+Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor

Date: November 25, 2015 3:44 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Jesus, Suffered For Us

Jesus, Suffered For Us

"Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe... And they slapped him in the face." John 19:1-3

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 53:3

When Jesus gave up His throne, came to earth, and lived as a man, He did so to show us His understanding of our imprisonment to sin and suffering. His heart grieved for us in our sin. He wept. 

Jesus Christ demonstrated an understanding of our suffering and need for rescue. He Himself suffered an agonizing death in order to rescue us. Not only was He compassionate in our hurts, but He hurt himself so that we would have the promise of a future without worry, regret or pain. The mocking robe He wore on the way to the cross will become the robe of righteousness that He gives to us! 

The fact that Jesus suffered worse than we ever will - even the Father, forsook Him to His death - doesn't always bring us comfort alone. But it should be a reminder to us of the reality of our status as sinners and what it took to save us. It should stir in us the knowledge that we weren't made to suffer, that God has bigger plans for us in the eternal kingdom, when Jesus comes again to finish what He started on the cross.

Insight: Jesus has known suffering as we do, and He suffered for us, that we might know a future day of no suffering.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 23, 2015 10:05 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Our Tears Of Repentance

Our Tears Of Repentance

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:1-2

Scripture Focus: Romans 7:14-20

Though Jesus cried for sin and death, we are to cry for our sins that would surely lead to death without Him. Our tears are to be tears of repentance. We are incapable of living the way we should before we were Christ's, and we are incapable of living the life we want to after we are Christ's. So Jesus not only took our punishment onto Himself, but He also fulfilled the law in our place, bringing our debt to zero. 

When a little child comes to a parent truly sorry for an offense and even crying tears of contriteness, how the parent's heart is stirred to forgiveness. We are like that little child to our heavenly Father. Our tears of repentance will turn to tears of joy when we know that we belong to Jesus forever. And how we will praise Him when we are able to do good and to stop doing evil! For that is Christ's work in us, not our own. He will sustain us, though we'll struggle against sin all our earthly lives, so that He can declare us faithful servants at the end, thanks only to 
His power.

Insight: God will turn our tears of repentance into tears of joy. Let us be moved again by what it took for us to live right with God.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 23, 2015 3:38 AM
Topic: +DEV+ We Actually Deserve Suffering

We Actually Deserve Suffering

"There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Romans 3:10-12

Scripture Focus: Psalm 36:1-4

The ugly truth is that we actually do deserve suffering. We deserve to live forever in punishment for our sin. Sins that often are so hard to shake. We don't worship God as we were created to do. For our rebellion against God, He would be just in leaving us to the horror that Satan has devised for us. 

Does that mean that we deserve the tragedies that befall us because of something we have done? Does a country in crisis deserve those crises because of specific sins? These are hard questions, ones whose answers our finite minds can barely grasp. The world is broken because of sin and we suffer the consequences. Good things come from God. Destruction is not His goal for us. He allows suffering so that we may believe in Him and that His glory in healing and reparations might be displayed. 

Jesus has delayed His return not so that more should suffer, but so that more who are born to suffering may be born again to life with Him. In that delay, trust Him in all circumstances and be ready when He comes again.

Insight: We don't deserve anything good, yet God has chosen good for us in our salvation and in the blessings He bestows in this life.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 23, 2015 3:38 AM
Topic: +DEV+  We Actually Deserve Suffering

We Actually Deserve Suffering

"There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Romans 3:10-12

Scripture Focus: Psalm 36:1-4

The ugly truth is that we actually do deserve suffering. We deserve to live forever in punishment for our sin. Sins that often are so hard to shake. We don't worship God as we were created to do. For our rebellion against God, He would be just in leaving us to the horror that Satan has devised for us. 

Does that mean that we deserve the tragedies that befall us because of something we have done? Does a country in crisis deserve those crises because of specific sins? These are hard questions, ones whose answers our finite minds can barely grasp. The world is broken because of sin and we suffer the consequences. Good things come from God. Destruction is not His goal for us. He allows suffering so that we may believe in Him and that His glory in healing and reparations might be displayed. 

