Gold or Wisdom

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July 31, 2013

"Gold or Wisdom"

Scripture Reading:    

Proverbs 16:16 (HCSBO)  Acquire wisdom—how much better it is than gold!  And acquire understanding—it is preferable to silver.

 

Devotion And Meditation:

Solomon when asked what it is that he desired most, asked for wisdom. Oh the benefits of being wise. Wisdom is something that is internal that will have an external effect. Yes, we sometimes think that money is what we could use to solve all our problems. Scripture states that we should not store up our riches (external things) on this side because nothing will compare to all the riches that we will have in heaven. No earthly amount of gold or silver can out weigh the benefits of having wisdom and understanding.   Our God looks for the internal and the eternal in everything. The internal is our heart and the eternal is our eternal life.  Why should we want anything less?  Lord thank you for providing me with wisdom and understanding to discern what things will affect me eternally. Please continue to remind me that no earthly treasure can compare to what I can expect in my eternal home in heaven with you. Lord help me to keep my priority as YOU!

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Leftovers

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July 30, 2013

"Not Just Leftovers"

Scripture Reading:    

2 Samuel 24:24 (HCSBO)  "...No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost [me] nothing..."

 

Devotion And Meditation:

Hard work makes you sweat.  Notice, when Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden they had to "sweat to earn a living"  Farmers sweat to turn their crops into cash, the same as bricklayers on a construction site or an executive writing a report in a high rise office suite.  You tend to value what you have to work for - and God values your efforts as well.  That's why when David had a chance to offer God a sacrifice he said, "No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost [me] nothing..."   Whether you do it figuratively or literally, you sweat to earn a living.  And you'll also do the same when you're committed to worshiping God.  This doesn't necessarily mean praising Him loudly; it is good at the proper time.  But in depth worship goes far beyond that.  The word worship comes from the Anglo-Saxon word, "worth-ship," which is "the act of ascribing worth or value to a person or object."  In the New Testament worship encompasses service, adoration, reverence, humility, love, and giving.  For example, tithes and offerings are part of worship when you give God the first portion of your earnings.  It's another way of honoring Him with the fruits of your time and energy.  When you sacrifice sleep to get up early and spend time with God, you're also doing something that costs you.  And when you inconvenience yourself to help somebody in need, you're offering God something of real worth.  So examine your heart today and make sure you're offering Him something of value, and not just your leftovers.

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

True Reward

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July 29, 2013

"True Reward"

Scripture Reading:    

Luke 17:7-10 (HCSBO)  “Which one of you having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? Instead, will he not tell him, 'Prepare something for me to eat, get ready, and serve me while I eat and drink; later you can eat and drink'? Does he thank that slave because he did what was commanded?  In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, 'We are good-for-nothing slaves; we've only done our duty

 

Devotion And Meditation:

Honestly, if we carefully and truly examined our hearts, we would find that at some point or another, even if we never declared it with our mouths, we were caught having this attitude: “Lord, I’ve done what You told me to do.  I was obedient THIS TIME.  I didn’t mess it up THIS TIME.  So, where is my reward?”  That occasionally may work with people, but it doesn’t fly with the Father.  Though we are children of the Most High, we must always remember that we are SERVANTS.  Yes, we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, but we must never forget that we are STILL servants.  Instead of the attitude above, we should display the attitude of, “Lord, I’ve done what You commanded me to do.  Through Your strength alone, I was obedient THIS TIME.  Now, how can I serve You more?”  Understand that obedience to God does not make Him indebted to us.  And even if it did, understand that our TRUE reward is not found in material possessions or fleeting desires of the heart. Rather, the privilege of serving Him is our TRUE reward.  Amen and Amen. Lord, I ask for your forgiveness for any time I've displayed an attitude as if You were indebted to me.  Thank you for the awesome privilege of serving you.

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Spiritual Compass

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July 18, 2013

"Spiritual Compass"

Scripture Reading:    

Genesis 22:4 (HCSBO)  On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.

 

Devotion And Meditation:

Imagine God sending Abraham to a place "which I will tell thee of"   Women tend to understand this better than men. When I ask my wife what she's shopping for, she'll sometimes say, "I'm not sure, but I'll know it when I see it!" There are things you know, that you can't explain. Listen, "you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. " ( 1 John 2:20).  There's nothing like the moment you see what you've been looking for, the bell rings and the spiritual compass within you registers, "This is it!"  When you're at sea, all waters look alike. That's when you need a compass. Either you have one or you don't. When you see somebody who gets excited about things that aren't there, watch them! Either they didn't take their medication that morning, or they see what you don't!  Because they can get excited about the invisible, these people usually end up doing the impossible. Why? Because they've learned to follow their spiritual compass!  David defeated Goliath because he was the only man who had the faith to do it. He knew this was a life-changing moment. If he missed it, he'd go back to tending sheep! When your moment comes, rise up and say, "This giant is mine," no matter how many others are running away from him. God has given you a spiritual compass - learn to use it!

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Dispel Discouragment

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July 17, 2013

"Dispel Discouragement"

Scripture Reading:    

Psalm 27:14 (HCSBO)  Wait for the LORD; be courageous and let your heart be strong.  Wait for the LORD.

