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Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 9, 2010

 MATTHEW 22:36-40  Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
 
     Racism is a form of hatred perpetuated by the devil.  It's a tool of division that generates all sorts of repercussions around the globe.  Most people associate a racist attitude with skin color, but it's more than that.... it's a reflection of our sin nature that is rooted deep in the heart.  We tend to reject anything that's different from ourselves.  Only the love of Jesus can alter the heart, change our fallen nature and make us acceptable with God.
 
     Take our national leader, President Obama, for example....  If you did not vote for him because he was black... you're a racist.  Likewise, if you did vote for him because he was black, ......you're a racist.  Unfortunately, the "race card" was an issue in the 2008 election, ....and continues to be an issue even today.  Republicans are ripping him to shreds and the Democrats are running for cover due to embarrassment....  Three years ago these roles were reversed.  We are quick to judge people for the wrong reasons.  Character, integrity, and a man's heart is the key point when dealing with others. 
 
     Politicians also play another type of "racial card", it's called the "religion card".  Some would have you to believe that Jesus rode an elephant, therefore He must favor the Republicans?  We all know that He rode a donkey, right?... (or would that be "left"?)  The interesting thing is that Jesus never got involved in governmental politics.  His concern was with the church.  Jews had developed a racial pride, so that they believed themselves to be superior to everyone else....  Isn't that what racism is anyway?  Jesus set the whole world free..... Gentiles as well as Jews.  He wants us all.   
 
     Racism continues to be a major issue around the world.  The conflict in the Middle East for example... Jews vs. Muslims.  Tension has been there for thousands of years.  One race of people angry at another.... and it's not just there, it is all over the world...  When people are different, they tend to justify themselves by thinking they are superior.... and sometimes it's motivated even worse things... 

     There was a woman, Margaret Sanger, who started "Planned Parenthood" back in the early part of the 20th century.  Racially motivated, this organization was designed for "population control" in poor black neighborhoods.  It's purpose was to slow down the "breeding" of minorities in America...  Racism in America.  Planned Parenthood was politically motivated, and all it produced is the establishment of abortion clinics throughout America.  Over 50 Million babies have been murdered as a result.  That's a greater genocide than what was perpetuated by both Hitler and Stalin combined.  "Planned Parenthood" was designed for one purpose... for one race to maintain dominance over another.  It's vile and a curse to our nation.  God doesn't make disposable people.
 
     Bigotry is a tool used by Satan to keep mankind in constant conflict.  Born a bigot?  No.  It's something that is learned.....  The Good News is that you don't have to die that way.  The issue of racism lies in a man's heart... and only God can change that.  Jesus is the only answer to all of the woes of this world. 
 
     People around the world hate Jews... even many so called "Christians"...  Yet, Jesus was a Jew....  But even the Jew's hated Him.  Hatred has no bounds... there are no walls, no limits to the destructive nature and intensity of hatred that exists today.  As the Second coming of Christ draws near, tension continues to build.  No doubt, the enemy is putting forth all effort to halt that inevitable day....  It will come to pass, because He said so... and God cannot lie.  Jesus is coming soon.  

Rick

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 8, 2010

 ROMANS 5:17  For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
 
     This verse of scripture says it all.  If we can get this understanding into our soul, it will change our life.  The scripture is like a stick of dynamite.  Wouldn't you love to grab old Satan by his chin whiskers, yank open his mouth, shove this Word down his throat and lite the fuse?  These words should cause him to have an acute case of indigestion....

     The "one man's offense" in this verse, of course, is a reference to Adam and man's fall.....  which was orchestrated by the devil himself.  Sin is offensive to God.... but, thankfully, He has made a way of escape.....  His Son, like a huge sponge, absorbed all of the sin in the world and in your life.  All sin was accounted for in the Atonement.  It's a debt that has been paid for, setting us free from bondage... the bondage that Satan kept us under.  The Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:12) instructs us to pray; "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.".  The "debt" was sin.  The Lord forgives us of all our sin, and likewise, we are to forgive those who offend us.  In others words, Just by accepting His gift of Grace, He is giving us a sin free life.  Our only requirement is that we must believe on Him....  (Romans 10:9-10,13)
 