Jesus has delayed His return not so that more should suffer, but so that more who are born to suffering may be born again to life with Him. In that delay, trust Him in all circumstances and be ready when He comes again.

Insight: We don't deserve anything good, yet God has chosen good for us in our salvation and in the blessings He bestows in this life.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 19, 2015 10:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+  We Belong To Jesus

We Belong To Jesus

"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 45:22-25

Catechisms distill for us what the Bible teaches so that we can understand what we believe and why we believe it. But catechisms aren't just cold truths for us to memorize. They are beautiful stories of what God has revealed about Himself. The first question in my old Catechism asks, "What is your only comfort in life and death?" The answer: "That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ ... He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him." 

This world has two masters. Before we were Christ's, we were the evil one's. But now that we belong to Jesus, we are in His hands forever. It is to Jesus that ultimately every knee will bow. Belonging to Him isn't a comfort reserved only for life-threatening circumstances; it is the same comfort we have when things go well... comfort for us in life and in death. Though we would have certainly been lost, in Jesus we are found.

Insight: For those in Christ, Romans 14:8 are words of serious comfort. Even in the day of judgment, Christ says that we are His loved ones.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 17, 2015 10:22 PM
Topic: +DEV+  We Will Suffer

We Will Suffer

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Scripture Focus: Philippians 1:27-30

There are many promises Jesus makes that sit well with us: promises of hope, of sanctification, of eternal life. And then there is the one promise that we don't like: the promise that we will suffer. Hardship in this life will come because creation has fallen with us. Our suffering may be because we have told God that we don't need Him, so He has left us to our sins. Many times the harsh circumstances we suffer seem to have no explanation at all. In one way or another, suffering will come upon us. 

Paul tells us to count this suffering as proof that Christ has claimed us. Because we follow Christ who knew true pain and loss, we should expect that we also will experience pain and loss. But unlike those who don't trust in Christ, our afflictions are already overcome and will one day be fully redeemed. Jesus tells us to take heart; the war is decisively over, and Christ has won. The battles that still go on are only because Satan is fighting back in his dying rage. 

Take heart, Jesus says. Trust in me.

Insight: We should be prepared for, but not dread, suffering. We count it as proof that we are Christ's own. 

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 18, 2015 10:04 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Benefits Of Suffering

The Benefits Of Suffering

"...we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit..." Romans 5:3-5

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Are there any benefits to suffering in this life? We know we are to look toward eternity and trust in our future glory, but are we just to sit around then and wait for that eternity? No. Although Paul longed to be with God, he knew that it was good that he stayed to encourage those he was with and wrote to. 

Though we have hardships, God will never waste them. He will use them for our good, producing in us further peace and character that will in turn encourage others and maybe even lead others to Christ. He even gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us, to allow us to love others and love Him. Isn't it mind-blowing that God lives inside of us and is always renewing us through our learning and circumstances? 

How utterly disappointing if our sufferings had no meaning! God promises that He sees our sufferings, records them, weeps for them, uses them for our good and His glory, and has overcome them for our salvation. Every moment - heartbreaking ones included - in our lives has every meaning in the world.

Insight: The Holy Spirit in us gives the ability to do the impossible and glory in our sufferings.

Michael D. Inman

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 16, 2015 8:40 PM
Topic: +DEV+  God's Glory Matters

God's Glory Matters

"Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days." John 11:5-6

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:5

I'm often so amazed at Jesus' weeping, at His human love for us, that I skip over the preceding verses in John where we read that Jesus purposefully delayed in going to Lazarus. Jesus, knowing that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, allowed Lazarus to die so that God's saving glory might be displayed. 

So think about Jesus' weeping again now. He still had the compassion to stop and weep even though He knew that He would save Lazarus and that all would turn out well for him and his sisters. Jesus wept over death and suffering. 

