+Dev+ Michael D. Inman

Date: August 4, 2010 7:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Lord of the Senses

Lord of the Senses

"They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel..." (Psalm 115:5-7a).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 115:4-8; 135:13-18

Writers try to "involve" readers by showing how things look, sound, taste, and smell. This type of writing can engage readers emotionally, move them to another time and place, and help them see life from a different viewpoint.

In today's verse, we read that idols have none of these senses. However, the living and true God has all of them! Since God is a spiritual being, He has spiritual senses. He has given us comparable physical senses to use in relating with each other, and He can awaken spiritual senses to help us relate with Him and see from His viewpoint.

God "hears" our prayers.
He "sees" our needs.
He is a living, loving Father who "smells" the sweetness of our prayers.
He is the Son who "touched" untouchables when He walked on earth.

Let's ask Him to open our spiritual eyes, so we see His truth and open our spiritual ears, so we hear His commands. Let's ask Him to give us spiritual understanding as we read His Word. "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8a).

Insight: Our living, loving Lord will supply all we need to relate with Him.
Let us ask Him to nourish our souls with spiritual sustenance.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: August 3, 2010 8:05 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Spiritual in Physical

Spiritual in Physical

"The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7).
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 6:19; 12:12-27

From the beginning, the Lord God interacted with His creation-most intimately with humans. Critics used to scoff at the idea that God created people from the "dust of the earth," but now science has confirmed that every element found in the human body also exists in earth's soil. God's life-giving breath caused that first body, made in His image, to live physically and spiritually.

When humans rebelled, our Creator didn't give up on us; rather, He came to earth in a human body and lived the perfect human experience for us. While it is true Jesus is our example, He is more than that. He is the express image of the Godhead in a human body.

Now, in the form of the Holy Spirit, God lives within the physical bodies of those who follow Him. He says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?" He also calls those who have received Jesus as Savior the "body" of Christ.

The Lord God does His spiritual work through His physical creation. Everything we see, hear, smell, taste, or touch has spiritual connotations.

Insight: What amazing spiritual possibilities lay hidden within our simple physical actions? Let's ask God to reveal them to us.


Date: August 2, 2010 10:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Growth
God and Growth
"...the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree..." (Isaiah 55:12b-13a).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 55
Here at last the curse is broken, and we have joyful harmony between God's people and nature. This whole passage invites us to "come and drink," to change our wicked ways and to turn to the Lord and His Word that we might enjoy forgiveness, peace and joy seems almost too good to be true. And yet, this is exactly what Jesus has already done for us! When these words were written, the fulfillment of the promises was in the distant future. But after His coming He left the Holy Spirit to cause the seeds of that perfect tomorrow to live and germinate within us now. We are not on "hold." The brand new life cycle has already begun in the heart of every believer.
In our formerly cursed lives where once there were thorns, cypress trees are growing; where nettles grew, myrtles are sprouting. We see evidence of new growth all around us in our lives and the lives of our family in Christ. If the little shoots of green we see do not compare to what they will be someday, so what? We're already part of a second genesis!
Insight: God's word liberally applied will act as a fertilizer, increasing healthy growth and pest-free fruit for the spiritually hungry people in your life.

