+Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor

Date: June 3, 2019 at 1:57 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Faith Alone

By Faith Alone

"So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." Galatians 2:11-21

Scripture Focus: Galatians 2

As you read today's passage, you may think Paul doesn't sound like a very nice guy. After all, he was an apostle by the skin of his teeth, so to speak (even he said in 1 Corinthians 15:8 that Jesus "last of all, appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born"). Yet he boldly confronted Peter who had walked and talked with Jesus. Seeing Peter act as though God's free grace in Christ was insufficient to be made right with God, Paul was compelled to speak up. Similarly, Luther saw his church out of accord with the gospel, weighing believers down with requirements of works on top of faith for salvation. As the church clouded the message of free grace in Christ, Luther urged it to recover the simple truth of the good news in Jesus. When the church leaders refused to hear Luther's call for reform, a new movement was born: the Protestant Reformation. At its foundation, the Reformation was about five wonderful, life-directing "alones" (solas): Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, and To God Alone be Glory.

Insight: "Now the true Gospel has it that we are Justified by faith alone, without the deeds of the law." (Martin Luther, 1535)

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 31, 2019 at 12:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+  I Just Can't Forgive Myself

I Just Can't Forgive Myself

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  1 John 1:9

Scripture Focus: 1 John 1

"I know that God has forgiven me, but I just can't forgive myself." Have you ever said these words? Maybe you've never vocalized them, but that's the cloud hanging over your tormented heart. A habitual, hidden sin. A relationship you drove into the ground. A poor financial decision that brought hardship on your family. You feel a sense of guilt or shame that threatens to undo you. The Bible clearly teaches that there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1), and that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us. Why then, despite the daily new mercies of the Lord (Lamentations 3:21-23), do we often refuse to receive those mercies? Is it because you can't forgive yourself? Christian, you don't need to. Luther beat one beautiful drum longer and louder than anyone: "The Gospel announces that Christ is come to forgive the sins of the world." It's true that you can't forgive yourself-only God can do that! If you cling to Christ by faith, God has forgiven you.

Insight: "The Gospel announces that Christ is come to forgive the sins of the world." (Martin Luther, 1535)

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 30, 2019 at 12:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Triumph of Truth

The Triumph of Truth
Date: May 30, 2019 at 12:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Triumph of Truth

The Triumph of Truth

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."  Isaiah 40:8

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40

Perhaps one of the most-loved hymns of the Reformation is Martin Luther's A Mighty Fortress is Our God. The hymn bursts with confidence in the triumph of truth: "And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed, his truth to triumph through us." If you grew up attending church, perhaps you can still hear the organ swelling out those powerful chords. This line may have frightened you as a child-a world filled with devils threatening God's people is not a pretty picture! But that's the image Luther had in mind when he thought of anyone who distorted the good news of grace and truth in Jesus. Paul said that if man or angel should preach "a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned" (Galatians 1:9)! Luther was bold, but he was under no illusions that he could combat such lies in his own strength. Remember that God can use us when we take a bold stand for His free grace. We're feeble and frail, but His Word of grace endures forever.

Insight: "The truth will win out." (Martin Luther, 1535)

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 29, 2019 at 12:35 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Fleeing to Christ

Fleeing to Christ

", Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever."  Galatians 1:4-5

Scripture Focus: Galatians 1

Martin Luther loved pronouns. If you're like me and you struggled in English class growing up, you might be ready to turn the page-but don't! Luther squeezed a beautiful truth out of the little pronoun "our" in Galatians 1:4, and it's a tremendous help for believers when Satan reminds us of our sins. The pronoun "our" welcomes all sinners. Luther says we readily acknowledge that Christ died for Paul, Peter, or others who seem to deserve it. But we find it hard to apply "our" to ourselves. Luther reminds us that this is a great help when Satan accuses us. Rather than curl under the condemnation of past sins, we should stand boldly because "our sins" includes "my sins." Jesus gave Himself for your sins, Christian! He says that when Satan accuses us of sin, he's simply reminding us that Christ died for us! His condemnation becomes a comfort because it causes our hearts and minds to flee to Christ and the Father's love for us in Him. A simple grammar lesson becomes a gospel-encouragement to believe.

