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Date Posted: 11:44:13 03/21/23 Tue
Author: c
Subject: More teachings 2/2023 (updated)

PowerPoint with Pastor Jack Graham daily devotion 2/20/23

How to love the lost in your life


He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

--Psalm 126:6

There was a lady who wrote a letter to her pastor one day and asked, “I’m trying to bring my husband to Christ. I’ve tried everything: I’ve talked to him. I’ve prayed for him. And I’ve taken him to church. What else can I try?”

The pastor wrote back with a very brief response: “Try tears.”

As Christians, we’ll never truly be able to reach the lost until we have a deep, heart-wrenching compassion to see them saved from hell. Until our heart truly weeps at the reality they’re facing a Christless eternity, our impact among them will continue to fall short of what it could and should be.

Evangelism is not a program for the church. It’s not a line item on a budget. It’s first and foremost a passion in the hearts of believers. And this compassion… this burden that we have in our hearts for people who don’t know Christ… isn’t something that we conjure up within ourselves; it comes from our relationship with Christ.

Jesus wept. He was broken for people. He was broken for Jerusalem. He felt compassion. May our lives echo His as we also weep for those who are lost to be found.

LET your LOVE FOR THE lost BE SO PRESENT THAT IT STIRS IN you A DEEP COMPASSION TO SEE them KNOW JESUS CHRIST.

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intouch.org Daily devotion 3/11/23

Intimacy with God

Philippians 3:7 - 16

What's the goal of the Christian life? Some may say it's to become increasingly righteous or to tell others the good news of salvation. But the apostle Paul said his goal was to know Christ intimately. Is that your primary pursuit as well? When that's our great desire, righteous living and passion for the gospel will follow.

Intimacy grows as we immerse ourselves in God's Word. Through our reading, study, and meditation on Scripture, the Lord reveals Himself to us. But intimacy isn't merely an exercise of the mind. It includes the engagement of our emotions as we love, serve, and worship Him. The more we get to know the Lord through His Word, the deeper our love and devotion to Him will become.

Another vital aspect of intimacy with God is an increased desire to obey Him. As we attune our hearts and minds to care about the things that matter to God, we'll delight to do what He says.

Have you settled for a superficial connection with the Lord? Salvation isn't just the door to Heaven; it's the pathway to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior until we have the most satisfying of all possible relationships.

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intouch.org Daily devotion 3/24/23

God is Sovereign over delays

Proverbs 16:9

Most people don't like to wait, but have you ever wondered why? One reason may be that delays reveal we are not in control. Someone or something else is calling the shots.

Although we are often able to identify the immediate cause - like a traffic light or long checkout line - ultimately the One Who controls all delays is the Lord. He is sovereign over everything in Heaven and on earth, and even our time and schedules are in His hands. You might have thought that the expression "waiting upon the Lord" applies only to seeking guidance from Him or an answer to prayer. But it can mean so much more when you remember that He controls all your day-to-day inconveniences and frustrations.

In the Christian life, patience is vital. Without it, we can't effectively obey God, pray or experience the peace of resting in His sovereignty. We must learn to trust His judgment - about not just the big events in our life but also the trivial ones that cause us to become irritated, impatient, or angry.

The next time you face an unexpected or unwanted wait, remember that it comes as no surprise to God. He's more interested in developing godly character than He is in making sure your schedule runs according to your plans.

-------------------------------=

Our Daily Bread

4/27/23

Watering the weeds

This spring, weeds attacked our backyard like something out of Jurassic Park. One got so big that when I tried to pull it out, I feared I might injure myself. Before I could find a spade to whack it down, I noticed that my daughter was actually pouring water on it. "Why are you watering the weeds?!" I exclaimed. "I want to see how big it will get!" she replied with an impish grin.

Weeds aren't something we intentionally nourish. But as I thought about it, I realized that sometimes we do water the "weeds" in our spiritual lives, feeding the desires that strangle our growth.

Paul writes about this in Galatians 5:13 - 26, where he contrasts living by the flesh with living by the Spirit. He says that trying to follow the rules alone won't establish the kind of "weed-free" life we long for. Instead, to avoid watering the weeds, he instructs us to "walk by the Spirit." He adds that being in regular step with God is what frees us from the impulse to "gratify the desires of the flesh" (v. 16).

