+Dev+ Michael D. Inman

Date: October 20, 2009 9:56 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Grace to Cope

Grace to Cope

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 4:14-16

Failure! That word can be stamped across the lives of the Children of Israel. Not failure to perform, but failure to believe. God promised spiritual fulfillment, but when the Israelites heard His Word they did not listen with faith. They failed to enter into the blessing God had for them.

We too may fail, but we don't need to. God promises to bless us. When we hear His Word, we need to listen with faith to receive what He says. Regarding our inner response, we may deceive ourselves, but we do not deceive Him. His Word is the divine clarifier. It monitors our hearts, sifting our deepest, most subtle thoughts and attitudes.

God's complete knowledge of us need not produce fear. We have Jesus Christ our High Priest, who stands in Heaven on our behalf. He represents us as One who has keen awareness of our need. He knows how feebly the flame of our faith burns. We may fail, as did the Israelites of old. Jesus knows our weaknesses, and He never turns away from us but reaches out to help us when we call on Him.

Insight: Christ invites us to come to Him with confidence so that we can find grace to cope in our moment of need.

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--
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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 19, 2009 10:52 PM
Topic: +DEV+ This or That?

This or That?

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths." (Psalm 25:4)
"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." (Isaiah 48:17)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 25

My six-months in Springfield was a high point in my spiritual life. The church we attended throbbed with vitality. The congregation grew week by week. The offering baskets overflowed as we poured out our love and gratitude to God. The preaching was uplifting and challenging. Our sense of the unity of Christ's body thrilled us.

After the words of the benediction on Sunday evening we always sang together, "Take the Name of Jesus with You." Then we left to go our separate ways. Some of us wished we could have set our spiritual instruments on automatic pilot so we could live as we had worshiped.

But, we couldn't. We each had to make personal choices throughout the week. Should we do this or that? Should we go here or there? Should we speak or be silent? Should we keep our schedule or stop to help another? The pastor could not be there to remind us of God's Word. But God was there. He promises to give us moment-by-moment direction as we need it.

Insight: This or that? God will do His part to give us direction. Our part is to keep alert, to be ready to listen and obey.

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--
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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 18, 2009 8:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+ My Shepherd

My Shepherd

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." (Psalm 23:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 23

As a teenager I traveled by car across the USA from Seattle to Miami. Wide-eyed, I sat with my nose pressed against the window. Even during the night I peered into the darkness, hoping to capture every possible glimpse of the pristine northland and the sweeping prairies.

My friend missed the beauty because he was occupied with getting organized. Throughout the three-day trip, he packed and repacked his carry-on bags, expecting that soon he could sit back and enjoy the view. He never did.

Like my friend, we may become fretful when life does not conform to our tidy plans. When we focus only on our frustrations, we miss the thrill of a spiritual adventure with our Shepherd.

As you read Psalm 23, notice its constant reference to the present. Right now-this minute-you can have fellowship with the Lord. There's no need to wait till you put your life together. He is ever-present to care for you, no matter how out of control your day may be.

Insight: Do you believe that the Lord is your ever-present Shepherd today? Trust Him and place yourself in His care.

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--

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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 15, 2009 8:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Strength for Today

Strength for Today

"He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak....Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar... run andŠwalk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29, 31)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:25-31

God's man trembled on the brink - of what? That was a part of his problem. He had no way of guessing what could possibly be ahead for him.

The man was Moses. God was sending him back to Egypt to lead a nation of slaves out of bondage. "Who am I for such a job?" Moses gasped. He was unknown by the slaves, and he was a wanted man in the court that held the slaves in their misery. The assignment seemed to defy logic.

God answered, "I will be with you." Moses' inadequacy was not a problem to God.

Moses then asked, "And who are You?"

God replied, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14).

Though the exact meaning of this name is hidden in mystery, we know it refers to God's eternal, dependable nature. Promises He gave Moses were based on His never-changing character.

We too can know the reality of God's presence. He has promised us strength for today to accomplish the work He has for us to do. We can count on His strength because we can count on Him.

Insight: God will always give us the strength to do what He asks us to do. As we count on that we can accept even difficult assignments with trust and joy.

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--



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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 14, 2009 9:32 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our Ever-Present Help

Our Ever-Present Help

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear....The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46;1-2, 11)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46

Our hearts yearn for a life without trouble, but God does not guarantee that. What He does promise is that He will be our refuge and strength while we are experiencing trouble. When we learn to count on His promise, we will not be gripped by terror even in time of disaster.

