of Him who reigns over the heavens and the earth. The One who created the universe through the word of His power knows each of us by name. He sent His only Son to save you and me. There is no greater love.

Insight: The Creator of the universe concerns Himself with the affairs of His children. Our hearts rightly resound with joy and praise to our wonderful God.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: February 5, 2018 at 11:31 PM

Topic: +DEV+. Worship the Lord

Worship the Lord

Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:1-2

Psalm 29

Psalm 29 is a wonderful passage to help you focus your prayers of adoration on the Lord. It recounts the majestic, powerful, and glorious nature of God. The psalmist positions us to worship the Lord by demonstrating how worthy He is. Yesterday we looked at how God has shaped creation to testify to Him and to compel us to worship. Today we look at worship itself, our response to the demonstrated power of God. Shaking the wilderness, thundering over the waters, breaking the cedars of Lebanon, the Lord is great and powerful. Worthy is He to be praised. There is none who can stand before the Lord, for He is the Almighty. This is our God! There is none who can compare. Worthy is He of all praise. He is King forever, and His people cry out, "Glory!" Why should His people fear? The man with the largest, most powerful army does not fear any other. So the people of God have no fear of earthly armies, for our God strips the forests bare. He is the God of Glory. Our defender prevails, and He brings the nations to their knees.
Insight: Worship is the natural response to an awesome God. Our hearts should be filled with adoration and worship!

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: February 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
Topic: +DEV+. The Privilege of Prayer

The Privilege of Prayer

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26b
Scripture Focus: Romans 8

If you haven't already guessed, our theme in this devotional is prayer. Prayer is one of the greatest privileges that we have as Christians. We have access to the Holy of Holies. We have the right and privilege to lift up our cares, concerns, and desires to the very Creator of the universe. There is no power on earth that can compare to being heard by the One who created that earth. Our study of prayer will be structured around the model ACTS: Adoration, in which we gaze upon the character of God; Confession, because having seen His holiness, our sins are thrown into stark contrast; Thanksgiving, in which we express our gratitude not only for the gifts He has given us but foremost for our gracious God; and Supplication, in which we present our requests to Him. We have a Father who so loves us that He sent His Son to save us. He delights to hear our prayers and even intercedes when we do not know what words to say. He is a good Father who loves to hear from His children. Take advantage of the privilege of prayer!

Insight: There is no greater privilege or greater power than to appeal to Him who is almighty.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: January 31, 2018 at 2:23 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Words of Encouragement

Words of Encouragement

“… we who are still alive, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

Scripture Focus: 1 Thessalonians 4

At the memorial service of a dear friend, my pastor spoke of how words of comfort rarely suffice in times of sorrow. Grief can be covered with words and Hallmark card sentiments, but we still need more. What we need is a word from the Lord. God has not left us in silence. Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica who were grieving the persecution and loss of their Christian friends. "According to the Lord's own word" (vs. 15), Paul wrote, making it clear that the tragedies inflicting them were, indeed, in God's plan. Paul's word choice of "falling asleep" was carefully designed to imply also a "waking up." We wake up to these understandings: our weeping in sorrow is not without hope; those who die as Jesus' followers are immediately present with Him; Jesus brings us the privilege of being raised One day and re-united with our loved ones; we have the true words of encouragement and hope because they come to us from the Lord of all hope whose plans are to give us hope and a future (see Jeremiah 29:11).

Insight: Hold fast to Jesus, the hope set before you as you rejoice in sufferings, persevere in trials, grow in character, and find encouragement.


