Wednesday Morning Devotional

And I will profess to them, I never knew you:  Depart from me, ye that work iniquity. – Matthew 7:23

There is probably no verse that I think about more than this one.  I think it is because the people Jesus mentions in the previous two verses really think they are good to go.  They honestly think that because they did stuff for Him that they are fully worthy of heaven.  I’ve often wondered what I would say if I were given the chance.  If I know beforehand that my preaching, teaching, Bible reading, witnessing, and church attendance is of no value when it comes to my entrance into heaven . . . what would I say?  What could I say?

I think one of the main points of the story is that it doesn’t matter if we know Him when it comes to going into heaven.  That sounds bad, I know, but He doesn’t say, “I will profess to them, you didn’t know me.”  He says, “I didn’t know you.”  I can say all I want, “I know the President of the United States,” I could even study and learn all kinds of facts about him, but if I show up to the White House expecting to go see him in the Oval Office, I’m not getting in unless the president knows me.  

With that being said, I think I’d go to every moment in my life where God reached down and touched my life.  I might start by saying, “Lord, when I was sixteen, I know You forgave me of my sins and planted new life into my spirit right there at that lake landing that I still love to visit.”  Then, I might add, “And Lord, years later when I almost quit serving You because I thought You were ripping me off and I was missing out on “fun” that I really should have called “sin,” You led me to that church service and filled me up with the Holy Spirit . . . I’ve never been the same since.  So many times, when I would have fallen, You picked me up, dusted me off, and encouraged me to keep walking.  On my own I would have fallen away a thousand times never to return, but You . . . You never gave up on me.  You know me, Lord.”

Lord, thank You so much for the 31-year relationship that we have developed.  I have wronged You more times than I can count, yet You are always there teaching me in all of it.  Where would I be without You?  The fact that the God of the Universe knows me is nothing short of amazing.  The fact that You will make Yourself known to any and every humble and willing heart is a miracle.  May all who read this today be known by You.  Help us to be the light that so shines before men.  Make us different.  Make us holy.  Make us like You.  Amen!

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.  – Proverbs 27:19

The last full day of school is here.  Crazy to think about.  I know they say time speeds up as you get older, but I know many kids who are realizing that time zips on by.  Not long ago it was the first day of school, then Christmas, then the New Year, then Spring Break, and now . . . C-ya, we are done.  I wouldn’t say I’ve hated this year, but it has been a rough one.  If I had to give myself a grade . . . I might get a C.

Spiritually speaking, I just haven’t done well.  I’ve let things bother me that I’d swear didn’t used to bother me.  They say the older you get, the more you get set in your ways.  I don’t want that at all.  I want God’s ways to be my ways.  I want to be growing in Him until the day I draw my last breath and stand before Him.  I’m already wondering what I can do differently next year.

I think the worst thing that I did this year is attempt to force open doors that just weren’t open to me.  I thought I knew how to lead a church.  The more I do it, the more I realize that I don’t have a clue.  At the same time, the more I make mistakes, the more I feel God take the reins.  It’s like I’m literally in one of those paper mazes.  I go the direction I think we need to go and then run into a wall.  God then steps in, retraces my steps, and is gracious enough to tell me which direction to choose.  Of course, then I start taking more turns that look right to me only to find another wall.  I’m so thankful that God doesn’t get tired of rinsing and repeating.  

On the other end of that, I thought long and hard about closing doors that are open to me.  At first, I thought it was fun to make super religious people angry.  By that, I mean people who attend church regularly, but who haven’t an ounce of love for their lost neighbors in the community.  They are very content to walk by on the other side of the road and leave a beaten man who has just been robbed to his own fate.  But somewhere along the way, I started caring about the religious people.  I realized that they are just as lost as the blatant sinner who reveals it publicly on social media.  For the first time, I started listening to them and allowing their words in my heart.  For the first time in a very long time, I swung towards wanting to separate myself from the people in the bars, taverns, and taprooms where I play music.  The only reason I could come up with was, “a lot of people will think better of me if I stop.” 

