"Here Comes Your Second Chance" by Tony Evans 

If you’re like me, you have areas of regret in your life—areas where you know that if you could go back and do it over again, you would. Such is the case of Moses. He made a miscalculation when he killed an Egyptian, and it came with a price tag because sin brings consequences. But the beautiful thing is that doesn’t have to be the last word in your life, my life or the lives of the people we love and care about.​

If you look back and wish things were different, even though you know can’t change them, I want you to know that God is the God of second chances—even third, fourth and fifth chances. When you come clean with Him, you allow Him to do what He wants to do in your life now for where He’s taking you later. You will find that He can take the misery of the past and turn it into the miracle of the future because you’re dedicated to Him in the present.​

Don’t let discouragement rule. Don’t let it take you down. God has a way of using you in spite of yesterday.

Be encouraged,
Tony Evans 

"Rebirthday Gifts" 

Roman's 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The first few words of this verse are so stark that it presents a challenge to even consider or receive the blessing of the rest of it. My home church during my teen years, The First Baptist Church of San Fernando was across the street from J.T. Oswald Mortuary. The Cadillac hearse that sat in the driveway had these words emblazoned on both sides of the car in huge letters...."The wages of sin is death." That always struck me as odd. No comma, a period, and no promise of any hope. We used to finish the verse every time the hearse drove by. This verse is actually more about our rebirth day than it is our death day.

Salvation is a gift from God. Eternal life is a promise that adds meaning and joy and purpose to this life. The threat of judgment is real, but the hope of heaven forever supersedes and cancels that threat. Our rebirthday gift is so wonderful and perfect that it takes away the pain, fear and worry about the wages of our sin. His work on the cross pays a dividend that overrides the wages of our sin. Good news. Our rebirthday gift is way better than any birthday gift you have ever or will ever receive. Let this encourage you today.

In Him with you,
Pastor Fred 

"Do You Believe?" 

And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”
Mark 9:23-24 

If you are on this devotional e-mail you likely believe "IN" God and Christ. Certainly, if we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior we believe in Him.

I have been challenged in a Bible Study to not only believe "IN" God, but BELIEVE God. Believe Him when he says He will never leave us or forsake us. Believe Him when He says He will provide our needs. Believe Him when He says He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to handle it. Believe Him when He says He is sufficient for us.

Do we act like we believe Him? I don't always. Lord, help my unbelief.

Humbled,
Angie Wahl

“Sorrow & Joy”
 
John 16:20
“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”
 
I love this quote a friend shared recently...”Shared sorrow is half sorrow. Shared joy is double joy.” The verse from John and quote go hand in hand for me. In this world we will have trouble and tears, but joy does come in the morning.
 
So how do we ride the rollercoaster of joys and sorrows? For me, I do it with mathematics. Adding and subtracting are easiest, right? So let us add joy and subtract sorrow. Joy can add what sorrow subtracts.
 
For an even more powerful equation try multiplying and dividing. Like the quote says, sharing joy doubles it and sharing sorrow divides it in half. Whatever we are feeling, we need to share, because sharing lightens the load and spreads happiness. So we can do both by sharing. Sure, the world sometimes rejoices over what grieves us, but when we share that sorrow we can turn sorrow into joy and double that joy when we do.
 
I found all this encouraging. Hope you do too. Let’s half our sorrow and double our joy. The world needs us to do both. More joy and lighter sorrow. Yes Lord Yes.
 
In Joy,
Pastor Fred

“Waiting”
 
Psalm 62:5
“For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from Him.”
 
There is definitely something about waiting on God that silences me. When I empty myself before Him and focus solely on Him without distraction or thinking or trying to pray…just being in His presence for the sole purpose to listen, He always raises my hope. No matter what mood, attitude, frame of mind or condition I am in, if I can consider Him alone, me alone with Him, just as focused on Him, something happens in me every time.
 