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Michael D. Inman
Date: February 1, 2018 at 12:11 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Words of Prayer

Words of Prayer
"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." Luke 11:1

Scripture Focus: Luke 11
It seems that every believer has struggled at some point to find words in prayer. Sometimes we're at a loss for what to pray. For others the problem is not even knowing how to pray. We may feel like young Huckleberry Finn who could not figure out prayer. Miss Watson had told him to pray every day, and whatever he would ask for he would get. Since praying never got him the fishing hooks he asked for, he gave it up and "couldn't make it out no way." Jesus' own disciples struggled with it, too. If they were alive today, they'd find bookstore shelves filled with volumes on how to pray. But since they were walking right alongside of the Savior Himself, they simply asked Him. And He gave them the very words of a prayer that would do well to teach them. Nearly everyone knows the Lord's Prayer - even those who aren't church going or who consider themselves as Huckleberry did to be "ignorant and so kind of low-down and ornery" about religion. Somehow this prayer-the very words of Jesus-has found its way into many a memory and heart.

Insight: When we pray the Lord's Prayer, it is an offering of the voice of Jesus, a declaration of belonging to Him, and a pronunciation of the lessons he wants us to know.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: January 30, 2018 at 2:09 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Word of Forgiveness
Word of Forgiveness
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
Scripture Focus: Colossians 3

When Corrie ten Boom first saw a man after a church service in Germany who'd been a former S.S. guard, one of her tormenters in the Ravensbruck concentration camp of World War II, she loathed him. He had heard the message of the Gospel she'd just preached. So he rushed up to her, thanking her for telling how Jesus washed his sins away. The man was moved by her words that spoke of forgiveness. Yet she boiled with anger now in his presence. Can you imagine a more profound moment of comprehending Jesus' charge to us to forgive as we've been forgiven? Corrie begged the Lord for the ability to forgive the man, though feeling hatred toward him. She said that when she did extend her hand to him, a current seemed to pass from him to her. The words of mercy she spoke were life-giving not only to the man, but also to Corrie. If there would be any words at all where conflict exists, let them first and most sincerely be words of forgiveness. The peace of Christ will rush over you through those words, the very ones He's spoken to you!


Insight: Whenever we speak words of grace and forgiveness, we have a little taste of heaven.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: January 29, 2018 at 1:52 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Safety in the Word
Safety in the Word

"Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your Word."  Psalm 119:24-25

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119 (Longest Verse in the Bible)
I know many people who, though brought up in Christian homes, now as adults want nothing to do with the faith in which they were raised. Originally, I suppose what attracted me as a young believer was a feeling of safety in the Word of God. One of the first things a child senses when told of Jesus' love for him/her is a distinct sense of safety. I didn't want to be outside the protective circle of Christ's love. Out of gratitude for God's care, I obeyed. But I also expected Him, therefore, to preserve me. I presumed He would. Over the course of the years, I've come to understand better who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for me. I know that the name of the Lord is a strong tower; I can run to Him, and I am safe. The security that I've rested in comes from the Savior who will preserve me, if not in this world, then in the next. There may be illness, a car accident, and disappointment, even death awaiting me. But His forever design to redeem me for His own is promised in His faithful Word. I haven't earned it, and I never will.


Insight: Whether "laid low" (vs. 25) or "set, free" (vs. 32), hold fast to God's Word: the only Word worth clinging to.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: January 26, 2018 at 2:39 AM

Topic: +DEV+. A Good Laugh

A Good Laugh

Proverbs 17:22

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  Proverbs 17:22

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 17:22

Humorous words can be life-giving. Yet many Christians think laughter has no place in the daily worship of God. Some have reminded me that the Bible records "Jesus wept," not "Jesus laughed." Indeed, He mourned greatly over sin, over death, and over people believing in their own self-sufficiency. But at times He also used words that were witty. God fashioned all of language for our use and enjoyment, and to shed His grace on our world. Sometimes it has been the laughter of a word aptly spoken that diffuses anger in an argument, brings a bit of cheer at a funeral service, or helps a friend in the cancer ward face the next treatment. "Humor doesn't deny tears; rather it affirms something far deeper than tears" (Elton Trueblood, The Humor of Christ, 1964). The Christian can enjoy laughter, not because he doesn't understand sin and suffering, but because he knows these are not the ultimate. The purpose of the Gospel, even in its humor, is Christ's forever purpose for us: redemption.

