Your Tug Of War
"Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart."
Psalm 119:2
When I was young I remember playing the game of "Tug of War" with my friends. The purpose is to get an equal number of people on each side of a rope, and pull each other to a pit of mud or water in the middle. The losers naturally ends up muddy or wet. This simple game reminds me so much of what life is like, as we have God on one side, trying to keep us from getting muddy or wet and free from sin, and Satan on the other side, trying to pull us into the miry pit and bog us down with sins. In the game of life we make the choice each day, as to what side of the rope we are on, as we can decide if we want to be on God's side or on Satan's side. The side we choose is often determined by the condition of our heart. Many times our own wants and desires get the best of us, and we forget about God and others, and are pulled closer to the miry pit. Satan's desire is for us to be self centered, thinking only about ourselves, and many find themselves as a selfish group of people wanting only their own desires to be fulfilled. The Bible tells us what we need to do to always be on God's side, which is to make Him first in our lives, and to treat others as we treat ourselves. We should never value ourselves and think about ourselves first, but always make God first in our life. It is always a fierce battle to overcome the temptations to let Satan take control of your life, and many of you may already be in the battle, even as you read this. It is easy to be on the side with Satan if you are leading a sinful life and don't care, but if you want a life with a future you need to be on God's side. Take some time today to make sure you have God on your side, and choose carefully who you will serve.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 11
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Make A Difference
Make A Difference
"In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free."
Psalm 118:5
As I set in front of my computer screen this morning, answering the responses to my daily devotionals, I am reminded of how much people need someone to listen to them and hear their problems. I have just read one from a young man that is threatening to kill himself because he does not see any hope in his future. After chatting with him for a few minutes on Facebook, and telling him that there is hope and a future for him, and that Jesus loves him and so do I, he just now prayed the sinners prayer and accepted Jesus as his savior. I am not this experienced minister that can lead thousands of people to Christ, but I had this opportunity, just now, to lead one lost soul to Christ this morning, that God had placed in my path. I experience this kind of opportunity almost on a weekly basis anymore, as I have put my trust in God, and am letting Him lead and guide me where He wants me to be. My friends, I want you to listen to me today, and know that God is placing people in your path today, that needs you to listen to them and hear their problems. Please take time in your busy schedule to find these people, and tell them about the mighty God you serve, and to help them. Even if you only listen to them, and give them some encouraging words, this may be all that they need. I believe God places people in our paths each and every day, and if we will only take the time to listen and tell them that they are not alone, and that God loves them and cares about them, you can make a difference in someone's life today. Tell them about Jesus, and pray with them and show them that there is hope and a future for them. Tell them that whatever their problems may be that Jesus has an answer.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 9
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free."
Psalm 118:5
As I set in front of my computer screen this morning, answering the responses to my daily devotionals, I am reminded of how much people need someone to listen to them and hear their problems. I have just read one from a young man that is threatening to kill himself because he does not see any hope in his future. After chatting with him for a few minutes on Facebook, and telling him that there is hope and a future for him, and that Jesus loves him and so do I, he just now prayed the sinners prayer and accepted Jesus as his savior. I am not this experienced minister that can lead thousands of people to Christ, but I had this opportunity, just now, to lead one lost soul to Christ this morning, that God had placed in my path. I experience this kind of opportunity almost on a weekly basis anymore, as I have put my trust in God, and am letting Him lead and guide me where He wants me to be. My friends, I want you to listen to me today, and know that God is placing people in your path today, that needs you to listen to them and hear their problems. Please take time in your busy schedule to find these people, and tell them about the mighty God you serve, and to help them. Even if you only listen to them, and give them some encouraging words, this may be all that they need. I believe God places people in our paths each and every day, and if we will only take the time to listen and tell them that they are not alone, and that God loves them and cares about them, you can make a difference in someone's life today. Tell them about Jesus, and pray with them and show them that there is hope and a future for them. Tell them that whatever their problems may be that Jesus has an answer.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 9
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Time For A Change