Thank God He stepped in because I had hit another wall on the paper maze.  I had fully decided to play out the rest of my current music schedule and never play again. This was not because God asked me to, but some lame attempt to gain the favorable opinion of men.  One evening, after playing a long set, I went out and talked to people like I usually do.  Then it happened, someone asked me about my little church and wanted the information about the services.  They said they planned on coming.  I left with God all over me saying, “I have you here for a reason.”  

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling that time is short now.  None of us knows how much time we have left on this earth.  None of us knows how much more time we have to witness to people and bring them into the kingdom of Heaven.  If you know any lost person . . . you’ve got to find a way to tell them about Jesus!  You can’t keep putting it off.  And here’s another important news flash, many of the people you think are good to go, are not good to go.  A lot of people think they are followers of Jesus, yet Matthew 7:21-23 awaits them.  You’ve got to find a way to tell them as well.  

Wouldn’t you want someone to tell you?

Oh, my Jesus and my Lord, I call upon You today to send revival to Your people!  I see the great separation taking place!  A person is either for You or against You.   They either love You or they don’t.  Use us, Your people, this day to point others to You.  Give us wisdom and discernment, but most of all give us the power of the Holy Spirit.  Time is so short, Lord.  Give us a sense of urgency.  Help us to humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face, and turn from our wicked ways . . . for we want to see You heal our land.  Amen!

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.  – Proverbs 27:19

The last full day of school is here.  Crazy to think about.  I know they say time speeds up as you get older, but I know many kids who are realizing that time zips on by.  Not long ago it was the first day of school, then Christmas, then the New Year, then Spring Break, and now . . . C-ya, we are done.  I wouldn’t say I’ve hated this year, but it has been a rough one.  If I had to give myself a grade . . . I might get a C.

Spiritually speaking, I just haven’t done well.  I’ve let things bother me that I’d swear didn’t used to bother me.  They say the older you get, the more you get set in your ways.  I don’t want that at all.  I want God’s ways to be my ways.  I want to be growing in Him until the day I draw my last breath and stand before Him.  I’m already wondering what I can do differently next year.

I think the worst thing that I did this year is attempt to force open doors that just weren’t open to me.  I thought I knew how to lead a church.  The more I do it, the more I realize that I don’t have a clue.  At the same time, the more I make mistakes, the more I feel God take the reins.  It’s like I’m literally in one of those paper mazes.  I go the direction I think we need to go and then run into a wall.  God then steps in, retraces my steps, and is gracious enough to tell me which direction to choose.  Of course, then I start taking more turns that look right to me only to find another wall.  I’m so thankful that God doesn’t get tired of rinsing and repeating.  

On the other end of that, I thought long and hard about closing doors that are open to me.  At first, I thought it was fun to make super religious people angry.  By that, I mean people who attend church regularly, but who haven’t an ounce of love for their lost neighbors in the community.  They are very content to walk by on the other side of the road and leave a beaten man who has just been robbed to his own fate.  But somewhere along the way, I started caring about the religious people.  I realized that they are just as lost as the blatant sinner who reveals it publicly on social media.  For the first time, I started listening to them and allowing their words in my heart.  For the first time in a very long time, I swung towards wanting to separate myself from the people in the bars, taverns, and taprooms where I play music.  The only reason I could come up with was, “a lot of people will think better of me if I stop.” 

Thank God He stepped in because I had hit another wall on the paper maze.  I had fully decided to play out the rest of my current music schedule and never play again. This was not because God asked me to, but some lame attempt to gain the favorable opinion of men.  One evening, after playing a long set, I went out and talked to people like I usually do.  Then it happened, someone asked me about my little church and wanted the information about the services.  They said they planned on coming.  I left with God all over me saying, “I have you here for a reason.”  

