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Devotional for September 29- By Minister Mamie Pack God Knows “9) The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10) "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." Jeremiah 17: 9-10 NIV In our society, it has become quite common place to pass judgment on others. We see a person in their fallen state and begin to criticize them and gossip amongst ourselves. The media does not help. If you walk into the grocery store, there will be rows of magazines displaying some celebrity’s latest indiscretion for all to see. It will be plastered on hundreds, even thousands, of web sites that seek to give their opinion of the individual. I know that I have been faulty of this on more than one occasion. Sometimes I can forget my own indiscretions, or sins, that Christ has redeemed me from and begin to allow my words to rip right into someone. At that moment, I have placed myself above the individual, as if I were above reproach. Fellow believers, this is a trap. How often have you made a mistake in the effort to do the right thing? I have. I messed up quite a bit of things just because I thought I was protecting someone, thought I didn’t want to be a burden, or thought I could handle it on my own. When I did mess up, people saw the end result, but they didn’t know my motive, or my heart. In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah captures the essence of our view versus God’s view. In our nature mind, we are unable to truly know another person’s heart. At times, we are even blind the desires of our own hearts. Without Christ, the heart is deceitful and seeks to serve itself. Even once we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are told to guard, preserve, and maintain our hearts (see Prov. Christ, however, is not only able to search the heart, but He is able to examine the mind. Christ knows when we hurt someone out of malicious intent or out of ignorance. Christ knows when we have chosen to be disobedient to His word. We can fool ourselves into thinking that such behavior is small or that we are just “commenting on facts”, but we cannot fool God. So be careful before you forward that next email or pick up the phone to share the latest news you’ve heard. Is the news you have to share to encourage someone, to help a person grow, or to be used as a tool for prayer? If not, then maybe you ought to just keep it to yourself. Prayer. Dear Heavenly Father. Forgive me for having a judgmental heart and attitude toward others. I have allowed myself to judge the behaviors and actions of others which is contrary to your word. Help to me to remember the grace and mercy that you have shown me time and time again so that I may be able to show the same kind of mercy and grace to others. Help me to be able to discern what information to share and what information to keep to myself. I pray that I may have the strength to remove myself from corrupt conversations before using my words to criticize another. I pray that I may listen to the correction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for all you have done for me. In the name of Christ, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Jeremiah 17: 7-18 Tuesday 1 Samuel 16: 7 Wednesday Psalm 139: 23 Thursday Proverbs 17: 3 Friday Romans Saturday Psalm 62:12 Sunday 1 Chronicles 28: 9 Application This week do not send any emails or make any phone calls that relate in gossip or criticism of another. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ. Click here for other writings available at the author's blog www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com Devotional for by Minister Mamie Pack
Uplifting our leaders “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13: 7 NIV The month of October is reserved as being clergy appreciate month. This is a time set aside to say thank you to all the men and women of God who stand up time and time again to share the Word of Christ in an uncompromised fashion. This is a time to show appreciation for all the hours they have committed to building the ministry, serving the people, interceding for others in their private prayer times. This is a time that we, as the lay members, can choose to share just how much we value our pastors, their spouses, the music minister, the youth pastor, and all those in leadership within ministry.Saying thank you and showing appreciation is not about receiving worldly gifts or some new way for greeting card companies to make extra money. In Hebrews, believers are extolled to remember our Christian leaders. He is not just referring to the leaders that are in our churches now, but all those that have gone before. Remember those past leaders who were praying even before there was a church; those who gave their time, sweat, and prayers to building up the kingdom. Their legacy is in speaking the Word, sharing the Word, and living the Word in our lives and in the lives of others. We are called to remember, value, appreciate those who have bought forth the living Word in our lives through their examples. These are people who lived and live the Word through example. I am not saying that these individuals do not make mistakes, but they are mature in their walk with Christ. The author challenges us to remember not just the person, but the manner in which the person lived his/her life. We are to remember and learn from the manner in which they applied faith in their day to day living. So this month, I am thankful to all the men and women of God who have boldly stood to share the Gospel of Christ with me and with so many others. I am thankful for all those who are overseas serving in countries where it is illegal to preach the Gospel of Christ. Thank you does not seem adequate enough to show my appreciation for my mother, who is an Elder, who stood in faith praying and believing that I would surrender my life to Christ. Who continues to encourage me in the Word. I am thankful to Bishop Ryals who did not mind answering all of my questions (and there were a lot) so that I could learn more about Christ. Thank you Minister Stanley, Elder Riley, Minister Geraldine, Bishop Jakes, Pastor Joel Olsteen, Elder Owens, and so many others that have helped me in my walk with Christ. May God continue to richly bless all of you. Prayer My awesome Father, it is amazing to me how you created so many of us to share your word in such different ways. I am thankful for all the men and women who have stood firm in faith praying, working, tithing, doing all that they could to build your kingdom. It is awesome to know that even when I was out in the world there were people praying on my behalf, believing that this day would come. Help me to continue to set an example before others so that my legacy may be rooted in your word and plan for my life. Please bless all those who diligently seek you and serve you in ministry leadership. Help them to continue to stand regardless of how situations may seem. Thank you for the strength and prayers of those who have passed. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Hebrews 13: 7 Tuesday 2 Timothy 2: 1-2 Wednesday Titus 1: 7-9 Thursday Jeremiah Friday Luke Saturday Acts Sunday Hebrews Application This month take time out to show appreciation to those in ministry just how much they mean to you. Send a card, buy them a gift, or simply say thank you. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ. Click here for other writings available at the author's blog www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com By Minister Mamie L. Pack Not ashamed “19) For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20) According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Philippians 1: 19-20 KJV It has begun. Gone are the days my eldest son would come running to give me a hug or ask for a kiss regardless to who was around or where we were. Now, he shies away from my hugs and kisses in public for fear of someone seeing him. He gets embarrassed and even becomes somewhat ashamed when I still choose to hug him before he goes to practice or kiss his cheek goodbye. Then there are those moments, especially when he is sick or just having a down day that all he wants is to be near me and receive all of my attention. At that moment, he doesn’t mind the kisses, the hugs, the words of affection. Isn’t it funny how we can be that way? It seemed like it wasn’t so long ago either that I was trying to shy away from my mom and now here I am with my own. What causes children to be ashamed of the very person that helps them with homework, takes care of them when they are sick, provides a food for them to eat, and so much more? Unfortunately, we can be the same way with Christ. When we need Him, we want His love, His blessings, and His affection. Then at other times, we can act like we don’t know Him. Here is one of Paul’s epistles to the saints at Paul already had it settled in him to do whatever was necessary to magnify the name of Christ. He understood that doing what is right is not determined by right circumstances but is as a result of having right thinking. We are to have it settled in us that regardless of the place, the circumstance, or the people around us, we will choose to do what edifies our Christ. Edifying Christ means to be patient, to show mercy, to be kind, to give love, and to help those in need. Magnifying Christ is a tool to help draw others closer to Him. People will want to know about the God we serve with such joy, peace, and willingness. It is how we choose to use our words, our deeds, and our thoughts that makes the difference. Prayer My awesome Heavenly Father, I thank you that there is power in your name. That I have a God that is always with me and never leaves nor forsakes me regardless of the mistakes and flaws that I have. Lord, I am thankful to know that even when I didn’t want you, You had already chosen me. As I go about my day and week, help me to edify you in all areas of my life. Reveal to me those hidden areas that hurt my witness and detract from my walk with you. I pray that I may receive correction willingly. Thank you for Your blood which was shed for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Philippians Tuesday 2 Corinthians 7: 4 Wednesday 1 Peter Thursday Romans 14: 8 Friday 1 Corinthians Saturday Romans 5: 1-5 Sunday Acts Application Choose to use your words and actions to magnify Christ. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ. Click here for other writings available at the author's blog www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com By Minister Mamie L. Pack Heeding correction “32) He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33) The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15: 32-33 NIV Growing up, there were many times that I knowingly defied my mother. I knew the rules and expectations she had set before me, but I had it made up in my mind that I wanted to what I wanted to do. Even well into my twenties, I still would grow angry at her words of correction. Within me, I believed that she didn’t want me to be happy, that she was just trying to control me, or that, in her eyes, I could never do anything right. Because of those lies planted in my mind, I would usually shun from her correction and respond in some sort of rebellion. Even now as a parent, I am witnessing my own children stray from our guidance and correction because they want to do what they want to do. When we get into this state of mind, it only results in us getting hurt. As parents, you see the danger of what lies ahead of your children for their rebellion. You want to do all you can to protect them, but know that correction is a necessity and is a reflection of your love. Because I love my children, I am going to correct them. The same can be said in my role as a mentor. The fifteenth chapter of Proverbs is filled of contrasts regarding the person full of wisdom versus the foolish individual. In verse 32, we are given two individual. Individual #1 ignores discipline. This person turns a deaf ear to Christ, refuses to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, ignores guidance from those in leadership within ministry, or disregards the instruction of those in authority roles. This person