Insight: "If Satan says, thou shalt be condemned, tell him: no, for I flee to Christ." (Martin Luther, 1535)

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.


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: May 28, 2019 at 12:57 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Now and Forever Free

Now and Forever Free

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."  Genesis 3:15

Scripture Focus: Genesis 3

Genesis 3:15 is the first place the gospel is plainly announced in the Bible. Adam and Eve had just fallen into sin by disobeying God. When God created Adam and Eve, they lived naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). But once sin entered the picture, we're told that "they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves" (Genesis 3:7). It was a physical manifestation of the spiritual shame they felt because of their sin. Like Adam and Eve, we're all prone to try the fig leaf solution. But we can't cover our shame ourselves. A solution from above is needed. The good news is that God has provided it. It's pictured beforehand when God clothes Adam and Eve with garments He Himself made for them. That's the answer to what Luther called the "fiends of sin and conscience." We need a solution from God Himself, and that solution is Jesus, His Son sacrificed in our place. No longer must we hide in shame from God. We're now and forever free from the fiends of sin and conscience because God Himself has covered us in Jesus.

Insight: "Sin and conscience torment us, but christ has overcome these fiends now and forever." (Martin Luther, 1535)


If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.


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: May 24, 2019 at 1:07 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Rest for Weary Bones

Rest for Weary Bones
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest, you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:28, 29b

Scripture Focus: Matthew 11
If you've ever travelled with kids, you know that you're always scanning the horizon for the nearest rest stop. For kids, it's a chance to run around and let out some energy. For the weary driver, it's a chance to close your eyes for a moment or stretch out your legs. But the rest doesn't last. No sooner are you back on the road than the kids are fidgety and your weary body is crying for a rest stop again. Sin wears on us like that. When our consciences are burdened, all we can think to do is try harder to be better. Martin Luther put forth every effort to be a devoted Augustinian monk. He is remembered as saying that if ever someone would enter heaven by being a good monk, he would be the one! But later he realized the beauty of Jesus' offer of rest. He said religious exercises could never give peace of conscience, that "it is impossible to gain peace of conscience by the methods and means of the world. Experience proves this." As we travel along life's journey, we see that only the grace of Christ gives us true and lasting rest


Insight: "We find no rest for our weary bones unless we cling to the word of grace." (Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians, 1535)

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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

Topic: +DEV+  Christianity 101

Christianity 101

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  Galatians 1:3

Scripture Focus: Galatians 1

If you asked Martin Luther to explain Christianity, you might expect a long answer. Maybe 95 theses, like those he famously nailed to the chapel door of the Wittenberg Castle church 500 years ago this month. You might be surprised that Luther could summarize Christianity in two small, powerful words: grace and peace. Referring to Galatians 1:3, he said grace leading to peace is the core of the Christian faith. That's Christianity 101. Luther explained the problem with our instinctive impulse to make peace with God by obeying God's commandments: "Sin is not canceled by lawful living, for no person is able to live up to the law. The law reveals guilt, fills the conscience with terror, and drives people to despair." The law never leads us to peace with God. It reveals sin but can't remove sin. It tells us what to do, but it doesn't give us power to do it. "The fact is," says Luther, "the more a person seeks credit for himself by his own efforts, the deeper he goes into debt. Nothing can take away sin except the grace of God." Remember this basic lesson: you have an endless storehouse of God's grace!

