Tag Archives: devotional

05.20.13
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† Devo † Time Management #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

God wants our eyes to be fixed on Him. The world offers many distractions, and we may substitute our obedience for earthly indulgence. The more we do this, the more we learn to settle for less. John Piper, from his book A Hunger for God, notes, “If we don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because we have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.”

Our children listen to us say we want to do God’s will, and they watch us to see how it is done. Let your example be that of a deep relationship with Christ that satisfies and compels you to seek His will over your own.

Approach the banquet of God’s fullness, and bring your children with you!

Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]. You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that [thing].

James 4:14-15

05.13.13
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Devo: Parenting Preschoolers #AnchorFAM

This directive from Proverbs gives us great instruction on rearing our children:

*Train up means to lead and to teach; teaching your preschooler to obey and to understand who is boss.

*In the way he should go means being a student of your child. God has created each of them uniquely, and we want them to discover who God wants them to be.

*When he is old he will not depart from it. “Old” doesn’t mean teenager or young adult, but aged man.

Along the way, some kids break their parents’ hearts, but God’s Word offers hope that they will eventually come around. Take time to be a leader and a student of your children when they’re small, and there’s a far better chance they’ll listen to you and do what’s right when they’re old.

Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 AMP)

05.05.13
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Devo: Life Support #CheerLeader

All of us enjoy applause: whether on the athletic field, the stage, the classroom, or in the more insignificant events of life. Every one of us enjoys being praised. Our confidence is bolstered when a person of authority, or anyone we respect, supports us and is on our side. Getting that pat on the back, or that word of encouragement, makes us want to do even better. We work harder. We take on our problems with more determination and vigor. We are infused with want to.

Scripture reminds us that God wants to be our cheerleader. The Creator of this Universe desires to support us, and support us strongly. He is simply looking for that person who will allow Him to be God. He wants all our heart…all the time…not just when we think we need Him. He is even looking for us. It is not a question of being found by God; He knows exactly where we are. It is a matter of completely giving our heart to Him. With Jesus Christ on our side, we have it all.

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him. You have done foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you shall have wars. (2 Chronicles 16:9 AMP)

05.05.13
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Sermon Notes: #DealingWithDivorce Jesus died for all sins. Not just the bad ones.

There is not one sin that is better or worse than the others.
From divorce to homosexuality to abortion you can approach sin with legalism or liberalism. But God is neither nor. God is just and righteous. Always. And forever.

The Bible is authoritative
God is gracious
We are to be gentle

People need a biblical understanding without being beat me up!

Justifications of divorce come by Moses = Adultery, Paul = Abandonment, but Jesus = Don’t divorce, just stay Married. God united two into one, therefore, let no man separate what He creates.

Marriage is the Pursuit of Holiness. Not the Pursuit of Happiness.
Sometimes it takes a lot of Blisters before you can embrace Bliss.

What God has put together He can hold together!!!

Trust The Lord. He can do miracles. Amen.

1 Cor 7:10-17. Matthew 19:1-3. Deut. 24. Mark 10.

To the married people I give charge–not I but the Lord–that the wife is not to separate from her husband. But if she does [separate from and divorce him], let her remain single or else be reconciled to her husband. And [I charge] the husband [also] that he should not put away or divorce his wife.

To the rest I declare–I, not the Lord [for Jesus did not discuss this]–that if any brother has a wife who does not believe [in Christ] and she consents to live with him, he should not leave or divorce her. And if any woman has an unbelieving husband and he consents to live with her, she should not leave or divorce him.

For the unbelieving husband is set apart (separated, withdrawn from heathen contamination, and affiliated with the Christian people) by union with his consecrated (set-apart) wife, and the unbelieving wife is set apart and separated through union with her consecrated husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean (unblessed heathen, outside the Christian covenant), but as it is they are prepared for God [pure and clean].

But if the unbelieving partner [actually] leaves, let him do so; in such [cases the remaining] brother or sister is not morally bound. But God has called us to peace. For, wife, how can you be sure of converting and saving your husband? Husband, how can you be sure of converting and saving your wife?

Only, let each one [seek to conduct himself and regulate his affairs so as to] lead the life which the Lord has allotted and imparted to him and to which God has invited and summoned him. This is my order in all the churches.

(1 Corinthians 7:10-17 AMP)

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NOW WHEN Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the part of Judea that is beyond the Jordan; And great throngs accompanied Him, and He cured them there. And Pharisees came to Him and put Him to the test by asking, Is it lawful and right to dismiss and repudiate and divorce one’s wife for any and every cause? He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate). They said to Him, Why then did Moses command [us] to give a certificate of divorce and thus to dismiss and repudiate a wife? He said to them, Because of the hardness (stubbornness and perversity) of your hearts Moses permitted you to dismiss and repudiate and divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been so [ordained]. I say to you: whoever dismisses (repudiates, divorces) his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The disciples said to Him, If the case of a man with his wife is like this, it is neither profitable nor advisable to marry. But He said to them, Not all men can accept this saying, but it is for those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given. For there are eunuchs who have been born incapable of marriage; and there are eunuchs who have been made so by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves incapable of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him who is able to accept this accept it.

