november 11 no doubt a murderer

 No doubt a murderer.  In Acts Chapter 28 Paul and 275 others struggled to get to shore when their ship sank. All were safe.  The natives of Melita were very kind to the castaways and cared for them.  Paul gathered wood to add to the fire but a poisonous snake bit Paul on his hand and hung there until Paul shook him off into the fire.  The natives knew how poisonous this snake was and that soon Paul would die.   Acts 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.   However to their amazement Paul did not die.  After a great while they changed their minds and decided he must be a god.   The father of their chief was sick.  Paul laid hands on him and prayed for him and Jesus healed him.  Many others with diseases came and were healed too.  May we observe thus:  1. First impressions are not always correct.  No doubt a murderer.  Experience demanded Paul quickly die.  You and I make first impressions.  Be careful.  We sum up people based on very little information.  Be considerate.  Give a person the opportunity to either confirm or change your first impression.  2. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.  It was bad enough to have endured two weeks of unmerciful storms and a ship wreck but now Paul experienced a snake bite.  Satan is vicious.  If you live for Jesus expect attacks.  Paul was ready to die.  I believe his attitude was, “Jesus told me I would testify of Him in Rome.  You will not kill me you snake in the grass.”  Acts 23:11 the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Your life is not over until God says it is over.  Roll with the punches knowing Jesus is Lord and fear not the disappointments that want to sidetrack you. 3. In the previous chapter the soldiers guarding the prisoners wanted to kill them since the ship was breaking apart.  Their centurion wouldn’t let them.  Now safe on land I hope they were thankful they didn’t kill Paul.  Perhaps now they would listen to him teach about Jesus. 4. The sailors had been warned by Paul to not leave a safe harbor.  Who was he to tell them?  Now cargo and ship are gone.  Perhaps now they will listen to what Paul has to say.  Jesus is speaking to your heart.  Will you listen and obey? 

 Balaam  Numbers 22:12  And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.  The Israelites freed from Egyptian slavery wandered in the wilderness about 40 years because they refused to obey God.  They were attacked but not defeated.  Balak, King of the Moabites, saw the army of about 603,000 men plus their families and was terrified they would conquer him.  He knew he couldn't out fight them. So he turned to spiritual warfare.  He hired a man whom God had used to bless and curse people.  If Balaam would curse the Israelites Balak wouldn't have to fight them.  Balaam loved money and decided to go against God's word and curse the Israelites.  But God would not let him.  Now let's fast forward to our situation.  Donald Trump was elected president of the United States.  Years ago the Lord convicted me to not vote for anyone who is pro-slaughter of unborn children.  I had to vote for the candidate against abortion.  Donald Trump has said things that make me cringe.  A successful man of the world acts like a man of the world.  America has a history of witchcraft.  For perhaps the first time in American history witches have united to curse their president. Says Breitbart, "The spell also invokes evil on “those who abet” Trump, which would seem to appear to cover his staff and political nominees, and perhaps the millions who voted for him as well."  Since witches are casting spells against President Trump and perhaps those who voted for him...we are in the middle of spiritual warfare.  The minister who licensed me to preach 56 years ago stated that when people speak evil of a person its best to closely weight out all of the facts before passing judgment.  Bad things were said about Jesus.  He was in the right.  I have concluded that since President Trump has the disapproval of witches...he may be doing something right. Far from perfect he was still our president.  We don't have to agree with everything he says or does...but if Satan is against him...he may be doing something right.  King Cyrus conquered the Babylonians and encouraged the Jewish slaves to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple.  President Trump moved our US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.  Many Jewish people consider him a type of Cyrus.  They even minted a half shekel imprinted with Cyrus and Trump on the face...with the image of the third temple they want to build on the back of the coin.  Like him or hate him perhaps we can agree with this...  Our country needs our Christian prayers. 