Insight: "These two terms, grace and peace, constitute Christianity." (Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians, 1535)


If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for the

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: May 22, 2019 at 12:39 AM
Topic: +DEV+ New Hearts Needed

New Hearts Needed

"For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean." Mark 7:21-22

Scripture Focus: Mark 7

In rebuking the religious leaders' emphasis on man-made traditions instead of the Word of God, Jesus goes to the heart of the problem: our hearts. The heart of a person-that is, the core of who we are-is defiled by wickedness. Our hearts are corrupted by sin. It's why Jeremiah pronounced our hearts "deceitful above all things and beyond cure" (17:9). Theologian and Reformer John Calvin famously wrote, "Man's nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols." We set our hearts on always inventing new distractions and new things to adore instead of God. Through Jesus Christ, there is a cure for our sinful hearts. When we repent and believe the gospel, God gives us a new, clean heart. But as long as we remain in this world, we are still sinners. James understood this. His words about harboring bitter envy and ambition in the heart, and about fights and quarrels coming from within, were written to believers (James 3:14; 4:1-2). Trust Jesus fully. He changes everything-right down to your sin-tainted heart.

Insight: Jesus is the great physician who diagnoses our problem perfectly and offers Himself as the sure medicine we need.

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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

I thought this was good, so I’m sharing this…...

ADONAI
Master over all

O Lord [Adonai] God, You have begun to show
Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand;
for what god is there in heaven or on earth who
can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?
~Deuteronomy 3:24~
︎

ADORATION
O Lord God, My Adonai, you are a great and mighty God. You have opened my eyes to see your greatness and your strong hand. What god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the amazing and powerful things you can do? Who can create a mountain? Who can make the deep where the waters rest, far beyond anything we can see? Who can calm a storm with just one word? None other than you, Adonai. You are the Master over all. You are the Lord above all. And you are deserving of the highest honor and praise.

CONFESSION
Adonai, I humbly bow and ask for your forgiveness for failing to honor you as I should. I ask you to show me great mercy for the many times I’ve gone about my day without considering that you are the Lord and Master over all. How dare I fail to acknowledge your hand? How dare I attribute to man what I ought to attribute to you? Forgive me for my shortsightedness and lack of faith. 

THANKSGIVING
Adonai, thank you for being my Lord and my Master and yet allowing me to know you intimately. Thank you for remembering me constantly and reminding me of your presence. Your love captivates me. Your power mesmerizes me. All I need is your love in my life, and I thank you, Adonai, for giving me access to you throughout my day. Any moment I need you, you are there. I love you, Adonai, and I thank you for granting me the privilege of loving you and receiving your love.

SUPPLICATION
Adonai, help me align my thoughts, actions, heart, decisions, and desires underneath you and your rule so I can fully experience the blessing of your hand in my life and so I can fulfill the destiny you have prepared for me. May I live out all of the days you have ordained for me, and may I discover the calling you have given me. Help me to see where I can share the knowledge of you with others and how I can spread the love you have put in my heart to those who need it the most. May your caring eyes watch over all I do. I ask you to empower me to impact the lives of those around me with your kingdom agenda.
From Tony Evan’s book - PRAYING THROUGH THE NAMES OF GOD pgs. 17-18

❦

"Standing On The Promises Of God For Israel"

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 16, 2019 at 1:05 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Pure Eyes, Pure Hearts

Pure Eyes, Pure Hearts

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."  Philippians 4:8

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4

One of the greatest gifts a husband can give his wife is to be diligent to maintain his purity. Every day his eyes are assaulted with thumbnail images on news websites, pop-up ads, and myriad other inescapable conduits in our high-tech society. It's our job and our privilege as husbands to do all we can to not be, as James says, "dragged away and enticed” (James 1:15). Ad blockers and web filtering software are a great help for accountability. But the two best resources are staying close to Jesus every day and having a wife or an elder Christian brother who will commit to pray faithfully with you about this. Jesus sets prisoners free, including those who find themselves powerless to break from the shackles of looking at things that are dishonoring to God. Jesus changes everything for men and women who desire to be cleansed from even the most life-dominating of sins, forgiven fully, and healed forever. His grace and redemption have no limits. There is no place the Good Shepherd won't go to rescue a sheep in danger.

Insight: Lord, as more and more men and women in churches admit they are ensnared by sin, please bring them hope and healing in Jesus' name.

