+Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor

Date: August 25, 2015 1:36 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Tabernacle Of God Is With Men

The Tabernacle Of God Is With Men

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God." Revelation 21:3, NKJV

Scripture Focus: Revelation 21:1-27

We all yearn for intimacy with loved ones, a shared hearth, a cherished place of fellowship. This is what the Lord promises us. We have a foretaste of it now as He dwells in us. “How wonderful to be able to relate to a warm, beating heart rather than to cold tablets of stone” (Archbishop Trench)! 

Through the perfect work of Jesus on our behalf, His dwelling is among us... in our very hearts, in fact. Though comforting, it also is disconcerting to think of Jesus making His home within us. What He finds are "messy houses, filled with hidden staircases built of excuses, and idols of good deeds atop mantels of false security - in short, the home of Christ in disarray at our own hands" (Jill Carattini, “Slice of Infinity” March 15, 2013). 

Yet faith in Jesus means we are searched by the Holy Spirit. He goes through all the messy rooms of our lives and mercifully sheds His light to reveal how we need Him. Thankfully, it is "through the dingy windows of a messy house that we have the clearest view of the cross" (Carattini).

Insight: Our devotion today shows how much closer will be the fellowship with Jesus in heaven than it is 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: August 24, 2015 1:42 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The God Who Defends His People

The God Who Defends His People

"This is what your Sovereign Lord says, your God who defends his people: 'Behold, I have taken out of your hand the cup of staggering; ...the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again." Isaiah 51:22, NIV

Scripture Focus: Luke 21:9-28

Vivid medieval frescoes show that the great terror at that time was the thought of facing the last judgement. These days the emphasis has changed to secular worries such as terminal global warming, meteor threats, mega tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and so on. 

The word "staggering" in our verse is translated variously as terror, drunkenness, reeling, or trembling. But the word that really captures it for me is from the old Greek version of the Old Testament: "calamity." Jesus drank the cup of calamity - the whole world of evil and sin - for us on the cross so that we will never have to drink of it ourselves. The worst blow He has saved us from is the rightful, dreadful penalty for sin and all its effects. He accepted total calamity so that we will never suffer ultimate calamity. 

In our family I am the expert stain remover. I use many branded stain antidotes. But the real Stain Remover for the indelible pollution and wreckage of sin is Jesus. "The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Insight: Not only does he remove stains, but he also restores the fabric of our lives as though no staining had ever taken place.





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: August 20, 2015 12:05 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Bush Was Not Consumed.

The Bush Was Not Consumed

"And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed." Exodus 3:2

Scripture Focus: Exodus 3:1-15

Moses was doing a humdrum job in the desert. Does that ring a bell with you? Does life feel mundane, average? Even the most significant job can sometimes be like that. Moses saw a bush which appeared to be burning yet not burning up. He didn't think, It's probably a trick of the light and carry on. He went over to investigate. He "turned aside" as the KJV says, and had an amazing encounter with God. Moses was made the architect of one of history's most momentous events: the Exodus, the liberation of God's people and the foretaste of the Greater Exodus which Jesus wrought on the Cross. God even told Moses His Name, which defies human definition, a name meaning that God is ever-present and always there for His people. 

All this was because Moses "turned aside" one typical, mundane day. The burning bush was not just another inexplicable, trivial thing. Moses wanted to learn. The "behold" in our passage reminds us that God is near indeed, revealing Himself significantly in the insignificant places of life.

Insight: God is in the ordinary. poet Francis Thomson ("The Hound Of Heaven") wrote of seeing the lord walking the common london places as well as galilee.

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: August 19, 2015 1:54 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Wounds Of Christ Are His Glories

The Wounds Of Christ Are His Glories

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands..." Isaiah 49:15-16, NKJV

Scripture Focus: John 20:19-29

Charles Dickens' father ran up debts and was imprisoned in London's notorious debtor's prison, the Marshalsea. The horror of that experience was so great that he later wrote that his "whole nature was so penetrated with grief and humiliation" and that often "he would wander desolately back to that time." He incorporates this into his 1855-1857 novel “Little Dorrit”. 

