Devotionals from Dad

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When I was a kid, children used their imagination to entertain themselves, because we didn't have all the electronic devices. A common game we played was “Cops and Robbers.” The good guy would chase the bad guy until the bad guy finally surrendered. The child playing the cop would yell out stick'em up then the bad guy would hold their hands in the air, but not until they had no other option to get away from the good guy. This is not to much different from reality. If you have every watched the reality TV show “Cops” the person evading the police will do anything including endangering themselves and others before finally surrendering to the police and being arrested. As they are being arrested the police will tell them to put their hands in the air and walk slowly backwards towards their voice. My favorite story of “Cops and Robbers” is about my nephews, Dillon and Zachery. Dillon was the Cop and Zachery was the robber. While Zachery was attempting to allude his brother he decided to run to the basement. He fell done the stairs and broke his leg, but he didn't surrender until he could no longer run away. During times of war when the opponent is surrounded and there is no other option they lay down their weapons, raise their hands in the air and surrender. Raising your hands in the air is a universal symbol of surrender. 

In Exodus 17 when the Amalekites try to attack the Israelites, Moses must find a way to defend the people. Moses knows they cannot defend themselves against the Amalekites without God. He knows the power of the Lord is the only way to save the Israelites, so he holds up his hands as if to proclaim his own unworthiness, as if to say, "We can't do this on our own. We need You." 

Exodus 17:11 NIV As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.

With God on their side, the Israelites have the victory. But when Moses stops surrendering to God, the enemy swoops in, ready to attack. Surrendering is what makes them powerful. This idea is found all throughout the Bible. Another example is in 2nd Corinthians, when Paul talks about his "thorn in the flesh," or weakness. He seems grateful the thorn is there, saying he can now "boast" of his weakness because he is made strong through it. When he is weak, he must call on God, who then empowers him to overcome the obstacle. 

2 Corinthians 12: 8-9 NIV Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 

When people raise their hands during worship at church, whether they know it or not, they are admitting that they are weak and without any power aside from the power they receive through the Holy Spirit. They're praising God by physically and publicly demonstrating to Him that they need Him. So why is it so difficult for me raise my hands in church and surrendered to God. Just like when my nephews Dillon and Zachery were playing “Cops and Robbers” in order for me to raise my hands and surrender I run from God until I have exhausted my options and I have no other choice but to surrender to God. Paul and the Israelites got victory, but first they had to acknowledge their own weakness. When we admit we can't do anything without God, we actually become stronger through that confession because we invite God to strengthen and guide us. Once you have God on your side, you can't be defeated.

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One of my fathers favorite phrases when I was a kid was, “Grace in Disguise.” Anytime my mother or one of us kids tripped over something or clumsy in some one he would say, “Well aren't you just Grace in disguise!” I am confident that when I was raising my children more than once I told them to, “Do as I say, Not as I do!” And you know,... that never seemed to work out very well for me. The saying, “your actions speak louder than your words is very true.” My children paid far more attention to what I was doing than to what I said, and they aren't the only people watching me. As Christians the whole world is watching our every move. They are just hoping that we will stumble so that they can say, well they’re no better than I am, and they are right! I am no better than they are. I am just forgiven!

Romans 3:23-24 NIV For all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.

We need to pay attention to the world around us so that we are not mislead. There are so many distractions around us that can lead us astray. Many of these distractions are not evil, they simply are not what what is best. As parents the Devil keeps us busy chasing our children and grand children to all their activities. We go to their band concerts, to their plays, to their ball games all in the guise of giving them love and support. While none of these things are evil, they don't have any eternal impact? They do nothing to bring glory to God or to accomplish the great commission, to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to observe all the things that Jesus has taught us. The devil in disguise can even take the appearance of a teacher of God's Word. Jesus calls him a wolf in sheep's clothing. Matthew 7:15 tells us to beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are savage wolves.You should pay less attention to what people say and more attention to what they do. Climate change activists encourage us to lower our carbon footprint while flying to conferences in private jets. Progressive politicians warn that global warming will raise the level of oceans, yet live in homes next to the shore. Liberals claim there is a rape epidemic on college campuses, but still send their daughters to college. A wolf in sheep's clothing is someone who outwardly looks harmless and kind with good intentions but inwardly is full of hate, evil and deceit, this is the Devil in disguise! The Devil is a master of disguise and, he comes to conquer you, steal your joy, kill your spirit, and destroy your faith.