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 15, 2019 at 1:06 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Nothing but the Gospel

Nothing but the Gospel

"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus." Acts 20:21

Scripture Focus: Acts 20

There is no shortage of ideas about religion, and there never has been. Once I met a man who said he believes that when people die, they become stars. I asked how he knew this to be true. He replied that it was just something he thought up. Another time, another man pulled out his phone to show me photos of the golden idol his family worships. Even within what is accepted as "Christianity," there are false teachers preaching false gospels. As today's reading shows, "savage wolves" and false teachers have always lurked among God's people. If Jesus is to change everything in our lives, He must have everything, including our minds and our beliefs. Like Paul, our life's goal must be to "know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of, his sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). The only form of religion that unites us with God is the one God Himself prescribed: turning to Him in repentance for sin and believing what His Son did on our helpless behalf. Rest your searching soul on nothing but the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Insight: God has only given one holy book: the Bible. It not only teaches us the truth, but also trains us to detect-and reject-error.

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 14, 2019 at 12:11 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Live By Faith

Live By Faith

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth." Hebrews 11:13

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11

It's easy to read Hebrews 11 and be captivated by the great acts of the heroes of the faith noted there. We might forget that they were ordinary people like us. But marveling at their accomplishments is not what the writer of Hebrews intended for his first readers. Like the refrain of a hymn whose words repeat the thrust of the whole song, we read the echoed phrase throughout Hebrews 11: "by faith." Everything each one of these people did was done "by faith," living in imperfect expectation of what God had promised. And they all died never even obtaining it. However, Chapter 12 opens with the glorious proclamation that Christ had come, faith was perfected in Him, and now it is our turn to live "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (vs. 2). Our charge now is to run the race by that same faith, to experience how Jesus changes everything. The ancients looked toward the cross; we look back to its perfect work. Put off the sin "that hinders and, entangles," and head for the finish line.

Insight: Your race and mine will be over before we realize it. Let's live by faith, holding nothing back. In the Spirit's power, finish well.

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 10, 2019 at 1:01 AM

Topic: +DEV+  The All-Powerful King
The All-Powerful King

"Why do the nations say, 'Where is their God?' Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." Psalm 115:2-3 
Scripture Focus:  Psalm 115

This verse might be a bit unsettling to you. It thunders the majesty and power of God. It is entirely proper for us to be awestruck and fearfully reverent like the Israelites were with the cracks of lightning, shaking mountain, and blasting trumpet sounds at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:18.) Jesus is our Friend and Brother, but we also must remember that He is the sovereign God, the Great King before whom all heaven and earth will one day bow. There are essentially two reactions we can have to this truth. One is to rebel against His authority the same way the kings of the earth through the centuries have tried in vain to do (Psalm 2). The other is to surrender according to the terms of peace He offers, falling in behind Him as one of the happily conquered. And when the Lord allows hardships into our lives, this verse along with many others reminds us that while He does whatever He pleases, He is good. When the mountains of life tremble before us, we know that our all-powerful King changes everything.

Insight: Because every purpose of god for the christian is only, ever, eternally for our good and His glory, we can pray, "Thy will be done."

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 9, 2019 at 12:56 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Cure for Worry

The Cure for Worry

"Do not worry about your life, Do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?', Do not worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25a, 31, 34

Scripture Focus: Matthew 6

Strangely, there are some sins Christians tolerate more than others. I know I've been guilty of joking about how much I ate at a church supper. Everyone would laugh while I made light of the fact that I committed the sin of gluttony. Worry is another more socially-acceptable sin. After all, we reason, worrying about things just shows how deeply we care. It's human nature, right? But it's not what pleases the Lord. And it often is the result of frustration we feel because we have not been able to control a situation. We wish we were God! Did you know that Jesus gave us the cure for worry? It's Him. He changes everything! Psalm 55:22 says we are to roll our burdens onto Him. Peter echoes the sentiment in 1 Peter 5:7. Jesus Himself said we are to take His easy burden and light yoke upon ourselves, and we will find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). In today's Bible reading He repeats the command, "Do not worry," giving us one assurance after another of the Father's goodness and care. When we cast our cares on Him, He sustains us.

