It's Time To Wake Up

It's Time To Wake Up "The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." Romans 13:11 I am sure that many of you who have read my daily devotionals for some time, know that I feel strongly that the church has been silent for decades, and has allowed our government to pass laws approving abortion, and same sex marriages, We have allowed God to be taken out of our schools, and in many areas of society. This silence has gone on since a little known law passed by congress in 1954 stated that churches can no longer take a political issue before their membership, and if they do any donation made to the church would not be tax deductible on the congregations income tax form. So for greed and 40 pieces of silver churches sold out the way our forefathers had kept the Godly values of our great nation in our government. We now kill 1.2 million babies each year in abortion mills, we have now legalized same sex marriages, and taken God out of our schools and government. It is time that our churches wake up, and begin to take our nation back. Do you know what Napoleon said about China? “There lies a sleeping giant, and let him sleep, because if he awakens, he will shake the world.” I believe the devil says that about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I believe the church is just that, a sleeping giant. We’re asleep because we have been chloroformed by the spirit of this age. We have allowed ungodly politicians to be elected that have taken our once great nation on the path to destruction. We are slowly compromising our values to the point that we are simply a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah, and if we continue down this path God will send the same judgment he sent on them. It is time for the church to wake up and be the catalyst of change before it is too late. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven August 14

We Must Confess Our Sins

We Must Confess our Sins “I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Psalm 32:5 During our life we all make mistakes, many times, rather innocently. I recall an incident where I borrowed a tool from one of my neighbors to use for a few hours and forgot to return it until months later when I was cleaning the garage and found it. I had promised him I would return it within a few hours. I apologized and it caused no great harm. It was just an innocent mistake, but many times we make mistakes that are not innocent mistakes. We speak words that hurt people, do deeds that are wrong, have thoughts that are inappropriate, deceitful and or hurtful, are slow to forgive, show our anger, just to name a few. According to the Bible these non-innocent mistakes in thought, word or deed is called sin, and the consequences of these mistakes are always negative. God wants us to confess our sins to Him, as stated in the above scripture. We are to openly acknowledge these mistakes and admit the truth about ourselves to God, who is both holy and loving. Each of us need to examine ourselves, and spend some time reflecting on our own lives, and ask God to help us see ourselves as we really are. We may find that sometimes we do not like what we see, and may need to ask God for forgiveness. We may need to confess our sins and commit ourselves to the Lord, when we discover that we have “missed the mark” and made mistakes. We may find that we need to ask God to help us walk in a manner that is pleasing to Him, and guard our thoughts, our words and our deeds so that we do not continue to do things that are not pleasing to Him. God will forgive us of all our sins, as He is a forgiving God. 1st John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven August 13

Are You Happy

Are You Happy "Death and destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man." Proverbs 27:20 Are you happy with your life? J. P. Morgan (1837-1913), the renowned financial and industrial magnate was once asked what it would take to make him happy. His reply? "Just a little bit more." By his response Mr. Morgan was affirming the truth of the scripture above. Through my years of Bible study I believe there are five key principles to living a contented life. 1. Contentment is achieved when we make God and His kingdom our first priority:"But first seek his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." 2. Contentment is achieved by believing God will meet our needs: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) 3. Contentment is achieved by graciously accepting what God allows into our lives: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12,13). 4. Contentment is achieved through a life of simplicity over greed: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." (1 Timothy 6:6-7. 5. Contentment is achieved by enjoying hard work and its remuneration: "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 5:18, 19). If you are not happy and content where you are today, study these 5 principles, apply them to your own life, get free from the chains of worry and fear, and let God take control. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven August 12

Are You Free

Are You Free "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." Romans 4:7 This morning as I was doing my Bible study I was reminded of a story I heard years ago. There was a king who was taking a trip on a ship which was being rowed by many slaves chained to their rowing stations. One day he went down where they were and asked all of them this question, “Why are you in chains?” One replied, “I don’t know. I was in a crowd when a crime was committed. I am innocent.” He asked another who said, “I am not guilty, but am a victim of false witnesses.” The king proceeded to ask each man the same question and each had a reason why he was innocent. That is, until one man responded, “I am here because I deserve to be here. I have sinned against my God and against my king. And now I am paying the penalty.” The king stepped back and said, “What are you doing here among so many honest men? Guards, release him.” This story is so true as it is not until we admit our sin are we going to know the mercy and the forgiveness of our God. We can go through life depending upon our own strength and ability and think that we can do all things by ourselves. We can continue to live a sinful life, enjoying the selfish pleasures of wealth and all the material things of this world. We can overlook what the future holds for us and live in the here and now, and the comforts of this world. But what so many don't realize is that this life will one day come to an end, as we are not promised tomorrow. The choices you make during your time on earth will determine where you will spend your eternity, either in Heaven with God, or in Hell with Satan. The choice is yours and yours alone, as no one can make these for you. However we have a forgiving God, one that will forget all the sins you have committed. He can remove the chains and set you free. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven August 11

