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Do We Have Someone On Call Waiting?

7/27/2011

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Hello,
 
With caller ID and voice mail, sometimes we know who called us and what they want to talk to us about.  But before caller ID and voice mail we had no idea who was on the line so we always answered the call when ever possible. 
 
Are we listening to God’s call and understanding what he wants, and what He has called us to be.  Because, this matter of what we are to be, must precede anything we are to do.  From time to time we hear someone say the Church is living so much below the level God has intended for her.  Matthew 22:14 says “For many are called but few are chosen”.  Let's take the call so you can be chosen, and then be what He wants us to be.
 
But what will we become, if we accept the call?  In writing to churches which God had helped Paul start or edify, Paul addresses the believers as "saints."  Those in Rome, Paul addressed as "…beloved of God, called to be saints" (Rom. 1:7). To the church in Corinth he wrote "to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints" (1 Cor. 1:2), and writing again he addresses them as well as all those in Achaia as "saints" (2 Cor. 1:1). Paul writes "To the saints which are at Ephesus" (Eph.1:1) and "To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi" (Phil. 1:1) and "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse" (Col. 1:2).
 
In these passages, as well as throughout Revelation, the word saints is always used in the plural, and never refers to an individual.   Now concerning the subject of God's calling, Paul expresses his hearts passion: "I press toward [am in earnest pursuit of] the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). To Timothy, Paul wrote of it as a "holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Tim. 1:9). To the Thessalonians Paul "exhorted and comforted and charged every one of [them] as a father doth his children, that [they] would walk worthy of God, who hath called [them]unto His kingdom and glory" (1 Thes. 2:11-12).  The writer of Hebrews speaks of it as a "heavenly calling"  (Heb. 3:1).
 
So, like it or not, if you and I belong to Christ, we are called to be saints.  It is a high calling, a holy calling, a heavenly calling; not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, in Christ Himself.  In Paul's day, the Church, "the saints", turned the world upside down.  What would happen today, if we did not shrink back from this call, but accepted it, and allowed Him to help us live it?  Do you have Him on call waiting?  A hurting world is waiting for us to answer.
 
Have a wonderful day, let Christ bless you, and always remember that you are loved!!!      
 
Henry
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Don't Blame My Hands

7/25/2011

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Good Morning,
 
"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
 
A pastor discovered that the clock at the back of the sanctuary was unable to keep the correct time. Repeatedly he set the hands to the appropriate hour and minute only to find by the next week that it was either too fast or too slow. Finally he gave up and hung a sign above the clock that read, "Don't blame my hands. The trouble lies deeper." 
 
That is where the trouble lies with man when he does wrong.  He can blame his environment, his education, or even his parents, but the real trouble lies deep within his own heart. Our human nature God has blessed us with, is not the problem; just like the hands on the clock were not to be blamed.  Jesus said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" (Matt. 15:19).
 
Fortunately, God has provided a solution for that heart problem?  A heart yielded to Jesus, will be repaired.
 
God bless you and remember that you are loved!!! 

Henry
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In His Presence

7/23/2011

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Good Morning,
 
As you end your work-week, has this one been a real struggle?  Have you been wrestling or nestling?  When we are totally submitted to Him, and are abiding in Him, some things just come naturally.  Things, such as, gladness of heart, happiness, and the lack of pain and misery, in the spiritual sense.  The following is from a lady who raised 19 children, and found the key to all of this in the presence of Jesus.
 
"He is so infinitely blessed, that every perception of His blissful presence imparts a vital gladness to the heart. Every degree of approach to Him is, in the same proportion, a degree of happiness. And I often think that were He always present to our mind, as we are present to Him, there would be no pain, nor sense of misery."
SUSANNA WESLEY
 
"There is a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
a peace it cannot take away.
Tho' the trails of life may surround like a cloud,
I've a peace that has come there to stay!
 
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine.
Constantly abiding, rapture divine!
He never leaves me lonely; whispers, oh, so kind:
"I will never leave thee."  Jesus is mine."
 
"Remain in Me, and I will remain in you."  John 15:4a
 
God bless you today, and never forget that you are loved!!!

Henry
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Responsible for the Present

7/20/2011

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Good Morning,
 
In conversation with a dear friend this week, he shared with me his need to get back to the Lord.  He had drifted from where he was at one time, and missed that close fellowship with Jesus.  The joy of the salvation he once had was gone.  When one with a sincere heart repents, he can stand right with God today, leaving yesterday behind him, and not be worried about tomorrow.  If you happened to be in a similar situation to that of my friend, let me share with you a beautiful devotional I read this week.
 