John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy everything that belongs to you. But you were called to resist him and stand your ground. You were called to guard what belongs to you and reclaim whatever he has stolen. What has the devil stolen from you? Was it a relationship, your health, your finances, something physical? Do you want it back? God is ready for you to storm into the devil’s camp and reclaim what is rightfully yours. Dive into the word of God and remind yourself of what He has said about you, what He’s given you, and the promises God has made to you. It is impossible to spend time in the Word and not walk away encouraged in the Lord. Have faith, have patience and stay in the word and you will be able to see right throw the Devil's disguise!

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I am sure you have all seen someone holding up a sign asking for help. Recently I saw a couple in the Walmart parking lot, a lady was standing in front of an RV holding up a sign that said “Need money for gas.” At the same time a man was pouring gas from a 5 gallon can into the RV at the back. Of course the first thought that came through my head was, “You would think they would have planned a bit better before taking out on a long road trip in that gas guzzling RV.” The only thoughts in my natural mind were selfish and unloving! I have another similar story about my selfish heart that is even better! One evening my wife and I were going to the Mexican resturaunt to enjoy a meal together. In the parking lot next to the resturaunt was a couple that appeared to be in their late 20's maybe early 30's. With them they had a little girl and boy that were preschool age. They were sitting next to what I assummed was their car holding a sign that said they were homeless and needed help. The sign also said anything will help God bless you! I immediately heard that still small voice in my head that I recognized as the Holy Spirit speaking to me. God said through the Holy Spirit, I have blessed you Jeff, you need to bless them. So I parked my car and I walked over to them and handed them a $20 bill. I told the young mother I know it is not a lot but I hope it helps. She thanked me and I walked away feeling on top of the world! A few minutes later as my wife and I were enjoying our meal I saw this same family who were just outside begging for money come into the restaurant and sit down for a meal. I was immediately infuriated! I thought to myself, what a waste. They are spending my hard earned money at the restaurant when they should have gone to Wal-Mart and purchased groceries or other necessities for those little kids. I couldn't believe my eyes, what stupidity! Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me again and said, “I only asked you to give to them, not to judge them!”

2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 NIV Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

Later as I considered my thoughts and feelings, I realized my motivation for giving, although initially good, I wanted to give, was more about me and making myself feel good than it was about glorifying God. It became about me getting the glory and not God. Because my heart was not in the right place I was upset with, even angry with the way my gift had been spent! Attitude matters when giving. We all know that giving is not supposed to be about us, yet we often make it about us.

Selfishness is the first attitude we encounter when we consider giving. We are born demanding and wanting our way. New born babies cry at the top of their lungs until they get what they want. Selfishness isn't something we need to be taught, we are born selfish, it's part of our sinful nature. Opportunities to give are designed by God for us to grow and mature in our faith. It's not abnormal to get it wrong sometimes. We're a work in progress. Don't become discouraged! Talk to God about the attitudes and thoughts of your heart. Repent; that literally means to change your mind and your direction. Stay consistent in your giving and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you is the best way to grow in your generosity and maintain a pure heart, to give from your heart!

Luke 6:38 NIV Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 

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There is a game show that I enjoy watching it is called, “To Tell the Truth.” On the show, three contestants claim to be a person with an unusual characteristic or occupation. One is telling the truth, and the other two are impostors. Four celebrity panelists ask them questions to figure out who is telling the truth. In the world today there are many people who claim to be telling the truth. Some may be telling the truth. Others may be telling you what they believe to be the truth, but they simply do not know what the truth is. Sadly many people are flat out lying to you, so that they can get something from you. For example, there is rarely a day go by that I do not receive a text message that is some sort of scam. Many times these messages say that my social security number has been used fraudulently and that I need to respond immediately to avoid some sort of trouble. According to an article from the social security administration, fraudsters prey on peoples fear of breaking the law and have stolen almost $64 million last year through scams... One of the most difficult tasks in society today is sifting through all the rhetoric during an election campaign season to know who is the best candidate to vote for!!!! In the world today many believe that the Bible is just merely stories that were written by men from their own imagination. Fiction rather than fact. But as believers, we know the truth! 