As I write this devotional it is literally beginning to happen. Peace is flowing, trust is growing, waiting is effortless and my soul is quiet and filling with hope. His love and grace and mercy and contentment are washing over me in waves of His goodness. Tears and a smile, mixing together as I bask in His Presence. I have no words, no needs, no worries, or fears, just His hope.
 
I love this definition of hope…
“Hope is waiting with expectation for the good and miraculous things God will unfold.”
 
Three keys for hope to rise:
            1. Focusing on God alone.
            2. Waiting silently.
            3. Receiving hope.
 
It is Friday night May 18^th at 8:18 p.m. I am praying alone at Grace Harbor, focused on Him, waiting silently, receiving hope.
 
Tears and a smile,
Pastor Fred

 

“Gentleness” Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Gentle words. Gentle touch. Gentle actions. We seem to have misplaced our responsibility and call to be gentle. Proverbs 15:1 says “A gentle word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” We should consider a gentler tone, a gentler spirit, a gentler attitude too. I remember when my children were little, always saying to them, “Be gentle, be gentle”. Not just because things and people are precious and fragile, but because we are too harsh with words and actions, with looks and with motions. My mom took an additional tact with me as a boy. She in a very gentle tone often told me not to be “rammy”, meaning rough or harsh with words or actions. We need to be softer, more caring. There is a time to be firm or righteously angry, just not every time you open your mouth or touch something. We should think more gently, therefore speak and act on our thoughts appropriately. After all, the Lord is near. Do we really want to have Him hear us rip things apart, physically or verbally? Choose your words and actions wisely. People are especially precious. Treat them so. Where did the notion of “Speaking the truth in love go?” Buried in our Bibles with so much other Christlikeness. Food for thought. Chew slowly, I know I need to too. Gently please, Pastor Fred

"Jehovah Elohim Ab"

Joshua 18:3 " Then Joshua said to the children of Israel, 'How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord (Jehovah) God (Elohim) of your fathers (Ab) has given you?'"

When praying, it is so vital to keep in mind Who you are talking to. In doing so it can be helpful to consider all the various Names of God. Recently l have been sharing some of those names and writing short devotionals about how to connect more personally with God. Thinking of Him as being the Lord God of our fathers causes me to consider the generations.

I have lately been mindful of the generations in my family that l have knowledge of and the forefathers and mothers and preceded those too. We all have roots that trace back to Adam and Eve, right? And... We all have the same Father in Heaven too. There is a connectedness in humanity that cannot be denied. There is also a rich heritage each of us has in our own family roots. Let us not neglect the treasure of our common roots, nor the specific blessing of our personal history. What is common and what is unique both have great value. God our Father wants to bless and teach us through our common and unique heritage. As we receive that blessing let us also share it.

In His Family,
Pastor Fred

"But As For Me" 
 
Psalm 59:16-17 "But as for me, I shall sing of your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for you have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness."
 
David speaking in this Psalm. Fred speaking in this devotional. Me too, I agree with David. God is my strength and my stronghold. He is my all in all. His lovingkindness is better than life. His lovingkindness makes life meaningful. I seek His refuge on this adventure. He is my source and my guide. My map and my oasis. My rest and my awakening. He is everything to me.
The more I declare that and sing it and share it, the more my distress diminishes. The one who provides for me, strengthens me, and gives me hope and life to live for Him. To exalt Him, to serve Him and to have joy in it. Day after day, week to week and year to year I will trust in God.
 
As for me too, this is my life and quest, my purpose and joy, my truth and hope. May He guide your life and day, and stressful moments.
 
In Him,
Pastor Fred

"Never Hunger, Never Thirst?" 

John 6:35 " I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst."

Never hunger and never thirst. How can this be? A few verses later (verse 51) Jesus said, 'I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.' Some of those who heard Him asked, 'How can He do that?' Many of His disciples turned back from following Him. What was He saying? In verse 63 Jesus explained, 'lt is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.' The physical food and drink we consume each day sustains our physical life. Jesus gave His life so that anyone who comes to Him and believes in Him can have eternal life.