Ultimately, God exists, God created us out of nothing, and to Him should be all glory and honor and praise. God doesn't need us, but He loved us anyway... loved us enough to share in our experiences and our emotions. 

In Jesus' love for Martha, Mary, Lazarus, and us, God has shown the realities of His saving grace. He put His glory on display for them and for us so that we might believe and have a foretaste of future resurrection and eternity with Him.

Insight: God's glory matters more than anything, yet He chose to weep for our sufferings, heal our sins, and raise us into glory with 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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 11, 2015 11:28 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Joy Comes In The Morning

Joy Comes In The Morning
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 25:8

Whether joy comes in the morning in this life or not (Psalm 30:5), God does promise that one day there will be the morning of all mornings and our short lives will turn into never-ending joy. What a consolation to those with chronic pain or terminal illnesses and also to those of us that struggle daily with sin and fear. "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far," Paul says in Philippians 1:23, and "Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" in Romans 7:24. Don't we all long for an end to our current and future trials? Yet we are called to live faithfully until that day. 

Our God came to earth to live a law-fulfilling perfect 33 years, when we couldn't live a second with breaking a law. He died and then rose from the dead so that we could follow in His place. Because He came to earth as a man, it means much when God tells John in Revelation that there will be no more crying. Our God knows what it is to cry, and He is the only One with the power to end it.

Insight: The more we focus on eternity, the more the things of this life will pale, and yet paradoxically, the more we'll get out of this life!




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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 12, 2015 11:25 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Lord Is Gracious

The Lord Is Gracious

"For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone." Lamentations 3:31-33

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 12:4-12

Adam first sinned, and as our representative, he caused us to sin with him - much like how the president of a country starts a war, and then all of its citizens are at war. Adam started war against God, and the battle rages daily with us all suffering casualties. That first sin infected creation, causing aging, death, barren land, natural disasters, loneliness, and heartbreak. 

But we did no go along with Adam passively. We sinned with him and we continue to choose sin. If we have any doubt that we participated in declaring war against God, we should try to go a day without complaining or being angry. Try going a day loving others with no regard to self. 

Sometimes God may allow us to suffer because of specific sins we commit. Our sins have consequences. Notice that Lamentations says He is compassionate even for those who are guilty of sin. And that is exactly our hope, our only hope! God does not wish us grief, but He wishes for our repentance, endurance of sin's consequences, and life with Him forever.

Insight: Even when we are suffering because of a specific transgression, the Lord is gracious and merciful. 




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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 11, 2015 1:03 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Express Your Grief And Sorrows

Express Your Grief And Sorrows

"Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths... I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help..." Psalm 69:1-3

Scripture Focus: John 11:33-35

If Jesus is often an example to us of how to live, then His instances of grief over death of friends - and over death's effect on this life - should show that it is acceptable to grieve. Not only is it acceptable, it is necessary to acknowledge, as Jesus did, how mournful this life is. If we don't, we aren't admitting what sin has done to this world, and we therefore won't turn to Christ in our need. 

Just as we need to fully dwell on our sinful nature and repent of those sins, we also need to dwell on our sorrow. For it is only those who know that they need forgiveness and hope that can appreciate what Christ has done in triumphing over death and thereby giving His people life forever in eternity. 

If we need any further encouragement that grieving is important, we can turn to the many verses in the Psalms where the psalmists cried out from the depth of their souls the agony they felt in times of sorrow. Acknowledge with them before God's throne the pain you feel in this life and depend on Him for true consolation.

Insight: Let Jesus' mourning and the psalmists' examples encourage you to fully express your grief and sorrows, whatever they may be.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Look At Me

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-2

Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:1-4

Before going under the knife for a second back surgery, I began to fear the surgery and so prayed, "Help me, God; Help me, God; Help me God." But seemingly apart from my own will or consciousness, my prayer changed to, "God loves me so much; God loves me; God loves me so much." Immediately I calmed down like I hadn't with the first prayer. 

