+Dev+ Michael D. Inman

Topic: +DEV+ The King Will Come Again
The King Will Come Again

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon'. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." (Revelation 22:20-21)
Scripture Focus: 1 Thessalonians 4:13; 2 Peter 3:3-14

What a thrilling prospect: Jesus will come again in glory! He will usher in a new heaven and a new earth, bringing everything to perfection. Sin and death will be no more. There will be no pain, no regret, no disappointment, no loss. Every tear will be wiped away by the King Himself.

Each of us will be perfect - and that includes having perfect bodies to replace our present creaking frames! The King will have work for each of us to do in the new order. Forget about those notions of harps and clouds!

The coming of all things new doesn't mean we should consider our present responsibilities and struggles to be not worthwhile. All that is done for the King here will be of use there. Nothing is wasted of all the good we accomplish for the King in this life; He will incorporate it into the new order.

We read in Revelation 21:24-26 that the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into the new Jerusalem - the new order - and that the glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.

Insight: What quality of work should we be doing right now in light of the fact that it will be used for an eternity?

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: March 4, 2013 2:05 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The King of Kings
The King of Kings

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 2

The king of Babylon called himself the king of kings, but he and his kingdoms were brought to dust. Hitler sought world domination in the thousand-year Reich, yet he ruled for just 12 hate-filled years. Jesus, by His cross, conquered all powers and authorities and was exalted to the highest place. Nothing can stand against Him.

When we pray, the Holy Spirit is active in our lives and the lives of others, breaking down every stronghold of bondage or oppression. I find it is easy to lose sight of this and think other things will prevail. But verses like Philippians 2:9-10, 2 Corinthians 10:4 and Colossians 3:15 give me renewed perspective for whatever evil forces are at work.

Our all-powerful King is always coming to our aid. He comes in torrents of white, living water, cleansing the riverbed of our lives and sweeping away boulders of persistent sin, wrong attitudes, self doubt and hardness. In His energy we reach out to the hurting and the lost; in His authority we speak to a waiting world.

Insight: "Hear him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb/ Your loosen'd tongues employ;/ Ye blind, behold your Saviour come/ And leap ye lame for joy!" (Charles Wesley, 1739)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: February 27, 2013 10:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Peace From The Prince Of Peace
Peace From The Prince Of Peace

"Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before God day and night, has been hurled down." (Revelation 12:10)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 9:1-7

When we turn to Jesus, He gives peace. "My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). But we often lose the sense of it. We overlook His rest from turmoil because we allow Satan, the accuser, to flaunt our sins before us even after we have confessed them. Satan will play negative scenes in our minds, robbing us of peace.

We have only to respond to Jesus' invitation to come to Him to experience relief from our burdens. Perhaps you've seen before that peace which passes all understanding in other believers who are in the fiery trials of this world.

We can look forward to all the fullness of His peace on that day when He will lift, once and for all, the burden and pain of trying and failing, of failed relationships of all misunderstanding and all loss. "He will wipe every tear from our eyes" (Revelation 2:4). Our Lord is indeed the King, the Prince of Peace, who was to come, has come, is coming day by day, and who will come again. Let your King "guide [your] feet into the way of peace"
(Luke 2:79).

Insight: Whatever is disturbing your peace at this moment, come to Jesus, giver of total rest and contented heart.

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Date: February 26, 2013 11:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+ To Serve the King
To Serve the King

"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God..." (Psalm 123:2, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Luke 19:11-26

If we wish to serve a king, we must fix our eyes on him to make sure we know what he requires. In Jesus' parable of the talents, the good servants honored the master and served him in the way he wanted. They were productive because they looked to him and his wishes, ignoring their own feelings of inadequacy and any fears that things might go wrong. They trusted the king when he came again to be just in his reward. However, the wicked servant was so transfixed by unloving thoughts about his master and by his own fear that he was totally unproductive.

So must we look away from all the noise that goes on in our own minds and turn away from fears of all kinds. Fears, perhaps, that our sinfulness disqualifies us from serving; fears that we will experience disappointment and frustration; fears of inadequacy and of being unfit to do the King's work. Instead, let us look only to the master of our lives, our King who came to us lowly and unadorned in a cattle stall, and serve Him on bended knee.