The specters of past sins can haunt us all and leave us unable to forgive ourselves. We know in our minds that we have been forgiven through the cross of Christ, yet our hearts seem unconvinced. We can scarcely take in that our debts are paid. "The wounds of Christ are His glories, they are His jewels, they are the trophies of His love," Charles Spurgeon said. Jesus showed His wounds to His disciples to prove that He was really the Christ. With those wounds He paid the debt for our sins (Romans 5:1). 

Let's behold that not only do His hands bear the physical proof of our debt paid, but also His hands are inscribed with your name and mine.

Insight: Imagine a debtor knocking loudly at the doors of prison, demanding to be admitted because of his debts, despite his creditor having freely forgiven them all!

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: August 18, 2015 12:47 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Behold A Door Was Opened

Behold A Door Was Opened

"Behold a door was opened to heaven.... The four and twenty elders...cast their crowns before the throne, saying, thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power ..." Revelation 4:1, 10-11, KJV

Scripture Focus: Revelation 4:1-5:5

Paul writes of his experience of being "caught up into paradise" which he is not permitted to describe. John, however, in our reading is given a vision of heaven which is for sharing with God's people. So, God arrests us with “Behold!” He wants us to take note of the things He really wants us to know about heaven. 

What we are first shown about of heaven in verse 2 warrants a further "Behold." "A throne was set in heaven and one sat on the throne." Heaven is the fullness of the kingdom of God and a Human Being who is also God is in the place of power. Everything and everybody there sings wonderful praise to Jesus. 

The Lamb who was slain, the Lord Jesus Himself, is counted worthy to open the scroll of history. He is the one in control of all that happens (Rev. 5:9). All heaven is filled with the sounds of praises sung to the Lord. 

We may not have the full story now, but we do know that we will be physically and spiritually perfect and in the very presence of Christ. How amazing it will be to behold!

Insight: Imagine the delight of an eternity experiencing more and more of our saviour, enjoying fellowship with his people in the new heaven and earth!

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: August 16, 2015 11:20 PM
Topic: +DEV+ We Shall Not All Sleep

We Shall Not All Sleep

"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling
of an eye, at the last trumpet..." 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, NKJV

Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:24-29

Some TV shows set out to reveal mysteries and keep us guessing. At the end we are no wiser than at the start! But the Lord actually reveals many real mysteries to His faithful ones.

One of the greatest is in 1 Timothy 3:16: "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." The particular mystery in 1 Corinthians begins with "Behold," so we really need to think about the change that is coming. We will be no more subject to decline and decay!

God has promised to show us many other "great and wonderful, hidden, things" or mysteries, which we will not understand without Him (Jeremiah 33:3). Another translation of "hidden" is "fenced off". Amy Carmichael said, "All the green fields of scripture are for all the sheep of His pasture; none is fenced off." His Spirit reveals all these things to His people, and we take great comfort in them.

Insight: That we shall all be changed brings hope as we experience the inevitable consequences of advancing age in our sinful world.




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: August 14, 2015 2:35 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Efficient Instruments

Efficient Instruments

"Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and make the hills like chaff." Isaiah 41:15, NKJV

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 41:1-20

The Lord promises to make us into new, efficient instruments of His will. The threshing sledge was an instrument dragged across the harvest, separating the grain from the useless chaff. When it became blunted from use, it was sharpened to make it useful again. 

This promise from the Lord has given me comfort many times when I have felt blunt and dull through my own sinfulness or fatigue. God has used this Scripture passage to remind me that He can instantly transform me into a new and effective instrument for Him despite my previous poor performance. 

Jesus lifted His disciples at a mundane point in their lives - as they were fishing - and said, "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." He lifts their efforts to an entirely different and thrilling plane. They could never have dreamed that they would be used by God for such an elevated purpose. David could never have guessed God would pick him, a shepherd boy to be King of Israel. And God knows what instrument of service He has in mind for you!