John 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

We live in a society that is constantly searching for the truth. But we also live in a society that does not persevere in truth. Truth has become a product, aimed at satisfying a need. Social media timelines are flooded with fake news stories, and a new theory has emerged: we now live in a “post-truth” society. A world in which truth no longer matters, where facts are countered by “alternative facts”, and reality is more about your media diet than about the truth. It is disheartening that the world is blind to the real truth. In John chapter 16 Jesus speaks to the disciples about how He needed to go away so that the Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth, can come to them.

John 16: 12-13 NIV I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 

So here we are, in this world demanding tolerance of everybody’s truth, everybody’s ideas. We sift our words carefully so that others won't find them offensive. We run from strong words, fearing we may called intolerant, but how much do I truly love someone if I wont tell them the truth, because I am afraid I may offend them! Apart from Christ, people are dead in their sins and destined for an eternity in hell. But in Christ they can receive new life and eternal salvation. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. The real truth is this, we all have a soul that will live for eternity! Where you spend that eternity is up to you! We must speak God’s truth in a way that clear and communicates both truth and love. We share the the truth of the gospel because we love the people for whom Christ died and Jesus died for everyone. 

John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

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Why is it important for Christian believers to get together, how often should we gather and where? Since the beginning of creation God has made it known that it is not good to be alone. In Genesis 2:18 God said, it is not good that the man should be alone. But what is the purpose of gathering? For families it might be to celebrate a birthday or a holiday. At work we gather to support each other and to work towards a common goal. Hobbies and sports provide us opportunities to gather and enjoy a common interest. As Christians when we gather, we find personal connections with each other. We share each other's needs and blessings and let's not forget we worship our savior Jesus Christ when we gather. It is important to remember that the church is more than just a building. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them. There are literally hundreds of verses in the bible that speak about the importance of believers gathering together. Getting together was so important to the early believers that they met daily, in the church and in each other's homes.

Acts 2:46-47 NIV Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Getting together gives us the opportunity to inspire and encourage each other and if there was ever a time when we needed to encourage each other, it would be now! Daily the Devil does all he can to discourage us, just watch the newscast on TV. When we fellowship together, we share different viewpoints and grow in our knowledge of God. It fosters stronger relationships and it reveals ways we can love generously and serve each other as a family. Worshiping together is one of the most powerful things we can do as a church!

Gathering together demonstrates the importance of the church and the message of salvation to an unbelieving world! I have had many conversations with friends and acquaintances that have begun with the statement, "I see that you go to church often, what do you think about this...." It doesn't matter what the question that follows that statement is about, because it is clear to those who know me that attending church is an important aspect of my life. Every time your vehicle is in the parking lot of the church you are sharing your own personal testimony to all who see it without ever speaking a single word. Don't be ashamed to tell your friends and family that you won't be able accept their invitation to whatever event they may be having because you will be going to church on Sunday. We need to be a light in our community to a dark and lost world.

Matthew 5: 14-16 NIV You are a light of the world. A town built on a hill can not be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let our light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus invites us both as individuals and as a group to not hide our faith in God from those around us. We should not be ashamed, shy, or selfish! Instead, Jesus asks us to serve God as a visible light of hope in a dark filled world! 

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Every spring I put out my electric bug zapper. It uses light to attract bugs and the light is surrounded by a small electrified grid that zaps the life right out of them. The light can be seen by the bugs in the darkness up to 1 ½ acres away or just a little bit farther than the length of a football field. Scientists have found that the human eye can detect a candle flame at a distance of 1.6 miles. On a dark night, a person with good vision can see the Andromeda galaxy, a collection of about a trillion stars that is 2.5 million light years away. If a person can see a collection of stars 2.5 trillion miles away that makes it even easier for me to believe that a single star could have guided the magi to baby Jesus in the manger. Light is a common metaphor in the Bible. 1 John 1:5 says God is light, Philippians 2:15 likens God’s children who are blameless and pure, to shining stars in the sky. Jesus used light as a picture of good works, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds.

