Devotional

                                                               Proverbs 6:27
                                               "Can a man take fire in his bosom"
                                                  "and his clothes not be burned"

      Our habits of indolence and indulgence over takes us.  Then life runs to waste and sorrow.  It comes like a shadow in the night: you don't see it until it arrives, then it's to strong to resist.  This is how we should look at the concerns for our souls.  How many love their sleep of sin,and dreams of worldly happiness!  We need to wake up seek and secure our Salvation.
      Let us remember Him who willing became our surety, and not neglect what is pleasing to God, and what He will graciously reward.  We must watch closely every sense by which poison may enter our minds.  Remember if we play with fire, we will get burnt.       

Devotional

                                                                    Psalms 94:19
                             "In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul"

      When we study this verse we must realize that it's not referring to the time that we excepted Christ  as our Lord and Savior.  It's an ongoing observation from God.  There is not one person in this world that their mind doesn't drift and old thoughts good or bad wonder in and could cause our foot to slip.
      Our thoughts are powerful, because our mind is powerful.  We think that our thoughts are no big deal because there in our head and no one knows them but ourselves.  How more wrong could we be, Psalms 94:9 says:  He who planted the ear, shall he not hear?  He who formed the eye shall he not see?  God knows our thoughts before we do.  He will listen to our reaction in our thoughts and watch the out come of our thoughts.
      We invent our thoughts from past moments in life and we also invent fantasy thoughts that are usually not wise.  We think our thoughts are just little things bouncing around in our head, but remember the mind can over power our thoughts, and than it becomes action,and action becomes compromise, and compromise becomes fallen away or a slip of the foot.
      In closing; let me remind us that God gave us the capability to have thoughts for the purpose of memories  such as learning, planning and living our life to love and to be loved. Most important is the thoughts of what Christ did for us on the Cross, and the Grace and Mercy that Our Father bestows on us daily.              

Devotional

                                                                    Amos 5:4
                                                    "Seek ye me, and ye shall live"

      These awakening words must be heard and heeded to; as well as the words of comfort and peace.  Whether we obey to the word of God or choose not; his word shall take effect.  Our Lord proclaims mercy to all men; however some often expect deliverance from self-invented lust for sin, that makes their condemnation sure.  They refuse Christ and his mercy, that they may live: however with no change God's wrath will break fourth upon them. Man may love the world, but the world cannot and will not love them.
      This same almighty power can, for repenting sinners, easily turn affliction and sorrow into prosperity and joy.  We must seek and love that which is of God.  We should plead God's spiritual promises, to beseech him to create a clean heart within us and to renew a right spirit within us. The Lord is ever ready to be gracious to the souls that seek him.      

Devotional

                                                                         1Thessalonians 1:6
                                                       "Therefore let us not sleep,as do others;"
                                                             "but let us watch and be sober"

      Wherever there is a well-grounded hope of eternal life and an exercise of patience: that is a sign of sincerity.  We must speak of God with our lips, but feel him  present in our hearts.  The Spirit of God comes from the Word of God, without it; well, it would just be words to us.
      When careless ignorant people are turned from their carnal pursuits, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus; to live soberly, righteously, and godly the matter speaks for itself.  We now wait for his coming. God raised Christ from the dead, which gave assurance to all, that he will bring judgement.  He came to purchase Salvation and will, when he comes again, bring Salvation with full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come.
      Let us all flee from the wrath to come, and seek Jesus Christ and his Salvation.  For we know not what tomorrow holds.  May you feel peace and joy in you heart today.  (AMEN)   

Devotional

                                                                   Ephesians 1:7
                            "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins

      Spiritual and Heavenly, blessing's are the best blessing's; and with these blessing's we cannot be miserable.  Why?  Because we were chosen in Him before the Foundation of the World, that we should be made holy, separate from sin, being set apart to God and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
      In love we were predestined to be adopted as children of God by Faith in Christ, and openly admit to the privileges with the relation to Christ.  The pardoned sinner, gives all the praise of Salvation to his gracious God.  His love appointed this method of redemption, and salvation.
      It was loving Grace to provide such a surety as his own Son, and freely deliver Him up.  God's Grace gives no encouragement to evil, but shows sin in all it's hatefulness.  The believers actions, as well as his words, declare the praises of our merciful God.  