It's a lifelong process to fully understand Paul's teaching. But I love the simplicity of his guidance: instead of growing something unwanted by nourishing our own self-focused desires, when we're cultivating our relationship with God, we grow fruit and reap the harvest of a godly life (vv. 22 - 25).

Adam R. Holz

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Our Daily Bread April 2023 devotional

April Topic: Forgiveness

From Bitterness to Forgiveness

(edited)

I didn't mean to grow up bitter. I was a good girl as a child. I obeyed my parents. I respected my Sunday school teachers and worked hard daily at school.

But some people treated me without love because of my skin color. Calling me names. Making fun of me. In one school, one teacher refused to call on me in class for an entire year, calling me "Nobody." Laws in my country barred me from certain public water fountains, restrooms, restaurants, or living in certain neighborhoods.

The result? Bitterness. I knew Jesus, but I also knew hurt - fertilizing bitterness, making it grow like a weed. Indeed, it "springs up and causes trouble," defiling many around it (Hebrews 12:15 ESV).

So, while I loved God, and believed He loved me, my bitterness was a wall of sin separating me from Him. I'd forgotten the Bible's call to "make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord" (v. 14).

Instead, I was obsessed with racial hatred, always looking to see it in others to lay blame. In contrast, the Bible sharply reminds us to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice" (Ephesians 4:31).

But how? God reveals three effective ways:

Take your bitterness to Him. Ask Him to banish it. That's what Job did, decrying "the bitterness of my soul" (Job 7:11).

Likewise, I sought God's remedy, hearing Him in my spirit: "You must forgive." Yet how would I manage that? How will you?


Ask God to teach you. Forgiveness isn't an act, it's a process. This, it's not about the one who hurt us, forgiveness restores our relationship first with God. Then we can love. As scholar Lewis Smedes explained, forgiveness doesn't excuse an offender; forgiveness means "we are ready to be healed - by God. How?


Rely on the Holy Spirit's great power. Then other people will see His work in us. Then our forgiveness becomes a witness, just as Jesus promised on the day of Pentecost. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses...to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).


Imagine the miracle of this! We take our bitterness to God. He invites us to forgive. Struggling, we ask the Holy Spirit to empower us. Then our enabled forgiveness witnesses for Christ. As God does His work in us, what started out as a bitter root can be transformed and bloom - in Christ - into a beautiful flower.

True, our "soil" will always need weeding. But we know the Gardener. May His love keep turning our bitter sin into a harvest of grace and light.

Patricia Raybon, Our Daily Bread author.

------------------------------------=

Beside the Still waters

3/19/23

Let your Light Shine

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day - 1 Thessalonians 5:5

(edited)

Is the light from our life becoming dimmer or brighter? The parable of the ten virgins shows that it's possible for our light to burn low before Christ calls us from this life. What things will cause our light for Christ to grow dim? They include hypocrisy, halfhearted commitment, ignoring obvious needs around us, loving the world, and situational ethics - thinking that right and wrong depends on the situation. Lack of complete love for the Lord is a root cause of a dimming light.

Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." What are some of these good works? Be ready to speak for Christ when you have opportunity. Be a Good Samaritan and help those in need, even the poor and common folk you meet....Finally, exercise fervent love to fellow believers. In John 13:35 Jesus told His disciples, "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Marlin Birky

The light that shines the farthest shines brightest at home.

---------------------------------=

Beside the Still waters 3/24/23

Trusting the Shepherd to lead

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed - Psalm 37:3

(edited)

Our Lord leads us to green pastures and still waters. We revel in the pleasant experiences of family worship and of gathering around the Word in our congregations. The social life of our church and community is very precious. Then come tougher times. Maybe God is trying to lead us where we don't want to go. A new outreach? An unexpected illness? A need to downsize our business? The loss of a loved one? We don't understand. We may wonder, "Lord, why? Where do You want to lead us? What are You trying to teach us?"

We may find ourselves balking...because we insist on understanding before we can follow. But even if we don't understand, we must "know His voice" and simply trust and follow.