Insight: Whatever your field of service, listen to the one who says, "behold, I am going to sharpen you up to do something even more effective for 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: August 13, 2015 1:22 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Root of the Problem… SWING VOTE Pt. 2

SWING VOTE
Pt. 2

The Root of the Problem
By Darrel and Cindy Deville

At this time, it is critical that the church in America wake up, rise up and lead the way.  We must engage on every level and every front before it's too late.  However, our focus cannot just be Washington, D.C., and the issues of the day, for in order to see substantial and lasting changes in our nation we must first deal with the root of the problem, which is the hearts and souls in the nation.

Although electing the right president and leaders (who honor God) is very important, that is only part of the equation for positive change.  For right now, putting a new political party or person in place or just changing laws will be like putting a Band-Aid on a deeply rooted cancer.  Overall, the disturbing fruit we are seeing throughout America is merely a reflection of the inward spiritual and moral condition of the people.  And the sad reality is America's dark condition is actually a brazen statement against the American church, the one called to be the light to the nation (Matthew 5:14). . . .


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: August 11, 2015 11:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+  I am Alive Forevermore!

I am Alive Forevermore!

"...He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore..." Revelation 1:17-18, NKJV

Scripture Focus: Philippians1:12-30, Colossians1:15-29

I think one of the most astounding Scripture verses is "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). We may be inclined to take those words for granted or think, "Well, that is Paul's sentiment; it's not for me." 

But it is clear from the context that Paul considers this a normal thought for the Christian. Christ's love for us on the cross is so momentous that our lives will be totally suffused with love for Him. Our greatest desire will be to have ever-increasing intimacy in our fellowship with Him. So while we enjoy life, we also long to be in the immediate presence of the One "who is alive forevermore" rather than to remain here below forever, where we "see through a glass darkly." 

Some suppose Paul says this because to go to heaven would mean an end to his sufferings. Not so; he chooses to continue to be with the Philippians to help them. He simply longs - as we also do - to see Jesus face to face and behold Him alive! To die would be "far better" than that which we already enjoy.

Insight: Paul piles superlative upon superlative to convey that to die would be "streets ahead" better than remaining in this life. Are we like with this?

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: August 9, 2015 10:43 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Behold He Is Risen!

Behold He Is Risen!

"So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. 
...Behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' So they came and...worshiped Him." Matthew 28:8-9, NKJV
 
Scripture Focus: Mark 16:1-8, John 21:1-25

After his denial of Jesus, Peter broke down and wept bitterly. Caravaggio's painting of Peter in the Metropolitan Museum of Art shows his hands tightly knotted, his face contorted with remorse for his terrible failure. In light of that, how remarkable are the angel's words "go and tell the disciples and Peter"! 

Peter saw Jesus with the other disciples and knew that He was risen. Yet he didn't know that Jesus was risen for him until his encounter with Jesus at Lake Galilee. Peter, despite his sin, jumped into deep water and struggled towards Jesus. 

We see the amazing grace of the Lord in that meeting with Peter. He didn't minimize Peter's denial; He talked with him at a charcoal fire, a reminder of the courtyard fire. He challenged him whether his earlier protestations of being the most loyal to him were realistic. All Peter could do was reiterate that he loved Him. Jesus graciously reconfirmed him as the leader of the disciples. This same gracious Lord meets us where we are in our regrets and sins.

Insight: Jesus treats peter as the person he will be rather than as he has been. Jesus does the same for 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 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: August 11, 2015 12:53 AM
Topic: +DEV+  It Is I Myself

It Is I Myself

"Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?  Behold My hands and My feet,  that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones..." Luke 24:38-39, NKJV

Scripture Focus: John 14:1-27

The disciples were absolutely terrified when the resurrected Jesus stood in front of them. The only way this could happen according to their thinking would be that they were seeing a ghost. And accordingly, they panicked. So Jesus cut across that by inviting them to feel that He was indeed flesh and blood. He stopped them in their tracks, saying, "Behold... it is I myself." 