Insight: The Father loves and cares for His children. No need to worry-we are in good hands!

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 8, 2019 at 2:16 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Don't Stop Praying

Don't Stop Praying

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved."  Ephesians 2:4-5

Scripture Focus:  Ephesians 2

When we think of transgressions or sin, is there any particular sin that should surprise us? Those words span the most socially-acceptable sins like a consuming drive for career success to the worst choices, crimes, and addictions a person can pursue. "Dead in transgressions" covers way more than we want to think about-or often admit. But for over 20 centuries, millions of people who have been steeped in sin and whose lives seemed to be headed for hell have been pulled back and transformed by Jesus Christ. He changes everything! Men and women, boys and girls, caught up in any kind of sin you could imagine have been made alive in Christ. And the best part is, it still happens around the world every single day. "God, who is rich in mercy," made me alive when I was dead in my sins. I hope you can remember when He did the same for you. If you have been praying that your loved ones would know Jesus and be saved, keep praying! He who was rich in mercy towards you has mercy and power enough to give them life, too.

Insight: "I was a wild beast on the coast of Africa till the Lord caught and tamed me." (John Newton, as quoted by Charles Spurgeon in 1885)

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.

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: May 7, 2019 at 1:19 AM
Topic: +DEV+ One Greater Than

One Greater Than

"And now one greater than Solomon is here… One greater than Jonah is here." Luke 11:31b, 32b

Scripture Focus: Luke 11

As you read through the Gospels, you will see several striking passages of Jesus dealing with His critics. Luke 4:14-30 tells of Jesus walking right through the crowd that had sought to push him over a cliff. He always made His way through their deceptive tactics. He pitted His critics against John's baptism and the people's respect for John. He used a coin as an object lesson to answer the religious leaders' question about paying taxes to Caesar. Later, at His own trial, it was His silence that spoke volumes. Jesus amazed His hearers and taught "like one who had authority" because He did have authority. No wonder the temple guards sent to arrest Jesus came back empty-handed and dumbfounded, answering only, "No one ever spoke the way this man does" (John 7:46). Two thousand years have passed, and countless learned men and women have criticized and mocked and lost. Heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of our Lord never will. Truly the One greater than all-the One who changes everything-is here.

Insight: If you are arguing with Jesus, there is important news: you will not win. Surrender and serve Him today, and eternal life will be yours.

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.
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: May 6, 2019 at 12:42 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Plenty of Other Options

Plenty of Other Options

"Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD."  Isaiah 31:1

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 31

In Old Testament times, Egypt was a powerful nation whom others would pay to go to war on their behalf. Judah, too, looked to Egypt to defend itself against Assyria. But God alone was to be Judah's defender. Jesus changes everything for a Christian looking to find his or her way in this world. What may seem like viable options for others are not available to us when we bow to the King of kings. Others may choose to cut corners in school or cheat on their taxes, but we cannot. Some will make careers of offering products or services that would dishonor the name of Christ, but we may not. Plenty of people use questionable sales and marketing tactics and alluring but misleading advertisements. Again, we ought not. "But among you there must not be even a hint of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (Ephesians 5:3). Our God is not bankrupt or weak. He is not limited in His provision for us. Look to Him for your needs, not to the "Egypt" of the world's ways. He will provide!

Insight: One way we grow more mature in the Lord is by counseling ourselves in hard times, recalling past times of God's faithfulness to us.