(Matthew 19:1-12 AMP)

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WHEN A man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a bill of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, And when she departs out of his house she goes and marries another man, And if the latter husband dislikes her and writes her a bill of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband dies, who took her as his wife, Then her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife after she is defiled. For that is an abomination before the Lord; and you shall not bring guilt upon the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance. When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.

(Deuteronomy 24:1-5 AMP)

05.04.13
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Devo: Big Problems With The First Family #AnchorFAM

Let’s talk about the big problems of the first family.

No, I’m not referring to the President and the First Lady, but to the original first family, Adam and Eve. They were also the first family to have big problems–I mean big problems. Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God, and their sin infected the whole human race.

They had two boys, Cain and Abel, and the problem of sin carried over to their children’s lives. Cain became so jealous of Abel’s blessings that he murdered him.

The first family had real problems–from Adam and Eve’s simple disobedience, to seeing one of their children murder his brother. The family of man still struggles with the same problem of sin today. But God has a solution in the person of Jesus Christ, Who came to save us from our sin problem. When a person looks to Christ, in faith, for salvation from sin, it breaks the negative chain of sin that enslaves people and families.

And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.
(Acts 16:31 AMP)

05.02.13
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Devo: God’s Reasons for Marriage #AnchorFAM #Biblical #Marriage

Jesus was asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” He responded by describing what God had in mind for marriage in the first place:

Marriage is for procreation. Jesus said, “He who created man, created man as male and female.” God said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply.”

Marriage is also for companionship. After God created Adam, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” So He created Eve, the perfect companion.

Marriage is also for sexual pleasure. As the story continues, Jesus quotes God’s Words on the first marriage: “and he shall cleave to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.” Sex is not just for procreation. It’s God’s gift to a husband and wife, to enjoy in the context of marriage to the fullest.

Procreation, companionship, sexual pleasure–reminders from Jesus about why God had the idea of marriage.

Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him. (Genesis 2:18 AMP)

04.29.13
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Devo: Addiction #Alcoholism

Another unexpected discovery in the Bible: an ancient account of a hangover. It’s a vivid depiction of the effects of drinking: the fighting, the hallucinations, the loss of memory, and the strange craving to do it all again.

Today, painful dependence on alcohol and drugs (illegal or prescription) are destroying many lives. While many people can drink moderately in social situations, there are some people for whom “one drink is too many and a hundred are not enough.” Something in their physical make-up, perhaps a genetic factor, prevents them from stopping, even if they wish they could. People who drink in response to stress or personal unhappiness may be showing early signs of alcoholism.

Alcoholism and other addictions lead to violence, poverty, sickness and isolation. Addiction breaks up families. While smoking cigarettes may seem relatively harmless, nicotine is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs people willingly consume, making it one of the hardest to give up. And its long-term effects are truly devastating.

When have you seen the reality of the actions of Proverbs 23.29,30? What effect has this behavior had on the person or that person’s family? What hidden needs is the person addicted trying to address? Why is this admonition important: “Don’t even look at that colorful stuff bubbling up in the glass!” (Verse 31)?

If someone in your family is battling addiction, you might want to learn more about programs to assist people facing addictions. Above all, keep praying for that person. Pray: Lord, when I am lonely and troubled, have pity on me. When my awful worries keep growing, rescue me from sadness. Remove from my life those things that separate me from you and keep me from experiencing healthy relationships with others.

Who is always in trouble? Who argues and fights? Who has cuts and bruises? Whose eyes are red? Everyone who stays up late, having just one more drink. Don’t even look at that colorful stuff bubbling up in the glass! It goes down so easily, but later it bites like a poisonous snake. You will see weird things, and your mind will play tricks on you. You will feel tossed about like someone trying to sleep on a ship in a storm. You will be bruised all over, without even remembering how it all happened. And you will lie awake asking, “When will morning come, so I can drink some more?” (Proverbs 23:29-35)

04.14.13
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I don’t want to hear any more opinions on @Lecrae (until you see this)!

04.13.13
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Devo: Many Enemies in the Home #AnchorFAM #Parents #RightFromTheHeart

Enemies In The Home

There are many enemies within the home seeking to destroy the family. Let me share a few:

Busyness. Everyone is over-committed, mostly through workaholism and activity-itus. This is true for all ages with our over-organized children’s activities.

Lack of spiritual and moral leadership by the father. Approximately 34% of all births in the U.S. are to single moms. Even in some families that have a dad, he’s often absent or practically non-existent.

Negative influence of media and technology. Kids spend more time with the TV than they do with their parents, and its influence can be overwhelmingly negative. It’s a substitute for family communication. Internet pornography is devastating marriages and perverting how some men view women.

Parents, a vibrant relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the best way to battle the many enemies within the home.

Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, (Deuteronomy 29:18 ESV)

04.12.13
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Devo: Save Your Mate #AnchorFAM #TriedByFire #Fireproof

A fine Christian woman, for many years, suffered spiritual abuse from her wicked husband. Although he was a good provider, loved the children, and made a good companion in every other area of life, he detested his wife’s religion. After years of spiritual suffering, she went weeping to her pastor, stating that she could take no more. She said she must either give up her experience with the Lord or divorce her husband. Her wise pastor encouraged her to wait and pray. Not too many months later, she had the privilege of leading her husband to repentance.

In the Corinthian church, there were wives and husbands who were suffering similar abuse. They talked with the apostle Paul and rather than give them a release for their burdens, he challenged them by stating: Think of it: as a wife you may be your husband’s salvation (The New English Bible). The fact is a mate most often has tremendous influence over the decisions of the one to whom they are married.

Perhaps you have relatives or friends who give you spiritual abuse. Do not despair. Take heart, for the same God that saved the jailer and his house can work in your home or circle of friends. Paul, ever realistic, does add: But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace (1 Corinthians 7:15).

For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14 ESV)

04.09.13
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Devo: The Trinity #TriuneGod #Treborn #Elohim

The Trinity is a theological term to describe God as three persons in one. The actual term is never mentioned in the Bible, but the concept is in the Old and the New Testament.

In the very first chapter of the Bible, God says, “Let us make man in our image.”

Who do you think “us” and “our” are? There is no indication of God being married, so it’s not His wife. And Angels don’t create, they’re a creation of God. There’s only one logical answer: It’s God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When Jesus the Son was baptized, God’s Word tells us God the Father spoke from Heaven and said, “This is my son. I’m proud of Him.” Then God the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. All three were there. All three are one God.

It’s a mystery our finite human minds have a hard time grasping. But the Trinity–God as three in one–fills us with wonder at the unexplainable greatness of God.

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16 ESV)

03.31.13
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Fundamental Question #Grace #Discipline #Prodigal

Your sibling did something horribly bad! They cheated on a test, no. They shaved the cat, no. They took dad’s new car for a joy ride, yeah that might work.

Not only did your sibling take the car out, but they damaged a good portion of the driver’s side. Dad is going to be extremely upset.

Your sibling thinks it was fun, funny, & that its no big deal because Dad will just get it fixed. At least that’s how you see it. You just know your sibling will take no responsibility when it comes to the consequence.

You know that you’ve gotten in trouble a lot with day. He helped you learn your lesson & be remorseful of your mistakes. But your sibling doesn’t seem that remorseful.

Ironically, you recall when you did the same thing. You took Dad’s car & got into an accident.

What do you do? 

A) Do you pretend that nothing ever happened? 

Dad won’t notice, or if he does you’re not responsible so you don’t need to say anything or do anything about it. 

B) Do you help your sibling escape the blame & consequence by creating a believable story? 

Lie to Dad. Tell him it wasn’t your siblings fault. Tell him someone must have stole it. 

C) Do you speak up to Dad & tell him the whole truth about what happened?

Your sibling might despise you, but they might just need to learn a lesson or morality & values. Wouldn’t you want to be disciplined now before you veer too far off the path? Why not do your sibling the same favor. 

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In conclusion:

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

(Matthew 7:12-14 ESV)

Songs I find that suit this subject are;

HOW LOW

AMEN

MISCONCEPTION

WORK TO DO

SNITCH

 

03.30.13
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Devo: Oprah (#OneWay vs. #Universalism | #OWN or #NWO)

There’s a good possibility that the most influential spiritual leader in America today is Oprah Winfrey. Her spirituality is an eclectic smorgasbord of religious and spiritual ideas. She’s overwhelmingly for universalism. Universalism believes that everyone gets to God their own way–no one religion has exclusive rights on Heaven. It’s the dominant theological idea inside and outside the American church. And Oprah is its most winsome, popular proponent.

It makes me wonder how she would react if Jesus Christ was her featured guest. How would she respond to His outrageous claim, “I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”?

Would she say, “Jesus, there are lots of ways to Heaven.”

Or would she say, “Oh, my goodness, forgive me. I’ve been leading millions down the wrong path.”

It would be an interesting interview–for Jesus’ way to Heaven and Oprah’s way are exact opposites. Who do you think is right?

I’ll go with Jesus.