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: August 1, 2010 8:39 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Fruit
God and Fruit
"'I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit...This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit...'" (John 15:5a,8).
Scripture Focus: John 15:1-8
We once took a trip to Florida. I saw for the first time citrus fruit hanging on trees. People grew oranges, lemons, and grapefruit in their yards. As we drove by, the colorful, abundant fruit was eye-catching. I realized later that the fruit was the only thing about those trees I remembered.
The fruit of our lives as Christians is supposed to be distinctive and memorable. Many unbelievers around us do have that impression of us, but, sadly, the impression is bitter. Why is that? Perhaps our fruit is immature, or we've fallen off or been severed from the vine. We are so busy we don't have much time to spare for quietly abiding in God's Word and being still before Him. We have a limited relationship with the body of Christ. Jesus' disciples spent time with Him and each other, and their lives couldn't help but be changed. The fruit of our lives will become ripe and sweet, too, through the touch of the Master's hand. Christianity isn't only about what we know. It is about who we are actually becoming-like Jesus.
Insight: The fruit of your life is not only for yourself, it will be tasted by others. Is
your fruit bitter or sweet?
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 30, 2010 12:59 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Birds
God and Birds
"'Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap', and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 'Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?'" (Matthew 6:26a, 27)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-34
My family is enchanted with birds. We watch, house, feed and water them. At our home we have a wren bird house inches from our back door, and-unbelievably-some were brave enough to nest there. We witnessed the fascinating process up close. They are busy, happy creatures; to-ing and fro-ing; eating what they can find; choosing mates; building nests; raising families; vigilantly watching for the enemy; and stopping every little while to sing. Worry has no place in their lives. What a simple analogy for the way we should live. No wonder Jesus referred to them!
"Worry" is both a noun and a verb. So if worry is what we've chosen, either we are in a state of it or we are doing it. Jesus, knowing that we list towards worry, took care to teach us the way to keep from veering in its direction. That way is faith. God is our provider. While worry immobilizes, faith moves us to righteous activity.
So like birds, don't worry about tomorrow. Keep moving forward and take time to sing!
Insight: Staying focused on today-not yesterday or tomorrow-is the only place you can find grace to live worry-free. Faith is now.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 28, 2010 10:59 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and a Feather
God and a Feather
"...Not one [sparrow] will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. The very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid..." (Matthew 10:29b-31).
Scripture Focus: Romans 8:14-16
On January 15, 2009, a US Airways flight was forced to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River when a flock of birds knocked out both engines. On January 15, 2009, a US Airways flight was forced to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River when a flock of birds knocked out both engines. All 155 people including a little baby survived. The heroic pilot and crew responded text book perfectly; the Hudson was smooth, and nearby boats immediately offered rescue. It was called "Miracle on the Hudson." Later investigation of the engines' remains discovered a single feather.
This epic moment in time was distilled down to a feather. Awestruck, I saw the macro and micro hand of God. He spared all 155 people, each known down to the numbers of hairs on their heads. A flock of geese, also known individually by God, brutally lost their lives in His presence. He knows the one that feather belonged to. Their lives were lost, but 155 priceless souls were saved. The heart of God is vast and tender...every living thing matters to God; He is the Creator of us all. And yet, we alone are privileged enough to call Him Father. How valuable and precious we are to Him!
Insight: Don't be afraid that you have somehow slipped through the cracks beyond God's notice. If He knows every bird you see, He certainly knows you!
--
Date: July 27, 2010 9:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Responsibility
God and Responsibility
"You made him ruler over the works of your hands . . . all flocks and the herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish the sea..." (Psalm 8:6-8).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 1:20-26

God has truly honored us in making us responsible for the stewardship of His creation. The context of this Scripture expresses absolute wonder that God would even do such a thing. Unfortunately, we have made rather a muck of it. The truth is we couldn't help ourselves! We are sinners. Should the Christian response be to throw our hands in the air in an "Oh, well" attitude? Absolutely not! We have been charged by God to take care of the earth, and we need to do it. The "What difference can one person make?" attitude is not Christian either. God made every person in His image and imbued each with significance and worth.
There is yet another attitude abroad derived from evolutionary theory that suggests that we are on the same plane as every other living thing. On the contrary, the Bible says, "You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor" (vs. 5). We are not the equals of creation-we are its masters! Therefore, steward well in the name of the Lord.
Insight: You can make a difference. Be a good steward of everything you can-it is an act of obedience to God.
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Topic: +DEV+ God and a Watered Path
God and a Watered Path
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:19).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:14-21
The post-modern world is an increasingly dry wasteland for all people of faith, especially Christians. The devil has virulently targeted us because he knows the truth as well as we do and seeks to silence it. But God is already in the process of creating a pathway through this desert. We travel with water! It wells from springs within us. So this promise of deliverance through the dry wasteland is as much a part of the journey as it is our future. The Spirit through us is already creating streams in the desert. The more we submit ourselves to God and pour out what is within us, the more drinking water there will be for the world.
In the first Exodus God created dry land in the midst of the sea. Now He will create rivers amidst the dry land: "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams" (Isaiah 44:3-4). See, He has already begun!
Insight: You are meant to "water" the people around you through your friendship and sensitivity to their needs. Let them drink from the Spirit's well.
--
Topic: +DEV+ God and Water and Fire
God and Water and Fire
"When you pass through waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned..." (Isaiah 43:2).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 88:1-5
Where did we get the idea that if we became believers we would never have difficulties or that our troubles would be minimal? We read when it seems that we will drown; when we walk through fires of oppression. The troubles are assumed. But the ensuing promises are that with God's help and presence in our lives, we will survive; we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
Jesus said, "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). Mercifully, through it all we are offered His comfort and the protection of our souls. "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield" (Psalm 91:4).
God wants to protect your faith, especially during hard times. Do not rely on your own understanding. Stick to what He says, not to what you can see. You will surely see the hand of God rescuing you out of water and fire!
Insight: You are in good company. Not one of the heroes of the faith had an easy life. But God changed the world through them!
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Topic: +DEV+ God and the Cycle
God and the Cycle
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them....The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:7, 8).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 37:1-11