     Death (separation from God) no longer "reigns" through us, the believers, because we not only have Grace, but an abundance of Grace. (Romans 5:17)  (When anything comes from God "in abundance", it's HUGE! .... beyond our scope of imagination....)  So death no longer has a grip on us... but through Jesus Christ, we now reign in life....  In other words, we now have dominion over the enemy camp...  Jesus told us in Mark 9:23 "...If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."   Nothing is impossible with Jesus.  We reign over the enemy, because all power in heaven and earth (Jesus) abides within every believer.... and we don't have to accept any "junk" from the enemy.  We truly are righteous through Jesus Christ and reign in life.  Express your authority when the enemy attempts to push you around.  You are not a punching bag, absorbing the blows of the devil... one Word from your mouth can knock him out!
 
     Remember that "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21)  Speak life!

Rick

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 7, 2010

EPHESIANS 6:11-12  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
 
EPHESIANS 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
 
     Paintball....  Several years ago, Sandy bought me a real surprise for my birthday.  It was a paintball gun and all the gear that was needed to go with it.  Having no paint-balling experience, I practiced with the  gun some and got to where I was fairly good with it up to about 100 ft.  Two weeks later, my friend, Dave, and I took off on a Saturday morning to put our new craft to work.  When we got there, we found that it was mostly guys below the age of 21 and a mix of men who were Vietnam war era veterans.  Everyone divided into two teams (red/blue) and the red team headed for the woods.  Our job was to root them out... and paint-em up!  ...Being relatively new to the  sport, I got "painted" on a pretty consistent basis....  It didn't take my super fast brain long to realize that it was easier being on the "defense" rather than the offense.  The defensive posture wasn't nearly as challenging, ... but neither was it nearly as painful.  The young guys were quick and agile, while the "not so young guys" were patient, focused and more accurate....  Since I wasn't nearly so agile, I tended to hang closer with the "mature" guys...  I learned from observing them, listening to their tactics, ....and from experience.  It wasn't long before I was able to "sling paint" with the best of them...  And it was actually kinda kool....  Except when ya got hit with a paintball traveling about 300 ft per second.  It would sting and leave a welt on your body.... which was only temporary, ...but Ouch!  You knew when you were "dead"...
 
     Yesterday morning, Sunday, Sandy awoke and was sick with nausea and dizziness....  Realizing that it was an attack from the enemy, she actually saw this demonic spirit.....  (Sandy is kinda gifted (?) in that way.)  We joined in prayer, speaking to that foul thing, binding it and casting it away in Jesus name.  It took some effort, but eventually it was gone, and Sandy started to recover immediately.  We missed the Sunday morning church service, and wouldn't ya know it, ... the teaching was on spiritual authority and spiritual warfare.  I believe that hindering spirit came for the purpose of blocking us from attending that service.

     As I think about the Sunday attack of the enemy,...... and my experience with paintball, ......it occurs to me that the enemy will always continue to attack us, with the intention to "steal, kill and destroy" our existence. (John 10:10)  Sickness is only one of the avenues that is used to assault the saints....   But, like getting hit with a paintball, ....it may sting a bit and leave a temporary welt, but it cannot penetrate and kill us.  It's the divine protection of the Lord which is always there for us as our shield. 
 
     Tribulation will come to all of the saints (John 16:33),  but we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.  Turmoil may buzz around us, attempting to distract us from our eternal vision, but we must always bear in mind the One in whom we put our trust.  He cannot fail us, it's impossible.
 
Rick

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 6, 2010

ROMANS 5:17  For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
 
MATTHEW 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
 
     So many people relate "righteousness" with right behavior.  This implies that you have to "act Right" in order to "be Right" with the Lord.  This was a major obstacle in the Old Testament....  Pharisees were the best "Actors of Righteousness" in the world.  They knew all the laws and attempted to become acceptable with God through maintaining the right behavior.  "Acting" within the confines of the Law was their specialty.....  Yet no one was ever able to do so, except Jesus, because the law is impossible for men to keep.  Jesus told us to maintain two commandments: 1) Love God, 2) Love your Neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:30-31)  Only with the help of our Lord are we able to keep even these two commandments....  Yet the Jews had established 640 Laws that were imposed upon their brethren....  No one could do it except Christ Himself.  He was without sin, yet became sin so that we would not have to be bound by the Law. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  
 
     So, what is "righteousness"?  Righteousness has nothing to do  with right behavior, ....(Acting Right).  It has everything to do with being right before God.  And there is only one way to obtain righteousness, and that is through Jesus Christ.  We don't earn it, because that's considered "works", which is impossible.  We are righteous with God, through Jesus, because it is given as a gift from Christ. (Romans 5:17)  It's not right behavior, but it's "right standing".
 