Jesus was the friend whom they had known and loved, with whom they had eaten, whose teachings had been "the words of life" to them. He was the One who trudged the dusty roads with them, and whose miracles they had witnessed. 

There is awe in His "behold" as well. What He actually says is, "I am the “I AM” himself." This is the name God told Moses at the burning bush. So He was there physically, their intimate friend! This was God Himself! No wonder they could not take it in for sheer joy! 

And, amazingly, this startling Gospel news is for us also. Our reading in John says that He will show His own self to us. Let's hold onto that!

Insight:  "Four words can be very consoling: 'It Is I Myself.'" (Amy Carmichael)

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: August 5, 2015 11:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+ I Find No Fault In Him

I Find No Fault In Him

"Pilate then went out again, and said to them, Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him." John 19:4, NKJV

Scripture Focus: JOHN 18: 28 -19:4

The Italian actor Pietro Sarubbi, who portrayed Barabbas in Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," was actually converted in real life at the moment in the film when Pilate brought out Jesus to the crowds. The actor representing Jesus looked at Pietro. He subsequently wrote a book titled "Converted by a Glance" in which he testifies that, at that moment, he realized that Jesus was going to die for him though he was the offender and Jesus was innocent. The spotless Jesus would die for one who deserved death. He was Barabbas, the sinner being freed, and Jesus was dying in his place. 

I am sure that Jesus Himself standing before the crowds would have looked at Barabbas with a look of unconditional love. Even a mere dramatic imitation of this glance broke Sarubbi's heart. 

When Pilate brought Jesus out and said that he found Him innocent, he was bringing Him out, not only before everyone present, but also before each of us. As Jesus looks at us full of fathomless love, are we not also "converted by a glance"?

Insight: Our response to this glance of Jesus, The spotless Lamb Of God, is so moving that we want to live our lives for 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: August 6, 2015 8:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Behold the Man! - Behold your King!

Behold the Man! - Behold your King!

"Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, Behold the Man! ... And he said to the Jews, Behold your King!" John 19:5, 14, NKJV

Scripture Focus: Psalm 22:1-31

Pilate, the ultimate organization man, was struggling about condemning a man he could clearly see was innocent. He admitted that he "found no fault in him." 

He had Jesus - already scourged nearly to death - paraded before the crowds and wearing the cruelly painful crown of thorns. Perhaps Pilate hoped that this pathetic sight might soften the peoples' hearts. He says, "Behold the man!" - one of the most poignant phrases in the Bible. And yet, we dare not pity Jesus as Pilate might. We are to pause and consider, to behold, God's perfect man, glorious in His utter human weakness. Luther wrote, "This man is God," and nowhere does He shine more as God than at this point. 

So, a prophet despite himself, Pilate proclaimed, "Behold your King." Pilate showed them a man so degraded that He could hardly be seen as a threat to them. But God's purpose is to have us behold our King who is never more regal than when He exercises power through mingled divinity and humanity, in total self-giving, vulnerability and suffering.

Insight: Jesus reigned magnificently in his passion. The greatest act of "weakness" became the most powerful act of history: the salvation of mankind!

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: August 5, 2015 12:08 AM
Topic: +DEV+  So God Created… And God Saw

So God Created… And God Saw

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good..." Genesis 1:27, 31, KJV

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 8:22-31

Early in my Christian life I was given the word ACTS as an acronym to use for prayer. 
A = for Adoration, 
C = for Confession, 
T = for Thanksgiving, and 
S = for Supplication. 
I found it very helpful to start prayer with adoring the Lord for Himself and for the wonder of His creation of man and the universe. 

The Lord Jesus Himself went before us in this. Together with the Father, He was "filled with delight day by day" and "rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind." Each day we can look at creation and respond to His invitation to "Behold" it and see that it was very good. We can join Jesus who still delights in mankind despite our fallen state. 

The catalogue of cruelty and disasters in the news can be so oppressive that we find it hard to adore. But the Lord challenges us to stop being mesmerized by the world's misery and to behold His delights instead. He is even now at work in His creation and will ultimately restore all its goodness in the new heavens and the new earth.