Invite Jesus To Live With You

Invite Jesus To Live With You "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you." Ephesians 1:18 Early in my career in hospital administration there was a story published in one of the medical magazines. I copied it and have kept it for years, and now want to share it with you. There was once a ward in a hospital with extremely handicapped people in it. These people were sent there as they were unable to communicate or even function properly in society. They were the product of extreme mental trauma suffered at the hands of others, either from childhood or in adulthood. The hospital had tried everything they knew to help these people recover, but not much progress was made over the years. The patients were mainly sedated most of the day, and lived isolated and lonely lives. One day a new doctor was hired to lead the department. Unlike all the other doctors that had gone before him, he told the hospital that he would like to move into the ward permanently, and live with the patients. The doctor moved in his things and started to live with these people. At night he would often sit with them and just talk to them. He would cuddle them and hug them and would show them love like they had not seen in their lives. After six months people that had not spoken in years began to speak. Others began to smile and others began to recover. Most of the patients eventually stopped their sedation and in time many of them returned to their normal lives. Through Jesus, like this doctor, God can move in with us. He can share our reality from within and not from a distant. He doesn't use medicine or a third party to heal us and show us the way, but instead He will come Himself and became one of us. So today no matter what you are facing ask Jesus to come live with you. You will never be the same as He can change your life. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven August 10

Resist The Devil

Resist The Devil "Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 Several weeks ago a friend send me a funny story about a man and his experience at the zoo, which I want to share with you. A man was looking at the cage of a ferocious looking lion when an attendant entered the cage through a door on the opposite side. He had nothing in his hands but a broom. Carefully closing the door, he proceeded to sweep the floor of the cage." The man observed that the worker had no weapon to ward off an attack by the beast. In fact, when he got to the corner of the cage where the lion was lying, he poked the animal with the broom. The lion growled at him and then lay down in another corner of the enclosure. The man remarked to the attendant, "You certainly are a brave man." "No, I ain't brave," he replied as he continued to sweep. "Well, then, that lion must be tame." "No," came the reply, "he ain't tame." "If you aren’t brave and the lion isn't tame, then I can't understand why he doesn't attack you." The man chuckled, then replied with an air of confidence, "Mister, he's old - and he ain't got no teeth." We should be like the attendant, as he knew that lion couldn’t hurt him. Satan also may seem ferocious, he can make a big ruckus, fussing and growling all he wants, but when you keep your eyes focused on God, he cannot harm you. Making God first in your life, following His commandments, and letting the Holy Spirit guide you in your daily life is all you need to keep Satan at bay. Just remember that If God is for you, who can be against you. Let Satan roar all he wants to roar, but understand that he also has no teeth, and can't hurt you, when God is with you, as God will protect you from the temptations and the snares of Satan. As the scripture above says, with God's help you can resist the devil and he will flee from you. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven August 9

All Things Are Possible With God

All Things Are Possible With God "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark,10:27 In the previous devotional I told you that there is nothing too hard for God, and in this devotional I want to expound on this. There are many great and precious promises in the Bible. In the Book of John Chapters 14, 15, and 16 we are told by the Lord that God will give us what we ask for in the name of Jesus. In Matthew Chapter 7 we are told, "Ask, and it shall be given you." The 37th Psalm tells us that He will give us the "desires of our heart." Today, I want you to look at the last 6 words in the scripture above as these six words can literally transform your life. They are six words spoken by Jesus that can make all the difference in your life this very moment. Individually, they are just six common words but put together as they were by our Lord, they give us one of the greatest promises we have in God's Word. This is your promise today, and I want each of you to claim this promise and make it personal just for you. Jesus didn't say some things are possible, He didn't say a few things, He didn't say a couple of things, He didn't say selected things, He didn't say certain things, He said "All Things Are Possible With God". This means if you are sick in your body, God can heal you. This means if you need a financial miracle, God is your source. This means if your marriage is in trouble, God can restore it. This means is you need a job, God can open the doors for employment. This means if you are in some form of bondage, God can set you free. This means if your children are away from God, God can bring them home. This means if you have lost a loved one, God can ease the pain. No matter what your need is today, God is able to meet that need. Your promise today is six words from Jesus, "ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD." Believe this promise and claim it as your own. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven August 8