Author Archives: lrbartel

Dec 31 2018
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Devos

What is your favorite meal of the day – the meal you would just not do without?

Breakfast lunch dinnerMost people have a meal that they just would not do without… For me, it’s breakfast. And there are breakfasts… and then there are BREAKFASTS!! I’m an ol’ farm boy and I can tell you what I consider to be BREAKFAST! … A couple of eggs, some raisin toast, sausage and hash browns – or perhaps some good “scratch” biscuits and sausage gravy… But as an ordinary daily breakfast I’ll take a half a bagel, a little yogurt, and some juice. And of course, for all breakfasts, a cup of good coffee! I look forward to starting my day with breakfast!
 
But I’m with Job on the subject of spiritual “necessary food!” Here’s what he said… “I have esteemed the words of Your mouth more than my necessary food!” (Job 23:12)
 
Job probably never had a written Bible – only the recollection of God’s precious direct communication with him – that was his “necessary food.” On the other hand, I look forward to time spent with the Lord daily in His word, the Bible, along with reflection, prayer, and worship… and a good cup of coffee. That’s my “necessary food!” I do it early in the morning and I call it “coffee with the Lord!” For me it’s the spiritual equivalent of a good breakfast! If for some reason that special time with the Lord is interrupted, preempted, or neglected, something really important is missing in my day!
 
So today… the last day of the year, December 31, 2018, I’m up early having my “necessary food” – time spent in worship, prayer, Bible reading, reflection and journaling. I’ll finish reading the Bible through one more time (I’ve done it every year since I was 18 – now I’m 71)… Hey, His word, the Bible, is my spiritual “necessary food!”
 
I don’t know when you’re favorite time will be to do it – for me it’s early in the morning – but my recommendation is, for the good of your spiritual health in the upcoming year, establish a time you dedicate to God, His word, worship, prayer and reflection, and prioritize it daily… You won’t regret it!!!
Dec 30 2018
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Devos

Out of this world… Awesome!!!

Ever imagined what the Bible calls “the New Jerusalem” – the capital city of “Heaven” – must look like? Based upon what the Bible tells us in Revelation 21-22 what words come to mind?

This morning, after reading those two chapters in the Bible at the end of 2018 and at the brink of a New year, I did just that! What words would you use to describe our “eternal home” – our “forever place?” Why don’t you read those chapters over and see what words you come up with to describe it… Here’s my feeble attempt…

Like nothing you’ve ever seen or experienced before!

Humongous!

Jaw-dropping gorgeous!

God, there in all His glory!

It’s the “city that never sleeps” (in a good, glorious, and righteous way!)

“Squeaky clean!” – Pure and righteous!

Flourishing and fruitful!

Hey, don’t feel bad if you’re struggling to find words! I’m still searching for the right words in my limited vocabulary to describe the eternal home of those who trust and reverence the Lord – followers of Jesus!

But it’s more than a dream – its more than simply John’s (and our) active imagination! It’s real!!! Here’s what God Himself said – the One seated on Heaven’s throne… “Behold, I am making ALL THINGS NEW! Write it down! THESE WORDS ARE TRUSTORTHY AND TRUE! IT IS DONE!!! [i.e. You can depend on it! It’s a good as done!] (Revelation 21:5-6)

Hey, there’s a lot of things you could do at the end of 2018 and the beginning of a New Year… Why not spend some time reflecting on Heaven and what it will be like if you’re a follower of Jesus? And if you’re not following Him – The beginning of New Year would be a great time to put your trust in Him as your Savior and let Him make “ALL THINGS NEW” as you journey through this old world, with all it’s sin and suffering, toward Heaven!

Dec 26 2018
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Devos

My theme verse for 2019… “Run the race with patience!”

Run the race - Hebrews 12[1

Those who know me well, know one of my favorite quips as a distance runner is, “I’m not fast, just stubborn!” In successful long distance running patience or persistence is more important than speed. My definition of patience? … sustained intensity! Brings to mind, the tale of “the tortoise and the hare” doesn’t it? The tortoise won the race over the hare on persistence!

It’s the same way with the Christian life – Living for the Lord is a lifelong journey! The race we run is a lifelong marathon, not a 50 yard sprint. That’s the reason the writer of Hebrews urged those who were facing trials, persecution and temptation… “Let us run with endurance [or patience] the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God… Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (From Hebrews 12:1-3)

Jesus is like the perfect life-coach! He completed the most grueling of lifelong races – from heaven, to birth in Bethlehem, then he lived a sinless life, on to the cross, the grave, the resurrection and back to heaven again! He modeled how to begin and finish successfully. The coaching, the encouragement, the instruction he provides is unsurpassed! He knows what He’s talking about! In the parlance of those who have run a few marathons… “He’s been there, done that, and got the tee shirt!” in fact they’ve named the race after Him!

2019 is just ahead… I’m making Hebrews 12:1-3 theme verse this year! I think it will serve me well… think about it, you may want to consider making it your theme verse as well.

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