 Matthew 5: 14-16 NIV You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

The bible uses light as a metaphor for righteousness and goodness, and darkness signifies evil and sin. God is the Creator of physical light as well as the giver of spiritual light by which we can see the truth. Light exposes that which is hidden in darkness; it shows things as they really are. Have you ever walked into a dark room, turned on the light and then seen the roaches and bugs scatter. They are nasty creatures that do not want to be in the light. I am not going to confess how I know this but, I have never seen a brightly lit bar. People that are over indulging in alcohol don't want to be in a brightly lit room. They would rather be in the darkness so they can hide their foolish acts.

John 3: 20 NIV Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 

Believers in Christ must confess any darkness they have in their lives. They must continually confess their sins and transgressions and allow God to shine His light through them. Christians cannot sit idly by and watch others continue in the darkness of sin, knowing that those in darkness are destined for eternal separation from God. So what are some ways I can let my light shine. First, help others, volunteer to pick up trash along the highway or work at the food pantry. By volunteering, we can open a whole new door for others to be introduced to Jesus just by simply volunteering alongside them. Second, share your testimony. Testimonies are so powerful especially when you know that individual. Don’t hesitate to share your journey with someone when the timing is right, that maybe the day the seed of the gospel is planted. Lastly, listen to what God Is calling you to do and do it! If you feel you are being called to serve God, don’t hesitate, teach that Sunday school class, be a greeter or an usher! It will have a positive impact on your life and those who see you stand tall in your faith. No matter how great the darkness is that surrounds a light, it not only can’t conceal it, it actually makes it easier to see. 

Acts 26:18 NIV To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

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When Joyce and I go camping we have this routine we go through before we leave for our trip, to make sure we are fully prepared for our camping trip. We check the weather forecast to make sure we pack clothing that is appropriate for the temperature, long sleeve or short sleeve shirts and jackets if needed. We count out socks and underwear so that we have a clean pair for each day. Since we both love to cook over the campfire we plan out a menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner items, then we go the grocery store and buy the groceries we will need to make each meal, because there is limited space in the camper refrigerator and pantry. We pay very careful attention to preparing each detail of our camping trip so that when we arrive we can sit around the campfire and relax.

I heard a story the other day about two men who just loved the game of baseball. John and Josh loved baseball so much it was an obsession for them. They traveled all over the United States so that they could say they had watched a ball game in every stadium in the league. The men so loved the game they thought it must certainly be a part of heaven, because it just wouldn't be heaven without baseball. So they made a pact with each other, whoever died and went to heaven first would return and tell the other if there was baseball in heaven. One day John died unexpectedly. Josh attended the funeral of his best friend and in his mourning all most forgot about their pact. Then a few days later Josh was awaken from his sleep by John's voice. The two visited and finally Josh asked his buddy the question, “is there baseball in heaven?” John replied, I have good news and bad news for you Josh, to which Josh replied, “I can't wait, give me the news John!” John said, “Josh the good news is yes there is baseball in heaven, the bad news is your pitching in tomorrows game!”

I tell you these stories to make you stop and think, what are you spending your time preparing for? Do you spend your time preparing to go on vacation? Do you spend your time working and saving for your retirement? Do you spend your time taking your children to school events? Maybe you spend your time worrying about things you can't control, like the weather, what people think about you or if you will get that promotion at work. While none of these things are evil, they certainly are not the best investment of your time. No one is promised tomorrow. Are you prepared to stand before the judgment seat of Christ where all will be tried in the presence of God?

Luke 12:20 NIV But God said to him, You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?

The Bible tells in us that everyone is going to stand before God one day and give an account of their life on Earth. 

