+Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor

Date: January 16, 2020 at 12:48 AM

Topic: +DEV+  The Lord's Day

The Lord's Day

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God."  Exodus 20:8-9

Scripture Focus: Exodus 20

Imagine you're a fruit picker in southern Texas. It's noon, 103 degrees. You're drenched with sweat, tired, and only half-finished with the field. Suddenly, your boss shows up. He hands out ice-cold Cokes and tells you and the crew to take the afternoon off. "Just rest," he says. "I'll finish the field." What a great boss! He cares for you, he refreshes you, he wants you to rest. 

Our heavenly Father, the ruler of our lives, is like that. And He actually came to us and said, Rest. Since the beginning of creation, God set apart one day in seven for rest. The ultimate goal is to worship Him, but through it He also blesses us. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27), and in Hebrews we are told to “not give up meeting together” (vs. 10:25). This day of rest and worship ought to bring much joy! 

Know that God cares for you. Receive His refreshment through fellowship with believers and the preaching of His Word. Sunday is a little glimpse of the rest we have in Jesus, our Redeemer who has done all the work for us.

Insight: "Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee." (Augustine, Confessions, Book 1)

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


Michael D. Inman

Date: January 15, 2020 at 2:42 AM

Topic: +DEV+  The Joy of Works

The Joy of Work

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. "  Genesis 2:15

Scripture Focus: Genesis 2

When our six-year-old daughter began first grade, I saw a difference in her compared to her kindergarten year. She grudgingly got up in the morning and dragged her feet to the breakfast table. After some prodding, she shared that in first grade there is a lot more work to do and a lot less playing. Have you ever felt that same attitude towards your work? 

Scripture has a much more positive view of work. It is not a result of the Fall. Before sin even entered the world, God put Adam in the Garden to work, and he declared that this was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). God gave each of us gifts to create things, manage people, haul items, bandage wounds, care for children, play music, and so on. Work is actually an outworking of your being made in God's image. Yes, work is hard and sometimes frustrating. But it is also an avenue of joy and blessing. By it God provides for us and we can bless others. 

By it we use our talents while God trains us in patience and perseverance. Friends, be joyful that Jesus' promise, "I will never leave nor forsake you," applies to your work also.

Insight: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Colossians 3:23)

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    
http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


Michael D. Inman

3BATTLE STATIONS PLEASE PRAY AND SHARE
. Posted by:"keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59

Please remember to pray for China on January 25th, it is our National day of prayer for China called China Cry, please use these requests and get your church and social media groups involved. Please pray for as long as the Lord leads. Please stand with us, if you will pray as a church or on your own, please let me knowIRemember to share these requests and please print them out
Specific prayer requests for our little church
Continue to pray for our Pastor, wife and three young seminary students helping us
Continue to pray for unity amongst church co-workers, for unity in purpose
Please pray for revival amongst the small number of men, and that many more would come to the church
Please pray for many more young people to come to the church
Please pray for many new believers that they would grow up into mature disciples
Please pray for the children as they have to withstand atheist teaching in school and society
Many people in the church need a real touch of the spirit, please pray that Jesus would have the pre-eminence in the church
Please pray for our services
Sunday at 8:30amPrayer meeting Thursday 7:30pmCo workers training Wednesday eveningHouse groups Friday evening
Please pray for us that we would grow not just in size, but in maturity.
There are only two true couples in the church, who are saved and committed to the church, please pray for the husbands of many sisters to come to faith
Please pray tha

#t everyone knows Christ and is able to make him known
Please pray for the following to come to salvation H, F , F and her mum. Please pray for the salvation of Helen's parents and our daughter
Our vision this year is to increase the church by 51%, please pray that this not only happens in our church but in every church in China
General prayer requests for China
Pray that the church would not only withstand thus current persecution, but would flourish through it. More regulations come into action on 1st Feb stating that all churches must advocate CCP teaching
Please pray for a move of God that nothing is able to hold back
Millions of people are being saved every year, it is estimated that between 10-50 thousand people are saved every day, please pray that all these would be provided with good solid bible teaching
Although millions have been reached, millions are still un reached. Please Pray that everyone in China would have the chance to hear and respond to the gospel
Please pray for the Chinese communities outside China, that they would respond to the gospel
Please pray for protection of the chinese church, persecution is ongoing and severe

