Feb 25, 2011
Quick Praise (Ps. 118:28)
Feb 21, 2011
Quick Praise (2 Sam. 22:4)
Feb 20, 2011
The Path of Integrity
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (ASV)(Proverbs 20:7)
Here's another helpful devotional from the book of Proverbs by Rev. J. Andrus. This one is concerning honesty and integrity:
The Path of Integrity
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
----Robert Burns
Integrity is basic to godly character. The root idea of the word integrity is unity, that is, being undivided or unbroken, in sound condition. In moral usage it refers to being morally sound, honest, upright.
To be saved through faith in Christ is a wonderful thing. But, we must not stop there. We must allow God, the Holy Spirit, to teach us the qualities and virtues of godly living and then to train us to walk in integrity. Perhaps we were careless with the truth: not necessarily bald lies, but perhaps we often exaggerated. God would have us to break with these past habits.
Here are some practical helps toward integrity:
1. Ask God for a deep desire to be thoroughly honest.
2. Try to break the habit of looking for dishonesty in others and rather concentrate on yourself.
3. Determine, by God's grace, that you are going to be honest in everything, not just some things.
4. Practice honesty a day, no, an hour, no this moment, and each moment at a time.
5. Do not become discouraged and do not despair if you occasionally slip. Don't excuse the slip, but, on the other hand, do not let it get you down. God still loves you and wants you to get up and develop the habit of honesty.
6. Thank Him privately for His help in the matter.
7. Never draw attention to the progress you are making. If you do, the Devil will almost surely hit you with everything he has, and soon you will be ashamed that you even thought you making progress.
The quality of integrity always reflects for good upon one's family: "His children are blessed after him." Its effects are extensive and enduring.
Give us the man of integrity, on whom we can thoroughly depend...the friend faithful and true;...such an one is a fragment of the Rock of Ages.
---J.P. Stanley
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper
Feb 19, 2011
Quick Praise (Dt. 10:21)
Feb 18, 2011
The Path of Safety
Are you searching for safety today? Maybe you're looking for some shelter from the storms of life. God's Word tells us that we can find safety in Him. He wants us to run to Him in times of trouble. Let's not trust in our own strength or abilities, but let us put all our faith and trust in God, our strong tower. The following devotional, by Rev. Roger J. Andrus, talks about how we can find our path of safety.
The Path of Safety
The name stands for the person. The "it" of our text is really the LORD Himself. That is, He is our strong tower. "Safety is of the LORD" (Prov. 21:31). "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psa. 20:7)(ASV). To remember Him in time of need is to trust in Him. "The rich man's wealth is his strong city" (Prov. 18:11)(ASV). How foolish to trust in temporalitites!
"Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7). He is constantly in need. Some deny their need. Others trust in inadequate resources in time of trouble. But the righteous run to the LORD, Himself, and find Him a tower of strength, "a very present help in [every time of] trouble" (Psa. 46:1).
How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea-billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.
--William O. Cushing
This is the path of safety:
from inward enemies of the treacherous old nature,
from outward enemies of deceit or attack.
But he who listens to me shall live in security, and shall enjoy peace without dread of evil (Prov. 1:33, lit.).
How foolish to fight the storm in our own strength when our Savior wishes to be our Protector and Preserver. "He is able."
This age of "struggle for security" is passing up its greatest source of safety, God, the Lord. Don't you do it too.
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper
Feb 15, 2011
The Path of Foolish Assumptions
I heard a crude but funny statement (which I won't repeat here) about what we do when we assume things. When I remember that saying I sometimes think about those who don't believe in God or the Bible. They don't know God, but they assume that what they believe about the afterlife is true and worth banking all their hopes and expectations on. That's a really scary place to be in my opinion. And we shouldn't just pretend or accept the idea that if a particular view or idea or path is widely accepted that it's good for us to follow.
If you recall, Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt. 7:13-14) So if you find yourself going along with the flow and following the masses, don't just assume you're on the right road. That's probably a good indication that you're headed the wrong way.
Here's a devotional by Rev. Roger J. Andrus, that takes a look at the one who makes these kind of foolish assumptions.
The Path of Foolish Assumptions
"Seeing is believing," says man, "and I can see that this is a right path." He is sure he knows and is making no mistake. He prides himself, "I have eyes. I have brains."