Romans 14:12 NIV So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 

If you had to stand before God today, what would He say about your life? Would you hear God say: Well done, good and faithful servant or would you hear him say: Depart from me you workers of iniquity for I never knew you? That day is coming for each of us, and none of us knows the day or hour it shall happen, so we must prepare to stand before God. How do you prepare your life for that day? First you must receive Jesus into your life as your Savior. Then you must daily live your life pleasing to God. Loving God with all our heart, soul and strength and loving your neighbor as much as you love yourself!

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When I was a young boy I decided that I going to teach my little brother the art of jumping ramp on your bicycle. So I stacked up some cinder blocks on the ground and laid a nice wide board on them. Then I went up the hill in the driveway with my bicycle at my grandparents home and told my brother, “Watch this!” I went screaming down the driveway as fast as I could pedal my bike. When my tires hit the ramp board the cinder block fell over. When the front tire of my bicycle slammed into the block it came to a very sudden stop and I flew like superman with my arms out-stretched in front of me. When I landed on my hands with my feet over my head I broke my right for arm in 6 or 7 pieces right at my wrist. My scheme to teach my brother the art of jumping ramp on his bicycle didn't work out quite like I had planned it.

I grew up during the era of Saturday morning cartoons. Some of my favorites were: The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Speedy Gonzales, Yosemite Sam, Tom & Jerry, The Super Friends and Bugs Bunny. My most favorite cartoon was Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. The coyote was always putting together some scheme to catch the Road Runner. He would order some gizmo from the Acme company and carefully lay out his scheme to catch the road runner. Unfortunately for the ole coyote his plans always seemed to end in his demise usually with a safe falling on his head, a stick of dynamite blowing up in his hand, oh yeah and my favorite failure was when he would run off a cliff, hang momentarily in the air and then hold up a sign that would say, “That's all Folks!”

Isaiah 32: 7 ESV As for the scoundrel—his devices are evil; he plans wicked schemes to ruin the poor with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is right. 

In the world today men are constantly planning and scheming evil. The dictator of North Korea frequently test fires missiles. I have no idea what scheme his has in his mind but I am confident it is not one that would bring glory to God! Vladimir Putin has declared war on Ukraine and is killing many and destroying their country for some evil scheme he has devised in his head. Putin's latest scheme involves moving nuclear weapons from Russia to Belarus, a form of nuclear black mail. According to the news article I read, It’s unclear if moving nukes to Belarus will change the course of the war, but it shows that Putin wants to keep the nuclear threat in the minds of Western leaders. In all that swirls around us today, from national news stories to local news there is not a day go by that someone is not committing an evil act. Their schemes may not directly impact you but, you must admit that more than ever - we're in a battle in this life. We face an active enemy every single day. 

Ephesians 6: 12 CSB For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 

There’s one who lurks around us today. He’s real. He’s alive. He’s deceptive. He’s crafty. And his primary goal is to strike you down, along with as many others he can drag down with you. He waits. He searches. He watches. Looking for the best time to attack, at your weakest, most vulnerable moment the Devil will launch his schemes against you. So how should we as Christian's react to the evil schemes of the Devil? Be watchful and aware, but realize God has already won the battle!

Psalm 37: 12-13 CSB The wicked person schemes against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him. The Lord laughs at him because He sees that his day is coming. 

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Media and technology have tremendous benefits, but Christians are pulled in two directions. Do we avoid technology or risk exposure to violence and sensuality? Imagine for a moment that thieves were to come into your home and steal your children. The thief's break down a door and force their way into the house and kidnap your kids. You would call the police and you would be frantic until your children were safely returned. Once home you would make sure that your doors and windows were double locked and bolted shut. What if I were to tell you that thief's are already in your home and they were stealing the souls of your children but leaving the body there, so that you have to feed the child and cloth the child but his soul or his heart belongs to someone or something else. Those thief's happened to be in your home right now and you even welcomed them into your home. They may even be in your child's bedroom in the form the internet, an xbox, I-Phone, or I-Pad. One or all of these devices may already be there stealing your child's soul. Think for a moment about video games. Many of them are extremely violent, with blood and guts. Statistics show that violent video games tend to create violent children. Not all video games are bad. There are those that train children to solve puzzles and math problems, and other educational needs. But even good videos games and technology can become very addictive. You children become addicted to an unreal world, disconnected from parents and eventually disconnected from God. So your children need to supervised very carefully when it comes to the internet, social media and other technology. Did you know that 73 percent of teens under 17 have viewed pornography on the internet? And all of this could be happening in your home right now! Many kids today sleep with their cell phone on, so they don't miss any text messages and so others can connect with them. They are seriously addicted to their electronic devices. The bible tells us that we must live in this world but not be of this world.