Prayer is essential to a life in Christ. And some of our prayers cry out in urgency. But prayer is something that can be sanctified - made holy and good - along with our character and faith. Meditating upon a fear is far inferior to meditating on who our God is, what He has done for us, and what He promises to keep doing for us. God Himself has given us faith and a confidence that cannot be disputed through the substance of the historic Christ. Our confidence is that Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again. Our assurance is in writing - the very Word of God - and signed with the blood of Christ. May you rest in Him today.

Insight: It's easy to look at our problems and try to find solutions. But Jesus says, "look at me," and trust in who He is.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 9, 2015 1:19 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Grieving Is Normal

Grieving Is Normal

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 13:11-12

To paraphrase Paul, when I was young, I grieved like a child. I used to grieve selfishly, despairingly, for the pain that I felt upon losing each grandparent. As I grew older, and experienced more loss, I began to grieve more and more for death itself and the harrowing effects of sin in this world. 

A mark of sanctification is when your heart begins to hurt with those who have suffered a great loss, even if you weren't necessarily close to them. Anger may soon follow: Satan! Not you again! Leave us alone! Haven't you done enough? Your heartache can be hard to explain to others: No, I wasn't close to him. No, I hadn't seen her in 10 years. It's a cry like those of the psalmists, calling out to God in anguish over a broken world. Mourning with those who mourn is not something that we can will to happen, or even something we may desire. But the Holy Spirit brings it over time, often after we've known many who suffer. The more we mourn with others, the more our hearts align with Jesus' heart of compassion.

Insight: We are to sit, with those who mourn, on what author Nicholas Wolterstorff calls the mourner's bench. There we grow in compassion and understanding.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 6, 2015 12:52 AM
Topic: +DEV+  God Is Sovereign

God Is Sovereign

 "But some of them said, Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" John 11:37

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 29:29

The question following Jesus' weeping at Lazarus's death is an honest one and one we've all asked. Why? Why, Lord, did that son and friend of the church have to drown in a creek? Why did our newly married friend lose his wife and unborn child in a car accident? Why did our church-family couple suffer the suicide of an adopted child, the car-accident death of a biological child, and the unexpected death of a sister - all in a year's time? There are so many unanswered gut-wrenching, heart-breaking questions in this life. 

So we have to rest on what we do know: God intended good for us in His creation; we participated in the sin that brought suffering upon this world; Jesus became man and took God's just judgment of us and our sin upon Himself; and one day, we will pass through death and live eternally in His presence as we were designed to. 

God is sovereign. He is sitting upon His throne, doing all things - even the hard things - for our ultimate good and His glory.

Insight: We are not God and do not have control of events. But God does, and we can trust in His providence, even in deep grief.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 5, 2015 12:53 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Jesus Is Deeply Moved

Jesus Is Deeply Moved

 "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Where have you laid him? he asked. Come and see, Lord, they replied. Jesus wept." John 11:33-35

Scripture Focus: Genesis 1:1-31

The shortest verse in the Bible is only two words: "Jesus wept." Short, indeed, but poignant. If Jesus was wailing or tearing His clothes, we might see melodrama. If He had shed only one tear, we might see coolness of heart. But neither would exhibit the character of our God. We see Jesus grieving deeply over the sin in this world, grieving for His children who suffer its effects. He is mourning over what was made of God's creation. 

All is not as it's meant to be. God declared His created world good - called it good six times, in fact. But Adam and Eve sinned, and through them we all sinned. This world's evil wouldn't be overcome until God compassionately lowered Himself into the mire to rescue us. He didn't come 2,000 years ago as a pragmatic figure, eager to finish His business and be on His way. In John, we see Jesus' abiding love for us, a love that we only understand now in shadow form, perhaps in our relationships. Praise God He knows our sorrows, sees every tear, and saves us from eternal suffering. 