LEVITICUS 9:4 "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."   Paul also quotes this Old Testament passage:  2 CORINTHIANS 6:2
 
Do not let your growth in holiness depend upon surrounding circumstances, but rather constrain those circumstances to minister to your growth. Beware of looking onward, or out of the present in any way, for the sanctification of your life. The only thing you can really control is the present--the actual moment that is passing by. Sanctify that from hour to hour, and you sanctify your whole life; but brood over the past, or project yourself into the future, and you will lose all. The little act of obedience, love, self-restraint, meekness, patience, devotion, offered to you actually, is all you can do now, and if you neglect that to fret about something else at a distance, you lose your real opportunity of serving God. A moment's silence, when some irritating words are said by another, may seem a very small thing; yet at that moment it is your one duty, your one way of serving and pleasing God, and if you break it, you have lost your opportunity.
 
H. L. SIDNEY LEAR
 
Trust Jesus this moment, and then live with Him moment by moment, standing on His word:   "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God---and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-."  1 Corinthians 1:30 
 
God bless you and have a Great Day.  Never forget that you are loved!!!

Henry
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My Arrest and Rescue

7/20/2011

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Good Morning,
 
It was during Christmas week that I was placed under arrest and dragged into Court.  I was a very small boy, in my fourteenth year.  I was caught in the act; there was no excuse; there seemed to be no help or hope.  I was guilty.  I was thrust into the prisoner’s dock.  The gate was slammed, and a big policeman leaned on the gate, and seemed to look at me with a degree of satisfaction at the thought that he had me and that I was sure of punishment.         

I felt utterly helpless.  I could not even weep.  I had wept all the tears out of my system.  I was dry and emotionless, except I was crushed to the very earth with a sense of my guilt and lostness.  The Judge sat in his big chair but I did not dare look at him.  I had no hope for mercy, and knew that justice would be my ruin.         

The Courtroom was packed with people.  As I crouched in the corner of the dock, they were gazing at me with looks of accusation which seemed to say, “Judge, give him the full benefit of the law and save society from further trouble.”  Finally the clerk announced the opening of the Court and my case came first.  The Judge asked the clerk if the boy had anyone to represent him.  “Represent” was a new word to me.  I supposed my representative was to be my executioner.  The clerk answered that I had no one.         

The Judge then said to a lawyer within the bar, “I appoint you to represent this boy.”  The lawyer rose up and walked slowly forward, picking his way among the chairs, approached the dock, pushed the policeman to one side, opened the gate and stepped inside the dock.         

I, withered with fear, crouched closely in one corner, and with eyes wide open with horror, gazed up at my lawyer.  He had a wonderful face; it was strong and calm, full of kindness and marvelous beauty.  I noticed a tear hanging on one eyelash.  That tear helped me wonderfully.  He sat down and slipped his arm around me.  It seemed that my very bones had dropped out of their sockets and I was scarcely breathing below my collar button.         

My attorney drew me up to him.  The pressure was so gentle, and yet so strong.  It seemed to restore and readjust my bones, relax my nerves, and I commenced to breath more deeply.  Stooping down, his silken beard brushed over my suntanned face, and placing his lips close to my ear, he said, “My little friend, are you guilty?”  I could not have lied to him if it had been to save my life.         

With trembling voice I answered, “Yes, sir, I am guilty of much, more than you know about.”         
“Well,” said he, “do you not think it will be best for us to confess judgment and throw you on the mercy of the Court?”          I did not know what it meant to be thrown on the mercy of the Court, but I felt sure that if he would throw me I would alight in the best place there was for me, and I at once answered in the affirmative.  My lawyer gave me a gentle pat on the head, and stood up facing the Judge.         

He said, “Please, your Honor, it has been my privilege to practice for many years in y our Honor’s Court, and I have been glad to notice that when the ends of justice can be secured, and society can be protected, it has been your Honor’s prerogative to show mercy.  I thank the Court for appointing me to plead in the interest of this little boy.  He confesses his guilt.  His heart is broken.  He is full of contrition.  He has been an orphan from his infancy and is dependent and moneyless and begs for compassion.         

I reached out of my soiled, lean fingers and caught hold of the skirt of my attorney’s coat.  I clung to him with the feeling that if I would hold on to him he would pull me out.  I thought his speech was finished but it was a mere introduction.  A deep stillness fell upon the great gathering and his mellow voice rose until it filed the room with a most marvelous appeal.  He spoke of orphan children, of their loneliness, of their unprotected condition, of the temptations to which they were subjected, of their desolation—like lambs without a shepherd, in a world full of hungry wolves seeking to destroy.           