Time For A Change
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
About a year ago, I made a new year resolution that I would try to get healthy. Over the years I had gained a lot of weight that had begun to affect my health, and my way of life. During the past 12 months, through a very disciplined change of lifestyle, I have now reached my goal weight, and currently am back to the same weight as I was when Margaret and I were married almost 46 years ago. I feel much better, and have been able to stop taking any medications. Although this process has been difficult, I now know that I still have the discipline that was needed to accomplish my goal. As I have gone through this process I realize that this same kind of dedication should be applied to my spiritual life as well. It is easy to be led astray by the temptations of this world, and be swayed by the pressure from all sides, to use my time, my talents, my money and most of all my own selfish desires to not focus more on God and others. It takes discipline to make God number one in our lives, as we need to read our Bibles more each day, take time to pray more each morning and throughout our day, and more time to seek His wisdom and knowledge, but most of all do what God commands. It takes discipline to get our minds focused on God and others, instead of spending all our time focused on what our own wants and desires are. We must understand that there is a constant battle going on between God and Satan for our very souls every day. Satan wants us to be self centered, think only about ourselves, to be undisciplined and tempts us continually with things that are not good for us. It takes discipline to resist all of Satan's attacks, but the rewards will last forever, and is well worth the change.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 8
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
About a year ago, I made a new year resolution that I would try to get healthy. Over the years I had gained a lot of weight that had begun to affect my health, and my way of life. During the past 12 months, through a very disciplined change of lifestyle, I have now reached my goal weight, and currently am back to the same weight as I was when Margaret and I were married almost 46 years ago. I feel much better, and have been able to stop taking any medications. Although this process has been difficult, I now know that I still have the discipline that was needed to accomplish my goal. As I have gone through this process I realize that this same kind of dedication should be applied to my spiritual life as well. It is easy to be led astray by the temptations of this world, and be swayed by the pressure from all sides, to use my time, my talents, my money and most of all my own selfish desires to not focus more on God and others. It takes discipline to make God number one in our lives, as we need to read our Bibles more each day, take time to pray more each morning and throughout our day, and more time to seek His wisdom and knowledge, but most of all do what God commands. It takes discipline to get our minds focused on God and others, instead of spending all our time focused on what our own wants and desires are. We must understand that there is a constant battle going on between God and Satan for our very souls every day. Satan wants us to be self centered, think only about ourselves, to be undisciplined and tempts us continually with things that are not good for us. It takes discipline to resist all of Satan's attacks, but the rewards will last forever, and is well worth the change.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 8
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Stay The Course
Stay The Course
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."
1st Corinthians 16:13
It is difficult to turn on the television, read the newspaper or even go to the grocery store, and not be reminded of how badly our great nation is turning away from God and His teachings. The Bible tells us that in the last days that people will turn their backs on God, and be led astray by the false teachings and beliefs that will prevail in society. We are rapidly reaching this critical time that God and the Bible warns us about. Even though we can see the examples, and the times throughout Biblical history, where the people of Israel turned their backs on God, and can see the punishment that God inflicted on them, we have not learned what the wrath of God can do, and what is awaiting us. The scripture above tells us how, we as Christians, are to react to these conditions. We are to be on "our guard", and know what to look for, to know right from wrong, and avoid the temptations that confront us daily. We must read and seek wisdom and knowledge from our Bible, which is our lifeline to our relationship with God. We are to "stand firm in the faith", and keep our eyes on Jesus, obey His commands, pray and continue to worship Him daily. We must make God number one in our life, and put on the full armor of God, which he will provide to help us stay the course. We must be "courageous and strong", and even though Satan will attack us on every front, God will provide all that we need to withstand every obstacle in our way. We must not allow ourselves to stagger and stumble, and lose that vision of the eternal life that God has in store for us. Even though the Bible has warned us what is to come, we must not be troubled, but keep our eyes on Jesus, as He can and will deliver us.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 7
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."