Insight: "Perhaps you would have grown in grace far more if you had used what God has given you and forgotten about yourself." (Andrew Bonar, Scottish pastor)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Date: February 25, 2013 9:02 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Specific Tasks From The King
Specific Tasks From The King
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:10)
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:1-10

Our passage makes it clear that although we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is not alone. It issues in works that God has had in mind for us from before time began. Ask Him what specific work He has planned for you.

Evan Roberts, the leader of the Welsh revival of 1905, wrote, "All workers, in view of the Lord's coming, should eagerly ask God to enable them to finish their own work ...
They should pray against
1) all spurious work which God has not given them to do;
2) all work which they should have left alone long ago;
3) all work which is of the flesh and not of the Spirit;
4) all work which suppresses the Spirit or draws the worker out of the Spirit;
5) all waste work, which may be good yet keeps the worker from some higher service."

When we establish what work the Lord wants us to undertake, the Holy Spirit will give us the gifts necessary to fulfill it. Furthermore, we will go into it not on our own strength but in the "power of his glorious might" (vs. 11).

Insight: Remember that the need is not necessarily the call. Don't feel guilty about saying no to works which God has not called you to do.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Topic: +DEV+ The Great Commission From The King
The Great Commission From The King
"In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:16-20

Sometimes we think of evangelism as a special gift that others may have. It is true that some are specially anointed to a specific work of evangelism as their key ministry. But Jesus gave His Great Commission to all His disciples. It brings a smile to my face when I read, "But some doubted." Nevertheless, they too were given the charge to go and teach everyone Christ's message of salvation.

Evangelism isn't so much an unusual activity, but is something more like breathing. It is like one starving person telling another where to find bread. It is a natural outflow of our lives each day.

The key is not so much in special training (although this helps). What is essential is a heart thrilled with Jesus at a personal level. If we had an intimate personal friendship with the Head of State, would we not be inclined to tell people how wonderful he was? How much more if the King of Kings indwells us by His Spirit! The Spirit will give us the words to say when give an account of the hope that we have.

Insight: "Fill me with your joy, O Lord, that I may give to the great, sad world around me..." (F.B. Meyer)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: February 21, 2013 11:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Great Commission From The King
The Great Commission From The King

"In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:16-20

Sometimes we think of evangelism as a special gift that others may have. It is true that some are specially anointed to a specific work of evangelism as their key ministry. But Jesus gave His Great Commission to all His disciples. It brings a smile to my face when I read, "But some doubted." Nevertheless, they too were given the charge to go and teach everyone Christ's message of salvation.

Evangelism isn't so much an unusual activity, but is something more like breathing. It is like one starving person telling another where to find bread. It is a natural outflow of our lives each day.

The key is not so much in special training (although this helps). What is essential is a heart thrilled with Jesus at a personal level. If we had an intimate personal friendship with the Head of State, would we not be inclined to tell people how wonderful he was? How much more if the King of Kings indwells us by His Spirit! The Spirit will give us the words to say when give an account of the hope that we have.

Insight: "Fill me with your joy, O Lord, that I may give to the great, sad world around me..." (F.B. Meyer)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Date: February 20, 2013 10:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our King Conquers All Fear
Our King Conquers All Fear

"Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen." (Revelation 1:17-18, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 8:11-17; Revelation 1:12-18

We live in an age of fear. The media is filled with impending doom regarding the planet, the economy, terrorism, epidemics etc. God in Isaiah says, "Do not fear what they fear." We are only to "fear" the Lord. We are not to buy into conspiracy theories. The Amplified Bible says in verse 13, "The Lord of Hosts - regard him as holy and honor his Holy Name and let him be your fear and let him be your dread." In other words, He will be your hope of safety.

There is a difference between a healthy fear and an unhealthy fear. The fear or awe of God, “A wholesome dread of displeasing him," is the only healthy fear. We are not to be terrified of His coming as unbelievers are.

The angels in the nativity story say "Fear not" to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds. Their words come to us, too. Many in the world tell us not to worry, or to take care as though we could control the things we are afraid of. But only the One who controls the outcome can say, "Fear not;" He alone merits our awe.