Everything right now has a beginning and an end. God set this into place for our protection after mankind's fall from perfection, when evil tainted the world (Genesis 3:22). He would not allow us to be eternally shackled to evil before He gave us another chance to live forever in harmony with Him through Jesus Christ. So for now, in our beautiful but broken world, it is actually a mercy that everything withers and fades in this temporal, continual cycle.
Only God's Word stands forever. The Holy Bible, the living breath of God, is the only still place in our constantly undulating lives. What we learn from Scripture is wisdom that speaks into every era, nation, and culture. It stands rock solid and does not change with the winds of opinion. Here is the rock on which to build our lives.
Wherever we work or play or cast our vote, we shouldn't be surprised or discouraged when our efforts for good only have a season. Remain steady amidst this flowering and fading cycle of life.
Insight: You are meant to stand solidly on God's Word and work tirelessly in His kingdom on earth. Your efforts always matter to God.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 22, 2010 2:27 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God and the Earth

God and the Earth

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary..." (Isaiah 40:28).
Scripture Focus: Job 42:2-5


Do you ever wonder whether God grows weary of hearing about our endless troubles? Here is the answer: He never does! Human beings are very good at projecting their own thoughts and feelings upon God. So often in our prayers we counsel Him; we wheedle, whine, worry, complain, bargain, question and explain as if He needs clarification from us. Great is His patience! I would grow frustrated with people who are as dense we often are. The beginning of verse 28 seems to say "Don't you get it? I've been around literally forever! I created your whole planet and the stars beyond. I do it all the time. I made everything. I understand everything! I get your problem." He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand (vs. 15).

We ought to consider with Isaiah, "Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way" (vs. 14)? It is important to hear and understand that your God is able to deal with anything that comes your way. He has promised to take care of you, and He will!

Insight: The whole earth is in God's hands. Nothing is too big or too small. He will bring His wisdom and power to all of it.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Topic: +DEV+ God and Eagles
God and Eagles
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles..." (Isaiah 40:29,31a).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40
This chapter prophesying the advent of Messiah begins with the famous words of consolation: "Comfort, comfort my people," and ends with the promise of renewed strength: the exhilarating comparison to the masters of soaring: eagles! Bestowed with enormous wingspans, these noble birds are able to catch rising warm air masses and spiral high into the sky for long stretches of time, flapping their wings very little.
What is God through Isaiah telling us? Yes, it has been difficult, but, "Your God is coming" (vs. 9)! And victorious Messiah did come-His Spirit is alive within us! Then "...how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?" (vs. 27) He knows. His Spirit within us has incomparable power and strength, and He desires that we use it to soar high and glide. God wants us to soar like eagles over these times. He gives us this clear picture to inspire us to trust Him. He infuses us with His immense power, enabling us to catch the wind of the Spirit and spiral into the sky, effortlessly soaring...
Insight: You cannot fly when you're constantly bearing the weight of your burdens. Name them and release them into God's hands. Let your spirit soar!
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 15, 2010 11:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Storm

God and Storm

"Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me..." (Psalm 42:7-8a).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 40:1-5

None of us is a stranger to the tumult of raging seas and surging tides that sweep over us, especially now. Things we have taken for granted are suddenly uncertain. Some of us have been parted from loved ones; some of us have lost our retirements or jobs; for some, even our homes and ability to feed our families are at stake. The waves of depression and anxiety are crashing down and threatening to sweep us into the sea.