Devotional

                                                             Romans 8:13
                                "Ourselves also which have the Firstfruits of the Spirit"

      The miseries of the human race, through their own and each others wickedness, declare that the world is not always to continue as it is.  Our having received the First-Fruits of the Spirit: which we know are, Repentance, Faith, Hope and Love increases our desires, encourages our hopes and raises our expectations.
      Sin has been and is, the guilty cause of all the suffering that exist in the creation of God.  There has not a tear been shed, not a groan been uttered, or a pain felt in the body that was not rooted in sin.  Sin is to be looked at as it affects the glory of God.
      Believers have been brought into a state of safety, but the comfort consist in hope.  From this hope we cannot be turned by the vain expectation of this world.  We mus have Patience, Our way is rough and long; but He that shall come, will come, though we know not when.      

Devotional

                                                               Hosea 5:15
                                        "In their affliction, they will seek me early"

      The judgement and destruction of sinners is not just talk, to frighten them, it is a sentence which will not be recalled.  It is a true statement to say; Most people will quickly call upon God when their in trouble.  It is a pure Mercy that we have timely waring given us, so that we may flee from the wrath to come.  The judgements of God are to a sinner as a moth, and as rottenness, as a worm that consumes clothes and wood. 
      The unbeliever thinks in his mind that he is safe and thriving, with a good look inside they would find themselves wasting away.  The wasting away will be slowly, for the Lord gives a space to repent.  God will bring us all back, full handed or empty, which would you prefer. 

Devotional

                                                                Genesis  24:63
                                    ":Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide"

      When our relations are entering into new condition, we offer prayer to commend them to the blessing and grace of God.  Isaac was blessed when he met Rebekah.  He went out to take the advantage of a silent evening, and a solitary place, for meditation and prayer.  The same divine way that we converse with God and our own hearts.
      Holy Souls love retirement, it will do us good to be often alone,and we are never less alone than when alone.  Isaac was so affectionate; it was three years since his mother died but it was just at this point he was comforted.  Isaac was an affectionate husband to his wife Rebekah as well.  A wise man once said: "He that fills up his first station in life with honor, is likely to do the same in those that follow."

Devotional

                                                                   Exodus 25:6
                                                              "Oil For The Light"

     God ordered a royal palace to be set among his people for himself. called a Sanctuary, or Holy place.  There he showed his presence among them. The Royal Palace was ordered to be a Tabernacle, so it could be moved as they moved through the wilderness.  The people were to furnish Moses with all the materials, even the "oil for the light", on their own free will.
      Once we give our heart to Christ; Our heart becomes the Holy place and our body the movable Tabernacle.  Our soul can not continue to burn our light if we do not fuel it up with God's Holy Word Daily.  So in short: I'm saying let's keep our Oil checked and keep that light on for Jesus Christ: so others might find the way through your light.  

Devotional

                                                            11 Timothy 3:16
                                       "All scripture is given by inspiration of God"

      So what kind of map are you following in your journey through life?  Is it accurate? Will it get you lost?  Will it cause you to miss the best possible route?  Your answer is mighty important.  At stake is a successful life here and eternal life hereafter.  The most perfect spiritual map we know of is the Bible.  Some may ask why.  The twelve words listed below should give you the general ideal:  Inspiration, Redemption, Grace, Faith, Repentance, Peace, Sanctification, Assurance, Judgement and Hope.
      Why is the doctrine of inspiration so important?  Why is the foundation of a building so important?  Well because the foundation of a building is what it stands on, it holds the unseen mass inside the closure of the building.  The virgin birth of Christ, His death on the Cross on oue behalf, His Resurrection from the dead, His Ascension and promise to return are all based squarely on the truth of inspiration.
      A men who doesn't believe in the plenary inspiration of the Bible often doesn't believe it's doctrines.   And he'd likely be mistaken about the all important matter of Salvation.  Paul wrote to Timothy "From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus"  (11 Timothy 3:16).  No one is saved apart from believing the word of God.    

