Author Archives: lrbartel

Nov 06 2018
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Devos

My “two bits” on election day 2018

Vote your values

Just a reminder… If Joseph could wield significant righteous influence in Egypt… If Daniel (and his Hebrew colleagues) could make an impact in Babylon… And the ancient church and the apostles could live righteous lives in ancient Rome, exhibiting faith, hope, and love in the power of the Holy Spirit… SO CAN WE regardless of who is elected!!! Let’s do it!!! Get out and vote Biblical values and righteous principles… but remember, the final outcome and the present impact of the the Gospel in our nation and culture does not depend on who is in office… It depends on God and His faithful, fearless, people empowered by the Holy Spirit. I just felt that needed to be said!

Nov 01 2018
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Devos

It’s the day after “Trick or Treating” – and you may have observed it… It’s possible to get too much sweet!

I don’t know if you’ve experienced it or not… I have! A little sweet is delicious… but eating too much can make you feel sick! I know of individuals who simply love chocolate, but who have eaten too much and gorged themselves with it. If you offered them another piece after eating too much, they’d wrinkle up their face and refuse you.

That’s why the Bible says this…

“It is not good to each too much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.” (Proverbs 25:27)

You’ve seen it happen… Talented people, capable people, people with great skill and ability – who seem to insatiably crave complements, affirmation and approval. People recognize their abilities and give them plenty of complements and affirmation. But they want more! There is a defect in their personality that simply craves more attention, affirmation and continual praise. They are not simply satisfied with “their fair share” of complements and praise – they seek more! In the words of this proverb, “they seek their own glory!” Frankly, it’s sickening… sickening to those around them; and honestly, I think, eventually sickening to them (and it ceases to satisfy)!

Hey, there is only One who deserves the glory! We should seek to honor Him – God! He is worthy of all praise! He is the one who gives gifts, abilities, and skill! When He is honored, we’ll receive all the affirmation we need! We won’t have to make fools of ourselves “fishing for complements!” We’ll receive all the appreciation and glory that’s appropriate! And it won’t turn other people off and leave us with an empty feeling inside! God will be glorified; and we’ll be healthy, well-adjusted, and God-honoring examples of humanity!

Listen, I want to exhibit excellence in all I do! And if any compliments come my way, I want my finger pointed upward in praise! I think I’ll be a happier human being! Like the proverb says, too much “sweet” can get to you after awhile!

Oct 30 2018
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Devos

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Help with God-honoring decisions!

Decisions.jpgDecisions, decisions, decisions! Some of them pretty easy to make – others though are tough to make! For an authentic Christ-follower, the desire is to make the right decision – the God-honoring, Christ-exalting, Bible obeying decision! Sometimes the choice is clear (but still difficult for us) – at other times the choices are not so clear and Godly direction is needed…
 
We have a promise! I read it this morning in the English Standard Version of the Bible… it goes like this:
 
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8 ESV)
 
But I’ve got to tell you I really like the old Living Bible paraphrase of that passage! It really resonates with me! I hope it is a blessing to you as well…
 
“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; he will not resent it. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.” (James 1:5-8 Living Bible)
 
Got a decision you need to make? God will help you to make one that honors Him and is in keeping with His will! It’s a promise!
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