We have a decision to make: to fully place our confidence in God and believe that He is willing to deliver on His promises. He is the only life boat! And He commands the seas.

Our goal is not to conjure up good feelings during bad times. Rather, we believe God is good even when things are terrible. That is hard work. How do we accomplish it? We cling to Him, to the Scriptures and to the body of Christ. Each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon us. It is there for us. Let us choose to join in solidarity and sing His songs through the night!

Insight: The Lord is your refuge and strength, ready and willing to help in times of trouble, even when the oceans roar and foam. Believe.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Topic: +DEV+ God and Thirst
God and Thirst
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God" (Psalm 42:1-2)?
Scripture Focus: Psalm 63:1-8
I can't bear to see documentaries showing animals suffering during drought. Watching them die of thirst is torture. I always close my eyes.
However, God sees far worse all the time, and He will not close his eyes. People are dying of spiritual thirst, quenching it with any water they can find, even if it is stagnant and fetid. We can't look at this very often. It is too painful. We're told repeatedly that our message is dry as dust. It's much easier to stay around our own stream, even if it dries up from time to time.
We have the advantage. Even during personal spiritual drought we, like the psalmist, know what we're thirsty for. We've drunk deeply from the River of Life and are acutely uncomfortable when we feel parched and separated from God.
But what about those who are always separated from God? They have no idea what it is to be filled to overflowing with the love of Christ. We cannot close our eyes. Pray for the Church. We're the world's last hope.
Insight: Streams of living water flow through you. Ask God for the courage to show you ways and opportunities to lead spiritually thirsty people to Christ.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 13, 2010 1:42 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Nature's Rebellion
God and Nature's Rebellion
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present
help in trouble...we will not fear, though the
earth give way and the mountains fall into the
heart of the sea Ö" (Psalm 46:1-3a).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46
We have seen in our lifetime the terrible
destructive power of earthquakes, tsunamis,
hurricanes. Nature, helplessly subjected to the
fall of all creation (Romans 8:20), heaves,
crashes, and twists in violent rebellion to its
curse, leaving behind dreadful devastation. These
terrifying images are imprinted in our memories.
But this psalmist resolutely plants his feet in
the ground and declares, "Go ahead-we will not
fear..." There are different images engraved upon
his spirit: The Lord of Heaven's Armies; The Lord
of Creation; God his fortress; God his refuge and
strength-all mightier than anything the earth can
deliver. Trust can only trump fear when it has
been strengthened by an intimate relationship
with God. It is wise to memorize and dwell on
heartening verses, asking the Spirit to engrave
them on our spirits so they spring to mind in
times of crisis. Though for now these things must
occur, know that almighty God instantly offers
refuge and strength in times of trouble.
Insight: The Lord is bigger and more powerful
than anything this angry earth has to offer. He
will help us get through anything that comes.
Memorize!
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is
for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Topic: +DEV+ God and Creation

God and Creation

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities...have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).
Scripture Focus: Romans 1:18-25

The war between proponents of intelligent design and evolution rages on with evolutionists controlling academia. Noted author of The God Delusion, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins argues that a super-natural creator almost certainly does not exist. In a 2005 interview, Dawkins called atheism the logical extension of understanding evolution. Recently he asserted that aliens are more likely than a god to have created human beings.

Contrast this with a man Brother Andrew met in a remote Russian forest. This man saw God through creation as he walked through the forest and was moved with desire to know Him. He had knowledge of salvation's plan from beginning to end without ever having been told: God divinely revealed it. He expressed tearful amazement that it was recorded somewhere-he'd never seen a Bible.

One brilliant man can see only his own conclusions; another man sees and hears the shout of creation gloriously proclaiming the beauty and power of its divine Creator.

Insight: Today, stop and look at the earth and sky. Note their visible qualities and receive what they reveal about God. They are His constant witnesses.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 8, 2010 8:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Fruit Trees

God and Fruit Trees

"His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season..." (Psalm 1:2-3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 1:1-6

We are constantly buffeted by the world's news. War, rumors of war, financial crisis, joblessness, famine, earth quakes, etc. are things we absorb into our souls everyday. Some of us are news junkies and feed on it; others know just enough to stay informed or avoid it altogether. Yet in stark contrast there is this incredible picture of promise, peace and prosperity from an anonymous psalmist.