Services we depend on-telephone, electricity, water, fire and police protection-may all fail. One resource remains untouched by catastrophe: God. Nothing can cut us off from Him.

The psalm-writer describes the worst: natural disasters on land and sea, international crisis of war and political upheavals. Even when the catastrophe is beyond human intervention, and we are surrounded by total chaos and devastation, God is there. His promise is not that He will come when we call on Him in desperation, but that He is already there even as the disaster strikes. And He is there, not as an onlooker nor even as a compassionate rescue-worker. He is there to be our personal and secure refuge and strength.

Insight: We don't need to wait for disaster to strike before we count on God to be our ever-present help. He is our refuge today.

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--
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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 13, 2009 1:08 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Y - Years with Christ

Y - Years with Christ

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
Scripture Focus: 2 Peter 3:1-13

While Jesus prepared His disciples for His death and departure, He also prepared all His followers to be ready for His return. It is a blessed hope that we all have. Jesus also warned, though, that we must live in a state of readiness "because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him" (Matthew 24:44).

When some in the First Century wondered why God seemed so slow to deliver His promise, Peter counseled then with the words in today's key verse.

Throughout the centuries since Jesus ascended to Heaven believers have prayed for His return. We do not know God's timing, but we live in eager anticipation of eternal life in His presence. What will it be like? We cannot know all the good that lies ahead for us.

Instead of speculating on what we will look like and what we will do, our part is to live in such a way that we will not be ashamed at His coming. He will call us to Himself, and so shall we be forever with our Savior.

Insight: Ask the Lord to keep you faithful in serving Him while you wait for His coming-perhaps today!

----
Date: October 13, 2009 7:08 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Z - Zion, Our Heavenly Home

Z - Zion, Our Heavenly Home

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' Whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:17)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 21-22

The last two chapters of the Bible describe life in Zion, our heavenly home. What we read quickens our desire to be there. We need to disentangle ourselves from the best this world offers and try to imagine being forever in the presence of our great God; the absence of death, sorrow, and mourning. God will wipe all tears from our eyes. Sickness, pain, sin, and the anguish of regret will be banished forever.

In our heavenly home we will be made whole and perfected so that we can worship our Savior with undivided hearts. Our love will be made complete, and our joy will be in pleasing Him with our willing service, doing whatever He asks of us.

Heaven's gates are open today. The invitation is still being offered. But the door of salvation will not always be open, for "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).

Are you ready to be welcomed into your forever home in Zion?

Insight: Can you echo the request, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus"

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--

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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 11, 2009 9:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ X - eXaltation in God

X - eXaltation in God

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
Scripture Focus: Luke 15:1-10

If you want to engrave on your heart one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible, consider our key verse for today. Then reflect on the setting in which God gave His promise.

You may remember that Zephaniah was one of the last prophets in Judah before Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. His audience must have been very discouraged and even terrorized to hear they were about to be taken as captives to Babylon. But even though God was disciplining His children, He still loved them. He was still their God and He would be with them even in exile. He was mighty to save them and would bring them back home again. He was still rejoicing over them.

"Exalt" means to raise in rank or elevate by praise and estimation. Amazingly God has done both for you and me. He has exalted us in position to His right hand, and when Christ appears for us we will actually be with Him in glory.

In light of what God has done for us, how should we be living today?

Insight: Is it hard to conceive of the Lord rejoicing and singing over you? If He is so happy with you, let Him fill your heart with song as you cooperate with His work in you.

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--



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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 8, 2009 10:43 PM
Topic: +DEV+ W - Workmanship of God

W - Workmanship of God

"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:1-10

"What a beautiful desk!" Is the reaction of many guests when they see the hand made desk in my dad's house.

The inlaid light and dark oak. He took the wood from a trip to our Missouri home, hoping my dad could build a nice table around it.

Always a perfectionist, dad searched stores, hotel and office lobbies, and project books for ideas. Several paper templates, a cardboard mock-up, and practice on scrap wood preceded his final work with oak. The intricate legs were fashioned from blocks on his lathe. Many hours of rubbing, sanding, polishing, and varnishing added finishing touches. It was his "magnum opus" wood project. We could weep thinking of his love for us.