First John 2: 15-17 ESV Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Even though we are in this world Christians are not to be of this world. Our true home is not in this sinful world we live in, it is in Heaven. Yes, there are bad things in this world especially on the internet but believers can rest assured that there is a glorious kingdom that awaits us. I am thankful for the internet and the media. I have personally spoke to people that came to our church because they found our church website or listened to a sermon or devotional on our social media page. The podcast I record and the devotionals I read before Sunday school have now been heard in 30 different countries and over 250 cities. But I have to admit that I must constantly be on guard to use the internet and technology for God's glory and choose to love the Lord more than I love to sin. It is very easy for my mind to wander and to view things on social media that are at the very least inappropriate and at their worst simply lustful! So guard you heart! Technology can be very useful, but it can also be just as addicting as drugs or alcohol and just as deadly. There is one place here in Bethany that has hundreds of inhabitants, none of whom view pornography, none of them spend to much time on social media, none of them smoke, drink or do drugs. It is on the northwest edge of town, it is called the Miriam cemetery. Don't love the things of the world or be conformed to it. The things that unbelievers live for are temporary and it can all be gone faster than a lighting strike. 

2 Corinthians 6: 14 ESV Do no

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Take a moment and think deeply, what is your greatest need? Is it health or finances? That may be the most common response. I can tell you from my own personal experiences that at different points in my life I would have had different answers to the question, “What is my greatest need?” If you had asked me when I was a 16 year old boy what my greatest need was I would have told you a fast car. When I was 30 years old I was a single father doing my best to raise 3 girls, at that point in my life I would have told you my greatest need was a faithful loving wife to make my family complete. When my grandson James was born I would have told you my greatest need was for a bone marrow donor so he could survive and live a full and complete life. Most days I would still tell you that one of my greatest needs is just a little more money, but honestly I live more comfortably that many people, I have a warm home, plenty of food, a loving family and a beautiful wife that loves me despite my faults.

What is your greatest need? If you’re sick, you may think, “My greatest need is to be healed of this illness.” If you’re unemployed, you may think, “My greatest need is to get a good job to provide for my needs.” If you’re single, you may think, “My greatest need is for a mate.” If you’re in a difficult marriage, you may think, “My greatest need is for harmony in my marriage.” If you have a child who has become ensnared by drug abuse, you may think that your greatest need is for your child to be free from addiction. While all of these are important needs, none of them are your greatest need. The greatest need of every person, whether they recognize it or not, is to have God forgive your sins before you die and face God’s eternal punishment. Health, adequate money, and a happy family are wonderful blessings, but if you die without God’s forgiveness, these blessings will be useless. Your greatest need is to know that God has forgiven your sins and that you are reconciled to the holy Judge of the universe. 

The bible tells us that we are all are in need forgiveness, for all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God. And the wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God. However most people think that they are basically good and don't really need forgiveness. The devil tells us that God is tolerant and loving. He couldn’t possibly condemn a nice person like me! Of course, I’m not perfect, but compared to terrorists who blow up innocent women and children and perverts who abuse little children, I’m not so bad. So I can excuse my relatively “minor faults” and dismiss my need for God’s forgiveness. 

Ephesians 2: 1-3 NLT Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil, the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 

As sinners, we face God’s wrath. God cannot tolerate sin. Someone had to die for our sins, so God took His wrath out on Jesus, who was the perfect sacrifice, in order to allow us to go to heaven. Jesus took the wrath of God for you and me, so we would not need to be subject to it. Through Jesus’s death, a free gift, we have been glorified.

Hebrews 10:14 NLT For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. 

Now being holy, we can approach God’s throne with confidence, because we have been made right with God. Your greatest need is the forgiveness of your sins. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. 

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