Insight: If I do not "fear" God, I will inevitably fear everything else. We are enjoined to fear Him so that nothing else can disturb us.

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: February 20, 2013 10:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our King Conquers All Fear
Our King Conquers All Fear

"Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen." (Revelation 1:17-18, KJV)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 8:11-17; Revelation 1:12-18

We live in an age of fear. The media is filled with impending doom regarding the planet, the economy, terrorism, epidemics etc. God in Isaiah says, "Do not fear what they fear." We are only to "fear" the Lord. We are not to buy into conspiracy theories. The Amplified Bible says in verse 13, "The Lord of Hosts - regard him as holy and honor his Holy Name and let him be your fear and let him be your dread." In other words, He will be your hope of safety.

There is a difference between a healthy fear and an unhealthy fear. The fear or awe of God, “A wholesome dread of displeasing him," is the only healthy fear. We are not to be terrified of His coming as unbelievers are.

The angels in the nativity story say "Fear not" to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds. Their words come to us, too. Many in the world tell us not to worry, or to take care as though we could control the things we are afraid of. But only the One who controls the outcome can say, "Fear not;" He alone merits our awe.

Insight: If I do not "fear" God, I will inevitably fear everything else. We are enjoined to fear Him so that nothing else can disturb us.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Date: February 18, 2013 12:16 AM
Topic: +DEV+ A King We Can Trust
A King We Can Trust
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." (Isaiah 26:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 31:1-24

We will be let down if we put absolute trust in anyone or anything but the King, Jesus Christ. Of course, there are many people we must rely on and trust. Once when I was climbing a rock face and missed my footing, my immediate trust was in the person holding the rope. I thank God he was there! But another person may not always be there for us in every situation to "hold onto" us. We, ourselves, have sometimes proven untrustworthy for others. Our King will never let that rope go!

A meaning of the Hebrew word "trust," according to Young's Concordance, is "refuge." We recently visited the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. It is a magnificent citadel whose Moorish king put his trust in it as a refuge. Eventually, it fell without even a fight. David puts his trust in the Lord as his refuge (Psalm 31:1). He knows God will deliver him from his enemies (vs.15) and from accusing tongues (vs.20). Therefore, he will hope only in the Lord and can "be strong and take heart" (vs. 24). Shall we do the same?

Insight: Amos warns that leaning on anything but our strong King is like leaning your hand on a wall only to be bit by a serpent (5:19).

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato
February 19, 2013 12:13 AM
Topic: +DEV+ A Kiss Towards The King
A Kiss Towards The King
"Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel." (Psalm 22:3)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 5:1-14

The Greek word for worship is "to kiss towards." It means an act of reverence. In full flow of describing God's dealings with His people, Paul at the end of Romans 11 is so moved by God's love that he breaks out in glorious worship. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God" (vs.33).
Here we find ourselves worshiping the King - not as a religious duty but from the outflow of a grateful heart. It's as natural as breathing.
As our hearts are thrilled with the Lord in our meditating on the Bible, we naturally want to tell our wonderful King what we feel about His greatness and goodness. The elders around the throne in heaven break out in that great surge of praise and worship, casting their crowns before the throne (Revelation 4:10). We want all the glory to go to the One seated on the throne.

A sermon, too, can be more than the imparting of information; in honoring the Lord Jesus Christ it can raise us to the "heavenlies" to cry out to God in worship.

Insight: "O worship the King, all glorious above,O gratefully sing his power and his love." (Sir R. Grant, 1833)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Date: February 18, 2013 12:16 AM
Topic: +DEV+ A King We Can Trust
A King We Can Trust

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." (Isaiah 26:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 31:1-24

We will be let down if we put absolute trust in anyone or anything but the King, Jesus Christ. Of course, there are many people we must rely on and trust. Once when I was climbing a rock face and missed my footing, my immediate trust was in the person holding the rope. I thank God he was there! But another person may not always be there for us in every situation to "hold onto" us. We, ourselves, have sometimes proven untrustworthy for others. Our King will never let that rope go!

