August 29, 2021
We are just finishing our 24th annual FMN Men’s Conference. Each year it is such a blessing to see men from across the country come together in the Lord standing firm and united in His promises. We all know times have changed, our world has changed but His Word has not changed. Our heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today and forever and we will continue to go forward in Him!! So many different things are happening in our government and around the world and most of us know and agree that the greatest thing we can have at this point and time is have a relationship with our Lord Jesus, walking in His love, united with other Believers, and listening to His wisdom. There are many different opinions and perspectives we will hear and as we trust and lean on Him He will lead us in the direction we need to go for every situation. The world is growing darker but He is the Light of the world! As Believers we need to be looking to our Creator not the government. He is our Protector, our Life, our Guide, our Savior, our Way. In Him we are powerful and have hope beyond our expectations. I read something Jim Richards said – “One of the greatest scriptural promises concerning the grace of God is simply this: “Where sin abounds grace does much more abound.” Romans 5:20. The more darkness prevails in the Earth the more we will experience grace beyond anything we have yet to experience.” That is exciting! We don’t have to fear or worry and fret. We are going to see things happening like never before and when our hope is in Him we will be full of peace, love, joy and hope as we walk through this time and season. The Lord talks a lot about being united and standing together. I think that is so important right now. Our country is in a place of division. When we stand united as believers and a church family – we are standing united for our country also. United means companionship, participation, perfect harmony, full of agreement in what is said. To stand means to hold your ground, be firm, be side by side without wavering. Therefore, UNITED WE STAND would mean that we stand united with companionship and participation, perfect harmony, full of agreement with our words. We are holding our ground (our ground is God’s Word), as we stand firm, with no doubt and confusion, being side by side, without wavering or swaying in our minds. This week the devotional is a bit different. It is prayers and scripture for each day.
Sunday: “Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus—all because he sees us wrapped into Christ. This is why we celebrate him with all our hearts!” (Ephesians 1:3) I thank You, Father, that as Believers in Your finished work on the cross, “Whatever happens, keep living your lives based on the reality of the gospel of Christ, which reveals him to others. Then when I come to see you, or hear good reports of you, I’ll know that you stand united in one Spirit and one passion—celebrating together as conquerors in the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27) “And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. So if the Son liberates you makes you free men, then you are really and unquestionably free.” John 8:32, 36 Amen
Monday: Lord, I know that unity is so powerful, so vital. I don’t want to get caught up in the dreads and fears of the world. I desire to know only Your truth and then I will know the real from the counterfeit when I hear and see it. Your truth is unity – togetherness and when situations, people and circumstances try to divide I will be able to stand on Your Words. Today I pray “And then our immaturity will end! And we will not be easily shaken by trouble, nor led astray by novel teachings or by the false doctrines of deceivers who teach clever lies. But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth. All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into him, the anointed Head of his body, the church. For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.” (Ephesians 4:14-16) Amen
Tuesday: Father, I determine to “if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in. And this is the glorious news I preach all over the world. (Colossians 1:23) I speak life to every situation in my life. I speak life to every area of our church and its vision to reach the lost and hurting. And I speak life – hope and expectation of good to our country, the States of America, that You created as united. Thank You for the freedom that I am able to believe and speak forth Your words and promises and know that Your words will not return void. “So then, with this amazing hope living in us, we step out in freedom and boldness to speak the truth.” 2 Corinthians 3:12 I praise You always. Amen
Wednesday: Lord, today I stand in awe of You and Your everlasting love for me and that You care about all the circumstances around me. You tell me in 2 Corinthians 13: 11 “Be strengthened, perfected, completed, made what you ought to be; be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same agreeable mind one with another; live in peace..” You are the God of love. You are the Source of affection, goodwill and love. I am strong, perfected, complete and righteous because You are my Source and Your love in me and through me gives me the power to stand and rejoice in all You are in me. Amen “Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 I thank You and praise you with every breath.