DEV+  An Unlikely Teacher
Date: January 14, 2020 at 12:54 AM
Topic: +DEV+ An Unlikely Teacher

An Unlikely Teacher

"But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:32

Scripture Focus: Luke 22

Sin is awful. The world makes light of it though, even proudly nicknaming a city "Sin City" and attempting to normalize it through movies and culture. But God hates sin. Sin is any act or thought that goes against His perfect law. It permeates every part of our lives and world. The Bible tells us that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

As hideous as sin is, did you know that it can teach us and lead us to joy? It can! When you are faced with your sin, you are faced with your need for Jesus. Only He can make you right with God. What do we find every time we look to Jesus in repentance and faith? We find a willing and able Savior! Sin is awful, but it points us to our Rock and Salvation. And it is there with Jesus that we find joy.

But wait! There's more! When we have experienced forgiveness, we can forgive others. When we know the One who had no sin yet became sin for us so that "we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21), we can point others to Him also. Rejoice in the God of your salvation!

Insight: When you recognize sin, have grief and hatred of it, and turn to God from it, you've experienced true repentance.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 13, 2020 at 1:38 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Heavens Declare

The Heavens Declare

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

Scripture Focus: Psalm 19

In 2017 the United States experienced a total solar eclipse. Wearing special glasses 50 times stronger than sunglasses, I looked up at the sun and witnessed the moon inching in front of it until it was almost completely blocked out (95%) . I couldn't help but sense God's mighty control over the universe.

The moon is 240,000 miles from earth; the sun is 93 million miles away; the earth is moving 1,000 mph in orbit. Yet astronomers can know down to the exact second when an eclipse will take place years before it happens. That's how dependable the dynamics of our solar system are. And the God of this universe is even more dependable than that! Our lives can seem out of control. Work changes, family emergencies, and unfortunate circumstances create chaos and fear in us. When God wants to assure His people of His mighty power and dependability, He directs our eyes upward.

"Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?" (Isaiah 40:26a) Today you can trade fear for joy, knowing the God of all creation is in control.

Insight: When in doubt, look up! The same God who placed the stars in the sky holds you in the palm of His hand.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 12, 2020 at 1:45 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Reasons for Joy

Reasons for Joy

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4

The words "joy" and "rejoice" appear nearly 400 times in Scripture. What is God teaching us? Certainly that joy is a major part of the Christian life. Paul even tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. Always? You'd have to admit that seems a bit unrealistic. I know a man, a beloved husband and father of four teenagers, who lost his battle with brain cancer recently. How is his family to find joy under such sorrow? Paul gives us the key to experiencing joy even in sorrow.

It is found "in the Lord," not in our circumstances. Such deep losses in this world are overwhelming, but believers can find joy knowing that because of Jesus' saving work, "Death is a butler that brings us into the presence of God" (Nathan White, 2012). Do you desire to experience more joy in your life? I promise you, God has already put it there. Look for it in your work, in your families, in the world around you, even in your trials. This month discover some of the infinite reasons God has given us to always rejoice and be glad in Him. Author: After serving for five years in the US Navy and graduating from Westminster Seminary in California, Jeremiah Rivera and his wife Melissa live in beautiful Aiken, South Carolina where he is an assistant pastor.

Life in their home is full of giggles and hugs and clean-ups as they raise their four very young boys. If he ever could get the time, Jeremiah loves to take in a good movie with his wife. May you find as much joy in this Anchor as he found in the writing of it.

Insight: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 10, 2020 at 1:28 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Have It All Together

Have It All Together

"Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." Romans 5:1-2a

Scripture Focus: Romans 5

There's only one way we can have peace with God and "have it all together." Maybe you think you already "have it all together." You have accomplishments to be proud of; your career is taking off; the kids or grandkids look picture perfect; there is no trouble between you and your spouse.

It's all good! Yet we know that the feeling of "having it all together" doesn't last. Who allowed you to boast in the first place? Who made the sun rise? Who keeps your heart going at 103,680 beats a day? Who is it giving you 17,820 breaths in 24 hours? All our days were ordained by God for us before even one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16). No stable bank account, no steady family life, no lovely vacation, no impressive record of volunteer hours is going to justify you before Christ.

All those things are good, but they do not assure that you are fit for Christ in this world or the next. From now and into eternity, it is only His grace that justifies you through faith. Can we "have it all together"? Through Jesus, yes!