Insight: Let the words of our mouths-words of humor as well as solemnity- bring him praise.

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Michael D. Inman

Date: January 25, 2018 at 2:23 AM

Topic: +DEV+. No Unwholesome Talk

No Unwholesome Talk
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  Ephesians 4:32
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 4:32

Chapter 4 of Paul's letter to his faithful friends in Ephesus is loaded with eloquent words dense in meaning. He speaks to them and to us about unity, living as children of light, putting off the old self, and guarding the words that come out of our mouths. How I long to exchange once and for all the bitterness, anger, slander, and malice (vs. 31) that come from my mouth for kindness, compassion, and words of forgiveness. These are what always ought to mark me out as a child of the King. I want to trade unwholesome talk for what is helpful in building others up. Then why do I falter again and again? Perhaps you are wrestling with that question, too. I know that when my words betray the sin in my heart, I grieve over them later and wish I could erase them. But when my words breathe even in some small way the freshness and brightness of Jesus Christ, both I and the hearer are heartened. If words from a desperately sinful person can restore, how much more so will the Living Word of Jesus, breathed into each one of us, restore us to Him!

Insight: "The Word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart." (Romans 10:8)

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Michael D. Inman

Michael Inman

Jan 24 at 8:23 AM

Date: January 24, 2018 at 2:05 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Words of Love

Words of Love

“… you are precious and honored in my sight, and , I love you,"   Isaiah 43:4a

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43

Some of the most stunning word artistry has come to us in the form of love poems. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways" by Browning may ring a bell. But the simple "Roses are red, violets are blue, I love you, mommy, because you are you" is dazzling in its own way, too. Our culture has even set up a holiday, Valentine's Day, to honor the concept of love. "I love you" is communicated that day by almost everyone, whether by words in a greeting card or through their own expressions. Without articulating that sentiment, however, February 14 would be just another day. God did express His love to us so that we are not just "any people." The most powerful love letter ever written came in the form of a person, Jesus Christ. His own heart was wounded because of that great love for us; His passion for us is sealed with blood. Let's not look lightly on this extravagance. He put words to it and lived it out for us, even to His last dying moment on the cross. Praise God that His love conquered all and reigns in our hearts today!

Insight: What wondrous love is this/ that caused the Lord of bliss/ to bear the dreadful curse/ for my soul? (American Folk Hymn)

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Michael D. Inman

Date: January 23, 2018 at 1:20 AM

Topic: +DEV+. The Storyteller

The Storyteller

"Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable."  Matthew 13:34

Scripture Focus: Matthew 13:34

Jesus used stories to communicate truths He wished to teach. The parables He told stayed long in His first hearers' minds, the same way they do with us when we hear or read them now. Crowds followed Jesus to hear Him talk, forgetting entirely what time of day it was or even if they ought to stop and eat. Isn't that how it is when you're reading or hearing a really good story? As a minister, I marvel at how a fitting illustration will stick with people long after the rest of the sermon is forgotten. Yet I will admit that even the best analogies fall short. When God sent His Son into this world in human flesh, His "illustration" was complete. His people hardly imagined that Jesus' life-from the humble birth as a baby in Bethlehem to the Cruel death on the cross at Calvary-was the story they'd had glimpses of for thousands of years. The greatest tragedy was when many did not realize that the very Creator of the story of their lives was right in their midst. Don't miss Him as He speaks to and calls you.

Insight: I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story, of Jesus and his Love (A. Catherine Hankey, 1834- 1911). 