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling that time is short now.  None of us knows how much time we have left on this earth.  None of us knows how much more time we have to witness to people and bring them into the kingdom of Heaven.  If you know any lost person . . . you’ve got to find a way to tell them about Jesus!  You can’t keep putting it off.  And here’s another important news flash, many of the people you think are good to go, are not good to go.  A lot of people think they are followers of Jesus, yet Matthew 7:21-23 awaits them.  You’ve got to find a way to tell them as well.  

Wouldn’t you want someone to tell you?

Oh, my Jesus and my Lord, I call upon You today to send revival to Your people!  I see the great separation taking place!  A person is either for You or against You.   They either love You or they don’t.  Use us, Your people, this day to point others to You.  Give us wisdom and discernment, but most of all give us the power of the Holy Spirit.  Time is so short, Lord.  Give us a sense of urgency.  Help us to humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face, and turn from our wicked ways . . . for we want to see You heal our land.  Amen!

To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath me barred me in forever.  But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.  – Jonah 2:6

I would like for you to do me a favor.  I got a letter yesterday.  It is one of those letters that you really look forward to as a pastor.  It is short and it is sweet.

I have already given my response and we are in an ongoing conversation.  What I would like for you to do is write your response.  If you don’t mind, write the response in a comment on my website www.wednesdaymorningdevotional.com.  I plan on showing the person your responses and am praying that this person will read them and take them to heart.  I also want this person to know that there are a lot of people who care.

Here is all that the letter said:

If you ever get the chance, I’m ready to submit to the Lord.  I’m done running and trying to do things my way.  I would appreciate some first step to moving forward in a walk with the Lord.

What is your response?

Lord, I am so praying for my friend this morning.  Intervene as only You can with the sweet Holy Spirit that leads us, guides us, and constantly points us in the right direction.  I realize it is not anyone’s perfect response that will help this person get on the right track . . . it is You . . . the author of true life.  I love You, Lord.  My prayer is that this person begins a lifelong love relationship with You.  May many, many others come to faith in You because this person has come to faith in You.  I pray for all who will respond . . . may You richly bless each person and anoint the words that they write.  Amen!

But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself.  – Ezekiel 33:9

This has been a rough week.  I’ve watched many people that I’ve had conversations with about God enter prison and some have even entered eternity.  I’ve also had conversations with people whose lives have been transformed dramatically by the Lord.  I realize I’m focusing more on the negative than the positive, but the fact remains . . . one out of one will experience an appointment with the Lord. 

 It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this, face judgment.  (Hebrews 9:27)  

As I was falling more and more into despair and doing the whole “Am I really making a difference?” thing, I got a pretty sweet “rude awakening.”  I was reminded of when I was a kid in school.  We had a music teacher who would allow us on Fridays to bring our own music and play it for the whole class.  At the time, I couldn’t wait for it to be my turn.  I was going to introduce the class to “Rock and Roll All Night, and Party Every Day” by the hottest band in the world!  I’d sit there and make fun and laugh at pretty much any other music that wasn’t what I liked.

Well, this one girl would bring in Christian music.  She would attempt at her young age to honor the Lord and play something that would bring His message.  Of course, I’d make fun of it and make sure she knew “it sucked!”  I’d learn over the course of time that she was going through stuff that no kid should ever have to go through.  Looking back, I’d bet that music was some of the only stuff that brought her true comfort . . . and she was just a kid.  

When I’m talking to someone about the Lord today, I’m not going to worry so much about the response that they give to me.  They can laugh at me, or they can ignore me . . . I’m not responsible for the results.  I imagine those Christian cassettes being played all those years ago planted something in my heart that ultimately caught on . . . and I’m eternally grateful for it.