Insight: Jesus is the One that makes us right and fit with God. Only Jesus.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 10, 2020 at 1:28 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Have It All Together

Have It All Together

"Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand."   Romans 5:1-2a

Scripture Focus: Romans 5

There's only one way we can have peace with God and "have it all together." Maybe you think you already "have it all together." You have accomplishments to be proud of; your career is taking off; the kids or grandkids look picture perfect; there is no trouble between you and your spouse. 

It's all good! Yet we know that the feeling of "having it all together" doesn't last. Who allowed you to boast in the first place? Who made the sun rise? Who keeps your heart going at 103,680 beats a day? Who is it giving you 17,820 breaths in 24 hours? All our days were ordained by God for us before even one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16). No stable bank account, no steady family life, no lovely vacation, no impressive record of volunteer hours is going to justify you before Christ. 

All those things are good, but they do not assure that you are fit for Christ in this world or the next. From now and into eternity, it is only His grace that justifies you through faith. Can we "have it all together"? Through Jesus, yes!

Insight: Jesus is the One that makes us right and fit with God. Only Jesus.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


Michael D. Inman

Date: January 9, 2020 at 12:07 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Rest on God's Power

Rest on God's Power

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." 1 Corinthians 2: 4-5

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 2

The Apostle Paul is making a stunning point, that despite his human delivery of the gospel, God's Spirit and power go before him, making it clear that a person's life of faith is a response to God's power, not a response to a human being bearing the message. Often we gravitate towards the deliverer more than the message itself.

Paul wants us to remember that we rest on the power of the Holy Spirit-not human wisdom. How amazing is that? The supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit is at work in you and me! Remember that God's very Word was written by the Holy Spirit. "Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). The powerful God of the entire Universe has seen fit to move in you and dwell in you through the Holy Spirit. Just try to take that in! There are pastors, speakers, authors, and seminar leaders who may win you over to Christ.

But your faith must not rest in them. We all have seen even our finest spiritual leaders fall. Rest instead on God's power and unfailing love for you.

Insight: "Your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork." (Eugene Peterson, The Message, 1 Corinthians 2:5)

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 8, 2020 at 2:04 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Don't Quit

Don't Quit

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."  Psalm 27:13-14

Scripture Focus: Psalm 27

Sometimes rather than waiting for the Lord, I'd rather just quit. Have you ever felt like that? If you focus the swirling current of life's problems spinning around you, the "I can't possibly do this, I want to quit!" mentality sets in. We know from various places in the Psalms that David struggled with feeling weak and wanting to give up. "The troubles of my heart have multiplied" (vs. 25:17). "Why are you downcast, O my soul?" (vs. 42:5) "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (vs. 22:1) 

Yet as we read David's psalms, we see that for every look at himself and his discouraging situations, David takes at least ten looks at God and how He has been faithful in the past. David's life may be unraveling, but his confidence remains in the Lord. He never quits because his God will never quit on him. 

If we won't believe that we'll see God's goodness, we too will despair and want to quit. Find comfort in God's Word, especially in the Psalms where David writes honestly of his hardships but also of his triumphs in our never-giving-up God.

Insight: Jesus went to the cross and repeated David's words from Psalm 22. He really was forsaken, all for you and so that you might live!

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


Michael D. Inman

Date: January 7, 2020 at 1:38 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Don't Assume

Don't Assume

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes."  Proverbs 3:5-7a

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3

"Don't be wise in your own eyes" is not exactly a catch-phrase for life in our society today. You might be more likely to hear "If you can dream it, you can do it." Or "Do what feels right." Or "Don't follow anyone else; just follow your heart." We do a lot of assuming that whatever we feel is right must surely be right. 

Our world tells us again and again to put our confidence in ourselves, to act on our assumptions, and to run after what looks good. How has that been working out for you? Assumptions can get you into trouble, can't they? Solomon, who was granted more wisdom than you and I will ever know, states plainly in Proverbs 3 what we ought to do. Trust God; listen for His voice; run to Him. When I have total confidence in God and His ways, I won't try to figure it all out on my own. 

When I am attentive to His voice in all I do, my crooked paths become straight. When I give up my pride, assuming I know better than He does, I see that not only am I running to Him, but He is pursuing me! Will you lean on Him today?

insight: The way to be wise won't be found in your own eyes unless your gaze is fixed solidly on Jesus Christ.

