Pew Potato

Not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

A dear friend of mine told me her priest gave an illustration recently in his Sunday message about what he called "Pew Potatoes."  We are all probably familiar with the term "couch potato" referring to those individuals who vegetate on their sofa's doing nothing but watching television or playing video games. Basically they are just there getting nothing from their experience other than maybe mind mush or flabby bodies.

In a similar way a "pew potato" would be one who goes to church just because it is the thing to do and gets nothing from the message. He or she simply is there because it is Sunday and that is what you do on Sunday. Maybe ask what they got from the service later and get no response other than a yawn. 

Hopefully this does not describe anyone reading this devotion but if it does ask yourself if you ever truly made Jesus Lord of your life and if He is the most important thing in your life. Jesus wants more than one hour on Sunday and we all need to grow up and know Him better.

PRAYER: Lord I truly want to not just go through the motions but want my life to be different because of you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

RECHARGE YOUR BATTERY

Mobile communication devices, known as cell phones, not only sometimes need a Wi Fi connection but they are also in need of keeping a "charge" or the battery runs out. On a recent trip to our Nations Capitol mine "died" numerous times and I had no place to plug it in. Now I have bought a portable charger for the next time.

Charging a cell phone only once a week would not get service for very long. People are so concerned about losing contact with the outside world when their battery dies, but what about the "spiritual" battery? By this I mean that one hour in church plus a whole lot more. A one hour "pep talk" in church each Sunday is not adequate for keeping your "spiritual battery" charged.

So what to do you, might say? First, fall in love with Jesus! Next, make Bible reading a daily priority. It is only through looking at "His book" and getting the words of Christ inside of you that you will be able to grow and be fully prepared to keep going and going and going.

Matthew 5:6(NIV) says 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.' Why not go to God's "charging station" today and fill your mind with the things of Christ in order to keep going when life throws you a curve ball.

PRAYER: Today Lord I am sorry to say I have not always picked up the word of God. Sometimes not even on Sunday. Forgive me for allowing the enemy to put thoughts in my head that Sunday was "enough". I need to have you in my life around the clock in order to keep charged up for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GRADUATION DAY

This is the time of year that lots of graduations are occurring. High school, college, graduate school, medical school and even kindergarten and eighth grades often times have graduations. It is a special time families look forward to almost as much as the individual graduating! Receptions, open houses, and parties are held in honor of the graduate.

Another even more "special graduation" awaits the believer who has accepted Jesus Christ into their heart as Lord and savior and that is our "graduation" into the heavenly kingdom. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9(NIV) that '

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love him' or in other words as there is no way a human can possibly conceive of what awaits those who have asked Jesus into their hearts. In Isaiah 65:17(NIV) it says 'see I will create new heaven and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered nor will they come to mind.' In our mere human minds we often wonder if "papa or mama are looking down on us" but apparently they are overcome by the beauty and grandeur of the heavenly kingdom it sounds like by this verse. Are you ready for heaven? There have been stories told of believers who have died and miraculously been brought back to life after getting a glimpse of heaven and wished they could have stayed. We friends and family members want our loved ones to live, and rightfully so, but it sounds like by these stories that they are much better off in the splendor that awaits us with Jesus. Everything down here is so temporary. Heaven is forever. It is eternity. I did not ask if you were a church member or have been baptized. In Matthew 7:21-23(NIV) it says 'Not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day "Lord Lord did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?" and I will tell them plainly "I never knew you. Away from me you evil doers."' I am not saying this to scare anyone but to truly search your heart. There is not one special denomination that has all the answers. Many people do lots of good "church things" but their heart really is not right with the Lord. James 1:12(NIV) says 'Blessed is the one who has persevered under trial for having stood the test that person will receive the crown of life that is promised to those who love him. ' Many denominations think their way is the only way to heaven. I have news for you. There will no doubt be many surprises in heaven. We human "judges" think we have all the answers and even wonder at someone's death if they "got in". It is not our job to do that. We simply pray. I remember many years ago hearing a friend relate to me how this elderly woman had said to her mom that she did not think it was "fair" for someone to have a "death bed conversion" when she had served Jesus almost all her life. Say what? Like I said, there will be surprises in heaven. Murderers, thieves, rapists, those who committed suicide, and all sorts of people we humans like to say "probably did not get in". If they asked God to forgive them and asked them into their heart they are redeemed and set free. We all have sinned. There is not a big chart classifying which is "the ultimate worst one". We humans do that, not God. 1 Corinthians 6:11(NIV) says 'And such were some of you but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.' Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Are you ready for your "heavenly graduation day"? In Hebrews 3:15(ESV) 'As it is said "Today if you hear His voice harden not your hearts as you did in the rebellion."' Do you hear God's voice? Do you want to? If only you could stop and make time for Him today. If you are not sure you have asked Him into your heart it is a simple prayer. "Lord Jesus forgive me for doing my own thing. Forgive me Lord for shutting you out. I want you to come in and live in my heart today." Next find a growing dynamic church where you can grow in Christ and one that shows love and forgiveness. Finally get into your Bible each day and get to know Jesus better. You can not "know" friends without spending time with them. Same with Jesus. It is not just one hour on Sunday. Get ready to graduate!! PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for being my Lord and savior. Forgive me if I have made judgments on where another person stood or whether or not they would go to heaven because of something they had done. I do not know their heart. I want to know you better and I know that Satan does not want me to. I choose this day to live for you. In Jesus' name.Amen. Click on link for an awesome praise song. http://youtu.be/9La_4svq8JI