A meaning of the Hebrew word "trust, " according to Young's Concordance, is "refuge. " We recently visited the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. It is a magnificent citadel whose Moorish king put his trust in it as a refuge. Eventually, it fell without even a fight. David puts his trust in the Lord as his refuge (Psalm 31:1). He knows God will deliver him from his enemies (vs.15) and from accusing tongues (vs.20). Therefore, he will hope only in the Lord and can "be strong and take heart" (vs. 24). Shall we do the same?

Insight: Amos warns that leaning on anything but our strong King is like leaning your hand on a wall only to be bit by a serpent (5:19).

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Topic: +DEV+ Discipline The King Gives
Discipline The King Gives

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... self-control. .. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:22-24)
Scripture Focus: Romans 6:1-14

This verse used to puzzle me. How could I have crucified my sinful nature when it still seemed to be alive and kicking? Had I missed out on some crucial experience? Why was self-control so elusive for me?

Then I noticed Romans 6:8. "We died with Christ." Jesus took my sinful nature up to the cross and crucified it for me. We cannot exercise self-control over our "sinful nature." What I was unable to do, He did. The Galatians verse is not highlighting something we haven't done; it is reminding us of what Jesus has already done for us. Because of Him, we count that nature as dead.

In a recent TV program, some older people who had lost some of their previous abilities were challenged to think that they were 45 years old again. They did seem to act younger for a while and to recapture some youth. But our "counting ourselves dead to sin" is different than just determined thinking. This is no self-help philosophy. It is based on an objective reality: that Christ, our Maker and Friend, died for us.

Insight: Are you unable to exercise self-control? It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Ask, and He will make it a reality in your life.

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: February 10, 2013 11:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God Loves A Soft Heart
God Loves A Soft Heart
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 25

God loves a broken and a contrite heart. How do you get one of those? Have you ever sat down and worked out a plan to get a soft, tender heart that thinks much of Christ and little of yourself? Have you been successful? Or have you learned time and time again that you have no power to change your heart?

There are no rules you can follow, no verses you can memorize, no law you can cling to which will guarantee you a contrite heart. Yet God is faithful, and He will do this for you. He carefully measures out loving doses of success and failure, strength and weakness, joy and sorrow, to bring you to Him and soften your heart. At times, He will leave you for a season to the hardness of your heart, to your sinful pride and self-dependence. Before too long, however, He will melt you once again by showing you your sin, generously giving you sweet repentance and the gift of seeing the enormity of your need and the completeness of your dependence on Him. What is God up to in your heart today?

Insight: "To be humble like a little child, ...conscious of snares and dangers as to cry to him continually. . is the secret of walking closely with him." (John Newton)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Date: February 11, 2013 11:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A King’s Heart
A King’s Heart
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)
Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 11, 12:1-14

King David was a man after God's own heart. He was the anointed king of Israel. If anyone should have been really holy, you would think it would be this man. David was not young or inexperienced on the night he wandered onto his rooftop and gazed at a bathing woman. David knew God, had walked with Him for years, and had been delivered by Him from many enemies. Yet when God left David to His own sinful desires that night, we learn that even the most mature and godly believer is capable of horrendous sin.

God did not rescue David from himself that night. Desire gave birth to sin and death, to adultery and murder. How could this ever glorify God or bring good to David? Read Psalm 51 and think again. "Have mercy on me, O God ...create in me a pure heart, renew a right spirit...." This is the language of dependence, humility, and worship. It's a hard and prideful heart melted. Self-reliance was obliterated, and now David was ready once again to lead transgressors to a merciful and forgiving God.

Insight: "My heart is like a highway, ...nothing so false, frivolous, [or] horrid but it can obtain access, and that at any time, in any place." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: February 10, 2013 11:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God Loves A Soft Heart
God Loves A Soft Heart
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 25

God loves a broken and a contrite heart. How do you get one of those? Have you ever sat down and worked out a plan to get a soft, tender heart that thinks much of Christ and little of yourself? Have you been successful? Or have you learned time and time again that you have no power to change your heart?

There are no rules you can follow, no verses you can memorize, no law you can cling to which will guarantee you a contrite heart. Yet God is faithful, and He will do this for you. He carefully measures out loving doses of success and failure, strength and weakness, joy and sorrow, to bring you to Him and soften your heart. At times, He will leave you for a season to the hardness of your heart, to your sinful pride and self-dependence. Before too long, however, He will melt you once again by showing you your sin, generously giving you sweet repentance and the gift of seeing the enormity of your need and the completeness of your dependence on Him. What is God up to in your heart today?