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

(2 Timothy 4:2-5 ESV)

03.29.13
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Devo: Parental Respect #AnchorFAM

There’s a common problem in many homes today. Disrespect. Refusing to consider each other’s opinions, interrupting when someone’s talking, never apologizing for a mistake. Sounds like I’m talking about children, doesn’t it? But, parents, I’m actually referring to the way you behave.

Maybe you’ve seen it – a parent spewing anger or yelling careless words to control a child. You may have even done it yourself. It’s an easy trap to fall into. After all, such methods do create compliance – at least for that moment. But does it really make sense for a parent to demand respect by acting disrespectfully themselves?

Disrespect is an attack on a child’s self-worth. Parents who scream, belittle, interrupt, and lecture endlessly will erode the connection between them and their child. And without connection, parents face a never-ending struggle. As author Josh McDowell says, “Rules without relationship equals rebellion.” Over the long run, disrespect from a parent will lead to less compliance from a child, not more.

Another important consideration is what a parent’s behavior models. As you’ve probably already noticed, kids don’t need help learning how to be disrespectful. It’s part of the fallen nature at work within all of us. But that’s why it’s even more crucial for parents to keep themselves under control. It models for the child how to resolve conflict with another person while treating them with respect.

Listen, I understand how tough it is to raise kids these days. But parenting with respect not only shows a child how deeply we value them, but the need to respect others as well. Today, ask God to help you model a life worth imitating.

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7 ESV)

03.26.13
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Dream: A Lone Wolf & The Easy Pray #Devo #HolyWeek

20130326-135718.jpg

Thinking about my dream still irks me a but as I drive to work. I didn’t think too much of it, but now that it replays in my mind. I wonder the meaning.

I was with some of my friends, yet I don’t recall what we were doing. My best guess is that we were just walking along the sand on the beach and headed home. To get home we had to climb this cliff which put us at about 75 feet above the sand. I was the last one up and out of nowhere a giant black wolf jumps up to where I am. I’m pretty much 12 feet away from the top of the cliff, but I knew with this wolf here, he could easily pull me off the cliff or drag me down if he wanted.

He stood on my left side looking at me. Waiting for me to move. I didn’t make eye contact with the wolf but I could feel his eyes piercing my soul. It felt as if he could read my mind, or at least hear my heart begin to race. As we stood there in silence, barely breathing, trying to not make any sudden moves, I prayed he would just leave me alone. I imagined GOD coming down from the sky like Hercules to backhand the beast off the cliff in order to protect me from harm. But GOD didn’t come down. I was practically alone.

My friends still stood there not helping, just watching in disbelief. Perhaps they were afraid of being attacked. Instead of physically helping, they eventually began yelling for the wolf to “leave” & “get out of here” but the huge black wolf remained still. He awaited my reaction.

Next thing I know, onlookers are yelling at the wild wolf too. Instead of telling him to leave, they are urging the beast to bite me and tear me in pieces. I became uneasy and frustrated that I had people wishing for my demise by this enemy of mine.

Finally, I prayed deep and loudly within my soul for Jesus to protect me and give me strength to face the fear. I was overwhelmed by this sense of power. I felt the Holy Spirit from within me begin to take over the rest of my physical body. My fear vanished. The lone wolf seemed like a pesky lap dog to me. I turned my head towards his direction acknowledging his presence. He snarled at me with mouth of razor sharp teeth. I yelled; “Come on! What are you going to do? Attack me?!”

Right then he lunged for my left forearm and dug into my flesh and muscles. He was attached to my arm as I violently tried to shake him off. He wouldn’t let go. But I knew that with my newly accessible power, I didn’t feel any pain whatsoever. I could see the ribbons of flesh dangling on my arm as my blood got caught between his teeth. It was as if I taste good to him. But I still felt no pain or any fear within me. As he slowly noticed the lack of reaction upon my face he because furious and frustrated. He then came to grips that he was causing me no harm. Merely an inconvenience. Nothing a bandaid couldn’t cover up.

In conclusion, the lonesome wolf left my side after I shook him off my arm and over the cliff. I don’t remember seeing him fall and hit bottom. I can only imagine he got up limping in defeat and running off with his tail between his legs.

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Afterthought:

This dream resonates with me in a spiritual sense. Maybe it was on my mind because it is Holy Week, and my mind has been thinking of what Jesus was thinking as he entered Jerusalem knowing what the outcome would be. All I know is; I am extremely encouraged by the power of the Holy Spirit which is accessible (to Christians) via prayer. I feel confident that any enemy attack will be thwarted by my satisfaction in Christ, because He is glorified through me.

I pray this inspires your mind and encourages your soul. Please share with me your thoughts and experiences via dreams and/or the Holy Spirit. Be blessed this Holy Week. God is good and faithful. He didn’t leave us alone without any protection or power. We have an advocate. Believe that!

Be strong. Be courageous.

Christian Treborn