Take some time to read John 6:36 and the verses following. Read similar ideas at the beginning of Isaiah 55. Jesus is the only Source of eternal life. He alone can satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst. Come to Him. This is how this can be.

For the Kingdom,
Pastor Fred

 "What We Should Do" 

John 13:12-17  So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, do you know what I have done to you? You call me teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you; A servant is not greater than his master, nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."

In this passage Jesus wanted to impress on the disciples that his act of washing feet was not restricted to His ministry, anyone who claims to follow Jesus must also wash… feet, not as a ritual but through humble acts of service. Jesus set an example of humble servitude. Washing feet is humbling. So are many acts of humble service. Giving to the poor, visiting the sick, encouraging the downhearted, cleaning up messes, going the extra mile, being a listening ear, etc. etc. We have been instructed to serve one another with this attitude of Christ Himself.

Your fellow servant,
Pastor Fred

How Do You Honor Your Mother?
FROM IN TOUCH MINISTRIES

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you”.  Exodus 20:12

The command to “honor . . . your mother” isn’t a suggestion, and nobody is exempt. Her character or effectiveness as a parent is not the issue. God established this guideline for Israel because a respectful home was crucial to the nation’s future success. The same is true for us today. God blesses our homes when we respect our mothers with words, attitudes, and actions.

LOVE HER UNCONDITIONALLY. We’re called to love our moms as God does. He didn’t qualify His love with expectations or conditions to be met first. He lavished affection on us “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8).

FORGIVE HER COMPASSIONATELY. Since there are no perfect mothers, at times we’ll have to forgive them. If your mom seems harsh or unloving, show her compassion.  As a child, she may have experienced hardships that wounded her spirit.

REMEMBER HER GRATEFULLY. This Mother’s Day, thank Mom for all she did for you when you were young. But don’t let it end there. Nothing is more hurtful than feeling forgotten. Make room for her in your busy schedule. After all, she made countless sacrifices for you.

TREAT HER KINDLY. Let your mother know she’s valued. Take time to listen attentively to her words, and help her out when she is in need.

Does your mother feel loved and honored? What can you do to bring a big smile to her face? In our adult years, it’s easy to distance ourselves from our moms because life gets hectic and multiple demands steal our time. Make it a habit to pray for her daily and contact her regularly.

Let’s all make this Mother’s Day very special.

Blessing to all,
Ron Hodge

"Huios Tou Theou" 

Matthew 16:16 "Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son (Huios) of the Living God. (Tou Theou)"

The Names of God l have shared verses and devotionals about have been in Hebrew thus far. This one is translated from Greek. Peter had this truth revealed to him in his Spirit as he spoke it. It is an epiphany we all should have. Jesus, the Christ is the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. Know that personally. He is whom the prophets spoke of prophetically. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and final Authority. He is the radiance of the Glory of God and the exact representation of The Godhead. He is seated at the right hand eternally and is The Name above all Names. He is the Son of the Living God. I exalt the Savior of the World.

In His Name,
Pastor Fred 

"My God and My King"

Psalm 68:12 "Your procession, God, has come into view. The procession of my God (Eli) and my King (Maelekhi) into the sanctuary."

The universe is His sanctuary, the earth is His footstool. He is also King of my heart. When l pray to my LORD and King l recognize His majesty. I humbly enter your court with praise. Thank you, my King, for welcoming me into Your Presence. Thank  You for adopting me as Your child and giving me the free gifts of my salvation and eternity with You.

What a blessing to know that l am a joint-heir of my King, My Father and my LORD. Your procession is unspeakably magnificent. You deserve all praise, glory, and honor. I am in awe of You, my King. I want to be part of Your kingdom, now and forever.

His subject, child, and servant,
Pastor Fred

“Mother’s Love”

They say there’s nothing greater than a Mother’s love for her child;

The life she sacrifices for the ones who are hers for a while.

She labors from the morning on, to assure those in her care,

That all she can do to nurture them, she’ll do with more than her share.

She clothes them warm and feeds them full and kisses them at night,

And even when they aren’t nearby, their hearts are in her sight.