 

Devotion And Meditation:

The root of discouragement is unbelief.  Perhaps you are discouraged because you think you aren’t making enough money (and you aren’t convinced God can supply your needs).  Or you are frustrated in your job (and you refuse to believe God can help you to be content).  Or maybe you are worried about health problems (and you don’t even stop to consider that your health is in God’s hands). Discouragement is a large cloud that, like all clouds, obscures the warmth and joy of the sun.  In the case of spiritual discouragement the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, is eclipsed in our lives.  Discouragement blinds our eyes to the mercy of God and makes us perceive only the unfavorable circumstances.  There is only one way to dispel discouragement, and it is not on our own strength or ingenuity.  It is to turn in faith to God, believing that He loves us and is in control of the future.  The Bible says, “Wait on the Lord…and He shall strengthen your heart.” 

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Even in the Night

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July 16, 2013

"Even in the Night"

Scripture Reading:    

Psalm 139:7,12 (HCSBO)  Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?  ...even the darkness is not dark to You.  The night shines like the day;  darkness and light are alike to You.

 

Devotion And Meditation:

There are times when there’s darkness all around us.  There are times when we look around and we can not see the Lord anywhere around even though we know He was JUST right there.  We become afraid.  It’s during those times that I rest assured in knowing that even when I can not see Him, He knows exactly where I am at all times.  I am thankful that in loving-kindness He comes to my rescue when I call Him.  He holds me in His arms and gives me comfort when I can not see what’s around me.  He never leaves me nor forsakes me.  I am thankful He watches over me in the night.  Lord, thank You that you forever guide me.  When I can not see my way and when I do not understand why it seems like I can not find You, You are ever with me.  Thank You that it’s during those times that I learn to trust Your Spirit within me even more.  Thank You that I do not have to be afraid.

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Mature Discipleship

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July 15, 2013

"Mature Discipleship"

Scripture Reading:    

Isaiah 40:8 (HCSBO)  The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever."

 

Devotion And Meditation:

Successfully facing and dealing with specific problems is only the beginning of living a Godly life.  Focus must remain on God's standards for continuing toward Christ-Likeness.  Accordingly, one must evaluate the whole of one's life constantly conforming to God's standards............not our own.  God's standards are always consistent and are never subject to the whim of the moment.  They are the same for all individuals, in all cultures, and at all age levels, regardless of personality or background.  Keeping God's commandments, having reverence and awe of God, is the key to fruitfulness.  God's plan for you are for your benefit and have as their goal your maturity in Christ.  If you keep God's commandments, He will bless you; otherwise, you will be subject to discipline !  God's standards are not burdensome for He will strengthen, uphold, and keep you from stumbling as you walk in His ways, cooperating with the changes He is accomplishing in your life.  Put - Off deeds of darkness, put-on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for fleshly lusts.  Put on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil. Establish and maintain biblical standards that will encourage you and your children toward Godliness.  Identify Godly traits that need to be developed along with corresponding biblical responsibilities and activities, which will demonstrate Christ likeness.

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Fight Against the Pain

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July 11, 2013

"Fight Against the Pain"

Scripture Reading:    

Philippians 2:17-18 (Message)  Even if I am executed here and now, I’ll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ’s altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout’s fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don’t feel sorry for me.

 

Devotion And Meditation:

When you can laugh in spite of your circumstances, it shows that the world is not the source of your security;and temporal situations don't control your joy.

Paul said, "Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering...I am glad and rejoice...so you too should be glad and rejoice with me" . Can you do that?

Listen to these words, "Some Christians can't enjoy a meal because the world is starving, or thank God for their clothes because the world is naked, or smile because the world is sad. They can't spend an evening at home because they feel they ought to be out saving souls, or an hour with an unsaved loved one without feeling guilty that they haven't preached a sermon or manifested a 'sober Christian spirit.' They know nothing of balance, and they're miserable because of it. They have little motivation to bring people to Christ, because that would make others as miserable as they themselves feel. They think The Gospel is 'good news' until you obey it, then it becomes an endless guilt-trip. There are leisure centers, sports centers, diet centers, entertainment centers and guilt centers. The last group is called churches! The endless harping on the string of guilt is part of the reason for all this gloom and uncertainty."  There comes a time when we have to allow the Spirit of the Lord to permeate every fiber of our being.  We need to submit to His authority.  Without it, we get caught up in Spiritual warfare.  The problem is we are entering battle without Him.  This will always lead to doom, despair, disappointment, depression and defeat.  "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33.  If the devil can, he will.  If our focus shifts from Jesus to anything else, than we allow the devil to "can".  Put your eyes back on Jesus, not on pity, situations, anguish, pain, suffering, strife, stuff or things.....JESUS!

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Give the Gift

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July 10, 2013

"Give the Gift to Others"

Scripture Reading:    

Ephesians 2:8-10 (HCSBO)  For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation—created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

 

Devotion And Meditation:

All man has to do is believe what Jesus did for him on the cross.  We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.  Man cannot earn, merit, or win salvation!  He is to believe, confess, repent, and by faith receive the gift of God's grace.  His belief places his spirit in union with God's Spirit, and he is empowered to do good works, to bear the fruit of his new nature.  Sounds pretty basic to me.  We have an awesome, gift bearing God, who loves each and every one of us.  We are not deserving of His grace, but He give generously.  Make it a priority today to "give," give to others...........make it a gift, that could be eternally everlasting!