If you have prayer requests for anything please email us and we will pray for them.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 6, 2020 at 2:00 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Don't Merely Talk

Don't Merely Talk

"If one of you says to him, Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? ,Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."  James 2:16-17

Scripture Focus: James 2

James had been with Jesus. He grew up with Jesus. He was His brother, but also His faithful servant (see 1:1). As he watched Jesus give His very life for others, James understood what it was to put action behind words. Personally, I am a talker. Throughout my professional life, I have pastored, spoken, and taught. I've kept church audiences listening. Talking isn't a bad thing unless it's merely talking with no depth to back up our words. 

When the compassion of Christ rains down gently on your life, it inspires you to live gratefully giving to others. You forget about thinking your good works will pay back God for what He's done for you. You could strive your whole life to pay Him back, but it will never be enough. When you live out the Lord's love in your parenting, in your workplace, in your retirement, in your classroom, your mere talk of loving Jesus becomes real. Provide a coat to the cold; give a cup of soup to the hungry. 

Your Savior gave you everything you need and more because of His genuine love for you.

Insight: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). God-talk without God-walk is nonsense.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: January 2, 2020 at 2:00 AM
Topic: +DEV+. You Decide

You Decide

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?" 1 Corinthians 4:20-21

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 4

Throughout this month we've focused on what it looks like when someone has been with Jesus. We looked at Old Testament characters who walked with God or even saw the prefigured Christ in some form, as well as New Testament characters who saw Him, touched Him, and spoke with Him. Now Paul is writing to the church at Corinth because, though they have been with him (and Paul is bearing witness to Jesus), the people are making one wrong choice after another.

With Paul out of sight, their walk is not matching their talk. They are forgetting that through Paul they have been with Jesus! Paul will come pay them a visit himself, and one way or the other-gentle or severe-there will need to be discipline. Obviously, we can't physically see Jesus. But we can and do spend time with Him through the reading of His Word and through prayer. Does your talk match your walk?

Does the God of this universe have to use discipline to correct you? Or will He come alongside and whisper in your ear to bring you back on course with Him? You decide.

Insight: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." (Matthew 11:29)

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: December 30, 2019 at 2:41 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Stay Close

Stay Close

"Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:23-24

Scripture Focus: Psalm 31

We look at words each one of us as we seek to walk by faith and let our encounters with Jesus change us deeply. Remember, when we've been with Him, everything changes. Each day we have a choice to stay close to God or to try to go it alone. This was the very same choice Adam and Eve came face-to-face with in the Garden of Eden, and we all know what happened then.

According to Psalm 31, it's a no-brainer which way to choose. David knows firsthand that if he stays close to God, He takes care of him. However, if he goes his own arrogant way, God will pay him back in full. When your love for God fills you to overflowing, how could you not desire to stay close to Him? Think of how deeply you want to be near someone you love. It's like that. At least until you get tripped up in the muck and mire of the day-to-day, worrying that there will never be even a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

Stay close to God. He is nearer to you than you could ever imagine.

Insight: God always has been close. We see Him in beauty everywhere around us. He came into our world as a man. His Holy Spirit remains in our hearts.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman


Date: December 31, 2019 at 1:56 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Sing

Sing

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." Psalm 40: 2-3a

Scripture Focus: Psalm 40

Have you ever been rescued? Maybe it was from slipping and falling, or perhaps from being lost. If you've been rescued from a car accident, a flood, a fire, or an ocean current, you certainly will never forget it. I know if someone ever pulled me out of guaranteed danger and lifted me to safety, I'd be singing the praises of that miraculous rescuer forever! Well, God is our Rescuer. He's lifted us from guaranteed death and has pulled us to safety from life's storms and temptations.

When He drags us out of sin's mud and sets us on a sure foundation, we can do nothing but sing His praises. Not only for those around us to hear, but especially for Him! Whatever you do, wait patiently for the Lord to work out His plans in your life (see v. 1). What's one of the best things to do while waiting? Sing! Let your heart overflow with gratitude. After all, He taught you how to sing praises to Him in the good times and also in the bad.

We begin to learn that it isn't so much what God does, but who He is that makes us want to sing.