Lord, at the end of the day . . . I can’t save anyone.  I can introduce people to You, who can and does save . . . but I can’t do it.  A person being saved is an absolute miracle.  A person’s spirit, which is completely dead, comes to life!  You did it for me and my spirit still grows today.  Where would I be, Lord?  Thank You for reminding me where I came from!  Thank You for reminding me of what I’d be had You never come into my life!  Help me be able to take the same ridicule the girl took 37 years ago in chorus class from me.  I pray that today You will bless her like crazy.  I pray that just maybe she will read this and know that I sure do appreciate her.  I also pray that Your people will be stirred to tell others about You . . . regardless of the cost.  Amen

This past week, I read/listened to two biographies. Both were fascinating. One was from the lead singer of a rock band I used to love, and the other was from missionary David Brainerd. The reason they impacted me so much is because when I was 16, I thought I wanted to be a rock-n-roll guitarist. Yet, in the same year . . . I got saved.

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. — Matthew 7:26

When this lead singer went to his first KISS concert in Canada, he called it “Being baptized by fire into rock-n-roll.” He knew that being a rock star was what he wanted to do with his life. The book was pretty much clean until he stated that line. Afterwards, it is a written account of pure debauchery. Every vile and evil thing that he did was laughingly justified by, “hey, it was the 80’s . . . it was a different time.”

I could not help but think about how my life could have been drastically different. The more concerts he went to, it propelled him further and further into that world. After being saved, the more concerts I went to, I’d feel more and more convicted that I didn’t belong in that world. I always felt God telling me, “This is not what I want for you, Adam.” What if I had gained the entire rock-n-roll world, but lost my soul?

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. – Matthew 7:24

In stark contrast is the diary that David Brainerd kept in the 1700’s. Here is a man who struggled with knowing God and constantly fought sin and worldliness. So many things he said made me question my own relationship with the Lord and how lightly I too often esteem Him. David only lived 29 years, yet here I am 300 years later reading about him, learning from him, and desiring to hear the same words I’m sure he heard when he entered eternity.

All I can say is that the Lord is unbelievably good. The fact that He would rescue a teenager like He did me is nothing short of a miracle. I’m so thankful for the gospel message. I’m so thankful for forgiveness. I’m so thankful for men who truly gave their lives for Him and still motivate me to keep on keeping on.

Lord, I’m so grateful this morning. I’m also feeling that it just isn’t fair. It’s not fair that You change my life so much for the better . . . yet so many don’t get to experience living for You. Do what You did for me, Lord! Convict the hearts and souls of men and women! Save them! There is no salvation apart from You! Send your conviction and save many of the rock stars now in the twilight of their lives! Answer the prayers I pray when I get the chance to attend the concerts now. Let them know that there is mercy, grace, and forgiveness at the cross. Use them to lead more people to You in a year than people they have led away from You in decades. You are the author of salvation, nothing is too hard for You. There is and never will be another like You, Lord! I love You! Make my life count. Please make my life count.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  – Romans 3:23

You have sinned!  You have done things that have absolutely offended the Creator of the Universe.  No, that is not me judging you, for I fall under the same condemnation.  Suppose every moment of our lives was streamed on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu.  If no details were left out, we’d be mortified because you and I have hidden sins that we’d never want brought to the light.  As soon as Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, they hid themselves from God (Genesis 3:8).  Why?  Because it is an uncomfortable thing to stand before the Lord with sin all over you.

He that believeth not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  – John 3:18

All that must be done for you and I to be condemned to hell is nothing.  Just keep living your life the way you want and living by what you feel instead of what the Bible says is true.  Just keep following your heart like the world constantly tells you to do.  But know what the Bible says about the heart:  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). 

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

God knew that we’d all live a life unworthy of heaven.  He knew it was impossible, so He made a way.  He lived the perfect life that you and I couldn’t live.  When Christ gave His perfect life willingly on the cross, it opened the door for sinners such as you and I to be forgiven.  It made a way for the sin that was leading us to destruction to be reversed.  We were no longer drifting downstream to certain death.  We have been placed on a true and narrow path to which many saints have traveled before us.  It is a sure path to heaven.  It doesn’t seem very sure because, so few men and women travel it.  The crowd still likes the speed of the crowded inter-states.  Jesus makes a simple and clear path that we must walk.  Walk with Him, allow Him to hold your hand along the way, for He will never let go.