Insight: God did not intend for us to suffer. Wrap yourself in the love of Jesus who grieves for all of your grief.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 4, 2015 1:18 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Everlasting Arms

The Everlasting Arms

 "...like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions." Deuteronomy 32:11

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 32:1-12

That first flight for a fledgling eagle has to be quite frightening. The nest is high on the face of a cliff, or atop the branches of a Douglas fir. The young birds first stretch and flap inside the nest; they ultimately climb onto the edge of the nest; then they jump up a bit, flapping their untested wings again. Not uncommonly, the mother eagle has to give them a push to force them to launch into that first flight. 

That flight is usually quite feeble and erratic; but at just the right moment, the mother bird swoops under the struggling young one and allows it to settle onto her back for a return to the nest. That may happen several times before the young successfully launches into it’s soaring flight that we all know as a trademark of the majestic eagle. 
 
God sometimes takes us to the edge of our comfort zone. Jesus' command to "Go into all the world" can be a daunting task. But if He pushes us out into any service that He may ask of us, we can be sure He will be there to bear us up lest we fail!

Insight:  "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27)

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 3, 2015 12:40 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Live For Him Completely

Live For Him Completely

 "...Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him..." Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 29:1-9; 30:11-20

I remember a simple little chorus that we sang in our youth group many years ago. "After all He's done for me, after all He's done for me, how can I do less than give Him my best, and live for Him completely, after all He's done for me?"

The words of that song point us to the basis for Moses' challenge to the people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. God had done so much for them already; even more, He promised His blessing for obedience. "Your eyes have seen all that the Lord did..." It only made sense that the people set aside the foolishness of idolatry, avoid God's judgment for disobedience, and enjoy the blessings inherent in obedience to Him. That should be a no-brainer! 

Dare we think any less? "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things..." (Colossians 3:1-2). Setting our minds on Jesus comes not from harsh obligation, but from a heart full of gratitude!

Insight: Remember that chorus? Perhaps you can sing it now!

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: November 1, 2015 9:58 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Christ Has Redeemed Us

Christ Has Redeemed Us

 "... Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse." Deuteronomy 21:23

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 21:22-23

It's an obscure point that you might miss as you struggle through a reading of the Laws enumerated in the book of Deuteronomy. Capital punishment in Israel was commonly done by stoning. But, according to a note in the Ryrie Study Bible, "Hanging was not the usual means of death but a sequel to death, in order to expose the corpse to ultimate disgrace." 

You might miss the point, but the Apostle Paul didn't. He saw the significance of our Savior's suffering. "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree'" (Galatians 3:13). Not only did Jesus die for us, but He suffered all the agonies and humiliation of crucifixion. That was not only physical suffering, but He experienced fully God's curse; "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me" (Matthew 27:46)? 
 
Don't ever take lightly that aspect of Jesus' suffering on your behalf. He became sin for us, became "a curse," so that we might receive God's great gift of salvation.

Insight: God's curse fell on one who didn't deserve it, in order that His grace might fall on those just as undeserving!




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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 29, 2015 11:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+  My Eyes Are On You

My Eyes Are On You

 "For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 20:1-4

Forty years they wandered in the wilderness. Forty years God had been punishing, pruning, and preparing His people. Now Moses was instructing them about the next step. Clearly it would include warfare... and with overwhelming odds against them. God's people would face enemies far more numerous and powerful than they. But Moses' strong word was, "Do not be afraid of them." 
 
I am reminded of King Jehoshaphat's plight many years later. "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12). Many times I have prayed that prayer as I have faced an enemy that seemed so strong. I am powerless; I don't know what to do; but my eyes are on You!
 
At those times I have been reminded that the battle is not mine. I have One Who is able. Jesus is victor! "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Insight: We do, indeed, face overwhelming odds - but they are in our favor!