God in love is patiently and persistently working on us, with an ultimate goal of perfection in mind. His plan has your name on it, and it includes the specific ways you can serve Him as He works in you to make you a model of His handiwork.

Insight: "Lord, what I am today is not the best Your grace can do in me. I am currently under Your construction. Make me responsive to what You want to do in me."
--
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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 7, 2009 9:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ V - Victory in Christ

V - Victory in Christ

"Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 1:18-23

Me? Apologize for my bad attitude toward a business associate who had made my life miserable for the past year? Impossible! Never! He's the one who should apologize to me.

But then, who was holding the grudge? Who had an unforgiving spirit? Whose thought life was consumed with this problem person? My attitude was not hurting him-only myself. I was the loser.

As I fought an inner struggle between what I knew I should do and what I wanted to do, I was reminded of Paul's words, "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

I knew that the same power that raised Christ from the dead was in me as a Christian (Ephesians 1:20). God could help me forgive, refocus my thoughts and change my attitude. And He did!

The kingdom of God is not merely a matter of platitudes but of power. I'm not limited to just doing what comes naturally. By relying on God's mighty power, I can do what comes supernaturally.

Insight: Rely on God's power. Whatever your struggle today, believe that God can give you victory. Claim it! Act on it!

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--
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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 6, 2009 10:21 PM
Topic: +DEV+ U - Union with Christ

U - Union with Christ

"He who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit." (1 Corinthians 6:17)
Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:6-7

One of the best things I ever happened onto was my journals. I keep in them my Bible study insights, sermon and Sunday School notes, and most important to me, my prayer requests.

The prayer section has two columns: one for the date and the request and the other for the date and the answer. Whenever I begin thinking, I guess my prayers don't count for much, I review the pages.

It always causes me to praise God for all His past mercy and kindness in hearing my prayers and acting on them. Often His answers are direct and specific; other times He seems to say "no" or "not now." Looking back on these latter requests, I find myself sometimes thanking God that in His wisdom and mercy He doesn't grant me all my petitions.

One privilege of being in union with Christ is the freedom of fellowship with Him in prayer.

How is your prayer life? Are you satisfied with it? Frustrated? Discouraged? Maybe a little notebook would help you. Begin to keep a record of your prayer life with God. Any color notebook will do!

Insight: Begin today to explore more deeply into the privileges of your union with Christ.

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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 5, 2009 10:21 PM
Topic: +DEV+ T - Translation

T - Translation

"When he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." (1 John 3:2-3)
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

What do Enoch and Elijah have in common? They were "translated" in physical bodies from earth to heaven without dying in the process.

Believers live between two translation events. We have been translated spiritually from Satan's kingdom into God's. "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" (Colossians 1:13-14).

We shall also one day be translated physically from earth to heaven. "We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Whether by rapture or by resurrection, our mortality will be translated into immortality as death is "swallowed up in victory" (vs. 54).
What are we to do in the interim? Paul answers in the same passage, "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (vs. 58).

Insight: Ask the Lord to make you steadfast in your desire to please Him in all your ways today, abounding in your loving service to Him.

To subscribe to this Devotional list send an email to daily_devotions@embarqmail.com with "subscribe-daily devotionals" in the subject line and I will be honored to add your email address to this list.
--

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 (Socialism), Chauvinism"... Marek Edelman, 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis

Date: October 4, 2009 9:35 PM
Topic: +DEV+ S - Sealed by the Holy Spirit

S - Sealed by the Holy Spirit

"Having believed, you were marked in with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit, guaranteeing our inheritance." (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 1:3-14

Registered mail has always been impressive to me. I became keenly aware of this protective postal service while working part-time at Jarecki's Jewelers during my high school days.

I Pity the people in the line behind him as he set on the post office counter a large canvas bag filled with parcels of diamonds, gold, and silver. Each package seemed to receive countless red rubber stamps sealing every seam of its brown wrapping paper before it was assigned a unique number and was logged into a separate record. Adding extra insurance required more rubber stamps and another form in triplicate. It wasn't uncommon to hear groans behind him as he also asked for a return receipt on each item. The only ones authorized to open those packages were the sender and the receiver.

Believers in Christ are like registered letters sent from God to Himself. The Holy Spirit is the seal. Only God (who is both Sender and Receiver) can open the seal, and He has promised not to do so until we are safely in His presence.

Insight: Praise God for His promised protection of the new life that He has placed within you.