Lyle Hostetler

---------------------------------------=

Beside the Still waters 4/11/23

Rejoicing in adversity

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice - Philippians 4:4

(edited)


God sometimes uses adversities to teach us lessons in life, and often we can look back and see them as stepping stones to Christian maturity. Many of what we might consider difficulties turn out to be blessings. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2 - 3).

Can I do that? Can I be joyful in difficult circumstances? Today's key verse tells us to rejoice at all times. We need His help and the prayers of other believers, because we naturally become impatient when things don't go as we plan. We have assurance from God that trials bring patience. But why do we have so many trials, and sometimes one on top of another as Paul wrote in today's reading (2 Corinthians 1)? I have thought of it this way: Maybe I have numerous trials because I don't learn what God is trying to teach me. He has to keep working time after time before I give up my stubborn will.

The psalmist wrote, "I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy: for Thou hast considered my trouble; Thou hast known my soul in adversities" (Psalm 31:7). I marvel at the close tie between thanksgiving and rejoicing. We cannot rejoice without thanksgiving in our hearts. Rejoicing and thankfulness in turn bring peace. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Some adversities come as chastening, but even they give us reason to rejoice. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).

Fred Beachy

-----------------------------------=

Our Daily Bread

5/1/23

Seeds of Faith

(edited)

...We each have countless opportunities to "give the reason for the hope that [we] have" (1 Peter 3:15) in the course of our lives.

When we "suffer for what is right" with the hope of Jesus (v. 14), it's visible to those around us and might just become a point of curiosity to those who don't yet know God personally. If we're ready when they ask, then we may share the seed through which God brings forth new life. We don't have to share it with everyone all at once - in some kind of spiritual windstorm. Rather, we gently and respectfully drop the seed of faith into a heart ready to receive it.

Kirsten Holmberg

------------------------------------=

Our Daily Bread

5/6/23

Thankful hearts

(edited)

In Luke 17, we read of the Samaritan leper who came back to thank Jesus for healing him (vv. 15 - 16). Jesus had entered a village where He met ten lepers. All of them asked Jesus for healing, and all of them experienced His grace and power. Ten were happy that they'd been healed, but only one returned to express his gratitude. He "came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him" (vv. 15 - 16).

Every day, we experience God's blessings in multiple ways. It could be as dramatic as an answered prayer.... or receiving timely help from a stranger. Sometimes, His blessings can come in ordinary ways too, such as good weather to accomplish an outdoor task. Like the Samaritan leper, let's remember to thank God for His kindness toward us.

Poh Fang Chia

------------------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 2/28/23

Sowing to the Spirit

Are you planting seeds that result in a good harvest for you and others?

James 3:13-18

Yesterday we discussed how, in all of our choices, we either sow to the flesh or sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:8). We plant seeds that affect what kind of person we’re growing into and the level of impact our life will have for the Lord.

The “flesh” is the part of us that wants to live and act independently of God. We all must deal with the strong pull of this attitude; it doesn’t simply vanish when we’re saved. However, the Holy Spirit ensures that we’re not enslaved to the flesh. He begins to change us so we can live according to the truth. The choices we make contribute to the process of transformation, and when they’re in alignment with the Spirit’s work, they plant good seed that results in even more new growth.

When you’re sowing to the Spirit, you’re accepting God’s truth into your mind and heart. The fruit of the Spirit grows naturally from this seed of godly truth and influences every aspect of your life. When you feed your spirit with the things of God, you’re going to become stronger, more Christlike, and full of His life in your thoughts and actions.

Are you feeding your spirit or the part of you that wants to act independently of God? Choose to sow seeds that build you up, letting streams of living water flow from you to nourish others (John 7:37-39).

------------------------------------=

Today in the Word

4/3/23

Giving to God

(edited)

Leviticus 2:1 - 16

In Israel, anyone could offer a gift to God. Today's reading describes the grain offering (v. 1; see also Lev. 6:14 - 23). The Bible teaches that grain, wheat, and other produce is a gift from God (Psalms 65:9 - 13). The grain offering was a way for people to take this produce, work it with their hands, and offer it back to God.

The offering itself was quite simple, wheat prepared with olive oil and incense (v. 2)....