WHAT IS FIRST? FACEBOOK OR HIS BOOK?

 

Be honest for a moment. When you get up each day and get ready what is more important to you? Do you check your Facebook and see what all your friends and family are doing or do you sit down with a cup of coffee and pick up the Bible and strengthen your spirit with God's word? The 'world' tries to distract you with the things that are not that important in the big scheme of things. Is the morning show going to help you more or is the Bible? Will seeing everyone's pictures on Facebook make your day any better? The things that are most important have to be prioritized. I am not trying to guilt you into not relaxing and enjoying a few worldly pleasures but trying to get you to think for a moment where you spend your time and what you put first.

The Bible says in Matthew 6:21(NIV) 'For where your treasure is there your heart will be also'. Meditate on that scripture for just a moment. Is Jesus your passion or just a passing thought? Do you look forward to spending time with Him each day or would you rather get up and turn on the morning news?

You may have been all excited about God and Jesus this past Sunday on Easter but guess what? Jesus is more than just an "Easter thing". For someone who names the name of Jesus He should be your way of life and a "habit". He is part of your going out and your coming in. He is mighty to save and ready to help you through all of lifes ups and downs. It is not just about church on Sunday but it should be a way of life.

Stop and ask yourself if you need more of Jesus in your life.Only you can answer this question. Do you want more of Jesus in your life or is Sunday enough?

Your assignment today is to read the first chapter of the book of John in the New Testament. After you have done this ask God to give you a passion for His word and getting to know Him better. He can and will transform your life if you ask Him to.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I need you in my life each and every day. I can not do life without you in it as an active part. At times I have let other things become more important and squeeze you out. Forgive me Lord. I run to you now and ask you to help transform me into your image. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below and tune your heart into Jesus:

http://youtu.be/6Jo3y_XoHHQ

SUPER SUNDAY!!

This is the day of the infamous Super Bowl long awaited by those of us
who are not football fans but love the funny commercials. Some
churches have chili cook offs and get out the big screen to celebrate
this big game. It is Super Bowl Sunday! Many people get so caught up
and excited about anything to do with football, but then this is the
Big One and it is big party time.

Every Sunday should be SUPER SUNDAY don't you think? People seem to
get so excited about the big game. Can you imagine getting that
excited about going to church each Sunday? Wouldn't that be great
instead of treating it like it is the thing you " have to do" and some
sort of obligation to check off your list to make you a complete
person?

Many non denominational churches,of which I have been a part, often

raise their hands in praise and song during the worship time before
the pastor or priest speaks. It is an awesome time of praise and
lifting up your hands in praise to the Lord. How do you think we will
act when Jesus comes back or if He were right in the room speaking?
Would we do "the wave" to honor and cheer Jesus? The Bible tells us in
Mark 8:38( NIV) to not be ashamed of Jesus. It reads ''If anyone is
ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation
the Son of man will be ashamed of them when He comes back in His
Father's glory with His Holy angels.' I do not know about you but I
find that every exciting.

Do you love Jesus? Is He SUPER to you. He is King of kings and Lord of
lords. He is the first and the last. He reigns forever more. He is not
just historical figure. He is something to be excited about. He loves
you with an everlasting love. He is often treated so poorly by
thousands of people who disregard His word in the Bible. He is mocked
in movies and on TV shows and even in the nightly news or on Sports
shows. Those players, such as New York Jets Tim Tebow, who choose to
be bold in their faith get made fun of. Stand strong is all I can say
to Tim and others like Him.

When you get a moment listen to the two things I have included below
and see if you do not get more excited about Jesus and loving Him
unashamedly. He is SUPER all the time so let's give Him the praise!

Psalm 30:4(NIV) says 'Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his
holy name.' Enjoy the day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for your magnificence and your power.
Forgive me if I have ever ignored you or hurt you by breaking your
commandments. Lord this day and every day I choose to walk in the
truth and be a light for you and a witness wherever I go even if it is
at a Super Bowl party. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below...Do you know Him?

http://youtu.be/jaVyGsno-OE

Praise God in song by clicking this link below as well:
http://youtu.be/panB7lHCIzY