Insight: I can't and won't stop singing the latest God-song to anyone who will listen. And I always have God's listening ear.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: December 30, 2019 at 2:41 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Stay Close

Stay Close

"Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD."   Psalm 31:23-24

Scripture Focus: Psalm 31

We look at words each one of us as we seek to walk by faith and let our encounters with Jesus change us deeply. Remember, when we've been with Him, everything changes. Each day we have a choice to stay close to God or to try to go it alone. This was the very same choice Adam and Eve came face-to-face with in the Garden of Eden, and we all know what happened then. 

According to Psalm 31, it's a no-brainer which way to choose. David knows firsthand that if he stays close to God, He takes care of him. However, if he goes his own arrogant way, God will pay him back in full. When your love for God fills you to overflowing, how could you not desire to stay close to Him? Think of how deeply you want to be near someone you love. It's like that. At least until you get tripped up in the muck and mire of the day-to-day, worrying that there will never be even a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. 

Stay close to God. He is nearer to you than you could ever imagine.
Insight: God always has been close. We see Him in beauty everywhere around us. He came into our world as a man. His Holy Spirit remains in our hearts.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: December 27, 2019 at 1:21 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Visions of Royalty

Visions of Royalty

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2

Scripture Focus: Matthew 2

Now if this is not strange! Magi appear out of nowhere, following a star that rose out of nowhere. They find Jesus, give Him their lavish gifts, and return home having been warned in a dream of the dangers of King Herod. Their sole purpose in visiting Palestine was to find and worship the King of the Jews. God moved their hearts back home, revealed to them His intention, and guided them very specifically to Jesus through means they understood.

As amazing as this is, God still does this sort of thing today. We have heard similar testimonies from our now-converted friends from the East. "Jesus appeared to me in a dream"; "God brought me here so I could find Jesus"; "We used to worship idols, but now we worship the living God." He has physically moved them through unusual means and spoken to them in terms they can understand about the One who is King.

Be in awe that today God is still calling the nations to come and worship Him, as He did for the Magi from the east. Nothing is impossible for our life-changing King.

Insight: Pray for seekers in closed countries, that God would reveal himself to them clearly in order that they may bow the knee to him.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
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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

Life on the Fringes

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:9-10

Scripture Focus: Luke 2

Do you feel like your life is boring? That other people's jobs, family life, or influence are more meaningful than yours? Have you started to believe that God cares less about you than He does other people? This text will encourage you today. God, in His wisdom, did not choose to reveal the news of Jesus' birth to the privileged. 

He went first to average, ordinary fellows. He selected a handful of rugged shepherds to receive the great Christmas message. What a gift to these simple men, living on the fringes of society. Notice that the encounter moved them from fear to boldness as they saw Jesus and recognized who He was: "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them" (vs. 17-18). They went from the fringes to the center of the story of redemption. 

When we encounter the glory of the Lord, we are forever changed to be influencers, visibly used by God to bless others, regardless of our circumstances.

Insight: Pray for the faith to see how God might be using you, even in the areas in which you feel weak, vulnerable, or on the fringes.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
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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

Messages
1(UPDATE)! A friend's Mom needs prayer ASAP!
Mon Dec 23, 2019 2:31 pm (PST) . Posted by:"Michael Inman" n0klu
Update: Both my mother and mother in law are back home and doing well thanks one and all for your prayers and intercessions

Date: December 24, 2019 at 12:35 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Mary's Song

Mary's Song

"And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed." Luke 1:46-48

Scripture Focus: Luke 1

Mary, a Jewish teenager, pregnant out of wedlock, has just received confirmation that the child within her is the Messiah. She understands that she is at the crossroads of redemptive history, juxtaposing the generations from Abraham up until herself and the generations following her. "From now on," She understands that the promise given to Abraham was being fulfilled through the baby in her womb, sealing the eternal nature of the promise.

She exhibits both a deep humility and a great confidence in God and His purposes. She realizes her fame has nothing to do with who she is, in and of herself. The glory is that God has chosen to use her at this crossroads. If you have ever felt small but have seen how God used you to bless others at a significant intersection in your life, you can relate a bit to how Mary felt when she wrote this song. Sometimes God shows us His plan quite clearly..

Sometimes it remains a mystery. But either way, He uses humble servants who trust in His mercy and His mighty arm to do His work.