Insight: "To be humble like a little child, ...conscious of snares and dangers as to cry to him continually.. is the secret of walking closely with him." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Date: February 7, 2013 11:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Look Upon Me, Please
Look Upon Me, Please
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:5-6, 16-18

We are all repeat offenders: irresistibly drawn to worship ourselves and to gather a crowd of admirers around us. Our speech is devoted to subtle attempts to demonstrate our own excellence, demeaning others or reciting our triumphs and victories. We can hardly bear to receive praise and acclaim without passing it on so that everyone else can enjoy us.

God loves us far too much to allow us to live in clouds of self-adoration. In kindness, He ordains that we fall flat on our faces, until we are weaned from self-hope and love and turn our eyes to our beautiful Redeemer. Christ isn't glorious to us when our own glory blinds us and consumes every thought. Christ becomes overwhelmingly gorgeous to us when we see our vile sin compared with His humble obedience and outrageous self-sacrifice.

When you sin today, thank God for this reminder to take your eyes off yourself and look to Christ. See Him in all His sinless perfection, and marvel again that He should love you and die for you.

Insight: "You need nothing to make you happy, but to have the eyes of your understanding fixed upon the Redeemer...O he is a suitable Savior!" (John Newton)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Topic: +DEV+ We Are Never Left Alone
We Are Never Left Alone
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one...." (Matthew 6:13)
Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 32:25-26

Do you understand the incredibly wonderful news that once you are saved, God will never leave you or forsake you? You are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and you cannot escape His loving care no matter how hard you try. He will never leave you, but He will often leave you to yourself, as He did Hezekiah.

Why is it that sometimes, when you try hard not to sin you are actually successful, and other times you try just as hard and you fail completely? You don't have the power to obey God without the fresh work of the Holy Spirit each and every time. You really are that weak and helpless! As a Christian, you are still very good at sinning, yet you are unable to obey without God's intervention.

Why would a loving God leave us to ourselves so often throughout the day? He does this to humble us, to persuade us of our depravity and need for Him, and to help us cherish Jesus Christ, the only hope for our lives. In love, He will leave you to yourself to remind you freshly of your overwhelming need for a Savior.

Insight: "God often leaves his own children to manifold temptations to humble them and make them more Watchful." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: February 6, 2013 12:43 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Will We Ever Obey?
Will We Ever Obey?

"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12b-13)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 51:10-13

Many times today you will be faced with a choice to obey God or sin-as sinful thoughts drift through your mind, as you live with difficult people, as you drive through traffic to get to work. Each time your heart will either turn toward God in worship and obedience, or it will flare with rebellion and turn away to worship something else. What will make the difference?

When Christ says that without Him we can do nothing, He really means it. The Holy Spirit is not like a tool kit which you receive at salvation and must learn to use properly. He is the Spirit of the living God, powerful and active, working purposefully in your mind and soul every minute of every day. He doesn't need your permission or even your cooperation to do His work. When you are tempted to sin, He will either give you supernatural grace to withstand the temptation and obey, or He will leave you to yourself to discover your weakness and grow in your humility. In each circumstance He is lovingly growing you up in grace. May you grow to be more like Him each day!

Insight: "God' s honor is not compromised by sin in the hearts of those whom he teaches to wrestle and mourn on account of it." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: February 5, 2013 12:19 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Beginning, End, and Middle
Beginning, End, and Middle

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
Scripture Focus: Galatians 3:1-9

The moment you were saved, God began a good work in you. What an amazing thought! Your salvation was all His work as He breathed His Spirit into your lifeless soul, opened your blind eyes, and gave you faith. In the end, all the credit will be His, for in the twinkling of an eye, He will take you to be with Him, and you will be perfect and sinless.

That explains the beginning and the end; but do you find yourself confused about the middle part? Somehow, we think He's left that portion up to us, and we grow discouraged when it doesn't seem to be going well. We still sin more than we want to, and we are easily dazzled by anything but Christ.