 Poo on your toothbrush.  What a terrible thought.  Do a search on the internet and you will be horrified at the number of studies done on this subject.  Even 50% of men's beards tested have fecal material on them.  Now as distasteful as this is...they say you own fecal bacteria will not hurt your body.  Your digestive system is already used to yours.  However if you share a bathroom with others their fecal bacteria can make you sick.  Even toothbrushes kept in a plastic case can be contaminated.  Maybe we should go back to outhouses in the backyard.  (Just kidding). Well maybe.  We are also painfully aware that there are bad viruses all around us. .Likewise invisible to the natural eye are evil spirits all around us.  Jesus didn't doubt the existence of Satan. Luke 10:18  I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.  Jesus also taught the reality of demonic spirits.  Matthew 12:43-45  When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44  Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45  Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. If the enemy convinces you he is not real, his ability to defeat you is greater.  Many if not most "educated" people in our country don't believe in a literal devil or demonic spirits.  How pleased the powers of darkness must be.  This verse in Matthew tells us if a man tries to live a clean life on his own strength the demons will make his life more miserable.  Only a personal relationship with Jesus can make you clean. We have all sinned.  Romans 3:23 For all have sinned. God wants all of us to repent and be cleansed. The only thing that can wash our sins away is the blood of Jesus. Revelation 1:5 Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, When we hear the good news...when we believe...when we repent...and when we pray to Jesus asking Him to save us He does.  From that point on He lives in our heart.   Ephesians 3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; With Jesus in your heart you have the power to resist the evil forces and make them flee from you.  James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Live in victory with Jesus. 

     Pretty Lights   Frequently when I see a car pulled over by the police I say, "Oh look at the pretty lights."  I appreciate those in law enforcement and have a great respect for them.  My goal in life was to become an MP in the army and then go into the FBI.  But then shortly after high school I got saved and shortly after that the Lord called me to preach.  That changed my career goals. I have the utmost respect for peace officers and thank the Lord for them.   So recently around midnight I looked in the rear view mirror and said to my friend..."James look behind us at the pretty lights."  I pulled into the parking lot of a business and he exited too.  Yep...he was after me.  When he came to the window he asked how I was.  I lied and told him "I am fine, thank you.  How are you?"  He said he was fine and asked if I knew why he had pulled me over.  I told him "no sir".  The trailer I was pulling had no lights burning.  The connector from the trailer to the truck had pulled out and dragging on the ground was damaged.  He helped us get the connector somewhat together...at least the emergency lights worked.  He told me to go to the next town where there was a Walmart and get some tape to keep it connected and proceed home with the emergency flashers on.  He gave me a verbal warning. He was a very nice policeman. I suspect most of the people in law enforcement are nice people. To the point.  I was driving along minding my own business... and I was breaking the law.  Not on purpose but still guilty.  Many people go through life minding their own business not realizing they have broken God's law.  Not one of us can say " I obey all of the 10 commandments.  I have never broken even one of them."  Nope.  Not one of us.  Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  There are consequences for breaking the law.  Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Because I have sinned the wages I must pay is death and eternal separation from God in literal hell.  But Jesus died to pay my penalty. 1 Peter 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. The sinlessness of Jesus was worthy to pay the penalty for my sin.  And yours.  Have you asked Him to save you? 

 Reflecting.  Genesis 21:16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.  Hagar had been disowned by Sarah and Abraham.  She and her 14 year old son Ishmael were dying in the desert.  She had given up.  She left her son crying and went a little distance away so as not to see him die.  All hope was gone.  Ishmael had been a prince.  He had been heir to all his father Abraham owned.  Now he is about to die forsaken by his father.  Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death. Hagar and Ishmael were about to die because of their sins. Perhaps now alone and dying they reflected on their actions and attitudes that brought them to this horrible place. Years earlier the Lord had promised Abraham and Sarah a son.  Abraham was 75 and Sarah was 65.  After several years of tying to have a child a discouraged Sarah persuaded her husband to have sex with her handmaid Hagar.  Perhaps the younger servant could conceive.  She did.  Hagar was filled with glee. Sarah was filled with remorse, anger and jealousy.  She ordered Abraham to send her away.  He did.  But the Lord told Abraham to bring her back and care for her.  He obeyed.  But now years later Sarah's promised miracle son, Issac has been born.  Ishmael is ugly to Issac.  Sarah sees it.  She orders Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmeal away.  He did.  Now as she is dying Hagar perhaps reflects on how ugly she had been making fun of Sarah.  Perhaps now Ishmael reflects on how he openly despised his young half brother.  But it is too late.  Their actions and attitudes have caught up with them.  All hope was gone.  But the Lord intervened and preserved the lives of Hagar and Ishmael.  A large nation came from this rejected son.  They are the Arabs today.  Isaacs descendants are the Jews.  Enemies from the very beginning.  Enemies until the end of the world.  Reflecting.  Perhaps the Corona virus and the shut down is a good time for us to reflect.  Time to think. Revaluate.  Where have we been?  What have we done?  What is important to us?  Do we need to repent and turn to God?  It is not too late if you are competent to understand this devotion.  Repent and turn to Jesus.  Then you too can enjoy peace and joy even in the midst of the storm. 