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: October 1, 2009 9:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ R - Redemption through Christ

R - Redemption through Christ

"You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, the lamb without blemish or defect." (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 9:11-14

Who did the first killing in the Bible? Most say "Cain," but actually he was the third to do so. First was God, who killed an animal to provide skin garments for Adam and Eve after their sins (and probably to provide sacrifices-Genesis 3:21). Second was Abel, who offered an animal sacrifice to God, while Cain's substitution of a vegetable offering was rejected. Third was Cain, who killed his brother.

Adam and Eve's first two children exemplify two ways to approach our holy God-His way and our way. God has made it clear that sinful humans can only approach Him with a blood sacrifice on their behalf. Everyone who has ever lived since has followed either Abel or Cain. To be independent and trust in our own goodness to win God's acceptance is to be like Cain. Be assured that God will reject any "Plan B."

To trust in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as our substitute merits God's favor, for this is the plan of redemption He has appointed.

Insight: What or whom are you trusting for your eternal salvation?

--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 30, 2009 9:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Q - Quickened by Christ

Q - Quickened by Christ

"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins." (Colossians 2:13)
Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:9-23

"Sudden death" is a very serious complication of a heart attack-when the elaborate electrical system of the heart is disturbed, creating a rapid but ineffective beat. With proper skill and equipment, an emergency medical team can reverse "sudden death," but only within the first few minutes.

What satisfaction and relief it can bring when someone is thus "quickened"-restored to life again. But our medical intervention only postpones the inevitable for some minutes, hours, or years. Unless we are alive when Christ returns for His own, we all die physically.

Being quickened by God means we are made alive in Christ spiritually from the moment of our new birth. We have spiritual life now-a new capacity to enjoy fellowship with God. We are enabled to know Him, love Him, and choose to serve Him. "Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive [quickened us, KJV] with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions" (Ephesians 2:4-7).

Insight: Make a deliberate choice today to give the Lord the control of your mind, your emotions, and your will.

--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 29, 2009 10:02 PM
Topic: +DEV+ P - Power of God

P - Power of God

"He saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert." (Psalm 106:8-9)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 14

Question: How wide was the Red Sea parted in the Exodus?
Answer: wide enough to let all the Israelites plus their animals cross in one night.

We know from Numbers 2:32-33 that 600,000 fighting men (age 20 and over, fit for battle) left Egypt in the Exodus with Moses. Most of these men would be married; this doubles the figure. Allowing an average of four children per couple makes a total of 3.5 million, not counting the elderly. Some scholars estimate that 6 or 7 million Hebrews had to cross the Red Sea.

If 3.5 million people would march two abreast it would take them 35 days and nights to cross. Because they were leaden with the wealth of Egypt showered on them at departure and were more of a mob than organized, I believe they went at least 50,000 abreast. If so, the Red Sea had to be parted at least 10 miles wide for them all to cross in one night. No wonder the Bible so often refers back to God's mighty miracle of taking His people through the Red Sea. What a mighty God we serve!

Insight: If God could perform the miracle of parting the Red Sea, He surely can handle the biggest burden you are carrying today. Trust His power to work in your behalf.

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns!

Date: September 28, 2009 9:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ P - Peace with God

P - Peace with God

"Be anxious for nothing . . . let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 37:1-11

As a young man, Dr. Bruce K. Waltke, a great Hebrew scholar and teacher, had been accepted for the military chaplaincy and was awaiting his orders to appear for swearing in ceremonies. The closer the day came for the expected telegram, the more troubled he became. He felt that he had applied for the position primarily for the security it offered.

What could he do? To proceed would be to increase his uneasiness regarding God's plans for his future. Not to proceed, however, would be to break his commitment to Washington. After turning the situation over to God's caring power, Dr. Waltke received a letter, indicating that the next Friday would bring a telegram with his orders.

The telegram did come, but only to announce that his file had been lost. If he was still interested in the chaplaincy, he would have to reapply! Dr. Waltke's brilliant career has confirmed that his gifts were best suited for research and teaching.

Having peace with God, we should also experience the peace of God.

Insight: Trust God to give you His peace today as you quietly commit to Him all your concerns.