Insight: Perhaps it would be good to take a break from the news for a bit and simply adore our Creator for Himself and for his "very good" creation.
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: August 4, 2015 1:24 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Behold, I Stand At The Door!

Behold, I Stand At The Door!

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20, NKJV

Scripture Focus: Revelation 3:14-22

Look! Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart and of my heart. He doesn't come in unbidden. He is courteous and only comes if invited. In Holman Hunt's famous painting "The Light of the World," there is no handle to be seen on the outside of the door to make that very point. 

If we open the door at His knocking, He promises to have fellowship with us as He had fellowship with His disciples. A large part of Jesus' time with His friends was spent in table fellowship over a meal, so much so that His critics called Him a glutton and a drunkard. In His parables, Jesus describes the Kingdom of God as being like a great banquet (Luke 14). 

We are promised a foretaste of this Great Banquet when we open the door of our hearts to Him. The fact that God Himself wants to have this close intimacy with us is staggering. Many of us will remember the thrill of encountering the Lord in this way when we first opened our hearts to Him. May we never lose the immediacy of that close fellowship even as time goes on.

Insight: We easily relapse into a cooler, formal routine praying and bible reading. lukewarmness, Jesus says, makes him feel sick! so let's open that door afresh!

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: August 3, 2015 12:44 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Worthy is the Lamb!

Worthy is the Lamb!

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'" John 1:29, NKJV

Scripture Focus: John 1:29-51

From the time of Abel in Genesis 4, lambs were sacrificed as a costly and pure offering. When Abraham obediently went up the mountain to sacrifice Isaac as God said, Isaac asked, "Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Abraham, speaking prophetically, said, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son" (Genesis 22:8). 

The lamb in the Jewish sacrificial system was without blemish. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be "led like a lamb to the slaughter" (53:7). Peter says that "You have been redeemed...with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Peter 1:19). 

Jesus was without sin, so He was able to do what none of us could possibly do for ourselves: offer up "a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world" (Archbishop Cranmer). God Himself in Christ came down to earth as man and took on His own back all the sin of the world. Isn't that enough to make us stop in awe and really behold the Lamb of God?

Insight: Revelation has 26 references to "The Lamb." we shall all see the Lamb and cry out "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!"

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: August 2, 2015 12:49 AM
Topic: HOW WE LOST AMERICA

HOW WE LOST AMERICA
by Behold the Lamb Publications

With the Supreme Court decision on June 26, 2015, two things became evident.  The first is that the United States of America has been fundamentally changed forever.  The second is that the church has lost the nation that God had given us to keep.  Jesus told his disciples "Ye are the salt of the earth." He continued to say, "but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."  We will understand the words of Jesus better in the months and years to come as the process of "casting out" a savorless church and "treading it under foot" begins.  This can only happen when the church, like the salt that "loses its savor," has lost the presence of God and the reality that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings.  Many will say that God is going to judge America because of the gay marriage.  The truth is, however, that God has already judged America, and gay marriage is only a confirmation that we have been judged.

As Israel did three thousand years ago, the American church has committed two sins that have brought two distinct judgments from God.  The first is a wrong image of God, and the second is a wrong view of the gospel.   The children of Israel turned away from the invisible God to worship a "golden calf," and God's righteous judgment was that He "gave them up to uncleanness. . . to dishonor their own bodies between themselves" (Romans 1:24).  Many in this generation of the church have "changed the glory to Jesus Christ" into the "image of a corruptible man."  Instead of "Christ the creator," the "Lord from heaven" who came to "take away the sin of the world," the new image of Jesus is that of a "natural man that could have sinned and had sinful desires just like every one of us and therefore understands when we sin."  Because of this wrong and twisted image of Christ that has issued from America's pulpits, our nation has long ago been given up by God to uncleanness.