Insight: "So, I ask thee for the daily strength, to none that ask denied,/ content to fill a little space, if thou be glorified." (Anna Letitia Waring, 1850)

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: December 22, 2019 at 11:14 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Strange Pregnancy

A Strange Pregnancy

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made,. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth." Psalm 139: 14-15

Scripture Focus: Psalm 139

let's look at this miracle reminiscent of the impossible promise to Abraham through Jesus' perspective instead of Mary's. Try to think of the developing baby in the womb, conceived through the Holy Spirit. The author of creation subjected Himself to the process of creation. I love to watch clips of babies growing through the stages of life.

At four weeks, the embryo is the size of a poppy seed; at eight weeks it's the size of a kidney bean. The infinite God of the universe-immutable and all-powerful-became tiny, vulnerable, dependent, and hidden inside a woman's womb. He left His heavenly home to find His home in utero. A kidney bean-sized God? Mind boggling! The virgin birth, a mystery we struggle to understand, is the key to our redemption. Only Someone who was both man and God could accomplish the redemption we needed. This is our Jesus whose power is unlimited, humility infinite, and love unconditional.

He could not have come any closer, humbled Himself any more, or done anything more loving than this.

Insight: Praise Jesus for entering the in-between of a developing baby to accomplish the Goal of redemption from which you benefit today.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Date: December 18, 2019 at 2:08 AM
Topic: +DEV+ No Regrets

No Regrets

"I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:12-13

Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 1

However far along you are in years on this old earth, hopefully you can say, "I have no regrets." Paul writes to his dear friend Timothy that he is not ashamed and has no regrets about how life has gone for him. Would you be able to say that you have no regrets? Paul couldn't be more sure and certain of the One he trusted the One of whom he was absolutely unashamed right to the end.

Am I as positively sure of Jesus as Paul was? If I am rooted in Christ alone, I am. But if I think my surety comes from Christ and my good works, I am in trouble. My side of the equation will never be enough. For each one of us, our focus blurs when we don't keep our eyes on Him. When we begin looking around and comparing ourselves to others, our faith in God and our love for others shrink. That outlook is certain to cause regrets.

Turn your focus back onto the One who takes care of what He's trusted you to do right to the end. When our desire is to please Jesus with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, He takes care of the rest.

Insight: How can there be no regrets? By acknowledging that Christ is the One working through you, and by putting all your faith in Him.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

https://www1.cbn.com/kenneth-copeland-and-future-america

Kenneth Copeland and the Future of America

AMERICA IN 2020
At KCM’s Victory Campaign in November, 2019, Pastor Copeland spoke of what he sees ahead for America next year: 

“Those politicians who refuse My call to unite and become the United States of America, and not just ‘America,’ those politicians who refuse to listen, those politicians who continue the pathway of hate, I will remove them from their place, and I will remove their influence from the record books. I will remove them from their place. I will remove their influence from the record books. I will remove their candle in their families. I will remove them from office and put somebody in there who will.”

“The LORD is revealing new visions this coming year that will be absolutely stunning. They will include insights, ideas and concepts that have never been heard of before. Joel 2:28-29 (and Acts 2:16-18) tells us, “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit. 2020 will be a year of great change. Wonderful and magnificent changes in the kingdom of God in the earth. Changes that will come because of insights, ideas and concepts directly from Jesus to His Church by His mighty Spirit. Glorious concepts of how His laws work; the laws governing increase and financial prosperity; the laws of the Spirit that release miracles and divine healings and manifestations of His Almighty power on the earth. New concepts of His love; His very person; for He is love. Insights into the true power and strength of His joy.”

“It will be days of political change, great victories and great defeats. For the spiritual enemies of God and His people shall be crushed—spirits, not flesh and blood. But there are those on both sides of the political divide who refuse to listen to The LORD Advocate General of the Church. Their dreams shall be dashed, their desires shall be wounded, and they will be removed from their offices and replaced, some by the ballot, some by tragedy, and some who in despair will quit and go do something else. ‘This is My country,’ saith The LORD Jesus.’ It was founded by people who love Me for the sole purpose of their love and desire to worship Me and to worship the Almighty God, and I will never forget that.’ Change. ‘2020—the year of change and manifested power,’ saith The LORD.”

THE PRAYER OF FAITH
Kenneth Copeland is known for his teachings on miraculous things that happen when we pray through faith. He says believes in the God of Exodus 34:10, who said, “Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.” Pastor Copeland says if we believe in faith, we should expect the personal presence of God, along with miraculous healings and miracles.