--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 27, 2009 10:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ O - Owned by God

O - Owned by God

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit . . . and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Scripture Focus: Psalm 139

As a nurse in critical care, Karen saw many difficult situations. One patient whom she can never forget was Barb, a beautiful 19-year-old who had sustained a severe head injury in an auto accident. At first everyone was optimistic about her recovery. But as days wore into weeks and she didn't awaken from her coma, the medical team gave up hope. Karen felt so keenly for Barb's parents that she feared breaking down when she talked with them.

Many believers were praying for Barb's recovery. Her situation seemed so pathetic as Karen cared for her night after night that she eventually prayed silently, "Lord, spare her dear parents. Please let her die."

How grateful Karen is now that God answered her desire but denied her specific request. For after about a year, Barb did wake up and blossomed once again as a beautiful young lady with a strong Christian testimony.

Believers are bought by Christ's blood to be God's special possession. Inherent in God's ownership is the right to do as He pleases for His glory.

Insight: Let God have the freedom to be God by trusting Him to do what is best in those situations which are beyond your understanding or control.

--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 24, 2009 10:34 PM
Topic: +DEV+ N - New Creation

N - New Creation

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:9-16

Words-18,000 words a day is the average person's volume of utterances, the equivalent of a 50-page book! In one year most of us will have said enough to fill 66 books, each about 800 pages long.

Are you happy with your speech? With your thoughts? With your relationship to God? How can our talk, thoughts, and actions be more as God would desire them to be?

If we are in Christ, we are "a new creation"-that's our position. But we are also commanded to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

Our minds are somewhat like icebergs, the conscious part being the smallest. The largest part of our minds is the subconscious. Though we cannot recall at will all we have experienced through our five senses, it is all indelibly recorded in our subconscious minds, ready to respond to stimuli before we can consciously think about it.

Ask the Lord to help you evaluate what you are feeding your mind today.

Insight: The Scriptures are the only effective mind cleanser. Proper care of our minds calls for a regular intake of God's Word.

--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 23, 2009 10:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+ M - Member of Christ's Body

M - Member of Christ's Body

"We are members of his body" (Ephesians 5:30)."In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." (Romans 12:5)

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 10:23-25

When Christ ascended from earth to heaven, He sent His Holy Spirit to form a unique body of believers called the church. Christ is the heavenly Head of His earthly body.

As a deep-sea diver depends on those in the ship above him who control his life-support systems, so we depend on Christ. From Him flows every provision needed for victory over sin and for our ministry in the world.

As His body, we are His instruments of expression on the earth. He has no hands but our hands, no feet but ours. Our hands and feet must become His, swift to do His bidding. A local church is to be a place for worship of God, instruction in the Scriptures, fellowship with others believers, and an avenue of service for God and humankind. Believers are expressly exhorted not to forsake the assembling of themselves together. You and I need the church, and the church needs us. To regularly attend worship services is a decision we have to make and a good habit to build.

Insight: Thank the Lord for making His body of believers the place where you can be instructed and encouraged.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 22, 2009 9:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ M - Marriage to Christ

M - Marriage to Christ

"Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her . . . to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle . . . but holy and blameless." (Ephesians 5:25, 27)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 21:1-22:7

The relationship between Christ and His church is pictured as that of a bridegroom seeking the best for his bride.

"Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-for we are members of his body. . . . This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:25-32).

Christ is committed to the perfection of His bride, the church. He will continue His good work until the church is one day completely transformed and safely joined to Him in heaven.

May He help us grasp the reality of His great love for us.

Insight: Ask Christ to help you show others the difference it makes in a person's life to live in the reality of His great love.

--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 21, 2009 9:39 PM
Topic: +DEV+ L - Life Abundant

L - Life Abundant

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23:1).
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 23

Psalm 23 summarizes some of the abundant life the Shepherd of our souls provides for us, the sheep of His pasture. Because He is your Shepherd, you will not need or lack:
Rest -for He makes you lie down in green pastures.
Guidance -for He leads you beside the still waters.
Renewal -for He restores your soul.
Direction -for He leads you in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Peace -for though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death you will fear no evil.
Companionship -for He is with you.
Comfort -for His rod and His staff comfort you.
Refreshment -for He prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies.
Joy -for He anoints your head with oil.
Abundance-for your cup runs over.
Blessing -for surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.
Eternal life -for you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Insight: How can you respond to such complete, loving care for your every need? The songwriter said it well, "Savior, like a Shepherd lead us, Much we need Thy tender care."
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 20, 2009 11:06 PM
Topic: +DEV+ K - Kingship and Priesthood

K - Kingship and Priesthood

"To him who loves us . . . and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father-to him be glory and power for ever and ever!" (Revelation 1:5-6)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 1:1-8

Today's verse, a magnificent benediction of praise to Jesus Christ, is a clear statement of our kingship and priesthood as believers.