Devotional

                                                                 Proverbs 18:19
                                  "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city"

      Great pains must be taken to compromise a variance between relations weather it is family, business or church family.  Care must be taken to prevent quarrel's among relations and those under obligations that we have to each other.  Wisdom and grace make it easy to forgive, but corruption makes it difficult.
      Here are two rules that I instilled in my soldiers and my children. "First", don't be over hasty in resentments.  Look at the total picture and think over the circumstance that you just came from and your faults as well.  "Second", delay the prosecution until anger as no play in it.  It is a man's glory to pass over a transgressor.  Take notice but see fit to forgive.   

Devotional

                                                                     Psalm 73:22
                                                      "So foolish was I, and ignorant"
                                                       "I was as a beast before thee"

      All of us if we admit, that we have watched sin and folly in others, and perverseness along with willful ignorance, and they seem not to ever be punished for their actions.  We tend to ask our self; why do I get chastised by the rod of God. God chastises his children that he loves and that believes in His son Jesus Christ.  The wicked shall be punished, not in our time but God's time.
      Let us not get caught up in sinful folly, a folly that, which was not to be excused by frailty, but be condemned for willful ignorance and let us not be envious of the present prosperity of the ungodly.  We should not question God, just listen to God and seek Him daily.  For we know the fate of the wicked.   
         

Devotional

                                                         Numbers 6:4
                        "All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is"
                        "made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk"

      The Nazarites had taken a vow that would keep them from the use of wine.  So they might not violate their obligation, they were forbidden to drink the vinegar of wine or strong liquors,and to make it clear they were not to touch the unfermented juice of grapes, or eat the fruit fresh or dried.  They could not even touch the vine.   They were to avoid the appearance of evil.
     This should be a lesson to the Lord's separated ones.  To teach us to come away from sin in every form.  Strict walking is hard and despised in these days, but we should rest assured: it is both safest and the happiest.  He who yields a point or two to the world is in fearful peril; he who eats the grapes of sodom will soon drink the wine of gomorrha.  Worldly conformity, in any degree is a snare to the soul, and makes it more and more liable to presumptuous sins.  If a Nazarite drank grape juice he could not be sure whether it might not have endured a degree of fermentatation, and could not be clear in heart, that his vow was intact.  So that tells us a Christian can not wear a conscience void of offence, but must feel that the inner is in doubt of itself.  Things that are doubtful we need not doubt about; for they are wrong to us.
      Things that are tempting we must not dally with, but flee from them with speed. It is better to be sneered at as a puritan than be despised as a hypocrite.  A careful walk may involve a lot of self-denial, but it has pleasures of it's own which are more than a sufficient compromise        

Devotional

                                                                 Nehemiah 9:13
                                               "You... gave them just ordinances and"
                                           "true laws good statutes and Commandments"

      The Hebrew noun used here for "statutes" means an enactment , an inscription; a written rule, decreed limit,law or custom.  It refers to a defined boundary, especially when written into law,but sometimes find ourselves going beyond their limits.
      While we all know that statutes are given for our benefit, again we sometimes find ourselves going beyond their limits when there is no one nearby to enforce them.  Unfortunately, we do the same thing with God's Law-usually to our detriment.  Yet, unlike man-made law, God's laws are never arbitrary or inconsistent.  God's laws come directly from the Creator's hand  and are, in essence, a "how-to" book for the human race.
      Let me ask you; do you need guidance today?  Listen for his voice.  Are you facing one of life uncertainties?  The answer is in his word.  Is there something in your life that needs to be fixed?   When we don't know what to do; Call On God and Read His Word!!!