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: May 2, 2019 at 1:27 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Jesus in Our Suffering

Jesus in Our Suffering

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."  Ephesians 1:11

Scripture Focus: Ephesians 1

You know that Jesus changes everything, you see that there is no area of our lives where Christ does not make something beautiful, even from ashes. While the world searches to make sense of suffering apart from Christ, we have blessed hope. Grief and sorrow were familiar to Him; He endured the agonies of the cross to fulfill the Father's perfect will. He cared enough to tell us that we would suffer, but He reassured us with many tender promises that He would see us through. Though the "problem of pain" will always be something we struggle to understand fully, we have confidence that nothing happens in our lives outside the sovereign will of God. We can say as Joseph did that what was meant for evil, God meant for good (see Genesis 50:20). Paul reminds the believers in Ephesus that the Lord brings everything in a believer's life into conformity with His divine purposes. Only Christ could assure us of troubles but immediately add, "Take heart!" How can we? Because He has overcome the world (see John 16:33).

Insight: "Inevitably, one who serves God faithfully will face suffering. But the joy God gives and the reward He promises will recompense Him for all." (Wong Ming Dao, 1981)

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: April 30, 2019 at 12:41 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Your Past, His Blood



Your Past, His Blood

"It is finished."  John 19:30

Scripture Focus: John 19

Jesus' final words from the cross announced His victory. Three days later He emerged in resurrection triumph from the tomb that was sealed in vain. For believers, Jesus' victory becomes our victory. Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." In love, the Father accepted the perfect work of the Son in our place. Through the drawing and regenerating work of the Spirit, we have assurance that Christ has rescued us. He took our sin's punishment and clothed us with His perfect righteousness (Romans 5:21). He has changed everything! What sin could you or I have committed which Christ's blood could not have atoned for? What shameful secret sin still haunts and accuses you today? If you have repented and put your faith in Christ, it has long been forgiven. Our mortal enemies-the world, our flesh, and the devil-may taunt with accusations from our dark and Christ-less past. But "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).



Insight: "We must never look at any past sin, except that which leads us to praise God and to magnify his grace in Christ Jesus." (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 1965
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: April 25, 2019 at 1:40 AM

Topic: +DEV+ Discernment

Discernment

"Jesus answered, Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming I am the Christ, and will deceive many." Matthew 24:4

Scripture Focus: Matthew 24

The disciples must have been seeing more and more that Jesus changes everything. In Matthew 24 Jesus takes the opportunity to warn them of events to come. They ask when such things will occur, and His answer is not what we'd expect. Jesus responds by warning them not to be deceived. Paul would echo the Lord's warning when he wrote to the church at Colossae saying, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (2:8). Later he would write to the Galatians, telling them not to listen to those proclaiming "a different gospel." In chapter 2 of his second letter, Peter also would warn of false teachers and their destructive ways. Remember the believers at Berea in Acts 17? They tested everything they heard against the Scriptures before accepting it as sound teaching. In the same way, invest yourselves in reading and studying the infallible Word of God so that you will not fall for Satan's schemes.


Insight: The Lord is more concerned that we are not deceived by false teaching than that we know when the end will come.

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: April 26, 2019 at 12:36 AM

Topic: +DEV+ Living for Him

Living for Him

"And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Corinthians 5:15

Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 5

Scripture clearly shows us that since Christ gave His life for us, we ought to live our lives for Him. It is, as Paul writes, "true and proper" for us to do so (Romans 12:1). It's why Paul repeatedly referred to himself as a doulos, "slave," of Christ’s. Paul had gladly surrendered all that he was to Christ. His will was subservient to that of his Lord's. If you and I live like this, we will begin to see how Jesus truly changes everything. In our culture it's easy to fall into the trap of living for ourselves. We focus too much on advancing our careers, accumulating material wealth, or saving for a comfortable retirement. Good things now become the most important things. Sunday becomes "Funday," and thoughts of the One who gave all these good things simply fade. Sometimes even the Christian books we read tip-toe around the clear language of full-on commitment that the Bible uses. No area of our lives falls outside the authority of our Lord and Savior. All of it is His. All we do must be done for His glory alone.