He spoke until the harsh people softened, old men groaned aloud.  He spoke until the tears trickled down the policeman’s cheek, who, looking kindly at me, whispered to inquire if I did not want a drink of water.  I was too busy clinging to the coat tail of my attorney, gazing into his wonderful face, and listening to his marvelous words, to wand anything else.  I was breathing deep.  New life and hope were creeping into me.  I was falling desperately in love with my lawyer.         

My attorney said, “Please, your Honor, if you in the spirit of mercy, will dismiss the charge and set the lad free, I pledge myself to become his guardian, to see to it that he has a home and protection.  I will look after his education and I promise to give to society a good and useful citizen.”         

I could scarcely keep from crying aloud for joy.  It seemed my heart would burst within me for gratitude.  I felt that if they would let me place my ragged shoes on the bench upon which I sat, and throw my ragged coat sleeves around the neck of my attorney and kiss his cheek one time, they might take me out and hang me, and I would die shouting.         


 In the midst of his wonderful address, my attorney, instead of addressing the Judge as “Your Honor,” said, “My Father.”  This shot through me.  I saw that if the Judge had appointed his own son to plead for me, it was more than likely that he would heed his pleadings and show me mercy.         

Men were weeping all over the Courtroom.  I had both hands full of the skirts of the coat of my lawyer.  The policeman had laid aside his cap, had gotten out his handkerchief, and had buried his face in a flood of tears.  It was a powerful moment in my trial.  My attorney had reached his climax.         

He exclaimed, “My Father, this child for whom I plead is none other than my brother.”  I saw at once that if the Judge was the father of my attorney, and the attorney was my brother, then the Judge was my father, also.         

I could restrain myself no longer.  I gave a great cry of joy, leaped out of the dock, rushed up to the Judge’s stand and flung myself upon his bosom.  He embranced me with a long, tender pressure that seemed to make me through and through a new creature.          Folding me into his arms, he stood up and said, “Rejoice with me, for my son who was dead is alive, who was lost is found.”          The entire crowd in the Courtroom broke into tears and laughter.  The people embraced each other.  They all seemed to want to shake hands with me.  They congratulated my attorney, and we laughed, and wept, and shouted.          I hardly need tell you that the Courthouse was  Methodist Church, that the trial was an old-time revival, that the Word of God arrested me and brought me, convicted and guilty, to the bar of Justice; and the eternal Father was the Judge upon the throne, and that the Lord Jesus Christ undertook for me, broke my chains, swept away my guilt, and at the throne of the universe, secured for me a full and free forgiveness, a blessed and glorious pardon, and revealed the blessed fact that the great God—the Judge of all the world—was, and is, my Father in Heaven. 
 
H. C. Morrison
          Think not your sins are too many or too black.  “Come now….saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  (Isaiah 1:18)
Henry

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In Secret

7/18/2011

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Good Morning,
 
It amazes me how open our society has become to almost everything; living life out loud.  Time was when we wanted to know every detail of a celebraties' life.  Now Facebook is an example of how people share almost everything about their own personal life, and receive personal information about others, even what they had for breakfast.
 
It seems Jesus had something different to say about some matters; such as giving to the poor, praying to your Father, and fasting.  Do you have a secret life with Him?  Do you have a secret place for just you and your Lord?  Jesus speaks to us in Matthew 6:    
 
"But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
 
"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
 
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

 God bless you today, and always remember that you are loved!!!

Henry
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He Is Answering Prayer

7/15/2011

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Good Morning,
 
“I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered from His holy mountain.” -Psalm 3:4
 
The Word of God assures us that our Father hears our cries and responds. Remember that there is strength in just speaking His name. When we cry out to God, He may remove the problem immediately, yet we often have to wait for His perfect timing. Harsh circumstances might even be allowed to remain for His good purposes. But we can always count on His comfort and presence, which enable us to live with joy and hope.
 
Keep praying, God is moving!  Include the week-end services in your prayers, and never forget that you are loved!!!

Henry
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Rest We Can Only Find In Christ!

7/14/2011

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Good Morning,
 
Within Spring Mill State Park, I have a favorite spot.  There is a stream coming out of a cave and running down the hillside.  It is in heavy tree cover.  When no one is around except the Lord, and I'm there on the bank of that little creek, it seems no different than being deep in the Smokey Mountains.  It's for sure a place of quite rest.  In the middle of this work week, and in the business of family life, do you need rest.
 
In 24 hours the average adult accomplishes much: his heart beats 103,689 times, his blood travels 168 million miles, he breathes 23,040 times, he inhales 438 cubic feet of air, he eats 3 1/2 pounds of food and drinks 2.9 quarts of liquid, he speaks 4,800 words, he moves 750 muscles, his nails grow .000046 inch, and he exercises 7 million brain cells. It's no wonder we need rest!