Devotional

                                                                1 John 2:1
                                    "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father"
                                                     "Jesus Christ the Righteous"

      We have an advocate with the farther, one who has undertaken, and is fully able, to plead in behalf of every one who applies for pardon and salvation in his name, depending on his pleading for them.   He is Jesus, the Saviour, and Christ, the Messiah, the anointed.
      He alone is the Righteous One, who received his nature pure from sin, and as our surety perfectly, obeyed the law of God, and so fulfilled all righteousness.   All men, in every land, and through successive generations, are invited to come to God through this all sufficient atonement, and by this new and living way.
      The Gospel, when rightly understood and received, sets the heart against all sin, and stops the allowed practice of it.   At the same time it gives blessed relief to the wounded consciences of those who have sinned.  "I will leave myself in his hands. 

Devotional

Devotional

                                                            I Kings 19:8
                            "He arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength"
                                          "of that meat forty days and forty night"

      The Prophet Elijah found cake baked on coals and the cruse of water placed at his head.  He was commissioned to go forty days and nights in the strength of it, journeying toward Horeb, the mount of God.  Jezebel sent Elijah a message.  Carnal hearts are are hardened and enraged against God, by that which should convince and conquer them.  Great faith is not always alike strong.  He Elijah might be serviceable to Israel at this time, and had all reason to depend on God's protection, while doing God's work yet he flees.  His was not the deliberate desire of grace, as Paul's to depart and be with Christ. God left Elijah to himself, to show that when he was bold and strong, it was in the Lord, and the power of his might, but of himself he was no better than his Fathers.
     God knows what he designs us for, though we do not, what services, what trials, and He will take care that we are furnished with grace sufficient.  Some Christians are for living on Christ, but are not so anxious to live for Christ.  Earth should be a preparation for Heaven.  Amen!  

Devotional

                                                             Mark 16:16
                                  "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved"

     During a Bible study; the question was ask.  What does this Scripture mean to you and could you explain it to a friend or a loved one, or even a stranger that may ask you:; "I want to be saved or what ever it takes to get to heaven". Here are some answers  a Preacher got from the study group.
     Repent and forsake sins and turn to God as one man replied.  With a true heart said a middle age women, and a third said:; with prayer and a fourth added; it must be from the heart and we must be diligent, said a fifth person and keep the commandants.
     The people thought they were on target and were looking for positive feedback from the Preacher. The only thing they had done was aroused his deepest pity. So the preacher explained it to them this way.  To believe is to simply trust, to depend, to rely upon Christ Jesus.
     To be baptized is to submit to the ordinance which our Lord fulfilled at Jordon, to which the converted ones submitted at Pentecost, to which the jailer yielded obedience the very night of his conversion.  The outward sign saves not, it sets fourth death, bariel, and resurrection with Jesus, and like the Lord's Supper is not to be neglected.
     There is only one door, if you don't enter through that door; you will perish in your sins.  So the next time you are ask this same question can you answer it in the way that would help lead a person to Christ and Glorify God.  Let's think about it; when we talk to some one about Jesus and getting saved, do we plant a good seed or a weak seed that may not grow.     

Devotional

                                                                 Psalm 10:6
                                          "He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved."
                                                    "For I shall never be in adversity."

      This Psalm is a prayer for justice.  God's with drawings are very grievous to his people, especially i  times of trouble.  We are separated from God because of our unbelief, and than we complain that God does not hear us.  Passionate words against a lost person ends with more hurt than good, if we speak of their badness, let it be to the lord in prayer, only He can make them better.  The sinners proudly glories in his power and success, and think not of the Lord in any of them; they have no submission to his will, nor aim for his Glory.  The cause of this is pride.
      Mankind  think it below them to be religious. They could not break all the laws of justice and goodness toward man; if they had not just shaken off all sense of religion.  So as the true believer in Christ Jesus: "shall not be moved from the hand of God": so is the untaught, unbeliever of God and Christ Jesus; they shall not be moved.       