God’s given Mothers special gifts: to love and nurse and care,

Another gift He’s given Moms, is the ability to share…

So Mother, with a prayerful heart, before God’s throne above,

Seek guidance to direct your child, and lead them to His love.

To know that He’s a holy God who is righteous, just and true,

Who, through faith in His Only Son, gives life… freely pardoned and new.

The greatest job a Mother can do, is guide children to The Father.

Through Him they’ll know the course for their lives, and love for one another.

Our Mother’s blessing was to know, that her children embrace the Lord…

Showing them by her faith and life, that for them, He alone is good.

By Margie Johnson

"Overwhelmed" 

Psalm 61:2  "When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Sometimes verses are so specific to your situation, and that, in and of itself is overwhelming in a good way. Not all feelings of being overwhelmed are necessarily frightening or bad. For example, lately, l have been being overwhelmed by compassion for people l do not know. A few times even moved to tears feeling extreme empathy or sympathy just watching someone struggle or cope. Also for whatever reason l have been being very overwhelmed by sentimentality or a flood of precious memories. Those feelings, while quite emotional, actually feel good. Always reassuring that your heart is working. On the other hand, l can also feel overwhelmed by inadequacy to be able to help or to find a solution. I also have felt overwhelmed by my own culpability or propensity for depravity.

Good or bad, whenever l feel overwhelmed l need rescue, because l can only go so far. It is like almost drowning. I need a Rock and  His Name is Jesus. In every overwhelmed situation Jesus is the answer. He lifts me up, He wipes my tears, He lightens my load, He gives me hope, He strengthens me, He heals me, He forgives me. He is the answer, whatever my question is. I just need to reach for Him, Call on Him, Trust Him. He is my Rock and He is the only answer. When l am overwhelmed in too many ways, He knows how to help me. This helped me today, how about you? So, next time we know, right? Never hurts to be reminded of His truth.

Encouraged,
Pastor Fred 

"Spoiler Alert" by Hank Botts

I Corinthians 15:57  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Spoiler Alert!  Don’t you just hate it when someone spoils something that you’ve been looking forward to? For example, you’re all excited to go see a new movie that has recently come out, but before you can go, you run into a friend who has a slip of the tongue and gives away a key detail about the movie. Or, you weren’t able to watch a sporting event live, so you recorded it to watch later, but then someone blurts out the final score over lunch!  But, let me assure you, there is one spoiler that you are never going to be upset about, so I’m going to go ahead and share it with you now…. I went ahead and read the end of the story, and guess what….WE WIN!  Or, to be more accurate, JESUS WINS FOR US! 

I realize that we all face challenges and sometimes our battles leave us feeling defeated. We don’t know what the outcome will be ahead of time, and that can be daunting. But when you know the result of the war, the battles become that much easier to face. So, my encouragement to you is to read the entire story, all the way to the end. And if you happen to read the end of the story early, or if someone happens to share how it all ends with you, trust me, (Spoiler Alert!) you will not be disappointed! 

Love in Jesus,
Hank

 
"His Wondrous Works"

Psalm 75:1 "We give thanks to You O God we give thanks for Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near."

His wondrous works are all about us. But, we must open the eyes of our hearts to see them. His wondrous works in nature are easiest to spot. Sunrises and sunsets. Stars and clouds. Animals and birds and even insects. Weather and rainbows. His wondrous works of timing are usually seen in retrospect. We see what He did when we needed it. His wondrous works in our own bodies we probably don't even know how much He keeps us going or living.

The wondrous works He does in people are sometimes hard to see. We kinda tend to see the worst in people. Regrettably, we miss the goodness that is there when we step back, or give it time or just try a little harder to see what He sees. His wondrous works evoke thanks from us. Let's try a little harder to see what God has done, is doing and will do more often. When you see it, give thanks. Declare that you see Jesus in nature, His timing, your body and everyone's lives. Thank you Lord for your wondrous works.

In Him,
Pastor Fred