     Our sins are not just forgiven at salvation, but our spirit is completely cleared of all guilt, all stain, .....in effect, our spirit is able to come before a just and righteous God.  We only become righteous through our relationship with Jesus.  He gave us His righteousness.... and He doesn't intend to take it back.  His righteousness stays with us always.

     It's only because of His righteousness that we can come boldly before  the throne of God and have all of the things that Christ suffered and died for, because it was included in the Atonement.
 
     Proverbs 10:6.... "Expect good things to happen to you because blessings are on the head of the righteous One of God."  In other words, His "goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6)  We can anticipate God's favor (goodness) to cover us for our entire life, because of the Righteousness of Jesus which dwells within us.  We, as Believers, are all Right with God because He is all Right with Him.  1 John 4:17 tells us "As He is, so are we in this world."   Isn't that where you long to be? ...with Him, as He is.
 
Rick

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 5, 2010

1CORINTHIANS 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 
 
     I suspect that when we get to heaven, we will be introduced to many people that we don't  know.  Because we spoke to somebody about Jesus, who later spoke to someone else about Him, ....who led someone else to the Lord...  We will be acknowledged for our commitment to the Kingdom.  We may see our self as just a link in the chain, but we certainly don't want to be the "missing link" or even the "last link".  Ya never know where the Lord is going to lead you, and you never know who's actually paying attention.
 
     Every action in our life is a testimony for Christ.  People who are lost pay attention to those who are saved... often they don't acknowledge it... and they may not really desire our lifestyle, ...but the Holy Spirit draws them, ...just as He drew you.  Some surrender easily, and others, like myself, need a little more persuasion.  I could have been "locked-in" 25 years earlier, but I had to get "myself" out of the way first.  What was the hold-up?  I guess I thought I was smarter than everybody else...  Been there?  ....It's a road many travel down.  I went way down the road only to find out many years later that I was absolutely, hopelessly lost.  Really lost.
 
     So, I suspect that I will also be introduced to people who lived long before me also.... who witnessed to people, who witnessed to me....  It's amazing to think about how all of God's people are inter-connected.  Souls, touching souls, who have touched souls....  The magnitude of it all is enough to make you tremble.
 
     When the Word tells us that "all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28), ....I suspect this is what Paul was speaking about.  All of us are interwoven with the common thread of life, given to us by Christ Jesus.  Drawn and held together by the Holy Spirit... We only see a small portion of the "big picture", but I can imagine that it's magnificent.  A masterpiece prepared by the Master Craftsman of all time, Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:16)
 
Rick

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 4, 2010

1 CORINTHIANS 1:27-29  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.
 
     Have you ever wondered what you can do for God?  "How can He use me....?" or... "I'm only one  person in a world of over 6 billion, with very limited skills, talent, resources and vision....  I touch very few people in this world, I impact very few lives and have virtually nothing to offer God..."
 
     Yeah, haven't most of us been there?  Me too.  It is in this condition (broken) that we are most useful to the Lord.  It's when we realize that we cannot do anything apart from Him...  It's when we surrender ourselves, humbly, to God that we become an instrument for His kingdom.  I recall saying this prayer to God.....  "Lord, I know it's not much, but I surrender it all to you... my body, soul and spirit...  I give to you.  Have your way in me."  That's a pretty low state to be in...  But I've come to realize that it's the perfect condition for God.
 
     It's when we are full of ourselves, thinking that we can forge our own path and accomplish our own goals... fulfill our own dreams, ....that's where we first get into trouble.  But, isn't that pretty much how we were raised in America?  Didn't you hear statements like this in your youth:  "You can be anything when you grow up, even the President of the United States."  Yep?  I did.  Kinda gives you the mindset that we are self sufficient.  ....And that's the first step down the path of destruction.
 