All who call on the Name of the Lord will be saved. — Romans 10:13

What in the world are you waiting for?  What in this world is worth waiting for?  What sinful thing in this world is worth going to hell for?  There is nothing that you won’t have to give up for the Lord in this life that you won’t eventually have to give up when you enter into hell.  Everything this world offers is temporary.  God, Jesus, the Lord . . . they are eternal.  They last forever!  The moment we draw our last breath, we will know exactly how we should have lived.  

Call out to Jesus.  Give Him your life.

Lord, I lay down my life.  I’ve made countless decisions that go against You and against the Holy Scriptures.  I call on Your Name . . . the Name of Jesus, who gave His life that I might live.  Wash me and make me alive spiritually.  Give me a love for You and Your Word.  Help me get a firm grasp on the Holy Bible so that it may strengthen me, nourish me, and lead me to do what is right along with the Holy Spirit guiding me.  I don’t want to hold on to You, for I will let go.  Hold on to me, Lord, for You will never let go.  

My prayer is that someone reads this today and makes the best decision they will ever make in this life . . . to follow You, the Living God.  I’m going to print three physical copies of this, Lord, and hand it to three people.  Use it for Your glory!

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;” – Hebrews 12:5

One of the best books I’ve read was Jim Bakker’s “I Was Wrong.”  It chronicles the whole Praise the Lord debacle where he raked in tons of money selling time shares for Heritage Ranch and all that happened with Jessica Hahn.  If you know what I’m talking about, you will love the book.  If you have no clue, then you might want to skip it.  Either way, Jim tells the truth about everything and admits at the end of most of the chapters, “I was wrong.”  But the coolest part is at the very end (spoiler alert) when he writes, “I thought God was done with me because of all that I had done . . . I was wrong.”  I ended up reading the book twice.

Anyway, I tell you this because I was listening to a church service the other day that I could not believe was a church service.  As I listened, the preacher justified the actions of the church by saying, “It’s just all you religious people who have a problem with this.”  Immediately, I was so convicted in my heart.  I have been calling people “religious” who have been critical of me and the way that I live my life for the Lord.  I told the Lord that I was sorry, and I was not about to be about all that anymore.  I thanked Him for how He used “those people” in my life to make me more like Himself.  Just like Jim Bakker, I had to admit . . . I was wrong.

Later, I watched another church service.  I was being crazy critical of the songs and being some version of a grumpy old man saying in my heart, “Back in my day, they could write worship songs with a pure heart.”  Well, at the end of the service, they played one of the songs that meant a lot to me back in my day.  It was like the Lord saying, “You like this better?”

Immediately, I saw my heart for how corrupt it was.  You see, my health hasn’t been the best lately and my time with the Lord has suffered.  When that time suffers, it takes almost no time for your heart, mind, and spirit to start rotting . . . at least that is the case with me.  I saw in my heart how hungry people do not complain about the food when it is offered to them, they simply just enjoy it with a thankful heart.  I asked God to make me hungry once more, because once again . . . I was wrong.

Lord, it is crazy how fast I deteriorate apart from You.  I’m so sorry that I can’t take a little bit of criticism.  I’m so sorry that I still want to fire back.  I’m sorry that I turn around and do the very things I hate being done to me.  I don’t want to be like that anymore.  I just want to please You and know You.  Wash me and cleanse me as only You can.  I’m so thankful that there is always mercy, grace, and forgiveness on Your table.  I devour them freely this morning.  Help me extend the same offering to others.  Amen!

And sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer.  – Revelation 10:6

God has been doing something amazing for me lately.  Sometimes it happens when I’m preaching at church.  Other times it happens when I’m simply spending time alone with Him.  What happens is I get this incredible sense of being near to the Lord.   Along with that sense, I get this feeling of time standing still.  Time, of course, still marches on, but I become very aware that one day sooner than I realize, I will be with Jesus forever and ever and time will be no more.

Hasten the day when my faith becomes sight! Hasten the day when the cares of this world no longer remove me from the thick, wonderful presence of my Lord.  Over the years, I have gotten better about keeping Him with me throughout my day, but I am more than still a work in progress on this one.  The thing I’ve come to look forward to the most is the feeling of being in His presence and knowing that the feeling will never go away.  There will be no more sin fighting to remove me.  There will be no more deception . . . no more temptation.  Just me and Jesus with nowhere else to be.

As I write and simply soak in His presence, the minutes on the clock are ticking by so fast.  I know that at 6:30 I’ve got to leave so I can be on my bus at 6:40 and leave by 6:43. I know all these times in my head where things need to happen.  I know they don’t have to take me away from my nearness to God, they just do.  I’m not where Brother Laurence and Frank Laubach were when they learned to practice the Presence of God.  Practicing His Presence was and is one of the most influential books to this day on my walk with the Lord.  If keeping God with me like that all the time is possible . . . man, do I want it.   

Lord, I say things like, “I want You more than anything,” yet I waste so much time.  Despite my poor efforts, You still are molding this hunk of clay into something useful.  Help me not fight You, Lord.  Help me to be conformed to Your image and not to the patterns of this world.  Thank You so much for these moments where You are right here with me in the quiet coolness of the morning.  I truly don’t want it to end.  You have become the love of my life.  You are always faithful to me, yet I can’t imagine how many times I’ve turned from You, the eternal God, to give my attention and affection to something temporary.  Here is my heart, my mind, and my life . . . use it this day, Lord.  I look so forward to the day when my faith becomes sight, and the sense of Your presence will never go away.  Until then, mold me and make me after Thy will.  Have Thine own way, Lord.  Amen.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.  – Revelation 21:8

I was driving to Subway after church this past Sunday.  When I was about a mile away, a car flashed its headlights at me . . . I didn’t really think anything of it.  Immediately afterwards, another car flashed its headlights at me . . . I checked my speed and fortunately didn’t need to adjust.  Sure enough, there was the cop on the left side of the road with his radar. 

I told my son, “You know, there is a sermon in what just happened, could you imagine getting caught speeding after having two warnings within a mile?  In the same way, many people know they need Jesus in their lives to go to heaven.  I wonder how many warnings have they rejected?”  

I’m here writing once more with a John the Baptist anointing, “Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  You nor I know the day or hour that we have our Hebrews 9:27 appointment with God, but it is coming.  One statistic that has remained steady is that one out of every one person dies.  There is only one way to heaven . . . He who has the Son has life, but he who has not the Son has not life (1 John 5:12).  Sometimes I feel like I’m apologetically writing that Jesus is the only way to heaven.  I know many people hate hearing it.  But the truth is . . . it is not my truth.  This truth was written long before I entered this sin-cursed world that constantly attempts to drag my soul to hell.  

Lord, You do not say to a lost soul about to meet their eternal fate, “Depart from me, you never went to church,” or “Depart from me, you were a bad person.”  You say, “Depart from me, I never knew you.”  Left on our own, we will do wicked and vile things.  Everyone needs You to go to heaven.  Everyone needs a new heart that wants to follow Your will.  Everyone needs to be born again to see Your kingdom in all its glory.  Please, Lord, use this little devotional to convict hearts.  Please, Lord, help those convicted hearts cry out to You, “Jesus, save me!  I give my heart, my mind, and my life to You!  Forgive me and cleanse me, for I now place my trust in the work You did for me at the cross.  Cover my sins with Your blood, Lord!  I believe.”  May all who read this devotional hear the words we should all long to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  Amen.