Jul 15 2016
Leave a comment
Devos

“Whataburger” really good! … Jesus Christ? Supremely good!!!

WhataburgerHere in Texas we have a wonderful burger chain that goes by the name “Whataburger” (and here’s one person that believes it is what its name implies – one fine burger!)  Their burger with “God’s favorite vegetable,” the jalapeño pepper is one of the best – superlative, in my opinion!

Burgers are fine, but nothing compared to the character and quality of the God I serve!  Without demeaning Him, I’d probably refer to Him as “WhataGod!”  He’s supreme over everything!  Here’s what the passage I read this morning declares about the Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior…

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him!  And He is before all things, and in him all things hold together!  And He is the head of the body, the Church.  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, THAT IN EVERYTHING HE MIGHT BE PREEMINENT!  FOR IN HIM ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD WAS PLEASED TO DWELL, and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.  And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him.”  (From Colossians 1:15–23 ESV)

“WhataGod” … reminds me a great old gospel  song…

“Christ has for sin atonement made
What a wonderful Savior!
We are redeemed, the price is paid
What a wonderful Savior!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus!
What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord!”

Elisha A. Hoffman, 1891

Jul 14 2016
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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!
← Older posts
Newer posts →