The second sin of the church, the wrong view of the gospel, is the one that has brought America to the June 26th decree by the Supreme Court.  Because the church, like Old Testament Israel before, "changed the truth of God into a lie,"  Gods judgement was that he ". . .gave them up to vile affections" (Romans 1:25-26).  Jude warned that false teachers had succeeded in "turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness."  The modern doctrine that "we are all sinners and must sin everyday" is not "grace;" it is "lasciviousness," a licence to continue in sin.  It has "changed the truth of God into a lie" and filled the churches with those who continue in sin because they have never been "born again."  Why did Christ leave eternity to become a man?  What did He come into the world to do?  The correct answer to this question is "the truth" that Jesus said "will make you free' from sin.  Did Christ come to "take away our sin," or did He come to "take the penalty for our sin? One is the truth of the gospel.  The other is the "lie" that has caused God to give our nation up to "vile affections," which is where we are in America today.  Gay marriage is not our "national sin," it is the judgment of God because of a church that has "lost its savor," and thus, has "lost our nation."

60% of Americans who have gay or lesbian friends believe same-sex marriage should be legalized, whereas only 33% of those who do not have gay or lesbian friends believe the same. - LifeWay Research

In 2011, 44% of Americans believed homosexuality was a sin.  Now in 2015, the number is down to 30%. - LifeWay Research

-Behold the Lamb Publications
PO Box 750
Porter, Tx 77365
cochurch.org

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: July 31, 2015 11:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Behold or Lo!

Behold or Lo!

"Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth... I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19, NKJV

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:1-28

The word translated "behold" or "lo" in the King James Version of the Bible means "look carefully at, see and understand." It is used when we are meant to stop in our tracks, pause and consider what the Lord is saying. He wants the "penny to drop." It is a signpost, and there is something arresting about it. It indicates that we are to have an attitude of awe as we approach the following word from the Lord. 

In many translations "behold" is rendered as "look," "see," or "surely," which perhaps miss the sense of a significant pause that the King James (and New King James) word "behold" conveys. So in order to capture that sense of awe, those King James versions of the Bible will be used this month. 

Here in Isaiah the Lord calls us to pause and attend to the amazing promise that He is going to do a radically new thing. He is going to cut a path through all the mundane concerns that capture our attention, through all the barren places, and pour out rivers of living water into our thirsty hearts.

Insight: To have faith in someone means we believe their promises. Since we have faith in Jesus, we shall want to really behold His promises.

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: July 30, 2015 11:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Original Promise Keeper

The Original Promise Keeper

"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath." Hebrews 6:17

Scripture Focus: Genesis 15

"I will," is the answer to small requests from my wife like, "Can you take out the trash before you go to work tomorrow?" But it is also the answer to much larger questions like, "Will you keep your word" and "Will you love me?" People enter into these kinds of commitments to each other all the time, often saying: "I will" without considering the weight of the promise. And many of us do this believing that we can actually keep our word. 

At the foundation of marriage is a promise to love and serve one another. Amazingly, God enters into a relationship with us also, making promises to us through His eternal Word. In Genesis 15, God made an oath to Abraham and his descendants forever. In a dark and awesome scene, God vows to destroy Himself before breaking His promise. The fulfillment of this came centuries later at the dark judgment on the cross. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Insight: Our Lord is the great promise keeper. man can break his word, but God's word is sure and trustworthy forever

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: July 30, 2015 12:46 AM
Topic: +DEV+  The Perfect Servant

The Perfect Servant

"Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love." John 13:1

Scripture Focus: Matthew 20:25-28

Our culture teaches us self-promotion from a young age. Most of us grow up thinking the only way to achieve happiness is to reach out and take it. "The first shall be first," we could call it. Really this is not a new issue in our sinful world. Right after Jesus predicted His death as the way to win His kingdom, His disciples asked Him who would sit in the privileged positions at His right and left hands in glory. Who would be first? Christ's life and purposeful death cut against that grain. His life is a new standard. He is exalted because He humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8-9). Jesus is Lord because He first became a servant. 

Jesus said that "unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" (John 12:24). As a husband, I am learning that it is only through death to myself - not insisting on my own wants - that I can have a God-honoring marriage. "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26).

Insight: We are God's loved ones, the bride of Christ our Lord.... 