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 28, 2015 10:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Do Not Forget

Do Not Forget

 "Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day." Deuteronomy 8:11

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Many of us have agonized with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's disease or various stages of dementia and memory loss. I recently met a man whose young daughter's MS had attacked her mind instead of her body. These are difficult and tragic situations. 

God is concerned and compassionate about that loss - but just as much so about our tendency to spiritual memory loss. All of the feasts in the Jewish calendar, and even the minutia of commands in the Law (in Leviticus and Deuteronomy), were largely given that the people might not forget. "Remember how the Lord your God led you..." (Deuteronomy 8:2). "Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God..." (8:11). "But remember the Lord your God..." (8:18). 
 
Lest we forget, we have been given a great reminder as well. Every time you partake of the Lord's Supper, you are being reminded of all that you have in Christ. Our memories are so short; our tendency is to become self-sufficient. We dare not forget the price that Jesus paid so that we might have eternal life!

Insight:  "Do this in remembrance of me..."

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 28, 2015 1:27 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Wilderness Is Refreshing

The Wilderness Is Refreshing

 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 8

Trudging through the "wilderness times" of life is not fun; in fact, it is downright painful. It is not my choice, and it is frustratingly tiring. Be that as it may, in the Providence of God, the wilderness is an all-too-common experience for every Christian. We are so often tempted to cry out, as my children did when we were traveling, "Are we there yet? How much longer?" 
 
Deuteronomy 8 is a great reminder of God's purposes and workings in that tiring wasteland. As with Israel, God uses the wilderness to test our faith (8:2), to redirect our focus (vs. 3), and to train us as children (vs. 5). 
 
Moses' challenge to Israel is appropriate for us as well. Be grateful (vs. 10), don't forget (vs. 11), and stay humble (vs. 18). God uses all of our harsh experiences for His purposes. Our responsibility is to listen and learn, and then to rest in Him. 

Perhaps most importantly, as you sometimes struggle through that wilderness, let Jesus' word encourage you: "Come to me... and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Insight: The wilderness is an inevitable part of the journey. The refreshment is an invaluable part of our provision.




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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 26, 2015 9:46 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Love Is The Greatest Commandment

Love Is The Greatest Commandment

 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Matthew 22:36

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Jesus certainly knew the Hebrew Scriptures. When He was asked about the "greatest commandment," He immediately quoted from Israel's Shema. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength..." (Deuteronomy 6:5). That love-relationship with God is all-important. 
 
To that command Moses had added the instruction about teaching the Law to their children, "when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." He spoke of keeping God's Word in front of them, with tefillin (phylacteries) on the arms and foreheads, and with mezuzot on their door frames. 

Jesus, in answering the question addressed to Him, affirmed the vital importance of a relationship with His Father. Our love for God, directed by the Word of God, needs to permeate all of our lives. And the words contained in the Law - words of eternal life - are to be faithfully passed along. Especially for parents, those words are worth repeating!

Insight: Love the Lord your God deeply; teach your children diligently.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 26, 2015 2:16 AM
Topic: +DEV+  In His Presence I Trust

In His Presence I Trust

 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18

Scripture Focus: John 14:15-31

The promise came early in the journey of the children of Israel: "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14). The promise continued through the years and was affirmed as they were about to enter the Land: "Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the Lord, dwell among the Israelites" (Number 35:34). 
 
The disciples, in a very unique way, enjoyed the very presence of God as they walked with Jesus. The thought of His departure was a frightening prospect. But He brought assurance, both to them and to us, as He affirmed, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (John 14:23). 
 
God's presence was a deep encouragement to Moses. Jesus' presence is just as vital to us in our journey through this "wilderness." As Jesus walked with the disciples while He was on earth, He now lives within us in the person of the Holy Spirit. That is indeed the very presence of God - not with us, but IN us!