Not only was this offering a way anyone could give to God, but it also provided for the priests....

One other element in this offering was salt (v. 13). Salt was primarily used to preserve food in the ancient world. Because of this preservative quality, it became a symbol of the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people (Numbers 18:19). God was committed to a permanent relationship with His people in a "covenant of salt."

Ryan Cook

------------------------=

Today in the Word

4/28/23

Clear expectations

Leviticus 26:1 - 42

(edited)

Through the Law, God provided Israel with clear expectations. They did not have to wonder what God required of them. This gave them a sense of security and freedom in their relationship with God. However, God's instructions also came with consequences. Today's reading outlines the blessings for Israel if they obeyed the covenant and curses if they did not.

If Israel obeyed the covenant, they would be richly blessed...The greatest blessing would be the presence of God in the midst of His people (vv. 11 - 12).

If Israel disobeyed, the consequences were just as clear....However, even if they broke the covenant and experienced the full brunt of God's judgment, He would not give up on them. The chapter ends on a note of hope. God would remember His covenant with Abraham (vv. 42 - 45). If the people repent, they would be restored (vv. 40 - 41).

We worship a God Who is both gracious and forgiving. God has given us clear rules to follow, but He has also provided a way for forgiveness and restoration...

Ryan Cook

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https://insight.org/broadcasts/library

An Interview with One from Beyond, Part 2

Series: Growing Deep in the Christian Life

Pastor Chuck Swindoll

3/2/23 - 3/6/23

(edited portions of a teaching program)

16:50

Once again remember, no one can determine the eternal destination of an individual but God Himself - He knows the heart....

...Now be careful about making people say the very words you want to hear so you can say in return: "now, you're a Christian." Be careful about giving them the prayer that they must pray, or giving them the words that they must say, and then when they say that, they're saved (at least you tell them that).

I don't know that I've ever heard anyone say: "Lord Jesus, remember me when You come in Your Kingdom" (Luke 23:42) but in this case, that was sufficient, because the Lord read the heart.

Once again, we evangelicals, if we're not careful, will get too specific, and we'll require of someone...exactly what we expect them to say before we're comfortable that they're born again. On the other hand, some may say that and not be born again - works both ways.

--------------------------=

Turning Points Devotional April 2023

Isn't that just like God?

by Dr. David Jeremiah

(edited)

p 23

The God of all seasons

Finally, the most welcome thing we discover about God is that He is not a fair-weather God. He is the God of good seasons and of bad. He is not a God Who is with us only when we are doing what pleases Him or when things are going well. In fact, the more difficult things get in our life, the closer to us He seems to get. Like a loving Father He doesn't want difficult times to cause us to turn away from Him. He promises to take all the events of our life and cause them to work together for good (Romans 8:28). He knows what we need and is there to provide (Luke 11:11 - 13).

Isn't it just like God to never leave us or forsake us?

-------------------------=

PowerPoint daily devotional by Pastor Jack Graham

Flee from the sin in your life

By: Dr. Jack Graham

March 20, 2023


Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

–Psalm 139:23-24

As believers in Christ, you and I need to deal diligently with our character, which involves having a proper attitude about sin.

So what should that attitude be? For one, as believers we should be sensitive toward the sin in our lives. It’s like getting something in your eye and not resting until you get it out! You should be so sensitive to the sin in your life that you can’t rest until you get it out.

Now, believe me, I’ve heard all kinds of excuses over the years from people as to why they let sin remain in their lives. And some people do take some steps to remove the sin from their lives.

But I want to ask you today, are you doing everything you can to remove sin from your life? Are you using every resource God makes available to you in order to kill sin and grow in Christ-likeness?

Maybe it means disconnecting the internet at home. Maybe it means getting rid of your television. Maybe it even means admitting your sin to a close circle of fellow believers you trust so they can help hold you accountable.

I don’t know what it specifically means for you, but I do know this: You and I are crazy if we don’t take advantage of any chance to eliminate anything that pulls us away from Christ!

Today, to help you become more sensitive to the sin in your life, I encourage you to take some time to think and pray through today’s verses.

MAY GOD BLESS you AS you STRIVE TO BECOME MORE LIKE HIM TODAY!

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