has turned his/her back to Christ. According to this scripture, the person who ignores discipline, or correction, despises himself. They show that they have little care for themselves or their eternal direction. During this time, the person is choosing to please the flesh and ignore the spirit. Then there is individual #2 who not only listens to correction, but applies the correction in the necessary areas of his/her life. This individual is not only willing to be taught, but is willing to be corrected when he/she has strayed. Upon revelation of the wrongdoing, this person is willing to repent and make changes in his/her actions. For many of us, gone are the days where the correction for our disobedience leads to a spanking, time out, or losing a privilege. The sin our disobedience carries a much heavier price. In refusing instructions, choosing to live a life of sin, or turning a deaf ear to correction, we can sever our relationship with Christ. We limit the blessings and prosperity He has for our lives and keep ourselves in bondage when Christ already set us free. Christ wants us to live life and live it more abundantly, but that means we must do our part in being obedient. The next time you find yourself being corrected or reproved, don’t get angry, rebel, or turn a deaf ear. Do whatever is necessary to be obedient to the Word of Christ. Prayer. My God, how many times have you continued to love me even when I choose to turn away and live a embrace sin? I am so thankful that you care enough about me to correct me. Thank you for sending people in my life who care enough about me that they correct me when they see that I am straying from your word. Help me Lord so that I may have an ear to receive correction. I pray that my heart may be willing and that I have a repentant heart. I pray that I am not comfortable in my sin but that I seek to obey your word in every area of my life. Forgive me Lord for my rebellion and disobedience. Please bless all of those who have continually held me accountable to your Word. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Proverbs Tuesday Psalm 111: 10 Wednesday Job 28: 28 Thursday Proverbs Friday Ecclesiastes Saturday Proverbs 16: 1 Sunday Proverbs 1: 7 Application Have a willing spirit to be taught and corrected. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ. Click here for other writings available at the author's blog www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com
By Minister Mamie Pack A Different Kind of Fertilizer “2) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1: 2-4 NIV At the tender age of 16, I came home one day from school and ran straight to my mother’s arms. I had been dealt a challenging situation at school and the outcome really hurt. At that moment, I was not trying to be independent or handle anything on my own. I wanted my momma. There in her arms, I cried and cried before finally asking her, “Why did growing up have to hurt so much?” Even then, I didn’t really understand what people meant when they said growing pains, but I was beginning to have an idea. Growing up is not always a pleasant task. Just ask any teenager going through puberty, better yet, ask any parent with a teenager. There are times of pain, frustration, disappointment, and so much more just as there are times of rejoicing, laughter, and happiness. Yet, growing up does not end with the teenage years or with puberty; it is a constant evolvement of who we are in Christ. It is how we choose to respond to the moments we encounter as a result of growing up that can make all the difference. This is one of the reasons I do enjoy reading the book of James. James gets right to the point in a practical no nonsense kind of way. Immediately beginning his epistle, he gives the believer a command—“Consider it joy”. James already understood that we would face challenges, temptations, or testings, but even in the face of them, we are to consider it joy. Considering the testing joy does not mean that we may not feel some initial anger, hurt or pain. It does mean that we quickly realize that no matter the situation, the positive work of Christ will still be the outcome. Our joy comes not in the trial but the faith we have in Christ in knowing that the trial will reap joyful fruit. Having joy in the midst of any situation requires us to have a future first mindset. This means that we are focused on where God is taking us and not on the situation itself. Sure, the children may seem like they are not listening. It may seem that every time you and your husband talk it results in a disagreement. Yes, I am sure it seems as if things are not happening just quite right. But we can be encouraged, if we keep our mind focused on Christ and not the situation. If we do, then our faith will grow. From our faith, our perseverance, or patience, will also grow. The trials are simply the fertilizer to help us grow so that we will be mature and complete in Christ. Prayer. Lord, I know that often times I resent being faced with different challenges and trials. At times, I am angry and fight the very process you are helping to bring me through. Forgive me for interfering in places and times when I just need to be still while you work. Forgive me for not having the faith to trust that you are working all things to my good. Thank you that even though I may not always understand why or how things are happening, You are still in control. You know exactly what I need when I need it. Help me to stop fighting the process and keep my mind focused on you. Thank you that you have given me joy at all times. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday James 1: 2-4 Tuesday Acts Wednesday Romans 5: 3-5 Thursday Luke Friday 1 Peter 1: 6-7 Saturday James Sunday Matthew Application The next time you are faced with a challenge, be reminded to keep your mind focused on Christ and that it is just helping you grow. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ. Click here for other writings available at the author's blog www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com
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