1st Corinthians 16:13
It is difficult to turn on the television, read the newspaper or even go to the grocery store, and not be reminded of how badly our great nation is turning away from God and His teachings. The Bible tells us that in the last days that people will turn their backs on God, and be led astray by the false teachings and beliefs that will prevail in society. We are rapidly reaching this critical time that God and the Bible warns us about. Even though we can see the examples, and the times throughout Biblical history, where the people of Israel turned their backs on God, and can see the punishment that God inflicted on them, we have not learned what the wrath of God can do, and what is awaiting us. The scripture above tells us how, we as Christians, are to react to these conditions. We are to be on "our guard", and know what to look for, to know right from wrong, and avoid the temptations that confront us daily. We must read and seek wisdom and knowledge from our Bible, which is our lifeline to our relationship with God. We are to "stand firm in the faith", and keep our eyes on Jesus, obey His commands, pray and continue to worship Him daily. We must make God number one in our life, and put on the full armor of God, which he will provide to help us stay the course. We must be "courageous and strong", and even though Satan will attack us on every front, God will provide all that we need to withstand every obstacle in our way. We must not allow ourselves to stagger and stumble, and lose that vision of the eternal life that God has in store for us. Even though the Bible has warned us what is to come, we must not be troubled, but keep our eyes on Jesus, as He can and will deliver us.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 7
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A Christian's Character
A Christian's Character
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."
Psalm 139:23
The true test of a Christian is how we handle the everyday issues that life throws at us, the mundane, but most of all how we handle these when no one is looking. There are many Christians that put on a good front in public for others to see, but behind closed doors are completely different. True character is not in the saying, not in the boasting, but in the living. Character means walking in integrity both in the public eye, while others watch, but also in our private life, when no one is present. God knows what your true character is like, both hidden and in the public eye. Your true character should be pleasing to God, not just once in a while, but at all times, and not just when it makes you feel good. Just remember that you cannot do anything outside the presence of God, as you cannot hide from Him, or do anything that He does not see. I have always thought that when we allow ourselves to come to the place that we are comfortable with ourselves, both in the public eye and also in private, and when we would not be ashamed for God to see our true character, that we have reached the place where God wants us to be. There is nothing that should be greater in our lives, than wanting to please God, and when we are pleasing Him in both the public eye and in private, we have fulfilled what God expects from us. If you are hiding sin in your life today, but are putting on a good face for the public, you are heading in the wrong direction. You need to get in the right relationship with God, let Him direct you, seek His wisdom, and maybe even ask Him for forgiveness. You must be a Christian of Godly character, one that is serving God and being an example for mankind.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 6
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."
Psalm 139:23
The true test of a Christian is how we handle the everyday issues that life throws at us, the mundane, but most of all how we handle these when no one is looking. There are many Christians that put on a good front in public for others to see, but behind closed doors are completely different. True character is not in the saying, not in the boasting, but in the living. Character means walking in integrity both in the public eye, while others watch, but also in our private life, when no one is present. God knows what your true character is like, both hidden and in the public eye. Your true character should be pleasing to God, not just once in a while, but at all times, and not just when it makes you feel good. Just remember that you cannot do anything outside the presence of God, as you cannot hide from Him, or do anything that He does not see. I have always thought that when we allow ourselves to come to the place that we are comfortable with ourselves, both in the public eye and also in private, and when we would not be ashamed for God to see our true character, that we have reached the place where God wants us to be. There is nothing that should be greater in our lives, than wanting to please God, and when we are pleasing Him in both the public eye and in private, we have fulfilled what God expects from us. If you are hiding sin in your life today, but are putting on a good face for the public, you are heading in the wrong direction. You need to get in the right relationship with God, let Him direct you, seek His wisdom, and maybe even ask Him for forgiveness. You must be a Christian of Godly character, one that is serving God and being an example for mankind.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 6
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
A Positive Christian
A Positive Christian
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."
2nd Corinthians 2:14
Over the years I have observed so many people who profess to be a Christian, but they are always so sad and miserable. They usually are the pessimist, as nothing goes right for them. They are always negative, and frown so much they almost trip over their bottom lip. This is not the life that God wants for them, as we are supposed to project Christ and the joy He brings into our life. The Christian life is to be a positive one and a joyful life. The Christian will be positive in their speech, their thinking, their actions and their reactions, even during their times of troubles and trials. There will be struggles for Christians, but even during these times, there will be peace and a sense of contentment, as they will keep their faith and trust in God, and know that He is greater than these troubles, and that He will see them through. Christians are over-comers, not losers. You must remember that when you chose God's side, you are choosing the winning side, and will be victorious. We have the promise that if we will just endure a few moments of suffering in this life, that we will reign with God in the life to come. "If we endure, we will also reign with him." 2nd Timothy 2:12 We must always remember that we are not sufficient on our own, nor or we self-reliant by ourselves, but when we rely on our all-sufficient God for everything, we need to be strong and of good courage, as God will supply all our needs according to the riches of His glory. So if you find yourself in situations where you need the joy and peace back in your life, just remember that if God be for you, then who can be against you. Trust God today for your victory and claim it.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 5
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."