That also means that he feels no need whatever for revelation on the matter. He is authority enough. It hardly occurs to him to consult God.
"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool" (Proverbs 28:26)
Yet, no matter how "right" it seemed, it ends in death, that is, eternal separation from God. It was not a path of God nor a path to God.
The picture is that of a journey, and the traveler imagines that he is following a straight path that will lead him to his proper destination of success and happiness. But he finds, when it is already too late, that it led him to an early death and the destruction of all his plans for life.
O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD (Jer. 22:29)
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isa. 8:20)
If I am right, thy grace impart
Still in the right to stay;
If I am wrong, oh teach my heart
To find that better way.
----Author Unknown
Friend, do not assume anything about eternity. Take Christ as your personal Savior today.
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper
Feb 9, 2011
The Path of Wisdom
"Doth not wisdom cry?...by the way in the places of the paths" (Proverbs 8:1,2)(ASV)
We all need wisdom. Wisdom to know right from wrong, and to choose what we know is right over that which we know is wrong. The following devotional, by Rev. Roger J. Andrus, touches on how wisdom calls us, rewards us and blesses us when we heed its instructions.
The Path of Wisdom
The places of the paths is where paths meet, i.e., crossroads. This is a figure for decision. When we are standing at the crossroads, decision is not only possible; it is necessary. More than one path is available. We can go this way or that. Without this choice we would be impersonal automatons. If we cannot disobey, we cannot obey. If we cannot intelligently and knowingly reject the wrong path, we cannot intelligently and knowingly elect the right one.
So, Wisdom calls (Proverbs 8:1-10) at the places of the paths. At the time when we must make a decision, Wisdom calls to us from the right path and to that right path. She cries:
"Understand wisdom"
"Be of an understanding heart"
"Hear"
"Receive my instruction...and knowledge"
And, Wisdom rewards (Proverbs 8:11-21) those who choose the right path:
"For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
"Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness."
"My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver."
"That may I cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures."
Also, Wisdom blesses (Proverbs 8:32-36), i.e., makes fully happy, those who reap her riches.
"Blessed are they that keep my ways."
"Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates."
"For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD,"
Dear God, help all who read this to choose Christ. Amen!
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper
Feb 1, 2011
Deborah
We are going to take a look at Deborah, the worshiper today, and see what insights we can learn from her life. The following worship profile is from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House Publishers. It is a very good study Bible, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about worship.
Deborah
Deborah was not a person to sit quietly and wait for someone else to get things done. As a judge of God's people, she knew how to listen to the Lord's instructions and was quick to follow them. When it was necessary to go to battle, she obeyed the Lord by appointing Barak as the military commander. When he hesitated to carry out her instructions, she herself went with him to battle. Deborah was determined to follow the Lord at any cost and inspired others to do the same. Her encouragement and example spurred Barak on to victory, and it is possible that she was also a model for Jael, the brave woman who killed the commander of the enemy forces. But the accomplishments of Deborah's military leadership were equally matched by the impact of her spiritual leadership. When the battle against King Jabin had been won, Deborah and Barak sang a song of praise to the God of Israel because they knew the he alone deserved the glory for their victory.
Deborah the Worshiper
Deborah knew how to listen to the Lord. In order to make righteous decisions, she had to know what God wanted for his people and was responsible to act justly.
When the Lord gave victory through Deborah, she directed attention and praise back to him.
Learning from Deborah
Our relationship to God affects those around us. If we exhibit trust in God's ability to help and promptly obey whatever he requires, others will be encouraged to follow our model.
Truly successful leaders recognize that worship and praise to God is the right response to their accomplishments. The more we see God's hand in our endeavors, the more we will want to fall before him in wonder and praise for his incomparable works and mercy.
Following the Example
There is no shortcut to knowing God and being able to hear his voice. Knowing him requires that we spend time speaking and listening to him. One way we can listen to him today is by reading Scripture. Try systematically reading the Bible from beginning to end. In this way you will not be tempted to concentrate only on your favorite passages but will receive a more complete picture of God's character and of the ways he has related to his people throughout the ages. Also, thank God openly and quickly for every good thing he give his people. This may include victory over temptation, a meaningful relationship, abundant provision for your needs, or simply the joy of another day of life. Your thankfulness will be contagious to those around you.
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper
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