     1 Corinthians 1:26 tells us; "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called...."  It took me a very long time to come to the conclusion that putting God first is the key to happiness, joy and a successful life.  It's the only place where we can find total peace and contentment.  Sure, tribulation in this world will push up against us, but that's what our shield of faith is for (Ephesians 6:16), ....and through Christ we are able to overcome any assault of the enemy. (Philippians 4:13  I can do all thing through Christ...)  But more importantly, it's through Him alone that we truly make a difference in this world.  Once we get rid of "self" and fill up with "Him", (Acts 6:3) our total perspective changes...  It no longer matters what I accomplish, but only what He accomplishes through me.  When I say, "To God be the glory!", ...I mean that all of it is for Him.
 
   So is God using me today?  I suppose.  I have impacted a few lives, led some to Christ and I write this blog every day... and you are reading it, along with a lot of others...  I'm content to do whatever the Lord leads me to do and if this is it, forever, then okay.... If there's more, ...then okay...  When I surrendered body, soul and spirit to Him, I became a follower and not an unsuccessful trail blazer... (trail blazers burn out...)  I'm committed to following Him all the days of my life, which is amazing,...when you consider that we are going to have "everlasting life"....(John 3:16)
 
Rick

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 3, 2010

DEUTERONOMY 30:19  I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.... 
 
1 CORINTHIANS 2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
 
     A few weeks ago we attended the funeral of a friend, James Roy Minton, who was buried on his 80th birthday.  He was a good Christian man and a part time preacher.  We all knew him as "Grandpa".  Always with a big smile on his face, it was a pleasure to just talk with him....  He was of a generation that I greatly admire.

     The thought I'm having this evening is about his 80th birthday....  I guess he celebrated it in heaven....  Somehow, that is a very pleasant thought for me.  I can just see him surrounded by friends, family, and many other Godly people.... many of whom would not be there except for Grandpa's influence.
 
     As I think on "birthday's" though, I wonder if they are even celebrated in heaven....  and if so, is it the day that we step over into that heavenly realm?.... or the day that we were "born again"?.... or the day we celebrate our earth-birth day?  And what kind of a celebration is it anyway?....  Balloons, presents, candles and chocolate cake?... or is there more.... tremendously more?  Imagine celebrating in some distant galaxy, ...or closer to "home", ...right there on God's front lawn... or as a cookout under the tree of life...  The possibilities are endless.  Imagine the invitation list to the party... Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Peter and Jesus....  What a birthday celebration that would be!

     Anyway, I'm sure that Grandpa Minton is enjoying life in the heavenly realm....  And while we will miss him here, it's comforting to know that he will be there to welcome us "home" when our time here on earth is complete.  Isn't that where we all long to go?  God desires that we all be there in His presence....  Life there will be beyond anything that we can imagine.  (1 Corinthians 2:9)  It will be a glorious home-going.  Perhaps you should invite all of your friends to the party....  Introduce them to Jesus.  It's going to be a blast!
 
     Many people act like this world is their final destination.... It's not.  The mortality rate on earth is 100%....  No one escapes the end of life on earth, but we do get to choose our final destination....  Choose wisely..... choose life. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Rick

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 2, 2010

MATTHEW 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
 
     Only the Holy will see God.  Being holy is a requirement for us to enter into heaven.  You may look at yourself in the mirror and think.... "There's no way!"  But that's because we look at ourselves through our own eyes.  When we give ourselves over to Jesus, it's our spirit that is changed.  Our spirit becomes sin free, (pure heart) and only because that is so, we are able to come before our Most Holy God.
 
     Hebrews 10:10 says, "...we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."  So, once we accept Jesus into our life, the sin nature is gone and we are made holy.  Not because of what we do, but because of what He did.  It doesn't matter how hard you "work" to see God, only by relationship with Christ are we able to see Him.  "Goodness" does not qualify us for entrance into heaven.  When Jesus says "I am the door" (John 10:9), it means that no one goes to the Father except through Him.  He sanctifies us, making us holy....   
 