Any interpretation of Revelation must admit two truths:
(1) the world's worst days are still coming, and
(2) the world's best days are still coming! Open conflict between the forces of good and evil will rage across the earth with disasters and devastation. But in the midst of the world's biggest battle, the conquering hero, Jesus Christ, will appear to put down all opposition to God and His people. He will establish a perfect kingdom, restoring the world to God's intended purpose in Creation.

The Bible ends much as it begins, but on a grander note. Instead of two mortals who enjoy fellowship with their Maker, there will be millions! In place of innocent love for God will be those who have chosen to turn from their self-reliance and sin to trust the love of Him who died for them.

God will bring His saints with Him-and they will reign with Christ.

Insight: One thing is certain. Regardless of how Christ's faithful followers are viewed in today's society, they are on His winning team. Keep looking up!
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 17, 2009 11:09 PM
Topic: +DEV+ J - Justification

J - Justification

"Therefore, since we have been justified though faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace." (Romans 5:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Romans 5:1-11

Everyone has a witness of God's existence and of righteousness in Creation and in conscience. And the Scriptures are available to most people. But everyone falls short of God's righteous standards and needs the salvation that only God can provide as a grace-gift. God's righteousness was satisfied by the death of the perfect Lamb of God. Accepting God's gift of right standing with Him is called justification, a word we do not use often.

Justification is an accounting term for a simultaneous double transfer. My sin is transferred to Jesus' cross account; His righteousness is transferred to my heavenly account. Hence, I am considered by God to be "just-as-if-I'd" never sinned.

Note this outline in the Book of Romans:
God's Journal of Justification:
Justification needed (1:1-3:20)
Justification provided (3:21-4:25)
Justification received (5:1-8:39)
Justification rejected (chapters 9-11)
Justification manifested (chapters 12-16)

Insight: It will take eternity for us to express our unending thanks for what God did when He justified us by His grace.
--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 16, 2009 11:05 PM
Topic: +DEV+ I - Inheritance from God

I - Inheritance from God

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . he has given us new birth into a living hope . . . and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade." (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Working my way through college gave the Lord many opportunities to supply my needs. He proved Himself faithful. I didn't miss a meal nor did I owe money to any institution when I graduated.

God's provisions came in unexpected ways sometimes. Many months after my grandfather died, I received a legal notice that I had been mentioned in his will. But no amount was specified. One day after I had all but forgotten about the matter, I received a check for $1,000 from his estate.

With a thankful heart I endorsed it over to the college toward my expenses. How surprised I was to later get an inheritance tax bill for $151.00-money I no longer had! And the next April's income tax took another bite. My inheritance had shrunk!

You and I needn't wait until God's will is opened and read to us. We can open it and read it for ourselves anytime. We needn't wonder if we'll be included or for how much. We can be certain of our inheritance. And it's guaranteed not to be taxed or otherwise diminished.

Insight: May the Lord show us how to live in the light of the wonderful inheritance He has for us.

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -

Date: September 15, 2009 10:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+ H - Hope in Heaven

H - Hope in Heaven

"Now we are children of God. . . . But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him, for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2-3)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:11-13

There is no hope"-hard words for a physician to utter when the marvels of modern medicine offer no cure. They are even harder words for the family of the terminally ill to hear.

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12). The thread of hope, fragile though it may be, keeps many a person alive long beyond the projected statistics. But when a patient finally gives up, often his earthly life soon ends.

Norman Cousin, following recovery from a serious illness, observed in his Anatomy of an Illness, "Some experts don't really know enough to make a pronouncement of doom upon a human being. And I hope they would be careful about what they say to others. They might be believed, and that could be the beginning of the end."

The believer in Christ has a hope that does not find its demise at the grave, but, guaranteed by Christ, is eternal and unchangeable (see Ephesians 2:12; Titus 1:2).

Insight: Thank your Heavenly Father that He has given you hope, not just for today, but for all eternity in Heaven.

--

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
... OK boys, they have us surrounded. Don't let any of them get away!!!
... I bitterly cling to my Bible & Guns! -