Insight: He gave us the assurance; we just need to trust His presence.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 23, 2015 2:07 AM
Topic: +DEV+  He Is Faithful And Just
He Is Faithful And Just

 "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: Numbers 25:1-6

Israel had sinned by engaging in immorality with Moabite women. And they did so after they had seen so faithfully and miraculously the hand of God in their lives. Because of that sin, God sent judgment. At the very time they were experiencing God's judgment, a man brazenly "brought to his family a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel..." (Numbers 25:6). What was he thinking? 
 
Before I condemn too harshly that man's foolishness, however, I need to look to my own heart. Unfortunately, we are all prone to sin and often do things we immediately or later regret. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" 
 
That is why Jesus' message is so vital for us. We are all dependent on the grace of God - expressed through forgiveness in Jesus. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Don't ever take His forgiveness lightly!

Insight: If you are honest about your sin, you will be humbled by His grace.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 21, 2015 11:57 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Faith In Jesus

Faith In Jesus

"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." John 3:14-15

Scripture Focus: Numbers 21:1-9

God's people faced judgment, so God sent fiery serpents among them. When they confessed their sin, Moses gave them God's directive for relief and set up a bronze serpent on a pole. He told the people to look to it and live. 

That made no sense. The people surely must have questioned, "What's the medicine we are to take for these snake bites? Who's going to kill the snakes? What else are we supposed to do?" This remedy seemed way too simple! 

But that was God's directive. The people sinned; they died. They looked up; they lived. 
 
Isn't that what God tells us today? He lifted up His Son on the cross for us, and to many it seems way too simple. But God's plan is that we look up to the cross and receive His gift of life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). There is no other medicine; no other cure; nothing else for us to do. God's simple, gracious plan brings eternal life to us by faith in Jesus.

Insight: We sinned; We died. We looked up; We lived.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 20, 2015 1:20 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Do Not Worry

Do Not Worry

 "The Lord answered Moses, Is the Lord's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you." Numbers 11:23

Scripture Focus: Numbers 11:18-23

Many wish they could quit doubting the Lord, give up worrying, and stop questioning when things don't go as they think it should. Circumstances in life are often so confusing. A child lies sick, awaiting death from cancer. A couple struggles in their marriage after many seemingly-happy years. A faithful worker finds himself out of a job, desperately in need of income. We see these things, and many more, and with our minds we struggle. Where is God? Why so much suffering? 
 
Then go to the Scriptures and read over and over again His promises, His assurances. I don't always find explanations, and I certainly do not find easy fixes. But I do find His faithfulness, His power, His compassion. 
 
"Is the Lord's arm too short?" He asks. "Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill" (23:19)? I read Jesus' words, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life..." (Matthew 6:25). And with my heart I rest. I need not doubt; I need not worry; I need not fear. I may not understand, but I know I can trust Him.

Insight: With my mind I struggle, Lord, but with my heart I rest.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 21, 2015 12:25 AM
Topic: +DEV+  God Is Our Victory

God Is Our Victory

 "The Lord said to Moses, How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" Numbers 14:11

Scripture Focus: Numbers 13

Anyone who has walked with God for any period of time knows that humanity is at war in this world. We have an enemy who loves to trip us up and defeat us daily. His insidious ways undermine our confidence in who we are as believers in Jesus. The enemy we face is not much different from the giants Israel confronted as they prepared to enter the Land God had promised to them. 
 
The spies sent into the land saw giants and were terrified. We can't see our enemy ("For our struggle is not against flesh and blood..." [Ephesians 6:12ff]). But that enemy is no less real, and no less frightening. Yet ten spies compared themselves with the giants and said, "No way!" Two compared the giants with God and said, "No problem!"  

Thank God our victory is secured in Jesus, because "the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14). We are on the winning side. We really need not fear a defeated foe.

Insight: Though we may feel small "like grasshoppers" compared to the enemy, our God is bigger still!

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Doulos Meditation on Luke 8:39

Scripture: Luke 8:39—Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you. So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.


