Matthew 4:19 ESV "And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."Who would have thought that the conversation would turn to Jesus over a few worms! Today's verse shares about following Jesus and He would make us fishers of men! While sitting dock side and casting a line, a gentleman came up to me and asked if I had any bait. He told me that he tried to buy some but the store was out. I grabbed a few worms and gave them to him- he thanked me and we began to talk as we fished together. It wasn't long before the conversation turned to Jesus and how He multiplied the fish and loaves. As the man caught another fish, he offered it to me but I declined as I was fishing for more than filling my bucket! Let's always be open to the opportunity to share Jesus, even if it costs us a few worms! Peace, tom
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Colossians 3:23 NASB "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people," The list was endless! Today's Word speaks about doing what we do for the Lord and not for people! As I began to look at the list of things that needed to get done, I realized that I needed some help and even before I could call anyone, God began to provide men to help. There is still many things on the list to get done but we took a lot of them off the list! They came willing to help in anyway and made a huge difference in the work that needed to be done. Sure there's more things on the list but what we accomplished was amazing! Trying to do it alone will leave us exhausted and not many things accomplished but many hands make light work of our "to do" list so why not reach out and ask a friend or a few friends to help?! peace, tom
1 Corinthians 1:18 NASB "For the word of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."He explained it to me again! Today's Word shares about the foolishness of some to not understand the power of God! For the third time, I had to listen to the instructions that our foreman was giving but I still didn't quite understand what he was trying to get across to us. It seemed foolish to me until another man came and spoke it in a different way, then I understood. Sometimes in sharing Jesus, we find that people can't quite understand what we are saying and will find our words foolish, but never give up, and keep praying that someone will be able to explain Him to them so they can understand! We may not understand it all but keep seeking a better understanding and one day, the light bulb will go on, it did for me! peace, tom
Romans 12:18 NASB "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people."Sometimes it's not possible! Today's verse speaks to us about peace with all people! I am not sure we noticed the first two words of the verse "if possible"! I know God's Word says that all things are possible but there are times when it's just impossible to have peace with some people. They look for a fight, someone to blame for their own shortcomings and we find ourselves where finding peace with them is just impossible and we have nothing left to do but give them and the situation over to the Lord. I believe it takes more courage to walk away than stand and keep fighting for our point of view or our thoughts. So, lets not let anyone rob us of the peace of Christ - if it's possible, let's find peace with all people, if not, let's turn them over to the Lord! peace, tom
Philippians 1:3 NASB "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,"There are those dates that bring to mind, those we have loved and miss! Today's verse is simply thanking God for those who have gone on before us! Today would have been a day to celebrate his birth but he has gone on to be with Jesus. I still celebrate his life, the way he taught me about the love of Jesus, how he shared that love with so many. There is also the pain of losing someone we loved so much. My dad's birthday will always bring the memories of the life I was blessed to call him dad. He taught me so much, was always there and always willing to help. The greatest thing I can do to remember him and give God thanks to live the style of life he did, always giving, always making each one he met feel as if they were the most important person in his life. Miss ya dad, say hello to mom and Jesus! peace, tom
Revelation 16:16 ESV "And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon."I'm not sure if you heard it but he said it! Today's verse speaks about the last battle on the earth. Maybe you didn't hear it but the president of the United States used a biblical term in speaking to supporters, he mentioned Armageddon, the last battle of the earth before Christ reigns! It shocked many who heard him say it and commentators spoke of how it would cast fear into people. My response is that it should strike fear for all those who don't know Christ as Lord and Savior will be at that battle! But we, as men, must also face battles each day, things that pull us away from God. Whether it's Armageddon or the battle of the day, we must be ready!! peace, tom
Psalm 145:14 NASB "The Lord supports all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down."No one likes to admit it, but it happens! Today's verse shares that the Lord will support us when we fall and will raise us up if we humble ourselves! I had to go to the manager and tell him that I fail in getting it done. After I failed at it, I was going to try and hide it but the guilt of not getting it done correctly was overwhelming so I manned up! I was a young man at the time and didn't fully understand how to get it done but the manager, a godly man, took me aside and taught me how to get it done. That's what the Lord does to us when we find the courage to admit our failures, He supports us and will raise us up when we admit the Truth. Don't live in the guilt of past sins but humble ourselves before Him and those in authority over us and He will set us free! peace, tom 1 Corinthians 15:52 NIV "in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."I missed it! Today's Word speaks about the time when Jesus returns to take us home! It happened so fast that I missed it! Maybe I wasn't looking at the right spot or in the right direction but when it happened, but I missed it! There was no way to go back and try to see it again, the time had passed to watch it. That's how it's going to be when Jesus returns, it was be in a flash, the twinkling of an eye, so the question is are we looking for Him and watching closely for His Return?! When Jesus comes to take us home, we need to be ready, our names written in the Book of Life and there will be no opportunity to go back and make sure we don't miss it! Let's keep a watchful eye for Him to return and make sure our name is in His Book and that simply means asking Him to be our Lord and Savior - Don't miss Him, He's going to come and we need to be ready! peace, tom
Exodus 14:14 NASB "The Lord will fight for you, while you keep silent."It's harder than you think! Today's Word is wisdom, simply keep our mouth shut! I could tell that the discussion was getting heated and there was no end in sight to how bad it would have gotten when all of a sudden today's verse came to mind. We had difference of opinion and as we kept speaking, the distance between our points of view was getting larger and more heated as we spoke. I finally stopped talking, and began to silently pray. In that moment, he stopped talking too and we found ourselves just staring at each other and before long, we were laughing at how foolish we looked trying to get our own point across to where our friendship was being challenged. And come to think of it now, I don't even remember what we were discussing. Sometimes just keeping our mouth shut is the best advice we can share! Think about it! peace, tom
Revelation 21:4 NASB "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."He's in heaven! Today's verse gives us a little glimpse of heaven and it seems like a wonderful place to be! As we sat and fished, he asked a simple question "where is great grampa?" Enjoying the day with my four year old grandson brought such joy and an opportunity to talk to him about heaven. I told him that Great Grampa was with Jesus in heaven, a place where there there is no more pain, or suffering! He seemed to understand stand and then asked if we can go see him. I told him one day if we know Jesus and his reply was precious... he said I know Jesus! I pray that you know Jesus and if you don't, let's talk or find a Bible believing, Holy Spirit inspired church and meet Jesus! BTW we caught so much more than fish that day! peace, tom
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Tom SEmberAuthor of Daily Devotions Archives
April 2024
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