Category Archives: Devotional

The Disciples Cross: The Message Behind the IHVS Christian Fiction Series


The Cross of Calvary is the key behind this Christian fiction series.

What Does the Bible Say? is the first book in the six-part “In His Very Steps” Christian fiction series. Each book in the series will emphasize a different Christian discipline which I was introduced to in 1990. The cross symbolizes those disciplines and God’s Word, the Bible, explains their meaning and importance in our life.

Inspired by Avery Willis, this disciples cross is the inspiration behind the "In His Very Steps" series (click to enlarge)

The first discipline is Obedience and faith, it is the central focus of book one, What Does the Bible Say? Obedience and faith is what binds all the other spiritual disciplines together. Without them the cross can not support itself. In the pages of the Bible, Jesus instructed: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Obeying God’s Word is not easy. History has shown that our human nature is prone to resist authority. We see that in Genesis chapter 3 when man disobeyed the Heavenly Father and the result was devastating. Man was separated from God. Disobedience has a similar affect upon our relationship with the Lord today. But God is faithful. He will forgive us our sins and restore our relationship if we will confess our sins and return follow His instructions (1 John 1:9).

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The Real Meaning Of Christmas


It’s beginning to look a LOT like Christmas – and if you are like me, you’re filled with joy. Unfortunately, the secular world appears to have lost sight of the real meaning behind my most beloved holiday.

What is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard (or not!), stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas? No, it’s not.

For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. A time when the reality of not having extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends is overwhelming. Others suffer a measure of depression when they recall memories of loved ones who have passed away, or will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish — not a reality.

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The Citizens of Mississippi: Father Forgive Them


Photo by Steve Allen (www.gettyimages.com)

When voters in Mississippi voted down the human personhood amendment last week, they sent a clear and undeniable message — the pro-life movement is not as pro-life as it thinks. The truth is, even in what may be the most pro-life state in the union, the most basic moral logic of the pro-life movement is not fully embraced or understood.

The voters spoke loudly. Statewide, 58% of Mississippi voters cast ballots against the amendment that would have declared that life begins at the moment of conception. The shock came after polls indicated that the amendment was thought almost certain to pass. Similar efforts failed twice in Colorado in recent years, but Mississippi looked like a sure thing in a state where there is only one abortion clinic in the state. The candidates for governor nominated by both major parties both supported the amendment.

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Religion in the Workplace: Should Christians Share Their Faith at Work?


Most Christians agree that the Bible encourages Christians to share their faith for two reasons: first, witnessing is an act of obedience to Jesus’ model and command (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 9:23; John 15:16, 21; 2 Peter 3:9); second, witnessing demonstrates that we are not ashamed of God’s saving work in our life (Luke 9:26; Romans 1:16). Unfortunately, Bill Bright notes that a 2005 study by the Barna Research Group concluded that only 55 percent of born-again Christians believe it is their responsibility to share their faith. More surprising, Dr. Bright also noted a study by Campus Crusade for Christ that found that only 2 percent of Christians share their faith on a regular basis.

Why? Fear of reprisal may be one reason.

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Comforting Words on 9/11


The following are comforting scripture verses you might suggest to a person seeking comfort and answers ten years after 911.

Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Genesis 45:5 (NIV)

5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

Deuteronomy 8:3 (NIV)

3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

2 Kings 22:19 (NIV)

19 Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse[a] and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the LORD.

2 Chronicles 33:12 (NIV)

12 In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors.

Jonah 2:7 (NIV)

7 “When my life was ebbing away,

I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.

Luke 15:21 (NIV)

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

The Love Letters of Jesus


I’ve been teaching a new series during Sunday school at my church — Charleston Bible Church in Charleston, SC. The lesson focus is on the first three chapters of the book of Revelation with an in depth look at Jesus’ message to the seven churches of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. One verses is particularly meaningful to me:

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed is the one who hear, and who keeps what is written in it, for the time is near” – Rev 1:3, ESV

Think about those words for a moment. The book can be a blessing to (1) anyone who reads it, (2) anyone who listens to it being read, and (3) everyone who keeps what is written in the book. Read it — you’re blessed. Listen to it — you’re blessed. Keep it — you’re blessed. Equally amazing, no one is limited to just one blessing; we can be blessed once, twice, and even three-times if we want — over and over and over.

The last part of that scripture reminds me of the theme verse behind In His Very Steps: What Does the Bible Say?:

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” – James 1:22, NIV

Both James and John (the author of Revelation) understood that listening to the Word of God was only one way the Bible blesses our lives; we can also DO what God commands and be blessed more richly.

There was once a woman who underwent surgery, and her neighbor saw her arrive home from the hospital. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well,” the neighbor replied after realizing what had happened. “I’ll bring you supper tonight.”

“You’re so sweet,” the recovering woman responded. “That would be wonderful.”

The convalescing neighbor was blessed by the offer wasn’t she? Yes, she was — she would have received an even greater blessing if her neighbor had done what she said. In the busyness of her day, the neighbor forgot all about her promise to prepare a meal.

“How terrible,” you say? Yes, it is. But how much worse are we when we listen to God’s Word, mentally accept its truth and wisdom, yet never permit the message to reshape our lives when the time comes to apply the teaching.

The good news in this story is simple — there is hope for you if this describes you. Truth be told, it has described me too. Fortunately, we serve a God who is willing to forgive us if we will confess our sins to Him in the name of Jesus Christ. He loves us that much. Wow!

Here’s hoping you have a blessed day — in more ways than one!

Charles

Bible verses were copied supplied using BibleGateway.com