Reflection: Jesus had healed the demon possessed man near the Sea of Galilee. He wanted to be a disciple, preacher, and missionary— following Jesus with the others. Jesus turned him down; not to deny him opportunity to serve, but to make him perhaps the first “home missionary.” What impact would he have traveling with Jesus and preaching? Not much, perhaps. But look at the great opportunity Jesus gave this man to be effective in his service:

1. He had the most powerful message possible. It began with “Here’s what Jesus did for me.” This is the essence of witness and outreach. If you have had no experience with Jesus, you won’t carry much weight with your audience. 2. He had changed radically and completely and it was obvious. But it was most obvious to those who knew him best. To strangers, the impact would be lost because they could not know the before and after. 3. Jesus had others to send into the world, but who could he send to this man’s home and home town? Give serious thought to your field of service—God may be calling you to your own family and city.  

Prayer Starter: Father, we submit ourselves to your will and wherever you send we will go. Destroy in us that perennial tendency to make our own plans and then expect you to do it our way. Rather, crucify our old flesh and will so that your leading will be our entire agenda and your purposes our life’s work. Amen.

Doulos Meditation on 1 Peter 5:13

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:13—Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark.

Reflection: Peter lived the last of his life in Rome where tradition recalls his death by upside down crucifixion. Those were difficult times and Christians were careful not to offend the powers of Rome when they wrote a letter. The early Christian code word for Rome was Babylon. In describing the downfall of Rome, John wrote in Rev 17:5—“…and on her forehead was written a name, a mystery: Babylon the great, mother of whores and of earth’s abominations.” Mark, who traveled with Peter and composed his gospel from the reminiscences of Peter, was there as well. Paul, while in Roman custody mentions Mark in his letters (Philemon 24; Col 4:10).

The Roman Empire had a powerful influence on the development of Christianity. Opposition to the new religion resulted in many deaths among believers. Both Paul and Peter found the Empire to be the key to world evangelism and the development of the world wide fellowship we know as the church.

Prayer Starter: Father, thank you for those early servants of Jesus who gave their lives for the sake of the glorious gospel. Help us see our place in this holy procession from the cross to the judgment day. Amen.

Date: October 19, 2015 2:02 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God's Rich Provision For You

God's Rich Provision For You

"Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused." Numbers 11:1

Scripture Focus: Numbers 11:1-9

What is wrong with this picture? Israel had experienced the miraculous working of God on their behalf. He had freed them from Egyptian slavery, had led them through the parted Red Sea, and had met with Moses on Mount Sinai. No one could miss God's favor! Then a short year into their deliverance experience, the people began to grumble. "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost - also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic." Wait! Didn't they also remember that they were pitiful slaves? Talk about selective memory! 

Then the next statement hit me - "But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!" In other words, "All we have is God's provision!" 

If you are a child of God, you too have been given rich blessings in Jesus. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10)! That's God's rich provision for you. You have all His promises on which to lean. That doesn't leave much room for complaining or worry, does it?

Insight: Don't be guilty of selective memory of the lord's provision for you.

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 urgent 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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.

Date: October 16, 2015 1:49 AM
Topic: +DEV+  I Will Come To You

I Will Come To You

"Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped." Numbers 9:17

Scripture Focus: Numbers 9:15-23

When the mother grouse senses danger, she gives the signal and her flock of chicks immediately freezes. They blend into their surroundings and are safe as long as they obey instantly and remain motionless. When danger passes, she clucks and they resume their normal activity. They stop at the command; they move at the command. 

That was a lot like Israel's experience with the cloud in the wilderness. When the cloud moved, they moved; when the cloud stopped, they stopped. I wish it were that easy today to know what God would have us do! 

Actually, while we don't have that visible cloud, we do have the Holy Spirit. We just need to be more sensitive to His leading. "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18). The Lord Jesus, in the person of the Holy Spirit, is living within us, directing every step of our way. He is fulfilling for us God's promise, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ...and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Insight: Following the Holy Spirit may not seem as obvious, but it surely is as certain.

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

- "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill, 1867
- "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight.