Monday, January 21, 2008
Who are You Listening to?
The Burning Bush Devotional
Welcome to the 105 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
01.21.08
Who are You Listening to?
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the door keeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. - John 10:1-5.
Following the wrong voice can cause you much trouble and pain. A little boy found that out one day in Auburn, California. The little boy had gone to a dental complex with his two teen-age sisters and they left him in a play area for children. While they were gone, the little boy’s name was called and he followed. They put him into a dental chair, injected him with Novocain, X-rayed him and removed two front teeth. It was the wrong boy! There were two other boys with the same name in the play area. The family filed a lawsuit in Placer County Superior Court.
Adam and Eve had a somewhat similar experience listening to the voice of a snake with legs. Looks like there would have been a clue there somewhere? Much pain and heartache has followed for all of us because of their choosing to follow the wrong voice. Jesus made the right choice in Matthew chapter four when he rejected the voice of the devil and all of his temptations. But the voice of the stranger is often very attractive. The fruit of the tree appeared good to eat to Adam and Eve. The devil offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world. I wonder whether the little boy was tempted with a small toy that some dentists have in their office?
During one Christmas season, I heard there was a garbage strike that affected an affluent neighborhood. Bags of garbage were piling up in the alleys and along the curbs. It was becoming ugly with the smell of it all but one man found a way to have his garbage removed. He wrapped his garbage up in Christmas wrapping paper and left it on his front porch at night. In the morning, thieves would always have it removed. The voice of the stranger wraps his words in the most tempting things. However, if you look closely you will see what the stranger is offering is still just garbage.
Whose voice have you been following and where has that voice led you? Maybe it is time to find that Bible, open it up, ask God to speak to you, and begin to read.
Copyright © 2008. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals on a non-profit basis with source credited. The Burning Bush website has been online since January 31, 1998. On June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Surviving the Fall
The Burning Bush Devotional
Welcome to the 90 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
Welcome to the 90 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
01.16.08
Surviving the Fall
Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place; for a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him. Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked; for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. - Proverbs 24:15-20.
“His head was down, his feet were up, and he came whizzing by screaming.” Chris Hoyle had looked out her window just in time to see Ken Larsen on the way down from the top of a five-story building. Larsen survived the fall with no broken bones and was only bruised and scraped.
Ken Larsen’s frightening fall seems to be a picture of many of our lives, which for a variety of reasons may go out of control. Many of the prayer requests we receive are from those whose lives appear to be rapidly heading for a crash landing. Some have financial problems, health problems, marital problems, job problems, sin problems or a combination of problems. So what do you do when you find your life coming apart and you are falling?
Ken Larsen was on top of the building laying telecommunications cable. He was walking backward pulling on the cable and his co-worker was holding the spool feeding it out. When Ken stepped off the roof, he still had the cable in his hands. He held on gripping tighter and tighter which broke his fall. He landed on his feet even though much of the fall was headfirst. Meanwhile back on the roof his co-worker leaned against the spool of cable trying to slow the rate the cable fed out.
The only thing that will slow our fall is to hang onto God. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 we are told, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord....” To have a safe landing we must be steadfast, immovable in our confidence in God. It also helps as it did for Ken Larsen for others to be trying to slow our fall as well. It does make a difference when we do as the apostle exhorted us “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men...” (1 Timothy 2:1).
When you find yourself falling, coming apart at the seams - do what you know you ought to do. Live, as God would have you to live. Read the Bible, pray, go to church, and serve the Lord. When you are in a free fall that is not the time to turn away from what you know you ought to do. No, it is time to read your Bible more, pray more, go to church more, serve the Lord more, and strive with all your heart to live as you know that God would want you to live. At the very least, you will find peace, love, and joy in the midst of the pain and uncertainties of your life. Most likely, though, you will also find God picking up the pieces of your life and slowly putting everything back together.
Copyright © 2008. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals on a non-profit basis with source credited. The Burning Bush website has been online since January 31, 1998. On June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Some Clues
The Burning Bush Devotional
Welcome to the 78 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
Welcome to the 78 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
01.14.08
Some Clues
Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. - Acts 11:19-26.
Arthur Cheney, a 64-year-old man, was arrested close to Marysville, California where he was seen driving a car that was used in a bank robbery. Apparently Arthur did not think that he would be caught any time soon because he left a hand written sticky note on the console of the car. A police officer stated that on the note was written, "Robbery 100s and 50s only." The officer then stated, "We call that a clue."
There appears to be some confusion among many calling themselves Christians as to what a Christian actually is and how to become a Christian. Thankfully, God has left us with some clues. In fact, He has left us with a big book full of clues, which we call the Bible. Thought I might mention that because I suspect that some who say they are Christians have never read the book.
Here is one of my favorite clues: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)." Examining this clue, we find the way to have eternal life. It appears that we can have eternal life by simply believing on the "Son" of God who we know to be Christ Jesus. It is from Christ that the word, Christian, is derived. You might use this clue to examine your own life. Have you believed upon Jesus the Son of God and by believing become a Christian possessing eternal life?
A clue about how we are to live as Christians is found in Acts 11 where we are told about Barnabas who is a Christian that, "he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." Barnabas was a "good man." From the word "good" I think that it is obvious that Barnabas was not involved in anything bad, as in evil. You can use this clue to examine your life and determine whether you have one of the characteristics of a Christian. Are you involved in anything of an evil nature?
A clue about the kind of attitude we will have as Christians is that Barnabas was "full of…faith." One dictionary defines faith as "great trust or confidence in something or someone." The early Christians as seen in Acts 11 were scattered by persecution but they did not stop preaching, witnessing and sharing their faith. As a result, Christianity spread throughout the known world. Do you have that kind of faith? Does your faith cause you to share Jesus with those around you?
How could the early Christians continue to have faith and live good lives in the face of the severe persecution that they were experiencing? We see with Barnabas that their power came from the Holy Spirit. Barnabas was "full of the Holy Spirit." Are you full of the Holy Spirit? In Ephesians 5:18 we are told, "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit." When someone is drunk on alcohol or high on some other substance, they are under the control of that substance. Instead, we are to be controlled, under the influence of the Spirit of God. Is your life controlled by the Spirit of God?
There are countless other clues to be found in the Bible about how to be a Christian and how a Christian is to live. So, if you are not sure about how to be a Christian or how to live as a Christian, pick up your Bible and…get a clue.
Copyright © 2008. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals on a non-profit basis with source credited. The Burning Bush website has been online since January 31, 1998. On June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Whenever You Fall
The Burning Bush Devotional
Welcome to the 71 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
Welcome to the 71 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
01.13.08
Whenever You Fall...Just Get Back Up
Today’s devotional and poem was written by Merissa Lee Kelley. She has written many great poems and if you are a member of the facebook Burning Bush group you can read more of them there on the discussion board.
Merissa shares: Writing this poem was a "pep talk" to myself. It's very important to remember that when you fall...there is a difference in the way God "deals" with you about it and the way the enemy "attacks" you about it. God sent the Holy Spirit to counsel and comfort us. But He also convicts us when we are behaving wrong. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit is not negative or condemning. It is a sense of urgency...a "quickening" in your spirit that is placed there to get your attention. Sort of like a "red flag" waving..."GET OFF THE TRACK...DANGER AHEAD...A TRAIN IS HEADED YOUR WAY"
We are so blessed that the Holy Spirit hears the "train whistle" long before we do...and consistently urges us to mend our ways. It's crucial to heed the wisdom that the Holy Spirit is trying to impart...it will keep us balanced. It's when we tune Him out that our balance gets shaky and we're more apt to fall. However the tactic the enemy uses is completely opposite. His weapons are condemnation, regrets and guilt...and he can wield them like a sledgehammer. His purpose is to get you so mired down in feeling like a failure when you fall...that you will not have the strength to get back up. He can literally try to place a "spirit of heaviness" on you that weights you down. He delights when people "throw in the towel" so to speak...so he can gloat...mission accomplished.