He also believes America is about to witness a great revival.  He recently said, “I am totally convinced that this is a time of the Holy Spirit outpouring like we’ve never seen. We’re in the midst of the greatest thing that has believe the U.S. will ride the crest of this wave of manifestation of the Holy Spirit all the way to, and including the rebirth of this nation to where it will be known again as the nation that preaches the gospel to the world.”

LONG-LASTING LEGACY
Kenneth Copeland is known around the world for his Christian ministry. He’s an author, a speaker, a television minister, and also a recording artist and a pilot. One of his biggest desires is to see people live successful lives through Christ.

More than forty-five years ago, the Lord told Kenneth Copeland to preach the uncompromised Word of God on every available voice, proclaiming the truth of God’s Word and His unconditional love. He founded Kenneth Copeland Ministries in 1967. In 1973, they began printing “Believer’s Voice of Victory,” a weekly magazine with Christian articles. In 1979, Kenneth and his wife, Gloria, began broadcasting  “Believer’s Voice of Victory” television show.  Since then, the couple has established a ministry that serves in many facets, including a school of healing, prison ministry, conferences, books, audio and video teachings.  

Over the years, Kenneth and Gloria have produced Bible-based teaching articles about faith, love, healing, prosperity, redemption, righteousness, the anointing and the principles of victorious Christian living.  KCM has gone around the globe just to bring the good news that Jesus Is Lord, no matter where you are.  It continues to be their privilege to preach the good news of Jesus Christ around the world on every available voice – from the weekday and Sunday Believer’s Voice of Victory broadcast to conventions and Victory Campaigns, to the Believer’s Voice of Victory magazine, to the internet.  Today, the ministry has international offices in Canada, Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and the Ukraine. The ministry broadcasts on over 600 stations daily and is also available through pre-recorded Internet webcasts at www.kcm.org.

The mission of KCM and Eagle Mountain International Church is to teach Christians worldwide who they are in Christ Jesus and how to live a victorious life in their covenant rights and privileges.  They are called to lead people to the place where they operate proficiently; to build an army of mature believers, bringing them from milk to meat, from religion to reality. 

Kenneth Copeland Ministries was birthed out of “love for the people and a commitment to bring people the Word," states Copeland. "Our lives are totally wrapped up in ministering to the people. When we say, ‘We're here for you,’ we mean it to this point—everything we do, everything we preach, every broadcast we come on, everywhere we minister, everything we say and do is prayed, engineered, designed to minister to the people.  God called us to take His message of love and faith to the whole world. We care about you and we want to help you find the answers you need in God's Word.”

Copeland looks forward to many more years of ministry. “People say, ‘Kenneth Copeland, when are you going to quit?’” he says. I don’t have time to quit. Oh how Satan would like for me and Pat [Robertson] to quit. You have to press and take advantage of 2 Corinthians 10:5, the weapons of our warfare are mighty. And those of us who have been in the ministry for 40, 50 years have to do this and have to continually cast that imagination down.”

Date: December 17, 2019 at 1:18 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Some Were Persuaded
Some Were Persuaded

"From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus, Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe."  Acts 28:23b-24

Scripture Focus:  Acts 28

The Apostle Paul was exuberant. From sunup to sundown, he taught about Jesus and His kingdom. His faith life in Jesus overflowed to others around him. Even to the closing years of his life and while he was under guard in Rome, Paul could not keep quiet. He knew that it was "because of the hope of Israel" that he was "bound with this chain" (vs. 20), yet "boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ" (vs. 31). 

But did you notice that no matter how Paul tried to persuade people concerning the truth from the Scriptures, only some were persuaded? It is the Holy Spirit alone who moves in hearts. The word could be spoken by someone as impassioned as Paul or by the most famous of theologians or by a child's simple pleadings. 

But in all situations, some will be persuaded, and others will not. Trust in God's promise written in 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord, is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Be persuaded by His lovingkindness.

Insight: Remember that even when you possess a passion for evangelizing, as you share the Good News of Jesus Christ, some will believe and others will not.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


Michael D. Inman

Date: December 16, 2019 at 1:09 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Make It Through

Make It Through

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4

How do we keep on facing life? In this fallen world we seem to be always coming into a problem, currently dealing with a problem, or just going out of a problem. Will there ever be a day when we've made it through? The Apostle Paul says it is only in Christ who makes us what we are that we can make it through.