Would it make a difference to you to know that your life is going exactly as God has planned, sin and all? God loves you far too much to leave the crucial work of sanctification up to you. If you're like me, you'll fail and run away every chance you get. Praise God that the middle belongs to Him as well, and He always gets His way with our sinful hearts.

Insight: "Believers are like earthen vessels, liable in themselves to be destroyed by a small blow; yet so strengthened by divine grace they cannot be harmed." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato
Date: February 4, 2013 1:09 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Pleasure Of The Father
Pleasure Of The Father

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who... gave himself for me."
(Galatians 2:20)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 3:13-17

What makes your face light up with joy? Does your heart race at the sight of a beloved person or at that first glimpse of a newborn baby? Do you come alive with pleasure when you see beautiful art or taste a gourmet meal? Just try to imagine what on earth could bring pleasure and delight to the heart and mind of an infinite God?

Scripture tells us that God delights in the Godhead, each member of the Trinity participating eternally in mutual love and endless satisfaction and joy. How then, could I ever hope to please God or bring joy to Him, especially as a fallen sinner? Yet God does delight in me because I am united by faith to the Son who pleased Him perfectly on my behalf. How does God feel about His Son? Is He ever annoyed or exasperated with Him, impatient, disappointed or bored? No! He adores Him at every moment of every day. When I am united to Christ and His perfection is credited to me, God looks at me and sees His Son. And He is riveted and overjoyed by what He sees...always!

Insight: "Why does the Father treasure his Son so? Because he sees himself in his Son. His own perfections are flawlessly reflected there." (Steve Estes)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: February 4, 2013 1:09 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Pleasure Of The Father
Pleasure Of The Father

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who... gave himself for me."
(Galatians 2:20)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 3:13-17

What makes your face light up with joy? Does your heart race at the sight of a beloved person or at that first glimpse of a newborn baby? Do you come alive with pleasure when you see beautiful art or taste a gourmet meal? Just try to imagine what on earth could bring pleasure and delight to the heart and mind of an infinite God?

Scripture tells us that God delights in the Godhead, each member of the Trinity participating eternally in mutual love and endless satisfaction and joy. How then, could I ever hope to please God or bring joy to Him, especially as a fallen sinner? Yet God does delight in me because I am united by faith to the Son who pleased Him perfectly on my behalf. How does God feel about His Son? Is He ever annoyed or exasperated with Him, impatient, disappointed or bored? No! He adores Him at every moment of every day. When I am united to Christ and His perfection is credited to me, God looks at me and sees His Son. And He is riveted and overjoyed by what He sees...always!

Insight: "Why does the Father treasure his Son so? Because he sees himself in his Son. His own perfections are flawlessly reflected there." (Steve Estes)

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

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

Date: February 1, 2013 1:08 AM
Topic: +DEV+ My Name Is Written On His Heart
My Name Is Written On His Heart

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28)
Scripture Focus: Romans 8:31-39

Do you remember reading Romeo and Juliet? Their love for each other was so strong that they both preferred death over being apart. I have a Savior who "would rather die than live without me," too. He did that, indeed, but His death was not final.

What word but love could describe the heart of Christ as He suffered for the joy set before Him? You and I are that joy! Despite our doubt, pride, anxiety, depression, addictions, idolatries, bitter thoughts and lying tongues, we still are the delight of His heart and the apple of His eye.

In love, He paid for every sin I have committed or ever will commit; in love, He holds on to me - tighter than Romeo could ever hold Juliet. In love, my name is written on His heart and graven in the wounds on His hands. My sin can't stop His plan to bless me with every spiritual blessing. His love does not depend on my performance, but on His own obedience. Here I rest in complete safety, knowing that I am in the very center of the greatest love story ever told.

Insight: "God knows our frame; he remembers that we are but dust; and has opened for us a new and blood-besprinkled way of access to the throne of grace..." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Date: January 31, 2013 1:01 AM
Topic: +DEV+ We Cannot Transform Ourselves

We Cannot Transform Ourselves

"...that you may know...his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead..." (Ephesians 1:18-20)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 7:16-20

My sinful heart is the living canvas upon which God paints His marvelous work of gracious transformation. When I struggle with a particular sin for a long period of time, or when I do everything in my power to conquer that sin and fail miserably, the stage is set for me to understand where true and lasting change really comes from. All of my growth is His work and not mine.