We need to be as determined to succeed in our mission...as he is trying to get us to fail. Feelings are fickle...subject to change, based on the emotional state you are in at the moment. They aren't based on fact and "feeling" like a failure doesn't mean you ARE a failure. Remember, we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus! Put on the "garment of praise" that drives away the "spirit of heaviness" and keep on stepping!
Whenever You Fall...Just Get Back Up
by Merissa Lee Kelley
Sometimes I feel like such a failure...cause I fall down everyday I start each morning with good intentions...then get lost along the way And then the guilt comes pressing in...to add its dismal view Shining a spotlight on what I've done or what I didn't do
Repent and get back on my feet is the only way to go But it really seems in that regard...I'm moving awfully slow Heart and mind in separate corners and neither wants to bend My "flesh" is pushing retaliation...while my spirit seeks to mend
Two steps forward and three steps back...what kind of dance is that? It feels more like a boxing round and I'm thrown to the mat So here I am...at odds with me...which gives my head a spin Cause a double-minded team of one...is a team that will not win
Condemnation rears it's head and although I'm well aware That it's a weapon formed against me...I still feel such despair And here I go again, dear Lord, falling on my face Counting all my numerous flaws...instead of seeking grace
This position is not strategic...it's a bitter, wretched cup No matter how many times you fall...you've got to get back up Staying down is not an option, if you do...the race is lost Giving up before you finish...just isn't worth the cost
Day by day...step by step...He journeys by your side Everyday His mercy is new, to strengthen and to guide You're not a failure when you fall...you fail when you believe The lies the enemy conjures up...for his goal is to deceive
The depth of God's love perfectly matches each step you'll ever take So don't get negative towards yourself...if you happen to make a mistake Just get back up and keep your focus on the plan God has for you His hand is always reaching down to help you start anew.
Merissa Lee Kelley
January 10, 2008
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37.
Copyright © 2008. Ed Wrather. Merissa Lee Kelley. (Permission of for use of this devotional must be obtained from Merissa Lee Kelley.) Permission is given for use of the devotionals on a non-profit basis with source credited. The Burning Bush website has been online since January 31, 1998. On June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Christian Growth
The Burning Bush Devotional
Welcome to the 64 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
Welcome to the 64 new subscribers since January 1, 2008!!
01.10.08
Christian Growth
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. - Hebrews 5:12-14.
Tragically, many of us do not grow to maturity as Christians. Others grow slower than some. I know exactly why I did not grow, as I should have after receiving Christ as my Savior. It was because I was not praying, as I should have. I was not reading God’s Word, as I should have. I was not attending church as I should have, and I was not serving God, as I should have. Whenever I began to do those things, I began to grow as a Christian. Sadly, my lack of growth caused all kinds of problems and only when I began to grow did those problems begin to go away. I could have saved myself and those close to me so much pain if I had immediately started praying, attending church, reading the Bible and actively serving the Lord.
To grow as children of God our spiritual nature must be fed. The apostle Paul is speaking of that in Romans 8:5-6, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” In Romans 13:14 Paul tells us, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” We are to clothe ourselves with Jesus and instead of thinking about how to gratify the flesh, we should be thinking about how to feed our spiritual nature.
Paul gives us some things to feed the spiritual nature with in Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” We know Paul said to follow him because he was walking in the steps of Jesus. We know that Paul was preaching the Word of God. We know that he was a man of prayer. We know that he was very, very busy in the service of His Lord.
On a scale of one to ten, where are you at as a Christian? Have you grown in maturity since salvation or do you still need to be taught the basic “...principles of the oracles of God?” The good news is that we can grow if we want to grow (If you have no desire to grow as a Christian you need to examine whether you actually have a relationship with Jesus.). Ask God to help you to grow as His child and become more and more like Jesus.
Copyright © 2008. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals on a non-profit basis with source credited. The Burning Bush website has been online since January 31, 1998. On June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