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.

Topic: +DEV+  My Ring On Her Finger

My Ring On Her Finger

"He set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." 2 Corinthians 1:22

Scripture Focus: Ephesians 1:11-14

Anita and I had been talking for a while about getting married, but we hadn't set a date. We certainly couldn't start planning the wedding because we were still waiting for something: a ring. Once that simple white-gold band with the small diamond was slipped onto her finger, I knew things would never be the same. After I gave her that ring, we walked across the school parking lot as I was leaving for Army boot camp. I felt butterflies in my stomach as I saw the other students faces peeking through the windows and realized everyone was ready to think of us differently. 

In the same way a simple band on our finger changes our identity and gives us something to look forward to, God gives us the Holy Spirit as the seal of our salvation, “The guarantee" (or down payment) "of our inheritance." It's the Spirit that tells us we really are children of God, our identity really has been changed, and we really do have something magnificent to look forward to. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."

Insight: We've been signed, sealed, and by the grace of God we will be delivered victorious inheritors-children of 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
 - "If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"My Angel disguised as my Shadow goes before me"!

Date: July 26, 2015 10:17 PM
Topic: +DEV+  We Serve A Jealous God

We Serve A Jealous God

"Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Exodus 34:14

Scripture Focus: Joel 2:12-18

I remember when I was leaving to go into the Army my jealousy was provoked. My relationship with Anita had just begun to be serious about marriage. But there was a student on the high school campus who swore he would ”move in” as I left town, and I was persuaded Anita was going to be bothered in him. 

When I think of the names of God, "Jealous" never comes to mind. Names like Emmanuel, Yahweh, or El Shaddai do, but not "Jealous." Yet this title is a special name connected to us, His people. Christ purchased us as His Bride and intends this relationship to be exclusive. Repeatedly, however, we provoke His jealousy and bring into the relationship other things we love more than Him. This is the very reason Jesus - our Husband - had to die. 

It turns out I was not wrong about that student. Though not yet married, I got a small taste of the desire Jesus has to be the only one on whom we rely. The "You shall have no other gods before me" commandment (Exodus 20:3) is the first one of the ten, reminding us of how ardently God seeks after our whole hearts.

Insight: God's jealousy for his people is a measure of His determination to love us exclusively. Much love... Much jealousy.

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
 - "If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"My Angel disguised as my Shadow goes before me"!

Date: July 23, 2015 10:52 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Contentment Through Him

Contentment Through Him

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Scripture Focus: Matthew 11:25-30

It's no secret that we live in a world of stress and anxiety. People carry immense burdens. Yet no human being in history ever carried anything like the burden Jesus bore. If anyone had an excuse to be stressed-out and anxious, it was He. 

But was He? Jesus knew what lay ahead. He knew that He would carry the sin of the world on the cross. And yet He could say, "Tomorrow will worry about itself ... each day has enough trouble of its own." In the presence of Jesus, people sensed something they lacked. Those seeking God found peace in the presence of Christ. He was entirely without anxiety or doubts. His trust in the Father was complete. 

Is it possible for us to know that kind of contentment? According to Jesus, we can start by daily refocusing our attention on God's kingdom and pursuing His righteousness. Yet we cannot do any of this without His help. Only by His power do our hearts resonate with kingdom priorities as we are transformed into His image. May you grow in contentment through Him.

Insight: The peace of God nearly always comes as a result of spending time in the word and in prayer. (Philippians 4:4-7.)

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
 - "If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"My Angel disguised as my Shadow goes before me"!

Date: July 23, 2015 1:03 AM
Topic: +DEV+  True Contentment

True Contentment

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." 1 Timothy 6:6-7

Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 6:3-10

In the days of the early church, there were some who thought that godliness would ensure financial success. Equating piety with prosperity, they put on a religious facade for their own self-serving motives. This powerful deception lured many away from the faith. 

Today the seduction continues. All around the globe the "health and wealth gospel" captivates people with its message that God will shower them with material blessings in exchange for their faith. But this is not the Gospel. This teaching leaves most people far from contentment and only wanting more. 

