Author Archives: lrbartel

Jul 14 2016
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Devos

“I have decided to follow Jesus!” … Great “out of this world” benefits – but you need to count the cost!”

The Cost of DiscipleshipSalvation is free – it cannot be earned! The benefits of receiving it and following Jesus are “out of this world!” But somewhere along the way the “cost of discipleship” has to be faced!…
 
Jesus’ message had won a large following! They heard what He had to say, they liked it, it was interesting, and it intrigued them. His miracles were wonderful to behold – He fed multitudes on just a few fish and loaves of bread; demonic power departed the bound and deranged with a brief command; and the blind, the lame, the deaf and the diseased, were healed in a moment by His power! What’s not to like about that! It attracts a crowd – a BIG crowd of self-seeking sensation seekers…
 
But He realized it was time to address the issue of the cost of following Him! Here’s what the Bible says…
 
“A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, ‘If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple! And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. Don’t begin until you count the cost! … You cannot become my disciple without renouncing everything you own!’” (From Luke 14:25–33 New Living Translation)
 
How does the old Gospel “discipleship song” express it? “I have decided to follow Jesus! I have decided to follow Jesus! No turning back – no turning back!” The benefits are “out of this world” – but it will cost me everything! … I’ve been doing it now for over 60 years… Believe me, it’s worth it!
Jul 13 2016
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Devos

God’s Word… Filled with practical advice and spiritual principles. And we need BOTH!

The Bible is filled with all kinds of good stuff! … Not just “spiritual stuff” – practical stuff too! This morning I read one of the teachings of Jesus that fits that pattern. You could call it just plain old “courtesy” (or a lesson in “etiquette”) On the other hand, it is a fundamental “spiritual” principle!
 
Here it is straight out of the Bible…
 
“When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: ‘When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’” (From Luke 14:7–11 NLT)
 
Now that just makes sense as an act or common courtesy… But it’s more than that! Here is what the Bible says elsewhere about this as a “spiritual” principle…
 
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” and “Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you!” (James 4:6, 10).
 
Lord, always help me to live by both principles: The one that expresses common courtesy and the other that is a fundamental spiritual law! Gotta tell you, I need “God’s grace” and I need it badly!
Jul 11 2016
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Devos

The Bible – truth so amazing (and essential) it’s captivating!

Close-up of a young woman eating strawberry yoghurt with a spoon

Sometimes something so special happens to you that you just can’t get it out of your mind! You find yourself thinking about it almost continually throughout the day. You turn it over and over in your mind like a succulent morsel of food or a delicious piece of candy. It’s so exceptional you can’t forget it!
At other times, what occupies your mind is more deliberate… It’s something very important that you can’t afford to forget it. You discipline your mind, activate your memory, utilize repetition and identify associations that help you keep it in focus. You may even write it to down to help you recall it. It’s really important information!
I discovered that both of these instances are true at various times with God’s word, the Bible!
Here’s the way the Psalmist put it in Psalm 119…
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day! Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation… I hold back my feet from ever evil way, in order to keep your word… How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way!” (From Psalm 119:97-104 ESV)
Both are true about God’s word – the Spiritually delicious morsel of truth and the absolutely essential information needed for life! Praise the Lord – I’ve got both in the Bible! And so do you! Why not read it… study it… memorize it… internalize it and live it today?

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