2nd Corinthians 2:14
Over the years I have observed so many people who profess to be a Christian, but they are always so sad and miserable. They usually are the pessimist, as nothing goes right for them. They are always negative, and frown so much they almost trip over their bottom lip. This is not the life that God wants for them, as we are supposed to project Christ and the joy He brings into our life. The Christian life is to be a positive one and a joyful life. The Christian will be positive in their speech, their thinking, their actions and their reactions, even during their times of troubles and trials. There will be struggles for Christians, but even during these times, there will be peace and a sense of contentment, as they will keep their faith and trust in God, and know that He is greater than these troubles, and that He will see them through. Christians are over-comers, not losers. You must remember that when you chose God's side, you are choosing the winning side, and will be victorious. We have the promise that if we will just endure a few moments of suffering in this life, that we will reign with God in the life to come. "If we endure, we will also reign with him." 2nd Timothy 2:12 We must always remember that we are not sufficient on our own, nor or we self-reliant by ourselves, but when we rely on our all-sufficient God for everything, we need to be strong and of good courage, as God will supply all our needs according to the riches of His glory. So if you find yourself in situations where you need the joy and peace back in your life, just remember that if God be for you, then who can be against you. Trust God today for your victory and claim it.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 5
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Jesus Forgives
Jesus Forgives
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son."
John 3:16
I received an e-mail this morning from one of my readers, stating that they had simply sinned too much for God to ever forgive them. I am sure that many people find themselves in this same situation, thinking that they have done things so bad during their life that God could not forgive them. There is nothing that you have done that God is not willing to forgive you for. The Bible tells us that there are no categories of sin, as there is no such thing as "good sins" and "bad sins". That is why one sin is no better or worse than another sin, since all sin is rebellion against God. God's desire is for people to be saved, as that was His purpose for sending His son Jesus to die for all our sins and to save us. God doesn't send people to hell, as you choose to go to hell by rejecting Christ as your Savior. Hell was not created for man, but for Satan and the people who follow him. You can only get to hell by choosing to go there. I want you to realize that God will forgive you for your sins, if you will only ask him, as He already paid for them. Your sins, no matter what they are, can be forgiven, because Christ was crucified on the cross, and shed His precious blood as payment for them. That is why there is nothing you have done, as there are no sin you have committed, that God won't forgive you for. The price for your sins has already been paid. All you have to do is ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus as your Savior. Take just a few moments right now, as you read this devotional, and ask Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you of all your sins. Today may be your only chance to accept His forgiveness, as your tomorrow is not promised and then it will be too late.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 3
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son."
John 3:16
I received an e-mail this morning from one of my readers, stating that they had simply sinned too much for God to ever forgive them. I am sure that many people find themselves in this same situation, thinking that they have done things so bad during their life that God could not forgive them. There is nothing that you have done that God is not willing to forgive you for. The Bible tells us that there are no categories of sin, as there is no such thing as "good sins" and "bad sins". That is why one sin is no better or worse than another sin, since all sin is rebellion against God. God's desire is for people to be saved, as that was His purpose for sending His son Jesus to die for all our sins and to save us. God doesn't send people to hell, as you choose to go to hell by rejecting Christ as your Savior. Hell was not created for man, but for Satan and the people who follow him. You can only get to hell by choosing to go there. I want you to realize that God will forgive you for your sins, if you will only ask him, as He already paid for them. Your sins, no matter what they are, can be forgiven, because Christ was crucified on the cross, and shed His precious blood as payment for them. That is why there is nothing you have done, as there are no sin you have committed, that God won't forgive you for. The price for your sins has already been paid. All you have to do is ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus as your Savior. Take just a few moments right now, as you read this devotional, and ask Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you of all your sins. Today may be your only chance to accept His forgiveness, as your tomorrow is not promised and then it will be too late.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
February 3
Robert William Brock, Jr.
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