In utter dependence on Jesus, we have the strength to handle not just some things, but any and everything! The One who goes before us is our life. I love how Eugene Peterson puts our Philippians 4 passage in The Message: "I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Have you known someone who faced a horrible tragedy and held on tightly to the Lord through it all? You think, How do people ever get through this sort of thing without the Lord?

Because Jesus made it through death and hell for you, rest assured that you will make it through the big and small problems of your life.

Insight: One day all who believe in Jesus will come out victoriously on the other side because of the One who has made us what we are.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: December 13, 2019 at 12:50 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Grab the Chance

Grab the Chance

"Then Philip, heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. Do you understand what you are reading? Philip asked. How can I, he said, unless someone explains it to me? Then Philip, told him the good news about Jesus." Acts 8: 30-31, 35

Scripture Focus: Acts 8

Philip grabbed his chance. He obeyed the angel's voice (vs. 26) and didn't ask a multitude of questions first. He just obeyed. In that obedience, God had a purpose for him. Notice a couple of things. First, Philip was spiritually ready. He had been with Jesus through the years of His earthly ministry, learning and growing along the way. And now, like the other disciples, he was taking the Great Commission seriously (Matthew 28:20).

He recognized the Isaiah passage being read by the man sitting in his chariot. Also, God brought along a hungry heart at just the right time and in just the right place while Philip was on hand. Furthermore, Philip was excited to teach someone-even a complete stranger-all about Jesus. How many times have you missed an opportunity to share Jesus with someone? Are you spiritually ready for the occasion the Lord has prepared for you?

God's appointed time will match up with your readied heart. Grab the chance to share the good news of Jesus Christ, knowing that He has already gone before you.

Insight: Grab every chance you have to share Jesus with others, remembering that He let go of His grasp on heaven to come to earth for you!

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Date: December 12, 2019 at 12:57 AM
Topic: +DEV+ They Recognized Him

They Recognized Him

"He explained to them what was in all the Scriptures concerning himself. , At the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him." Luke 24:30-31

Scripture Focus: Luke 24

In the account of the two friends on the road to Emmaus, we get a glimpse of what it was like to be with Jesus. Even though they didn't at first realize it, Jesus was there, right in the midst of their disappointment. He showed up in the flesh! And when He saw their long faces, He asked, "What's going on?" They answered, "You don't know? You must not be from Jerusalem! Jesus of Nazareth, the one we hung all our hopes on, is dead."

Can you imagine taking a seven-mile walk with the risen Jesus while He explains the Bible to you from Moses on? No class you could take or Bible study book you could read would compare to being taught by Jesus Himself.

The two friends must have listened intently, feeling their very hearts burning as He talked (vs. 32). Jesus is still revealing Himself in ways you too can understand. He knows you intimately. He speaks the words that give life until it seems that suddenly a light is turned on and a veil is removed. You want to learn more. You get it! You recognize Him! It's Jesus!

Insight: The Word of God will not return void. That's a promise. We are radically changed, and His Word is now life in us!

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site: http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

Michael D. Inman

Remember Me

"This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. ,This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."   1 Corinthians 11:24-25

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 11

There was Jesus on the night of His betrayal, having an intimate gathering with His closest companions on earth. He was preparing their hearts to always remember the cross. Don't forget-it's always about the cross. He would be physically leaving His friends, but He showed them how He'd be continually remembered by His sacrifice of a broken body and the shed blood. For them. For you. For me. 

Therefore, Jesus tenderly walked them through this Last Supper, teaching them to always remember. Do we really remember? Have your joyous Easter celebrations from only two weeks ago faded into the past? On a communion Sunday at church, do you casually, mechanically take the bread and cup? Without the death of Jesus, we have no hope of salvation. How can we not remember? The items Jesus used were ordinary and simple: a cup of wine, a morsel of bread. 

May we never let that simplicity drive us into complacency. Jesus stepped out of eternity and into our world for one thing: to seek and to save that which was lost, including you and me!

Insight: Oh Jesus, forgive my indifference, my nonchalance, my apathy. It cost you death to give me life now and forever.

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

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

We are in need of Prayer and financial partners,
If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.
A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


Michael D. Inman