Verse 1 urges us to ignore the advice of the wicked, avoid constant companionship with habitual sinners and refrain from joining in with those who mock and ridicule God; interesting, since this is often the media's voice. It's no wonder that we live with nagging anxiety and worry.

The antidote is not to avoid the media but to tip the scales in favor of refreshing and replenishing ourselves with God's Word. The more we do, the more His water of life will reach our dry spirits. Then we'll be like leafy trees planted by a river . . . prospering, bearing fruit and never withering regardless of the news!

Insight: What do you think about most? Make an honest assessment of the fruit of your thinking. You can live in peace by changing fruitless habits.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 7, 2010 11:14 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Seasons

God and Seasons

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).
Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 3:1-12

The complete passage about the seasons of life has an ebb and flow, like the rhythm of the tides: the tides come in; the tides go out, the tides come in, the tides go out . . . Every phrase is conjoined with its opposite in an inexorably linked cycle.

Because we live within these seasons, change is at the root of our being. The rhythm of change is part of every life. We see it in creation: the turning of the seasons; sunrise, sunset; the planting, the harvest. We see change in our bodies, our understanding, our relationships, our activities, our employment, our country. The rhythms repeat.

Yet many of us are caught off guard and obstinately resist change. Some come unexpectedly; some are infinitely less pleasant than others and can only be patiently endured. Each season has much to teach us. In God every season offers promise and fulfillment, the very most glorious one awaiting us: when we shall all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet call (1 Corinthians 15:51).

Insight: What season do you find yourself in? God ordains the length of the seasons and every one produces good fruit if we're open.
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 6, 2010 10:40 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and the Wind and Waves
God and the Wind and Waves
"'Lord, save us! We're going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves..." (Matthew 8:25-26).
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-41
This familiar passage refers to the time when the disciples and Jesus were together in a boat traveling across a lake. A sudden storm blew up, and high waves broke into the boat which began to take in water. They were in extreme danger, yet Jesus slept at the back of the boat, undisturbed by the sea's violence. They woke Him shouting, "Don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38). They were shocked (Mark 4:41) when after a word from Jesus, the raging sea instantly obeyed His command.
Although Jesus was physically with the disciples, they still felt themselves in danger. That's how we feel sometimes, as if we have to shout and wake up the sleeping Jesus to do something. "Why are you afraid?" He asks. He is teaching us to trust Him. Even during the fiercest storms when we're knee deep in water, when we fear everything is lost, Jesus is always in command. Our lack of faith is exposed during these times, but He can instantly calm any storm at any moment. Do not be afraid. You will live!

Insight: If a storm is brewing in your life, try to transition from anxious mental repetition into trusting prayer. God will calm the storm inside.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 4, 2010 8:47 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and the New Eden

God and the New Eden

"the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them" (Isaiah 11:6).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 11:1-10

YouTube has a clip that seems to foreshadow this. Two men raised a lion cub in domesticity but had to release him into the wild after he matured. Later the young men looked for and found the lion and his mate in their natural habitat. They had no idea whether he would remember them since he had long been among his own kind. After a moment's hesitation the lion recognized them and bounded joyfully into their arms! His lioness followed suit, showing no fear of the strangers.

These occurrences and the world Isaiah describes fascinate us: they are beyond normal, yet we instinctively feel they shouldn't be. Eden still glimmers faintly within us in our longing for a perfect world. Isaiah foresaw a renewed earth and world order, as did John (Revelation 21, 22), in which Jesus will reign over nature and mankind! Though it won't happen in this world because it is too broken, God promises an incredible future in which we will experience what Isaiah describes, the home God always intended for us. Eden!

Insight: Do not let a dismissive "pie in the sky" attitude rob you of a pleasurable anticipation of the future God has planned. It's your destiny!
--



Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: July 2,
Topic: +DEV+ God and Weedy Imposters
God and Weedy Imposters
"'Where did the weeds come from?' 'An enemy has done this,' he replied. The servants asked, 'Do you want us to pull them up?' 'No...you may root up the wheat with them...'" (Matthew 13:27b-29).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 13:24-29
Here's the devil's crafty plan: Plant imposters (weeds) among the body of Christ (wheat) and use them as instruments of deception; people who are loved and respected will more easily dupe others into ungodly thinking or behavior. It is easy for any of us to turn a blind eye or to spiritualize and excuse wrong when our love and loyalty are involved. Satan seeks to thwart the renewing of our minds to maintain control over our thoughts, slowing our maturation which would be deadly to him. This is one reason it is important to follow uncompromisingly the teachings of the Scriptures. Love for our friends should never alter the rule of God's Word over our own lives.
But neither must believers be judgmental and self-righteous. We're to love everyone, just not blindly! Love and approval are not synonymous.
I can love you and not agree with what you do;
I can share my concerns. Still, we're not "holy weeders." We could accidentally uproot wheat! Only God can perfectly judge anyone's heart.
Insight: The people in your life that seem a bit weedy need your love and your prayers, most of all. Pray for guidance.
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: June 30, 2010 9:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Wheat
God and Wheat
"'The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field...his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away'" (Matthew 13:24-25).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 3:8-12
The weed referred to is "bearded darnel," a common grass in the Near East. Before it develops a head, it looks very similar to wheat. The seeds are poisonous if swallowed and can cause dizziness and sometimes death. Darnel grain is lighter and smaller than wheat and is easily blown away with the chaff, so a sieve is used to separate it.
What a fitting metaphor for describing the results of ingesting Satan's plants: those weedy ideas and philosophical constructs that appear sensible, loving and kind, all very similar to Christian ideals-but are poisonous because they do not have Christ, the only way to God (John 14:6), at their root. Sparing people's feelings cannot become our moral compass. Opposing systems are not equally true. Anything that separates us from the love and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus will result in moral disequilibrium and spiritual death. Those who profess love for Christ but refuse to bend the knee in biblical obedience had better watch for the sieve: Wheat is wheat and weeds are not!
Insight: None of us are perfect in understanding. Real fruit comes from self-denial and scriptural obedience. Only then can we truly love everyone.
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: June 29, 2010 10:16 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Nimble Deer
God and Nimble Deer
"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:19).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:29-36
I remember a story of a friend hiking up Yosemite Falls with his family when he was a child. It was a fairly dangerous climb, and it was easy to lose footing and stumble on the slippery rocks. The trail was near the edge of the waterfall with a long, deadly drop into the roiling water below. An open, metal hand rail was provided as an aid for the more timid. He clung to that rail for dear life! But his other two friends, as sure-footed as deer, steadily, fearlessly, bounded up the mountain without the use of the rail, reaching the summit first.
What a contrast! There he was, white-knuckled, inching his way up, gripping the open rail, and his brothers using their God-given strength to ably reach the top. Sometimes the external things we cling to feel safe but actually impede our ascent. Only God's love and true strength within us, vast and limitless, give us hind's feet and make us more than able to conquer life's mountains (Romans 8:37). He alone enables us to "go on the heights," sure-footed as deer, no matter how steep the climb!
Insight: What is impeding your ability to climb up your mountain? Picture a lissome deer, nimbly bounding up a mountain. God wants that to be you!
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: June 29, 2010 1:55 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Barren Times
God and Barren Times
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Habakkuk 3:17a-18).
Scripture Focus: Habakkuk 3:12-19
We live in increasingly difficult times. The rules have changed on almost every level leaving us reeling in confusion. Morals, governments, global powerhouses . . . our security has proven to be unstable and uncertain.
None of what we are experiencing is new. The only sure and stable thing in this life that ever was and always will be is God Himself. Christians have always agreed with that, but now we are being forced to live in it. Now is the time to learn to thrive in courageous truth instead of comfortable deception. How? By a daily decision to say "no" to fear for the future and "yes" to God's provision for the day. Our difficulties are rooted in fear, unbelief and our limited understanding of His ways. Instead of brooding over conundrums we have no control over, we can earnestly consider and rely on the superior wisdom of our loving, Father. Habakkuk doubted similarly but learned to trust God, saying, "Yet I will rejoice," and "I will be joyful." Why? Because God is and always will be in charge!
Insight: We all feel fear and anxiety, but we don't have to be caught in their vortex. Praise and thanksgiving are good antidotes.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: June 27, 2010 10:32 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Creation's Curse
God and Creation's Curse
"The creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation will be liberated from its bondage..." (Romans 8:20-21).
Scripture Focus: 2 Peter 3:6-15
A television documentary showed the parallel lives of orca whales and sea lions. It was breath-taking. But wonder soon changed into horror as their lives intersected. Orcas are natural predators of sea lions, especially the pups. We watched the whales toying with the pitiful, agonizingly terrified babies. The menacing whales taunted and abused them for sport a long time before the final kill. It was dreadful to view. The narrator said there is no explanation for this kind of horrific behavior.
But we have the explanation. Creation is trapped under the curse of wanton destruction and death that will not break until we are free of it ourselves. Jesus, our hero, was sent to break that curse-and He did! But the time for happy endings is still ahead (Revelation 22:3). There are many that need rescuing still. For now, creation must wait with us, eagerly hoping for that new heaven and earth when we all are free. It is reassuring that "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).
Insight: Like a mother after the pain of childbirth, all distortion and suffering will be swallowed in the joy and pleasure of brand new life!
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