Insight: "Self-denial is the first lesson to be learned in -Christ’s- school." (Matthew Henry, 1708)


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: April 23, 2019 at 1:33 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Hope for Dark Days



Hope for Dark Days

"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory."  Matthew 12:20

Scripture Focus: Matthew 12

Like a deep, dark sea, depression can overwhelm a person. Christians are not immune to it; many a well-known man or woman of the faith wrestled with it, including the famous 19th century preacher and writer Charles Spurgeon and the 18th century poet and hymnodist William Cowper. Job groaned in his grief (Job 17:7). David did, too (Psalm 31:9). Even Solomon in all his splendor despaired (Ecclesiastes 2:20). But the good news is that Jesus changes depression, too. In those dark times, the Word of God offers the hope and light we need. Verses like Isaiah 42:3 or Matthew 12:20 point us to Jesus because He changes everything. We are reminded of His tenderness. Beaten down though we are, He will not cut us off. Though our light barely flickers, He'll never snuff it out. The Lord is kind to His children, which is why the psalmist can point himself to the exit door of his depression when he says, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (42:5).

Insight: In every circumstance of life, the lord is sovereign, and He is good.

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: April 21, 2019 at 11:51 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Hearts Transformed

Hearts Transformed

"You were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."  Revelation 5:9

Scripture Focus: Revelation 5

Jesus changes everything. There is no area of human experience He has not changed. Ask any convert to Christianity if their overall life is better. Regardless of outward circumstances, they will say that it is. Inwardly, He removes our guilt and shame, cleanses us, and fills us with Himself. He makes angry men to love, and bitter women to be kind. He transforms the hard-hearted person to meek and lowly, and turns a vile sinner into a righteous and holy saint, someone who, as C.S. Lewis said, "may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship" (The Weight of Glory, 1949). It has been generally noted that wherever Christianity flourishes, literacy goes up, economies grow, hospitals and schools are built, and women and children are held in higher regard. But the gospel is far more than social improvements and changes in the community. It is fundamentally about the transformation of individual hearts. Every man, woman, and child who comes to Christ sees their sin, repents, and knows the Savior. That's good news!

Insight: The greatest need of every human being is not self-improvement but self–abandonment.

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: April 18, 2019 at 12:39 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Hope Amidst Illness

Hope Amidst Illness

"This sickness will not end in death."  John 11:4

Scripture Focus: John 11

You could probably list several people you know with serious illnesses. As I write, at least four people suffering from advanced forms of cancer come to mind. Each has been faithful in serving the Lord and His people. But now, instead of days filled with work or grocery store trips or various outings and events, they are being taken to doctor appointments. While they used to run errands for others, the favors are now being done for them. When Jesus was told Lazarus was sick, He assured His friends, "This sickness will not end in death." There is a saying among Christians: Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once. Without the second birth (John 3), a lost person dies physically and eternally. But when one is born again by the Spirit of God, death holds no power; "to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). The sufferings of illness are infused with the hope, joy, and peace of the Savior. Jesus changes everything! We know this because it is written in the Scriptures and on the smiling faces of those who are in Christ.

Insight: Lord, please cheer your sick children with the thought that, no matter the prognosis, you are with them today.

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: April 17, 2019 at 1:49 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Reverse Order

Reverse Order

"But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."  Matthew 19:30

Scripture Focus: Matthew 19

In the account of the rich young man, the natural order of things is reversed. The one who was young and wealthy left the presence of Jesus, the poor and rejected. The one who was materially rich was, in the end, spiritually bankrupt. For all of his affluence and influence, he shrank away in sorrow from the One who was joy incarnate. The young man's riches could not help him, and he had just turned his back on the only One who could. The story is not so much a warning against wealth as it is an invitation to come to Jesus and inherit eternal life. Christ is worth infinitely more than what we see, touch, and gain in this quick and temporal life. He is worth leaving houses, lands, and loved ones for (vs. 29). He is worth selling everything for (13:44, 46). He is worth the often humiliating wait at the back of this world's line. The world will look at you with ridicule for whatever it is you gave up for Christ, but they won't see that, in Him, you now stand at the front of the line. Jesus changes everything!

Insight: Heaven will be full of those of whom the world was not worthy (see Hebrews 11:38). Rejoice to be in that group!

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