Thursday – “All of these with their minds in full agreement devoted themselves steadfastly to prayer...” Acts 1:14
“And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of the bread together, including the Lord’s Supper, and prayers.” Acts 2:42
Friday: Precious Lord and Savior, “Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things. Now may God, the source of great endurance and comfort, grace you with unity among yourselves, which flows from your relationship with Jesus, the Anointed One. Then, with a unanimous rush of passion, you will with one voice glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:4-6) I thank You for creating in my heart the desire for oneness and unity with others and that You have showed me the power that is beyond my imagination that is produced in this oneness. Standing united in truth and in the Spirit will be the saving grace of Believers no matter what happens in this dark world. You have overcome the world and You are Light so I know Who is leading me. Amen
Saturday: “God is forever faithful and can be trusted to do this in you, for he has invited you to co-share the life of his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One, our King! I urge you, my brothers and sisters, for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree to live in unity with one another and put to rest any division that attempts to tear you apart. Be restored as one united body living in perfect harmony. Form a consistent choreography among yourselves, having a common perspective with shared values.” 1 Corinthians 1:9-10 My focus on Your unconditional love will draw those that are caught up in fear. Standing firm on Your promises and in Your love is my answer to minister to this country and those around me. As the words in a song go: “You have to stand for something or you will fall for anything.” If I don’t know Your truths and promises I may get caught up in the fears and dreads of the world also. I pray we stand together united in Your love and let the world see our love for one another and this country! Amen
We are just finishing our 24th annual FMN Men’s Conference. Each year it is such a blessing to see men from across the country come together in the Lord standing firm and united in His promises. We all know times have changed, our world has changed but His Word has not changed. Our heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today and forever and we will continue to go forward in Him!! So many different things are happening in our government and around the world and most of us know and agree that the greatest thing we can have at this point and time is have a relationship with our Lord Jesus, walking in His love, united with other Believers, and listening to His wisdom. There are many different opinions and perspectives we will hear and as we trust and lean on Him He will lead us in the direction we need to go for every situation. The world is growing darker but He is the Light of the world! As Believers we need to be looking to our Creator not the government. He is our Protector, our Life, our Guide, our Savior, our Way. In Him we are powerful and have hope beyond our expectations. I read something Jim Richards said – “One of the greatest scriptural promises concerning the grace of God is simply this: “Where sin abounds grace does much more abound.” Romans 5:20. The more darkness prevails in the Earth the more we will experience grace beyond anything we have yet to experience.” That is exciting! We don’t have to fear or worry and fret. We are going to see things happening like never before and when our hope is in Him we will be full of peace, love, joy and hope as we walk through this time and season. The Lord talks a lot about being united and standing together. I think that is so important right now. Our country is in a place of division. When we stand united as believers and a church family – we are standing united for our country also. United means companionship, participation, perfect harmony, full of agreement in what is said. To stand means to hold your ground, be firm, be side by side without wavering. Therefore, UNITED WE STAND would mean that we stand united with companionship and participation, perfect harmony, full of agreement with our words. We are holding our ground (our ground is God’s Word), as we stand firm, with no doubt and confusion, being side by side, without wavering or swaying in our minds. This week the devotional is a bit different. It is prayers and scripture for each day.
Sunday: “Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus—all because he sees us wrapped into Christ. This is why we celebrate him with all our hearts!” (Ephesians 1:3) I thank You, Father, that as Believers in Your finished work on the cross, “Whatever happens, keep living your lives based on the reality of the gospel of Christ, which reveals him to others. Then when I come to see you, or hear good reports of you, I’ll know that you stand united in one Spirit and one passion—celebrating together as conquerors in the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27) “And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. So if the Son liberates you makes you free men, then you are really and unquestionably free.” John 8:32, 36 Amen
Monday: Lord, I know that unity is so powerful, so vital. I don’t want to get caught up in the dreads and fears of the world. I desire to know only Your truth and then I will know the real from the counterfeit when I hear and see it. Your truth is unity – togetherness and when situations, people and circumstances try to divide I will be able to stand on Your Words. Today I pray “And then our immaturity will end! And we will not be easily shaken by trouble, nor led astray by novel teachings or by the false doctrines of deceivers who teach clever lies. But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth. All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into him, the anointed Head of his body, the church. For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.” (Ephesians 4:14-16) Amen
Tuesday: Father, I determine to “if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in. And this is the glorious news I preach all over the world. (Colossians 1:23) I speak life to every situation in my life. I speak life to every area of our church and its vision to reach the lost and hurting. And I speak life – hope and expectation of good to our country, the States of America, that You created as united. Thank You for the freedom that I am able to believe and speak forth Your words and promises and know that Your words will not return void. “So then, with this amazing hope living in us, we step out in freedom and boldness to speak the truth.” 2 Corinthians 3:12 I praise You always. Amen
Wednesday: Lord, today I stand in awe of You and Your everlasting love for me and that You care about all the circumstances around me. You tell me in 2 Corinthians 13: 11 “Be strengthened, perfected, completed, made what you ought to be; be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same agreeable mind one with another; live in peace..” You are the God of love. You are the Source of affection, goodwill and love. I am strong, perfected, complete and righteous because You are my Source and Your love in me and through me gives me the power to stand and rejoice in all You are in me. Amen “Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 I thank You and praise you with every breath.
Thursday – “All of these with their minds in full agreement devoted themselves steadfastly to prayer...” Acts 1:14
“And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of the bread together, including the Lord’s Supper, and prayers.” Acts 2:42
Friday: Precious Lord and Savior, “Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things. Now may God, the source of great endurance and comfort, grace you with unity among yourselves, which flows from your relationship with Jesus, the Anointed One. Then, with a unanimous rush of passion, you will with one voice glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:4-6) I thank You for creating in my heart the desire for oneness and unity with others and that You have showed me the power that is beyond my imagination that is produced in this oneness. Standing united in truth and in the Spirit will be the saving grace of Believers no matter what happens in this dark world. You have overcome the world and You are Light so I know Who is leading me. Amen
Saturday: “God is forever faithful and can be trusted to do this in you, for he has invited you to co-share the life of his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One, our King! I urge you, my brothers and sisters, for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree to live in unity with one another and put to rest any division that attempts to tear you apart. Be restored as one united body living in perfect harmony. Form a consistent choreography among yourselves, having a common perspective with shared values.” 1 Corinthians 1:9-10 My focus on Your unconditional love will draw those that are caught up in fear. Standing firm on Your promises and in Your love is my answer to minister to this country and those around me. As the words in a song go: “You have to stand for something or you will fall for anything.” If I don’t know Your truths and promises I may get caught up in the fears and dreads of the world also. I pray we stand together united in Your love and let the world see our love for one another and this country! Amen