 Revenge     2 Samuel 10:4 (KJV) Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.   Hanun became king of the Ammonites after his father died.  The Ammonites were enemies of Israel.  However, David and Hanun's father had respect for each other.  David sent ambassadors to Hanun to give his condolences.  Hanun’s advisors concluded David had sent the ambassadors to spy out the land so they could attack it.  Hanun humiliated David's men by cutting off one side of their beard and cutting their robes shorter than a mini mini skirt and sending them home.  David was furious.  Hanun realized he had made a grave mistake.  Instead of trying to reconcile with David he hired mercenaries to fight for him.  They were badly beaten by David's army.   What do we learn from this history lesson?  1. Show sympathy for those grieving.  We wonder what to say to the bereaved.  Frequently just being present and silent is the best thing.  2. Accept a man innocent until proven guilty.  Ungodly minds suspect evil.  David's condolences made no sense to ungodly people.  Surely it must be a trap as they would never show sympathy as David had supposedly done.  Be careful what you think.  Be careful who you listen to.  Read the Bible and listen to God.  3. Admit you are wrong.  A coach in high school told us "If you are wrong...you are wrong."  That meant much to me.  We all are wrong sometimes.  Admit it.  Make restitution.  Apologize.  Face the music.  Don't cover it up and deny it.  That only makes things worse.  You cannot buy protection.  Righteousness will prevail.  The wicked may seem to get away with wickedness for a while...but judgment day will come some day.  4. Expect to be humiliated if you live for righteousness.  Evil hates righteousness.  Graciously take the insults realizing that some day Jesus will make all things right.  Jesus was insulted.  Spit on.  Beaten.  Whipped.  Nailed naked to a cross.  Yet He said, Luke 23:34 Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  David was not wrong to oppress the oppressor.  But we are instructed to let God give the vengeance.   Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence. We could never get even like Jesus will get even.  Let Him take care of it.  Now understand we are to stand our ground.  A Pear Harbor attack or attack like September 11 must be met with retaliation or the oppressor will take more.  We must defend our homes and our homeland.  But for most injustices we need to let Jesus handle it for us. 

 Running to God.   Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them.  Abraham looked up and saw three men standing by. One of them was Jesus.  Abraham ran to meet them.  The Lord told him that His previous promise of a son through Sarah would come to pass. Please notice.  1. Jesus appeared.  This was not Abraham's first encounter with the Lord. It was about 24 years previous the Lord had told him he and Sarah would have a child.  In the meantime being frustrated with God for how long it was taking Sarah offered her maid Hagar to be a surrogate mother.  She conceived and bore a son...Ishmael.  Now Ishmael is about 13 and Abraham is 99.  Sarah is 89.  God is going to keep His promise after all these years.  Jesus still appears.  John 12:32  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Jesus was lifted up on a cross and today is drawing all men to Him.  He most often speaks through His Word the Bible and the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit.  He is drawing you to Him.  Are you looking for Him?  He is looking for you.  He wants to be real to you too.  Point 2. When you know it's Him...will you run to Him or will you run away from  Him?  Jonah chose to run away.  You know how that ended.  Abraham ran to meet them.  When He gets your attention which way will you go?  Did you know there is one time in the Bible when God ran?  The Father in the parable of the Prodigal Son ran to His son when He saw him.  Luke 15:20  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. The Father sees you when you want to come home.  He has compassion and runs to you to kiss you and welcome you back.  Don't you want to come home?  Point 3.  Expect Him to keep His Word.  Stand on His promises.  God is not a liar.  He loves you no matter what you have done.  He will let you live the Christian adventure if you want to.  You may end up killed by the sword as James was.  You may be beheaded as Paul was.  You may live a short life...or a long life.  But it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.  Run towards God.  Run with God.  Enjoy the adventure. 

 Seven backed up toilets.  One Saturday evening after spending hours working on my sermon in my study at the church I went out to discover my car had a flat tire.  Monday I took the tire to be repaired and was told it could not be repaired. Someone had taken a knife and punctured the side wall.  I wondered who was angry with me.  I prayed for them that they would get their heart right with the Lord before they die and spend eternity in a Christ-less hell.  Then a few days later all 7 toilets in our church facility backed up.  The city opened the manhole cover in the street and went down into the sewer.  The pipe coming from the church was stopped up.  Someone had removed the manhole cover, climbed into the sewer and stuffed fire wood into the pipe.  Again I wondered who was upset with us.  But then I realized that Satan is not happy with us.  One or more of his children were following his leadership and fighting Jesus through us.  As a matter of fact...if Satan is not upset with us living for Jesus something is wrong.  1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: If you are suffering fiery trials because you are living for Jesus just realize it comes with the territory.  As a matter of fact...if you are not suffering fiery trials what is wrong?  The Apostle Paul was run out of town, stoned and left for dead, whipped and beaten, forsaken, lowered over a wall in a basket, shipwrecked and snake bitten and much more.  Why am I not being run out of town?  Am I not living close enough to Jesus?  It stands to reason if I was more like Jesus... or even Paul I would offend more people than I do.  What can I do to be more offensive?  In reality we live in a wonderful country. Christians are accepted and have been since our country was settled by Europeans.  We enjoy a freedom that many people in other parts of the world would die for. We must be careful to not use our freedom as an excuse to not sweat for Jesus. 

 She scored a touchdown.  My wife Marless was asked to sing the special at a revival meeting.  I set up the computer and adjusted the volume before the service began.  When it was time for her special I pressed the play button and the computer said the song could not play because another program was already using it.  What other program?  I had not opened another program.  Embarrassed I tried to find the background and open it with another program.  Seconds which seemed like minutes passed and I was unable to play that song.  Marless said she would sing another song without a background.  She did a marvelous job.  No matter how hard we prepare sometimes our plans go south.  How do you respond?  I was aggravated. I was embarrassed.  I felt like a fool.  I was frustrated.  I had it cued up and it failed to play.  But..... Marless was able to sing another special without any background music.  She scored a touchdown. Mission accomplished.  I won’t blame Satan for the technical failure although he may have played a part in the embarrassment.  But success or failure hung in the balance.  No special.  Or regroup and try another approach.  She punched the evil powers that be in the nose and blessed us anyway.  When life is not fair how do you respond?  Keep your eyes on the assignment.  Somehow get it done.  Perhaps the Lord intervened because He wanted the other song to be sung.  Friend keep on keeping on.  Frustrations are bound to come your way.  Don’t blow your stack and let little things ruin your day.  Regroup.  Look at the objective.  Scratch your plans and come up with a new solution.  Don’t give way to anger and embarrassment and frustration.  Ask the Lord to help you and pick up the pieces and move on.  Proverbs 16:9  A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. We give our heart to Jesus when we ask Him to save us.  We allow Him to mold us and make us after His will.  We make prayerful plans but our plans do not always go as we hoped.  The Lord is with us.  He will direct our steps.  Complete the assignment. Even when things don’t go as we planned.   More devotions at www.heretheword.com. 

 She whistled at me.  Hey guys.  When was the last time a pretty college age girl whistled at you?  For me it was just a few years ago.  I must admit I don’t have the physique that I had about 50 years ago when I was certified as a Water Safety Instructor.  My body has changed considerably.  She whistled at me.  I was wearing a swim suit and a tee shirt.  And my wife heard her whistle at me.  How embarrassing.  She whistled over and over. Of course she was a life guard and I was swimming at Galveston.   I was far out beyond the breakers with my arms through an inner tube, my head resting on my arms with my eyes closed just enjoying the gentle bobbing in the water.  I heard her whistle.   I thought “My goodness some boys up by the beach must really be doing something bad to make her whistle so much at them.”  Finally I looked up and saw she was standing at the waters edge pointing at me.  Pointing at me?  What could I possibly be doing to upset her?  She motioned for me to move away from the jetties.  My tube had been slowly drifting closer and closer to the rocks where swimmers are not allowed to swim.  How shocked I was.  All of my life I have been swimming at Galveston.  ALWAYS the undertow pulled me east.  Always! But now being close to the Jetties I was being pulled to the west.  How shocked I was.  I complied and she quit whistling at me.  Looking back I wonder how many people are laid back enjoying the ups and downs of life giving no thought as to where they will eventually end up.  We are all drifting to an unsafe place.  Hell.  The Bible makes it clear we have all sinned.  Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; We have not all committed the same sins, but we have all sinned.  Ever take something that wasn’t yours?  Ever tell a lie?  Ever look at a person with lust in your heart?  If you answered “yes” then you have admitted you are a thieving, lying adulterer.  We don’t like to think of ourselves as sinners.  But it gets worse. Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The wages I have earned is death and separation from God eternally.  BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ as my Lord. We drift along in life not realizing we are sinners.  When the Bible and God’s Holy Spirit quietly speak to our heart we can stop and evaluate.  Yes we have all sinned.  We all need a savior.  Jesus will save you if you hear, believe, repent and pray to Him asking Him to save you.  And His gift is free.  Please receive it today.