On the contrary, we are called to hold nothing back from God. Though God may rarely require someone to give everything away, that should not change the attitude of our hearts. The Apostle Paul said, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:8), and, "...if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:8). 

Can we say the same? True contentment in Christ makes this possible.

Insight: The giver is infinitely more valuable than the gifts which he gives. Those who love him will never lack what they truly need.




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
 - "If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"My Angel disguised as my Shadow goes before me"!

Date: July 22, 2015 1:37 AM
Topic: +DEV+  In The House Of The Lord Forever

In The House Of The Lord Forever

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

Scripture Focus: John 14:1-14

The final verse of Psalm 23 breathes out a deep sigh of contentment. The journey of the sheep with the Shepherd has removed all insecurity. Dark valleys have been faced, traversed, and left behind as a testimony to the faithfulness of the Shepherd. The sheep are well fed. Their wounds are healed. Thus is the quiet confidence of those who have walked closely with Jesus for many years. 

They have learned to recognize His voice and follow Him. Like wet cement, their faith was formed by His hand. Now it has set and hardened. They are confident that the Shepherd will never leave them. They are secure in Him. 

But what about the rest of us? Some of us are young in faith and untested. Some of us have been dragging our feet for years, stubbornly resistant to the guidance of the Shepherd. Regardless of where you are in your journey, there is only one way forward. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Listen for His voice. Obey Him and stay near. Surely goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life.

Insight: No relationship grows without an investment of time. Daily time in the word and in prayer are essential for growing closer to Jesus.

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
 - "If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"My Angel disguised as my Shadow goes before me"!

Date: July 21, 2015 3:02 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Our Cups Will Overflow

Our Cups Will Overflow

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5

Scripture Focus: Luke 13:23-30

What do you suppose King David pictured in his mind's eye when he penned this part of Psalm 23? Having spent his youth caring for sheep, he was doubtlessly writing from personal experience. He must have remembered the many journeys he had made with his own sheep to the high pastures. There was no way the sheep could have known along the way that there was a feast waiting for them at journey's end. 

David himself spent many years running for his life from King Saul. Like the sheep from his childhood, David knew himself to be in danger but had confidence in the God who was with him. The Lord took care of David through those years of waiting, and when it was time, David became king over Israel. His cup overflowed! 

What is waiting for you on the other side of your present trial? Only the Lord knows, but there are two things you can be sure of. It will have been for your good, and it will have transformed you to more closely resemble the character of Christ, moving you to a place of contentment in Him.

Insight: Feasting is a future promise of God for all who belong to Christ. The wedding feast of the lamb will be a day unlike any other!

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

We are in 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
 - "If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"My Angel disguised as my Shadow goes before me"!

Date: July 20, 2015 1:54 AM
Topic: +DEV+  In The Paths of Righteousness

In The Paths of Righteousness

"He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23:3

Scripture Focus: Luke 15

Under the watchful care of the Good Shepherd, we can expect times of quiet rest, peace and spiritual restoration. He knows we need this, and He gives it to us when He determines we need it. Yet rest is not an end unto itself. We were made for walking, and the Shepherd instructs us to stay close to Him. This is a crucial lesson most believers have to learn the hard way. Jesus does not say, "Take me with you," but, "Follow me." 

Unfortunately, our inclination in the discontentment of our hearts is to go where we wish. Even while calling Jesus our Lord, we presume to retain control of our lives. Choosing our own path, we are surprised when it becomes rocky, treacherous or difficult. We no longer feel His presence nearby and in fear cry out for Him to rescue us. 

Jesus is never far off; our Good Shepherd is nearby. But our sin always has consequences. Some of our choices may leave us with scars which we'll carry for a lifetime. The sooner we learn to trust Jesus, are content in Him, and follow where He leads, the better off we will be.

Insight: Jesus tells us his priority is seeking after lost sheep. If we want to go where He goes, then this must become our priority too.

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
 - "If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"My Angel disguised as my Shadow goes before me"!