Actions Always Speak Louder Than Words

Scripture Jeremiah 28 ; Jeremiah 29 ; Jeremiah 30 ; 1 John 3: 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Observation: Talk is cheap and without action means little.

Application: Anyone can say, "I am praying for you" but if there is no action behind it the words are empty. How many times have I uttered those words out of habit and then because of some other thought forgot them quickly? I am quilty. I pray that my actions always speak louder than the words I utter.

Prayer: I pray that my words are never empty and what I say is my bond. I pray that God's Spirit reminds me of the commitments I make and helps me fulfill them. May my actions always out weigh my words. Love Stephen

Yieldedness: I will strive to speak less and act more..

Walking and Living In the Light of God's Grace and Forgiveness

Scripture: Jeremiah 15:19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.

Observation: God is speaking to me this morning because I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I cannot buy my way into salvation, I cannot learn my way into salvation, I cannot work my way into salvation--I must depend upon God for what it takes to save me and give me strength to go on and be God's spokesman.

Application: As I walk through this life (well sometimes running), I know that I am only on the way to perfection and to reach that goal I must be able to admit my short comings. God says, if I repent and that means turn from my wicked ways and turn toward God, God will restore me for service. If I come with a contrite heart wide open to God, God will cleanse it and make it new so that I can go forward and take my witness with me into the world.

So many times people and churches get so caught up in their own self-righteousness that they lose sight of who they are and what their purpose is in the world, which is to love God to utmost and highest and to love our neighbor just as we love ourselves.

Prayer: My prayer today is that I never forget who loves me and wants me to succeed and who wants to bless me in all things. And I pray that I always find a way to include God's grace and forgiveness in my every thought and activity. Thank you Lord for loving me anyway, STephen

Yieldedness: I will always walk in the shadow of God's grace and forgiveness.

Where Real Peace Comes From

Scripture Jeremiah 10 ; Jeremiah 11 ; Jeremiah 12 ; John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Observation: There is much fear in the world today. This fear covers lots of territory everything from "will I have a job next week" to "how do I get treatment for my illness if my insurance says 'No' to paying for my treatment".

Application: Paul tells us me I must live in the world but I don't have to be a part of it. That is confusing but when I look at things through the lens of the kingdom, it is not so bad. These entitlements that I have become so accustomed too--health care, retirement, technology and much more--are all created to help me live longer in the world, become more relaxed and comfortable about my future, finally just "click here" and it is done. If some how I can use all that for the glory of God and put it into action to share God's grace with someone else--then maybe it is a good thing. And maybe it is good to live this way and be productive in that way.

Still it doesn't cover those in need and those who don't have access. I have come to the point this morning that I must live in Jesus and not be afraid of what might happen if all these entitlements and my comfort goes away. My peace must come from Jesus and my relationship with him.

Prayer: Lord, I pray today for those who live in fear of whatever. I pray that you will provide a way to bring peace. Love Stephen

Yieldedness: I let go of my fear now, and I will become more dependent upon the One who can bring real peace to my heart.

Walking in the Light In the Midst of the Darkness

Scripture: John 12: ³⁵ Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going.

Observation: I believe there is some darkness around all the time even in the midst of the light.

Application: I have known some very intelligent people in my life time. I could see their abilities put into action in ways that they understood and were able to develop to make things better and easier and even more profitable. It was in their control. But at the same time, there was darkness in their life. The problems that life brings still invaded their space and sometimes would make their lives miseriable. Some are faithful followers of Jesus and some are not, but still that darkness creeps in from time to time.

Even though Jesus was predicting his death, I think he was letting us know that even though we have the light there is still that element of darkness that overcomes us when our guard is down and we have wandered off out of the light.

The word for me today is to keep my focus on the light [Jesus] and to use the light of The
Word as a guide through even the darkness.

Prayer: Lord help me to keep my focus on the Light and help me to remember that even though life happens to me there is still that peace that only you can provide in the end. Thanks for loving me anyway, Stephen

Yieldedness: I give up any thoughts that I might save myself and leave the saving to Jesus.

Being Sure It Is Jesus Who Is Speaking

Well I know its been a while and I am sorry, but somtimes life becomes complicated and important things don't get done. Without a long story, that is what happened to me. I hope to focus better now on what is most important--spending a little more time with Jesus. De Colores.


Scripture: John 9:39--Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will be blind."

Observation: It seems that so many people in the world today who call themselves believers are as blind as a bat about God's grace and God's salvation.

Application: I think sometimes people have become so educated and caught up in the world that the presence of God has been lost or overlooked. In the story of the blind man's healing, Jesus saw that the man had been blind from birth, Jesus saw in this man a need that could be met. Jesus gave him his sight and changed his life forever. The man could become a productive person in his world and could at the same time witness to what God had done for him becaused he believed. Even when those who were close to him would not stand up for him out of fear, his witness did not wavier. In the end of the story, Jesus makes sure the man knows that Jesus is who he says he is--"you have seen him; in fact, he is the one who is speaking with you." (vs 37, John 9).

Somtimes I need that reassurance too. Even though I am a believer and I have a witness, I need to know Jesus is the on who is speaking to me. I see that today, revealed to me in the Word of God.

Prayer: LOrd, thank you for sending me signs of your presence and reassuring em that you love me and you are transforming me into what you want me to be. I pray today for all it is my duty to pray for--especially Emmaus #98 & #99. Love Stephen.

Yieldedness: I will not rely upon my own understanding, but on the presence of Jesus in my life.