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Recognized by Fruit

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July 9, 2013

"Recognized by Fruit"

Scripture Reading:    

Matthew 12:33-37 (HCSBO)  "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil.  I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

 

Devotion And Meditation:

How truer could these words of Christ convict all of us !!  We all know people who are and act evil, and we even know confessed "fair-weather" Christians who when you see them at church, they are prim and proper, without a hint of unholiness, but after back into the home or work environment, their words and actions do not represent our Lord and Savior.  We are the sum of what we encountered in life and our reactions to life.  Being conditioned by life's experiences, we are pruned to react to life impulsively and instinctively rather than to respond on the basis of considered judgment.  Man's words and manner of speech reveal his inner life, where his focus is, and who and what determines his peace and joy.  I challenge each of you to examine yourselves daily, check the overflow valve of your heart and see if your fruit is good or bad.  If you find you are concerned about the fruit that is bearing in your life, begin to let God begin to make some changes.  Just as a we prune trees to make them stronger and healthier, we must do some "pruning" for ourselves to be a stronger and healthier person.

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Still More

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July 8, 2013

"Still More"

Scripture Reading:    

Romans 8:26-28 (HCSBO) In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.  And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose

 

Devotion And Meditation:

Did you hear about the little boy who complained to his grandmother that things were bad? He was in trouble at school, his dad forgot his allowance and his best friend went fishing without him. His grandmother, who was baking a cake at the time, listened patiently, then asked him if he'd like a snack. "Sure," he replied. So she said, "Here, have some cooking oil." "No way!" he said. "Well, how about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross!" he exclaimed. "What about some baking soda?" she asked. "Grandma, those are all yucky!" he said. "Yes," she replied. "On their own, all of them seem pretty bad, but when you put them together, they make a great cake!"

Sometimes you ask God for one thing and He gives you another, because, while you think you know what you want, He knows what you really need. The truth is, God knows more about what you need than you do. Listen, "He knows us far better than we know ourselves... That's why we can be so sure that every detail of our lives...is worked into something good".  Did you hear that? Everything that comes your way today will have His fingerprints on it, and be designed for your good!  Open your eyes and your eyes the Lord gave you and look, listen and be Still!  You can't afford not to be still...Have more of Him in your life.

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Onward and Upward

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July 5, 2013

"Onward and Upward"

Scripture Reading:    

Jeremiah 31:33 (HCSBO)   "Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days"-- the LORD's declaration. "I will place My law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people.

 

Devotion And Meditation:

Sometimes I get the impression that when we ask God to bless us, we forget the full definition of a blessing. We forget that God doesn’t want us to be culd-e-sac Christians where all of our blessings end with us. God wants us to be conduit Christians where all of our blessings extend through us to others.  For example, when God blessed Abraham in the Old Testament, we read that He said, “Indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”  God said that He was not only going to bring His favor on Abraham but that His favor on Abraham would extend out to be a blessing on others as well. God never designs our blessings to stop with us, but our blessings should always extend to others.

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20

Lose to Save

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July 4, 2013

"Lose to Save"

Scripture Reading:    

Matthew 16:25 (HCSBO)  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it.

 

Devotion And Meditation:

So many of our Savior's teachings seem paradoxical on the surface, but underneath they are brilliantly true.  How can life be saved by losing it?  How can life be lost by striving to keep it ?  These deepest truths are proved out, not in the classroom or the lecture hall, but in the very minutes, hours and days of our lives...no not the soap opera (Roman Brady has nothing to do with this!).  A missionary doctor was killed in the second world war, leaving behind a young widow who was shattered.  Departing India to return home, she boarded a ship not wanting to live herself.  She spoke to no one on the journey, and stayed alone as much as possible.  Also on board the ship was a boy whose missionary parents had been killed in Burma.  He too, was returning home alone.  The boy approached her one day and said, "You know we are the only two people on this ship who speak English.  Maybe we could be friends."  The widow was too absorbed in grief to respond.  They parted in silence.  But that night, the ship was torpedoed, and began to sink.  The widow felt no fear, only relief.  She did not fight death but welcomed it.  In the chaos of the hour, she saw the boy alone, clinging to the rail and weeping.  In pity, she put her arms around him and held him close as the ship went down.  Two days later they were rescued from the South Atlantic, and rescuers said they could not tell who had saved whom!  Are you able to give up, give in, let go and Let God!  Jesus is waiting to afford you an Independence Day filled with the Fireworks from God and a Divine welcome into His Kingdom.  Are you ready?  Let go of the rail, stop hanging on to existence and embrace Jesus Christ as you walk into Life.  Let go and Let God-Friend resolve today to put more of Jesus in your life and less of yourself!

 

 

Win or lose, I want to make sure that I make God's name great

Pastor Ben J Lahay 
Galatians 2:20