We cannot transform ourselves. Real change always flows from the heart outward, and we are no match for our own fallen hearts. When I struggle with a certain sin for years and God bears with me patiently, then does His breathtaking work to melt my heart, granting me not only repentance but real power to change, I know that the work is all His. I will take no credit. Don't be discouraged today if you still battle the sins you've tried the hardest to overcome. Some of God's most glorious work will be done in you at your lowest moments. When He chooses to abolish that sin forever, you will worship Him and not yourself!

Insight: "The clearest proofs they have had of Christ's excellence have been occasioned by the mortifying proofs they have had of their own vileness." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: January 31, 2013 1:01 AM
Topic: +DEV+ We Cannot Transform Ourselves
We Cannot Transform Ourselves

"...that you may know...his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead..." (Ephesians 1:18-20)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 7:16-20

My sinful heart is the living canvas upon which God paints His marvelous work of gracious transformation. When I struggle with a particular sin for a long period of time, or when I do everything in my power to conquer that sin and fail miserably, the stage is set for me to understand where true and lasting change really comes from. All of my growth is His work and not mine.

We cannot transform ourselves. Real change always flows from the heart outward, and we are no match for our own fallen hearts. When I struggle with a certain sin for years and God bears with me patiently, then does His breathtaking work to melt my heart, granting me not only repentance but real power to change, I know that the work is all His. I will take no credit. Don't be discouraged today if you still battle the sins you've tried the hardest to overcome. Some of God's most glorious work will be done in you at your lowest moments. When He chooses to abolish that sin forever, you will worship Him and not yourself!

Insight: "The clearest proofs they have had of Christ's excellence have been occasioned by the mortifying proofs they have had of their own vileness." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Date: January 29, 2013 11:47 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Patience of God
The Patience of God

"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: Exodus 34:6-7; Nehemiah 9:17b-25

My friend likes to say that if he'd written the Bible, it would be a very short book: "God makes man and woman, Adam and Eve sin, they are blown to bits, the end." This tells you he is not a patient man!

But God is very different from my friend, or any of us in His astounding patience and long-suffering love. If God forgives you once, you are glad and grateful. When He forgives again, you are slightly embarrassed and perhaps determined to try harder. What happens when you struggle with the same besetting sin for 15, 20 years, or more? What if you really want to change but can't? This is what it feels like to be the prodigal child over and over again - to rebel and sin grievously only to find your Father watching and waiting, longing for your return. He does not wait grudgingly with disappointment and anger. Instead, He rushes to embrace you and celebrate the repentance He has given you for the millionth time! Through our struggle with sin, we come to understand and experience God's surprising patience.

Insight: "The multiplied pardons the believer receives increase his admiration of... the mercy of the covenant. He loves much, for much has been forgiven." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: January 27, 2013 11:27 PM
Topic: +DEV+ It Is Christ Alone

It Is Christ Alone
"For 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

My worst sins often come wrapped in my best acts of obedience! I cannot seem to obey God without taking pride in my willingness to cooperate with Him, without secretly hoping that others will notice my strength. How easily confused I am by my own goodness, eagerly taking credit for progress but making excuses for my weakness.

My relentless and exhausting struggle with my sinful heart causes me to remember who gets credit for anything good in me. I know well that I am not capable of worship, good thoughts, a soft and tender heart towards God and His people, repentance or obedience. He must give me those good gifts. Otherwise, I experience the truth of my fallen depravity. My sin is all my own, utterly my own fault. Yet my obedience is not my own; it comes from another. On the last day it will be known to all that the only part I contributed to my salvation and sanctification was my sin. God is both the author and finisher of my faith, in charge from start to the end of my days on earth, and only He will get the glory.

Insight: "Jesus Christ is more endeared to the soul; all boasting is effectually excluded, and the Glory of... free salvation is ascribed to him alone." (John Newton)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato

Topic: +DEV+ To Live Is Christ
To Live Is Christ
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

We all know that it is not natural to want to die. In fact, we rush to the aid of people who want to kill themselves because we know that something is seriously wrong. We all know we are going to die, and yet we will exhaust every effort to deny and fight this great enemy. In kindness, God assigns suffering and sin to our earthly lives. They reconcile us to thoughts of what is inevitable because, for the believer, to die is to be in God's presence at last.