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Michael D. Inman

Date: January 22, 2018 at 3:59 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Every Day is a Journal Page

Every Day is a Journal Page

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross..." Hebrews 12:2a

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 12

Society teaches us constantly that we are the masters of our destiny, that we are what we make of ourselves, that we write the script. Those notions really stroke the ego, don't they? Knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior, however, shows us otherwise. Christianity is not about me and what I make of myself; it's about Christ and what He has done for me. He is the author of my faith; He has known each word before it is even on my tongue; all my days were ordained in His book before a single one of them came to be. With the prophet Jeremiah we learn to say, "I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). Those lessons come to us over time when our best-laid plans fail and we are forced down other paths. Instead of feeling that we write the Story of our lives, we see that every day is a journal page-a record of all the Lord has done for us. With our eyes fixed on Him (not on ourselves), He carries us through and writes us into the wondrous plan of His kingdom.

Insight: You can't write your own destiny; God has numbered each of your days even before you lived a single one of them.

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Michael D. Inman

Michael Inman

Jan 19 at 8:18 AM

Date: January 19, 2018 at 2:16 AM
Topic: +DEV+. Louder than Words
Louder than Words

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."  Proverbs 17:27

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 17:27
When I talk with believing friends about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, I find that a great fear is of saying the wrong words. We worry we won't have answers or that we'll be tongue-tied. Peter's charge for us to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15) seems daunting. But think of the comfort we have at two levels. First, it is Peter, of all people, urging us to be prepared to speak out about Jesus. Peter would certainly remember being caught off guard when asked if he was one of Jesus' followers (John 18:15-18). If the Lord restored Peter in his denial of Him, surely He will restore me, too, in my reluctance (a form of denial, really) to speak out for Christ. Secondly, Peter tells us to set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts (1 Peter 3:15). What will come out as my words must start first in my heart. God put His Word into action through a person, Jesus, and that action has spoken to all people much more loudly than words!

Insight: "At all times preach the Gospel; if necessary, use words." - Unknown

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Michael D. Inman

Michael Inman

Jan 18 at 7:46 AM

Date: January 18, 2018 at 1:45 AM

Topic: +DEV+. You Are a Letter

You Are a Letter

"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."  2 Corinthians 3:2-3
Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 3

When you write a letter of recommendation for someone, you try to promote the person's strengths. A good letter of recommendation may get him the foothold in business or elsewhere that he's hoping for. Paul's words to the believers in Corinth were remarkable since they had not exactly been loyal (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) or commendable (1 Corinthians 3) in their behavior. Despite the Corinthians' failures, Paul is certain of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, saying that their best letter of recommendation is themselves. It's a letter "known and read by everybody" (vs. 2), without Paul pushing them into the limelight at all. Everything they do as followers of Jesus Christ testifies to His transforming grace in their lives. Do you see how we are the visible commendation of Jesus, too? We are a walking letter of testimony to Him! Without even using words, and often despite our sin, we give praise to Him. And we can be confident in this because Jesus Christ has washed us with His blood and presented us as His own.

Insight: I want to be not a letter that promotes me and my accomplishments, but a letter for Christ that calls out "Hallelujah" to Him.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 17, 2018 at 2:11 AM

Topic: +DEV+. First Words

First Words

"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men." John 1:3-4

Scripture Focus: John 1

Have you known the joy of hearing a little child's first word? When that sweet voice makes its first utterance, there is much rejoicing, even if the word is inarticulate. Imagine hearing the sound of the first words at the beginning of time, words which spoke the whole universe into being! With authority we can't begin to fathom, the first words bid the creation of light, sky, water, sun and moon, living creatures, vegetation, and people. Clear and commanding, these first words were recognized throughout time by each created thing. The Bible tells of times when the sun did not give its light; when water flowed or parted or stopped; when plants withered or burst forth; when waves, wind and stars obeyed; when animals opened their mouths to speak; when men, women or children heard that same voice and knew instantly to say to their Creator, "Yes, Lord?" His voice calls to you, too. Joyfully welcome it because the Word, Jesus Christ, was with God in the beginning, creating everything in its vast array, calling you as one of His own.

Insight: May we affirm the words of the contemporary hymn that "ancient words, ever true,[are] changing me, changing you" (Lynn De Shazo, 2001).


Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
Michael D. Inman

Michael Inman

Jan 16 at 8:45 PM

Date: January 16, 2018 at 1:55 AM
Topic: +DEV+. Better is One Word

Better is One Word

"The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it." Psalm 68:11

Scripture Focus: Psalm 68

The third verse of "A Mighty Fortress is our God" speaks of the world's evils and of their threat to undo Christ followers. Martin Luther's hymn sings out that we need not fear the prince of darkness because "one little word shall fell him." Do you wonder what that "little word" is? There is only one word that causes demons to shutter, one word greater than every earthly influence: Jesus. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Jesus is the "little word" that we proclaim and magnify! Countless words have been written and spoken that impress, enlighten, and entertain. But none is so sweet or so mighty, so complete or magnificent as the name of Jesus. A contemporary children's song by Keith and Kristyn Getty affirms the heart of the believer with these words: Better is one word from Jesus than a thousand I could say; better is one step with Jesus than a thousand another way. Won't you step beside me in this series as we meditate on The Word and on our words?

Insight: What word in this world could be worth clinging to other than the name of Jesus? I want no other!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


Michael D. Inman

Michael Inman

Jan 15 at 8:09 AM

Date: January 15, 2018 at 2:05 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Actively Waiting in Hope

Actively Waiting in Hope

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." Psalm 130:5-6

Scripture Focus: Psalm 130:5-6

When I know that I have to do something, I generaly like to get it done as quickly as possible. But I do not enjoy long periods of waiting. There are several things I dislike about it. I don't have an end date; I could wait more patiently if I knew how long it would last! I tend to look in hope to an event-not to the Lord-so I grow agitated. I get bogged down in the "what if's," like "What if this situation or person never changes?" Also, I grow anxious that resolution will be too late or will never come at all. While I wait, I feel like I should be doing something, Our reading reminds us that waiting in hope is doing something. It means actively remembering the Lord's great love, His compassions, His faithfulness. It means actively seeking-digging into His Word, quieting ourselves to hear His voice. It means actively watching for God's salvation in His time. It means actively saying, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him" (Lamentations 3:24). He gives us grace for today and renews it every morning.

Insight: God has an end date-but his timing may not be our timing. And when his purpose is accomplished, the waiting will end!

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm
Michael D. Inman

Date: January 12, 2018 at 1:34 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Rejoicing in Hope and Heat

Rejoicing in Hope and Heat
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:2b-4
Scripture Focus: Romans 5
The book Green Leaf in Drought by Isobel Kuhn tells the true account of Arthur and Wilda Mathews and their daughter, Lilah, a young missionary family sent to China with China Inland Mission in 1950. They arrived just as other CIM missionaries fled the cruelty of the newly formed People's Republic of China. Soon the Mathews family and a few others were held by the Red Regime, which deliberately tried to starve them. After two years of praying for escape, they read in Ephesians 5:10, "find out what pleases the Lord." They saw that Jesus "had left heaven not [merely] submitting to the will of God, but delighting in it," and they prayed for the desire to remain and to rejoice in their sufferings. Romans 5:1-2a is rich with the blessings we enjoy in Christ: being justified through faith, knowing peace with God, having access by faith and His grace. It also says that "we rejoice in hope," by way of an unexpected courier-suffering! When the heat of trials is turned up, it produces what we need: perseverance, character, and finally, hope.