When God established the laws governing the lives of the Israelite people, He built into their schedule a time for rest. Physically it enabled their bodies to recuperate. Then he said to them, "This is what the Lord has said: 'Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.'"  Spiritually it reminded them that their salvation was not complete. They needed a spiritual "rest" that would come only when the Messiah would take away their sins. The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that even though the Jewish people practiced Sabbath-keeping, the real "rest" was a future event. He declared, "For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Heb. 4:8-9).


In the New Testament the command to "remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy" is the only one of the Ten Commandments not repeated, and I have heard much discussion about why and why not.  The bottom line is that I know that I need physical rest and spiritual rest, as the Israelite people did, and that God wants to give me that rest.  The spiritual rest that the Old Testament saints looked forward to and which the Sabbath represented is now a reality. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).
 
If we are to have real rest, it must come for Jesus.  When we are fully trusting in Him, and only Him, we are not ringing our hands in stress, or laboring for salvation.  When tired from a labor of love for God's Kingdom, He will, from time to time, calls us aside to rest in Him.  Let me encourage you to find a little place of retreat, where you can only hear a small creek running down a hillside, and the still small voice of your Lord.
 
God bless you today, and remember that you are loved!!!

Henry
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Grand Love!

7/8/2011

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Hello,
 
At Dogwood, the church is definitely oriented toward the family.  And the role of a grandparent is part of that.  We've all heard the add:  "This is not your grandpa's Oldsmobile".  And that was followed by,  this is not your grandpa's this or that or the other.  Well, let me say, this is not your grandpa's generation.  Grandparents today are not the same as your grandparents.  Do you know that every day in the U.S. four thousand people become first-time grandparents, and their average age is forty-seven?  They are buying more and baking less, they are computing more and crocheting less.  Many have replaced their writing tables , where they composed their handwritten letters and post cards, with desk tops or lap tops, phone texting or twittering.  This "Baby-Boomer" generation has had a profound influence on our society throughout the years, and they should have a godly influence in the grand parenting years.
 
Think with me:  If the average first-time grandparent is forty-seven years old, he or she can expect to continue to be a grandparent for approximately thirty to forty years.  Think of the positive influence that these people can have on their extended family, whether they live in the same house, down the street or across the country.  If God has blessed the grandkids with wonderful parents, who are their primary teachers and coaches, that's great.  But the grandparent is given the task of showing them that a lifetime of faith can really carry a person through to the end and ultimately enable one to finish the race strong and well.  Grandma and Grandpa, let them see that Christ is first in your life; that you are abiding in Him, step by step, moment by moment, and day by day.  Convey that message to them by every technique you have available. 
 
Let's you and me ask ourselves:  What kind of spiritual inheritance am I passing on to my grandchildren?  What will be my spiritual legacy to them?  What difference am I really giving to them?  Grandparenthood is not just another phase of life that you fall into; it truly is a sacred calling!
 
"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy majesty, and thy wondrous works.  And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.  They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness."  Psalm 145:4-7
 
 God bless all you grandparents and all you grandparent "wanabes", and remember that you are loved!!!

Henry
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Good Manners

7/7/2011

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Good Morning,
 
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (I Cor. 15:33).

Work that we do with our children, developing good character, can be undone so quickly by bad company.  If you see a spirit of discontent, disrespect, rebellion, etc., this may all be lumped into "bad attitude" in your children, look at a typical day to see if you can spot some of their “bad company.” These can be Christian or non-Christian children or adults, siblings, a television show, books, or video games.

Eliminate media that is negatively influencing your child; it is not worth the money you paid for it. Work with the child's siblings to create better character in them, and closely supervise their time spent together. Adjust or discontinue time spent with other individuals, closely supervising relations.

Never underestimate the possibility of other people or things negatively influencing your children. It's more difficult if the bad influence is coming from a family member or highway billboards, but it's another if you encourage and promote it on a regular basis. Deal with these “evil communications” as soon as possible, and when you do, think eternally, not temporally.
 
Though this is advice to parents of younger children and early teens, it is relevant to all of us.  Throughout my years in the workplace, I saw many times, the person with a "good attitude" getting the promotions, advances, and good job performance ratings, though they may not have truly been the most productive worker.  Many times a smarter individual, a more productive worker with a "bad attitude" would be passed over.  These attitudes in adults, in you and I, are developed in the same way as within the child.  As usual, God's word has great advice for us all.
 
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night."   Psalm 1:1-2
 
May God bless you today, and always remember that you are loved!!!

Henry
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    Henry Deaton

    Henry D. is from Southern Indiana and writes these wonderful daily devotionals to encourage those at the Dogwood Community Church located in Paoli, Indiana.  Henry has graciously agreed to share these wonderful devotionals here at Without Excuse Ministries to encourage you our valued guest!

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