     The interesting thing about this "Beatitude" is that it's only one of the seven blessings that Jesus spoke of at the Sermon on the Mount.  The fact is that if you have Jesus, all of the Beatitudes apply to every believer....  We are blessed in every way.  All of the Beatitudes constitute blessings for every believer. 
 
     When you have Jesus, you will see God, because you have it all.  
 
Rick

 

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, March 1, 2010

MATTHEW 6:7-8  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
 
     Many people pray to God about their needs.  In fact, most prayers are centered around this concept.  People think, ..."I have a need that only God can handle...." so they pray and ask Him to meet their needs.... In fact, they erroneously pray that same prayer over and over and over again, like they are going to wear down God....  That's got to be the least effective way to pray to God.  The Word says that He knows our needs before we ask.... (Matthew 6:8)  ...And since He is our Father, He will tend to our needs whether we ask Him to or not.  Does that sound like pretty radical thinking?  It's not.  Don't you take care of your own children the same way?  Do they have to ask or beg you for food to eat?  ....or do you anticipate their hunger (needs) before hand?
 
     So, if we don't pray asking God to meet our "needs", ...how are we to pray?  Don't beg God for your needs, tell Him the desires of your heart.  It's His  good pleasure to fulfill the desires of all His children.  Think Big!  Think radically huge desires that will bring God Glory when they are fulfilled.  The biggest problem with many believers is that they don't "believe" big enough.  Our God is a Great Big God and He is able to do all things.... and everything.  Tell Him the desires of your heart.
 
     He hears us the first time we pray... and He always answers prayer.  Because God is a Spirit and lives in a Spiritual realm, he always responds to us spiritually.  "Ya have but to ask.." (John 15:7) ....  " If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.."  (John 14:14)  But, since we live in the physical world, occasionally it takes some time or space before it is manifested from the spiritual realm to the here and now....  It's like there is a big river between the spiritual and physical realm....... and our faith is the bridge that connects the two realms together.
 
     God always answers all prayer.  He is always for us!   Our answer is always there for us in the spiritual realm.  It's God's pleasure to meet the desires of our heart.  You just have to reach out in faith to receive it into this world.
 
Rick

Daily Devotional - The Lamb's Way, February 28, 2010

 EPHESIANS 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 
 
     Multi-level marketing is a term that most people are familiar with.  Two people tell two people, who tell two people....  It's kinda like a big pyramid concept, except, in the natural, the one at the top gets the greatest financial reward.... and those closest to the "founder" of the marketing concept reap huge financial gain as well.  There are lots of products marketed this way, and those who started the business generally reap huge rewards.  It's a "get rich" scheme that works very well ...for a little while.  Those on the "bottom" of the "pyramid", however, end up doing most of the work and getting the least return for their efforts.
 
     "Multi-level marketing" is not a new concept.  Christianity "sort of" originated with this formula.  The idea was that two believers tell two believers, who tell two believers.... until everyone in the  world has  been exposed to Christ.... and then He will return to establish His Kingdom here on earth.  The real benefit for all of us is that anyone (no batter where you fall within this pyramid format) who believes on Jesus will be saved.  We all benefit equally with the same reward.  Eternal life in the presence of Christ Jesus (Romans 10:9-10) is assured to us.
 
     Many people think that they are going to heaven without surrendering their lives to Christ based on the belief that they have been "a good person"....  They have gone to church, helped several people during their lifetime... lived a moral life.. perhaps even worked to assist those who suffer or are under privileged...  These are very nice, honorable things to do, but that's like saying that they have "earned" their way into heaven, based on their merits.  That's false doctrine and unscriptural thinking.  NO ONE can ever do enough "work" to earn their way into heaven....  It's not based on merit....  Salvation is based on Grace.... (We are saved by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9)  It's freely given by Christ to those who surrender their life to Him.  It's based entirely on relationship.
 
     Multi-level marketing Christianity?  Not really.  It's more like "networking" the world.  Believers just want to introduce not-believers to Jesus....  If you don't know Him, you're not getting into heaven...  Here's the "key" that unlocks the "door"... Ya gotta be with Christ "here", to be with Him "there".  If ya want to go "there", ya gotta get your "ticket" punched here.  That's a pretty simple concept.

Rick

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