Our sin sweetens thoughts of death for ourselves and those we love who die in Christ. Just think about that as you read Paul's words, "to die is gain." Can you fathom what it will be like to enjoy God without anger, bitter thoughts, pride, selfishness- all those sins which once overwhelmed you? Fear is replaced by wonder when we imagine the glorious things that are prepared for us and the outrageous joy of bowing at the feet of our dearest Friend and Savior, singing and shouting "thank you" for all eternity. We'll be free from sin at last, resting in the arms of our truest Friend.

Insight: "Happy christian! His toils and sufferings will soon end; ...he who has loved and redeemed him will welcome him." (John Newton)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: January 24, 2013 1:16 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Be Earthly Good & Heavenly Minded
Be Earthly Good & Heavenly Minded

"...we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)
Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:1-4

God loves it when I long for heaven and can't wait to be with Him. This does not come naturally to me at all. My mind and time are consumed with earthliness, rooted to people, things, desires, fears, goals. My "to do" list dominates and determines how I approach the day. Habitually dazzled by creation and all that it offers and requires, I forget the Creator and His promise that I will be with Him and be like Him. Frankly, the thought of worshiping God all day every day can seem quite boring...until I sin again!

When I fall once more, I long for the day when I will be able to enjoy my Creator without this heap of sin which clings to me, follows me, weighs me down and blinds me to His glory. Here on earth, I cannot escape this twisted fallen-ness. But,
oh, the joy that is in store for me! One day, with unveiled eyes, and not a single thought for myself and my own glory, I will see His face and be like Him. And then the real party will begin.

Insight: "They shall not always be as they are: a little while and they shall be freed from this vile body, which... must be entirely taken down." (John Newton)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: January 21, 2013 11:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Cherishing a Champion
Cherishing a Champion
"Since we have a great high priest... Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess...Let us approach the throne of grace... so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14, 16)
Scripture Focus: Romans 8:31-39

I tend to cherish what I desperately require to survive: food, shelter, clothing. Unless I feel a great need for something, it will exist at the periphery of my life, barely claiming my attention. I relegate Jesus Christ to that place on a regular basis; it doesn't seem like I need Him all that much when life is going well. I don't think of Him much or speak to Him often. Then I sin again, or I see a new sin I never noticed before. Suddenly, my Savior takes center stage once again, and I realize afresh that He is my only hope in life and death.

My sin drives me to my knees in worship and adoration: I realize that I desperately need the blood of this Savior to atone for me. I must have His perfect goodness credited to me or I will not survive.

Throughout history we've held high all kinds of champions. God loves it when I cherish His Son. Every day, my sin shows me my urgent need for this wonderful Champion who died my death and lives forever to plead for me. As I see that truth anew, it takes my breath away.

Insight: "On my worst days of sin and failure, the Gospel encourages me With God's relentless Grace toward me." (Milton Vincent)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."

Date: January 17, 2013 10:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+ For All the Wrong Reasons
For All the Wrong Reasons

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 139

Hating your sin seems like a good thing. God hates sin, so you should as well. However, I have many very sinful reasons for hating my sin. Sin embarrasses me, so I work hard to get rid of the sins which make me look bad to others, while ignoring or cherishing those which no one else sees. If I were in charge of my own sanctification, I would wipe out all the sins that make me appear weak but continue to enjoy the quiet, deadly sins I love. Thank heaven God loves me too much to put me in charge!

My sin humbles me, reminding me that I am utterly incapable of obedience without a fresh act of the Holy Spirit each and every time. My ongoing struggle with a depraved heart makes me completely dependent on God for growth. There is, perhaps, no other way to get humility than by learning I have no power to change myself. God loves it when I see my desperate need for the life and death of His Son, and when I see that apart from Christ, I can indeed do nothing at all.

Insight: "I am more sinful than I ever imagined, and more loved than I ever dared to hope." (C.J. Miller)

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

Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."