Date: June 24, 2010 10:51 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Trees
God and Trees
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish...They will still bear fruit in old age..." (Psalm 92:12-14).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 92:10-15
The ancients highly revered the date palm tree for its beauty, usefulness, sweet fruit and longevity. We can see why some in Israel even named their beautiful daughters "Tamar," meaning palm tree: the palm offered exotic beauty and respite from the sun; every part of the tree could be utilized; the fruit was delectable and long-lasting; the trees could live for over 150 years! The ancient world also prized the cedars of Lebanon for their wood, which was very thick, incredibly strong, and wonderfully fragrant. Cedar was the choice for temples, public buildings and palaces.
This brings to life the rich wording of the passage, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon." What more could anyone want than to be beautiful, useful, fruitful, fragrant and have longevity and strength? By faith we have been transplanted into God's house where we can flourish. Under His careful ministration we can expect to be fruitful, vital and green all our lives, even into our old age.
Insight: Look for God's blessings in your life by identifying the places where you are walking in beauty, being useful, fruitful or finding strength.
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...

"When you cannot defend freedom through peaceful means, you have to use arms to fight Nazism (Fascism), Dictatorship (Marxism & most Socialism), Chauvinism (Small-Mindedness)"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: June 23, 2010 10:17 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Weeds
God and Weeds
"Though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed" (Psalm 92:7).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 37
The War of the Weeds is very familiar to those who have a garden. Weeds multiply two or three times as fast as most plants and grasses, mature more quickly and develop new seeds within days. Whether they drop in clusters, are airborne, or send out rhizomes, the assault is relentless and deadly. How quickly, thickly and intricately they entangle themselves amongst the roots of the desired plants and grasses. Endless battle is something we must all learn to live with; constant vigilance is in order if any control is to be maintained.
So it is with evil and evildoers. The attack of the devil and his minions is also relentless. The seeds of evil quickly, easily take root and entangle us. The wicked do sprout like weeds. We see evil assault our children and families, our co-workers, our nation, the world. For those who don't have the boon of a new life in Christ, the result is deadly. But praise God! There will be a day when the war is over: evil and its perpetrators will be no more. Evil's destruction is a promise!
Insight: Pray for those you know who are caught in a tangle of wickedness and evil.
Commit to prayer for their deliverance and ultimate freedom.
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Date: June 22, 2010 8:06 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Birds' Nests
God and Birds' Nests
"Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-a place near your altar" (Psalm 84:3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 91
What a sensitive picture: tiny birds nesting near the altar of the Lord. The actual, dynamic presence of Almighty God felt comfortably safe to little birds! The contrast between God's might and their frailty is immeasurable. Yet they fearlessly and boldly trusted Him enough to build near His presence. He is a refuge to the vulnerable!
Sadly, God's own beloved children often shrink from Him in distrust and anger. Bitterly wounded by sorrow, fear, disappointment and anger, we lay blame at His door and run. We have projected our own brokenness onto God and imputed a veil of darkness over Him. It is His fervent desire that we respond to Him in our hearts just as the little birds did: by nestling into His presence, building our soul's home there and finding safety in the shadow of the Almighty. He is the only refuge we have. He is home, our soul's only comfort. We will find joy when we trust God beyond what we can see and understand and like these little birds, fearlessly build our lives close to Him. Then, sanctuary!

Insight: Take joy! Release the places in your heart where you have longed to shelter in God, but have been too distrustful. You need Him.
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Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...