Devotional

                                                                     Job 29:2
                                                   " Oh that I were as in months past"

     We try to live off the past, we want that feeling with Christ, that we had at the begging of our new birth.  There may be many reasons that we feel like this.  It might be we have lost our evidence, or we have no enjoyment in the means of Grace, and there is no more zeal for God's Glory!
     Lets face it God nor Christ Jesus has never left us. So we need to stop feeling sorrow for our life and
go back and pick up those pieces, that we dropped and charge on.   

Devotional

                                                      Psalm 16 : 8
                                I have set the Lord always before me; because,
                                     he is my right hand, I shall not be moved

     Those who have avowed that the Lord is Their Lord, should often put themselves in mind of what they have done, take comfort in it and live up to it.  We must be saints on earth, or we shall never be saints
in heaven.  Those renewed by the grace of God, and devoted to the Glory of God, are saints on earth.
     Most take the world for their chief good, and place their happiness in the enjoyment of it; but no matter how poor my condition is in this world, let me have the love and favour of God, and be accepted of him.  Let me have a title by promise to life and happiness in heaven; and I have enough.  Heaven is an inheritance; we must take that for our home, our rest,our everlasting good, and look upon this world to be no more ours, than the country through which our road to our Fathers house.
     Those that have God for their portion, have a goodly heritage.  Return unto thy rest, O my soul, and look no further; " I Shall Not Be Moved."

Devotional

                                                       Micah 5:4
                           "He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord"

     His reign is practical in it's character.  The word "feed" in the original, means to shepherdize, to do as a shepherd; to guide, to watch, to preserve, to restore to tend to; as well as to feed.  His reign is continual in it's duration,  "He shall stand and feed" not just then but now.  He will never leave us.  He will always love us and he will never be weary of carrying his peoples burdens.  His reign is effectually communes with us, his divinity protects us. Let us bow down before him as the people of his pasture.  Let's look forward to that day He'll take us home to be with Him.  Think about it do you want to be that lost sheep that he leaves behind.  I pray that you will ask Jesus Christ in to your heart today.

Devotional

                                                      Psalm 72:9
                             "Let the whole earth be filled with his Glory"

       This prayer was for all sons of Adam in every nation; no matter the race or creed.  We must endeavour as christians; with God's help, as we extend the Kingdom of our master.  The foundation for us to stand as christians has been laid in place and that foundation is unmoveable.   Our foundation is Jesus Christ;  he lived, died on the cross and won the victory over death and Hell, and came up from the grave and made it possible for us to have  eternal life.
     As christians let's stand firm on the foundation, and serve Our Living God and spread the Gospel of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Devotional

                                                         Psalm 9:20
                            "Put them in fear, O Lord:  that the nations may"
                                        "know themselves to be but men"

     Our Nations have become wicked and have forgotten God.  Most Nations can't even rule their people and the people despise the Heads of the Nations.  The year 2012 was a year of total chaos all around the world.  There were wars, tornadoes, hurricanes, school shooting and dismantled government.  
    Every nation has their leader or leaders on their currency.  The United States has the phrase:  "In God We Trust".  That is great, but I believe it is time for us to honor that trust we say we have, and stop putting trust and faith in mere men of our nations.
   Therefore let us come together and serve our Living God and put our trust in only Him; and not on our nations; there only men.  In closing, I say;  "Take the phrase In God We Trust
and stamp it in our hearts."

Devotional

                                                                 1 Corinthians 2:6
                                  "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:"
                                                      " yet not the wisdom of this world"
                                 
       True wisdom is given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom.  Every one knows the lesson given must be adapted to the state of the pupil. Spiritual preparation is needed to understand the deeper spiritual truths
      Jesus Christ is the lord of Glory:  A title much to great for any creature.  There are many things which people would not do, if they knew the wisdom of God in the great work of redemption.  There are things God has prepared for those that love him, and wait for him, which sense cannot discover, no teaching can convey to our ears, nor can it yet enter our hearts.  We must take them as they stand in the Scriptures, as God has been pleased to reveal them to us.