Insight: When we see suffering as a process ending in hope, not only can we submit to the will of God, but also we delight in it.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 11, 2018 at 1:33 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Hope of a New Shoot



Hope of a New Shoot

"At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail." Job 14:7

Scripture Focus: Job 14
Tramping through the wooded area around our home to see what needed to be tended, I came across a diseased and dying holly tree. I thought sadly, "We'll have to cut this one down." Then I glanced down at the base of the tree and saw several new shoots springing up through the forest floor. My sorrow at needing to cut down the dying tree gave way to hope at the sight of new life sprouting. Think of the family tree of humanity in Adam. It's diseased and dying in sin. Our first parent sinned, and "as in Adam, all die" (1 Corinthians 15:22). Generation after generation was cut down, and the shoots that sprouted from their stumps were sin-sick as well. But the prophet Isaiah promised the hope of a new Shoot, One born from the stump of the old humanity, but who was not diseased with sin-One that will not fail. It would be One who would bear new fruit and remove the sin disease of His offspring. We are the shoots born of the Spirit into a new family tree in Christ, growing into His likeness. Thank Him today for new life!

Insight: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)


Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 3, 2018 at 12:33 AM

Topic: +DEV+. Hope in the Wasteland

Hope in the Wasteland

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43

Does your mind wander in the wasteland of past sins? Sometimes I dwell on the careless, unwise or fear-filled words that I've use to hurt loved ones. Or I ruminate on poor choices that have affected my life. When I do that, I feel useless, benched by God and even deserving to sit out the game. I think, "How could God possibly want me on His team?" We may feel like our past mistakes have disabled or disqualified us to minister to others. But we couldn't be more wrong. In fact, our wilderness time-out can have the transforming power to equip us for that very purpose! If we repent and turn from those things that have brought shame, God can use them to produce in us a new humility. We can teach others with gentleness and encourage them with understanding. God opened a new and living way to Himself through His Son, Jesus. Through Him we can drink from the streams of His forgiveness and grace, leading others to do so as well. See, He is doing a new thing with your past, no matter how much of a wasteland it has been!

INSIGHT: “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


Michael D. Inman


Date: January 9, 2018 at 10:05 PM

Topic: +DEV+. Hope Alignment

Hope Alignment


"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." Ephesians 1:9-10

Scripture Focus: Ephesians 1:9-10

I love our big Suburban for two reasons: it can haul stuff easily and seat many people comfortably. Seems like that car can handle anything. But as much as I love it, it's more than I can handle sometimes. I regularly need a wheel alignment from running it up on the curb, and I have had more than one close encounter with garage doors or barriers in drive-up lanes. The problem is that I have trouble aligning my narrow perspective with the width of my vehicle! Prayer is the way we align our limited perspective with God's vast wisdom, will and purposes. How easily our controlling desires within, guilt over sins behind or fear over the future ahead can skew our peripheral vision, creating a blind spot to what God is doing on the outer edges of our lane. Our distorted vision needs to be corrected daily! When we pray as Jesus taught us, we're asking our Father, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We're aligning our present hopes with God's Kingdom purposes here on earth and in heaven.

Insight: When you're experiencing blind spots in you're here-and-now vision, ask Jesus to help you align your limited viewpoint with his expansive, eternal one!

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 8, 2018 at 2:35 PM

Topic: +DEV+ Jesus on the Run
Jesus on the Run

"[He] took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: Out of Egypt I called my son." Matthew 2:14-15

Scripture Focus: Matthew 2
Jesus, as head of the new Israel, was called to experience and fulfill all Israel's
in-between's. This is a pattern evident in Jesus' life, starting with His own escape to Egypt and carrying through His entire life and ministry. Not only did He experience our human in-between-ness (our frailty as we journey between this life and the next), He also relived Israel's pilgrim history and obeyed perfectly. He experienced hunger and temptation in the wilderness without sinning. Beyond that, He claims to be the bread from heaven. In this text, we see Jesus reliving the Exodus, and in the Gospel of John Jesus claims to be the Exodus. He's the way out of sin and the only path to God. As a member of the new Israel, the body of Christ, the church, we get to experience our in-between-ness through our spiritual head, Jesus. He has gone before us to unite us with Him and to lead us home. The certainty of our heavenly destination helps us endure difficulties, find joy, and invite others to this amazing journey of faith.

Insight: "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, The author and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1b-2a)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman