Daily Devotions
 
 

February 27, 2021

Chapter 20 deals with the subject of serving. This theme starts in chapter 19 with the rich young ruler and ends with James and John trying to jockey for position in 20:20-23. This doesn’t go over well with the other 10 disciples. So, Jesus says, “whoever desires to be great among you let him be your servant” (20:26). Some people go into ministry thinking they will get rich. Others take an attitude that they should be served by others instead of them serving. Both thoughts are wrong. As Jesus puts it “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom” (20:28). Jesus served and gave all He had, His very life. This is the model for all of His followers to go by.

Matthew Chapters 20-22

Pastor Roger Dean
February 26, 2021
Ever try to teach God a thing or two? I’m sure I have tried. He’s told me to do something, and I tell Him why it won’t work. I come up with a great idea but not a God idea and He isn’t impressed. I’d do better to listen to Him rather than try to instruct Him. “Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord or as His counselor has taught Him? With whom did He take counsel and who instructed Him and taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge and showed Him the way of understanding? (Is. 40:13-14). Obviously, the answer to these questions is no one. These are all things we should be getting from Him. Maybe today I’ll shut my mouth and learn a thing or two.

Isaiah Chapters 40-44

Pastor Roger Dean

February 25, 2021

In 15:14 Eliphaz touches on a Biblical truth, that man is born sinful. “What is man that he could be pure? And he who is born of a woman that he could be righteous”. When Adam and Eve sinned, they basically set the course of mankind into sin. As it says in Romans 5:12 “through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin”. Every person born since the fall was born into sin. But thanks be to God “For if by one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many” (Ro. 5:15). “For if by one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5: 17) Salvation is a free gift waiting to be received. If you haven’t already done so, receive it today. Ask Jesus to be your Savior.

Job Chapters 15-16

Pastor Roger Dean

February 24, 2021

When it comes to the Psalms 22 has more references to Christ than any other. Ps. 8, 69, 109, 110, and 118 all have 2 references but Ps. 22 has 4. Here they are with the New Testament scriptures where they are fulfilled : Forsaken by God 22:1, Matt. 27:46; Mocked by His enemies 22:7 & 8, Luke 23:35; Hands and feet pierced 22:16, John 20:27 and Lots cast for His clothes 22:18, Matthew 27: 35 & 36. Along with Isaiah 53, Ps 22 gives the best look at what the Messiah will suffer. If a non-believer were to read Ps. 22 and Is. 53, and compare it to what happened to Jesus, they should come to the conclusion that indeed He is the Messiah foretold. And when believers read these passages, we should be once again moved by the love that our Savior has for us.

Psalms 21-23

Pastor Roger Dean

February 23, 2021
 

Throughout the Bible we are cautioned from entering into relationships with those who do not follow God. In the Old Testament times the Israelites were not to marry Canaanites. In the New Testament Paul tells us that light should not have fellowship with darkness. This is speaking of a close relationship like marriage not being friendly to the unsaved. Otherwise, we wouldn’t get anyone saved. Samson wanted a woman he shouldn’t have had and told his parents “Get her for me, for she pleases me well”(14:3). Literally it means “for she is right in my eyes”. This is a similar phrase translated in other places about the Israelites “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes”. We see how that worked out for Israel. And we see how it worked out for Samson. It is better to listen to scripture and obey than to listen to our hearts and get ourselves into trouble.

Judges Chapters 12-16

Pastor Roger Dean

February 24, 2021

When it comes to the Psalms 22 has more references to Christ than any other. Ps. 8, 69, 109, 110, and 118 all have 2 references but Ps. 22 has 4. Here they are with the New Testament scriptures where they are fulfilled : Forsaken by God 22:1, Matt. 27:46; Mocked by His enemies 22:7 & 8, Luke 23:35; Hands and feet pierced 22:16, John 20:27 and Lots cast for His clothes 22:18, Matthew 27: 35 & 36. Along with Isaiah 53, Ps 22 gives the best look at what the Messiah will suffer. If a non-believer were to read Ps. 22 and Is. 53, and compare it to what happened to Jesus, they should come to the conclusion that indeed He is the Messiah foretold. And when believers read these passages, we should be once again moved by the love that our Savior has for us.

Psalms 21-23

Pastor Roger Dean

February 21, 2021

Today I’m going to pray two scriptures over you. 15:13 ” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. 16:20 ” And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” And Amen.

Romans Chapters 15-16

Pastor Roger Dean

February 20, 2021

We often hear people talking about the prayer of agreement and 18:19 is used as a text for it. While I agree with agreeing in prayer the context of that verse is dealing with church discipline. Most of the chapter is dealing with dealing with offenses and with restoration. Offending a little one (18:6-9), lost sheep restored(18:10-14), if you are offended how you are to deal with it (18:13-20). Then chapter 19 starts with the unforgiving servant. The Apostle Paul told the church at Corinth to warn a man in sin that they were going to kick him out and turn him over to Satan. The purpose wasn’t punishment but to get him to straighten up. We sometimes forget that when people fail, and fall away, God wants them back. Church leadership should consider the best way to do that. And they should remember that God forgave them of their sins or else they can become like the unforgiving servant.

The Gospel of Matthew

Chapters 17-19

Pastor Roger Dean

February 19, 2021

There are two things that stand out to me as we read about King Hezekiah. First, when the Assyrians are threatening Jerusalem, he was upset that they blasphemed God and sent some of his leaders to Isaiah to have him pray. Isaiah gives a favorable response that God will not let the city be taken. But Hezekiah doesn’t stop there. He also prays, 37:15 ” Then Hezekiah prayed to the Lord”. Some people ask others for prayer but never really pray themselves. It is as if they think their prayers won’t be heard. Secondly, He prays again later when he has been given a death sentence, due to his health, and God hears him, and he is healed. He didn’t accept the bad report as the final answer. In the first situation he had a good report, but he prayed anyway. Whether you are hearing good or bad about what you are dealing with you need to pray. And remember God can and will deliver you regardless of what others are saying.

Isaiah chapters 34-39

Pastor Roger Dean