Devotional

                                                            Hebrews 2:18
                                     "He himself hath suffered being tempted"

       Jesus was tempted to the very same sins into which we fall.  Do not dissociate Jesus from our common manhood.  If you go through a dark room, remember that jesus went through it before.
      Jesus was tempted, but he never sinned.  Then, my soul; it is not needful for thee to sin, for Jesus was a man and if one man endured these temptations and sinned not, than in his power his members may also cease from sin.
     Do not fear temptatation, for Christ is with us and therefore; we are armed and have a leader that has never lost a battle.  Christ Jesus has defeated all sin; past present and future.  Thank you My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  AMEN

Commune With Your Own Heart

                                             Psalm 4:4
          "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart"

        We must always remember that the phrase "hear me for thy mercy-sake", is our best plea.  Those who will not ask such blessings and pardon, and justify righteousness and eternal life will perish for their unbelieving.  It is a total shock that so many, should make so fearful a choice.
        It is very simple;  The Psalmist warns against sin.  He is telling us to keep holy reverence of the Glory of God.  We have a great deal to say to our hearts. When we speak to our hearts  let nothing be unsaid.  Examine them by serious self-reflection, let your thoughts fasten upon that which is good and keep close to it.  Consider your ways and before you turn to sleep at night, examine your consciences with respect to what you have done in the day;  particularly what you have done amiss, that you may repent of it.  When you awake in the night, meditate upon God and the things that belong to you peace
       Remember;   "Be Still",  when you have asked conscience a question, be serious, be silent, wait for an answer,  open not the mouth to excuse sin.  "Open Not The Mouth To Excuse Sin"!!!!!!
       Amen!!

Reading: (Ps. 4:1-8)

                                 May God Bless You
                                  And Your Families

                                                 Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                 The Cross Life Ministry         
   

Devotional

                                                Matthew 27:6
                                                "He Is Risen"

        The most powerful words ever spoken,  "he is risen".   When those words were spoken Jesus had defeated death and hell.  Jesus Christ made it possible for us to have eternal life after death. He holds the keys to hell for those who choose not to believe in his life, death and reserruction from the grave.
       If you think about it, those three words are heard and spoken mostly during Easter, when we are rejoicing in the Holiday.  But if we think of the action of those three words; we would speak and think of them more often then just on Easter.
      So the next time you are down and in a battle with this world,   "just say he is risen" and you to will rise above this world.

Devotional

                                                        1 Samuel 10:26
                                          "Whose hearts God had touched"

          Belivers are attended by the Holy Spirit whose hearts God had touched;  to support God's authority.   If the heart bent the right way at any time, it is because he touched it.   One touch is enough when it is divine,
         There are some who submit to Christ, and serve and worship him.   But there is others who will and do despise him.   They are offended in him, and they shall be punished.

       

Devotional

                                                  Psalm 51:1
                                  "Have mercy upon me O God"

           "Our Mercy"  as childeren of God, is our unprofitableness.   We want the Lord have mercy on our good works, Our paryers Our preachings, Our alms giving and Our holiest things.
           Blood was not only put upon the doorpost of the houses of Israel.  It was also on the Sanctuary, the mercy seat, and the alter.  The reason is, because sin intrudes into our hoilest things.  The blood of Jesus is needed to purify them from defilement.

Devotional

                                                                    Psalm 31:4
             "Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me;  for thou art my strenght"

       Even out of the hands of Satan; we may be  delivered,  this is a proper petition, one that can be granted.
       Those who are so clever at net laying; they who tempt others shall be destroyed  themselves.

Devotional

                                             Psalm  62:8
                                 "Trust in him at all times"

       We should never be imprudent or rash;  to trust chance and not the living God!   Acting in all prudence and uprightness, we are to rely simply and entirely upon the Lord at all times.
       Our God is true and faithful to all people that love and serve him.   Therefore we should be just as true and faithful to God , Our Lord and Saviour "Jesus Christ", and trust the Holy spirit with all you heart.