Category Archives: Devotionals

Devotionals, Discipleship, Heart, Passages of the Bible, Word of God

The Importance of Good Soil

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A quick word from my devotional reading this morning in Matthew 13:1-9, 18-22. This is the Parable of the Sower, the Seed, and the Soils.

A Parable is in one sense, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. The people were not able to understand the straightforward teaching of Jesus because they were not saved and they were not open, so Jesus tried even harder to reach them with everyday things they might more easily understand.

In the Parable, the Sower is the same (Jesus). The Seed is the same (God’s Word). The only variable in the story is the Soil. The four places the seed landed is:

  1. The wayside
  2. The shallow stony ground
  3. Among weeds and thorns
  4. On good ground

To summarize briefly, these represent the different hearts God’s Word lands on. Some people have hearts that are not hungry or open at all, so the Seed doesn’t penetrate, they don’t understand, and the enemy comes and takes the Seed away. What a tragedy! Other are more open but shallow, and they get excited about the Lord and His Word when all is well, but the moment trials hit, they fade away because their faith has no depth. The third example is intriguing – it might even describe some Christians, who are saved, but have seasons of virtually no fruit – and why is that? Because their hearts are crowded and not exclusively devoted to Christ. We read in:

Matthew 13:22, “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”

But the fourth heart is the heart that I pray for (Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 4:23). It’s the heart that’s open. It’s good ground and soft soil. I pray this would be us friend. Open up that Bible with an open heart. Sit in that study eager to hear…always be sensitive – for the Spirit of God will take the Word of God and conform us into the image of God. God will do miracles in your life if you take this Seed seriously!

Love you, praying you have a blessed day and abundant life!

Devotionals, Heaven, Passages of the Bible

Tragedy or Triumph?

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Philippians 1:21–23 (NKJV)
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”

You may have heard the news:

The close-knit Colorado family of Calvary Chapel fellowships is mourning the deaths of Scott Cox and his wife Nancy. Scott served as Senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Windsor, Colorado. The couple died following a tragic auto accident on Monday, July 4, 2022. Scott and his wife Nancy started the church back in 2006. They are survived by their children Alex and Charlie. Please pray for their sons, their extended family, and the church, as they mourn this tragic loss.

Our hearts our broken, shattered…and yet I wonder, can we accurately refer to this as a tragedy?

In our passage for today, Paul informs us of that fact for the Christian – to die is “gain.” He even said he had that deep desire to depart and be with Christ, which is FAR BETTER. Death for us is a departure to glory, to heaven, where we as believers will live forever and ever in the very presence of God (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:1-7).

But…if you’re like me, or even Paul the Apostle, we’re torn between the two, aren’t we? We long to live long lives on earth, to love our family, to serve the people. If you’re faithful, like Paul the Apostle, or Scott and Nancy Cox it would mean fruit from your labor. It’s a tough choice Paul said.

Thank God the choice is not ours, it’s His…and the truth is, Father knows best. God knows what’s best for everyone involved. May that comfort our hearts.

As I ponder the passing of Scott and Nancy, I’m also reminded of the fact that any of us can die suddenly. We all have an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27), a race to run and finish one day (2 Timothy 4:7). Are we ready? As Christians we are, and we should not be afraid. Christians live in the invincible principal meaning we can’t die unless God allows it, and when He does, we’re home in heaven.

The challenge is for those we leave behind. Please pray for the family and the church.

It’s good to weep…and it’s good to worship. Praise God for the saved lives of two people who understood what Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21a, “For to me, to live is Christ.”

May we all have that simple, saving summary of life.

Your brother in Christ,

  • Manny
Bible Studies, Devotionals, Passages of the Bible, Proverbs, Work

Learning from an Ant

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Proverbs 6:6–8 (NKJV) “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, 8 Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”

What a shame that we have been degraded to the point of having to be taught Bible truths by bugs! Imagine that…instructed by insects – but it is helpful – and I think at times, necessary for some.

1. Notice the ant’s inner Motivation (v. 7)
Having no captain, overseer, or ruler, meaning there’s no one pushing them, no one watching them, and yet they continue to work productively. No one has to tell them, “Ok, chop, chop, break’s over, get back to work.” No, the ant has a heart to work, honestly, and productively, they need no external motivation.

Christians should be the hardest and most faithful workers of all because we’re aware of the fact that ultimately, we work for Jesus. 

Ephesians 6:5–6 (NLT) “Workers, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.”

2. Notice the ant’s thoughtful Preparation (v. 8) 
They’re “go-getters,” and they’re “gatherers” As go-getters they don’t sit back with a sense of entitlement saying mom, dad, family, friends, society, and government owes it to me. No, they go out and get it, they labor…they work for it.

We’re to do the same – and on the flip side, we should not support the lazy. Don’t misunderstand me, I know the Bible encourages that we give generously to the poor, but not to freeloaders interested only in handouts. We read in:

2 Thessalonians 3:10, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”

Amen!

Warren Wiersbe said, “The biggest thieves of all are the lazy people who could work but won’t, the people who consume what others produce but produce nothing for others to use. The “sluggard” and the “slothful man” are mentioned at least seventeen times in Proverbs, and nothing good is said about them. We need to recognize the fact that work is not a curse. God gave Adam work to do in the Garden, even before sin entered the scene.”

I like what one person said, “Work is the meat of life, and pleasure is the desert.”

Another said, “It’s better to wear out than rust out, so beware of handouts.”

When there’s a genuine need – praise God that so many are sensitive to the Spirit and they give to the helpless, but if a man needs to learn to walk and work, we musn’t get in the way…we might cripple him for life.

Ants are “go-getters” and they’re “gatherers” (savers). Notice again what we read in:

Proverbs 6:8, “Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”

I realize this isn’t always possible for all of us, but I know of one young man who prior to the pandemic had close to 6 months of wages in his savings account. When the virus hit, and his industry was hit, he was furloughed and lost his income, but he was okay financially until he found another job, because he was a go-getter and a gatherer, a saver…like the ant.

God help us to be hard workers, go-getters, and do all that we can to save up for a rainy day. May we learn from the revelation of creation…even an ant.

Love you! Your brother in Christ, 
– Manny

Bible Studies, Devotionals, Humility, Instagram Post, Passages of the Bible

The Prideful Truth

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Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV) “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

You’ve may have heard that story about a minister, a Boy Scout, and a computer expert who were the only passengers on a small plane. The pilot came back to the cabin and said that the plane was going down but there were only three parachutes and four people. The pilot then said, “I should have one of the parachutes because I have a wife and three small children.” So, he took one and jumped.

The computer whiz said, “I should have one of the parachutes because I am the smartest man in the world and everyone needs me.” So, he took one and jumped.

The minister turned to the Boy Scout and with a sad but sure smile said, “You’re young and I’ve had a blessed life, by God’s grace I know I’m saved, so you take the remaining parachute, and I’ll go down with the plane.”
The Boy Scout said, “That won’t be necessary, sir, the smartest man in the world just picked up my backpack and jumped out!”

A satirical story to illustrate the truth of today’s Proverb, “A man’s pride will bring him low (very low), but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

We all have it, and it challenges us every day…pride resides within us and fights to take over. The dictionary defines it as, “A high view of oneself; a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.”

The world is proud of their pride, but Christians shouldn’t be. Pride is the root of all sin.

When I think of humility I think of honesty. I know who I am apart from Christ, a weak, wretched, wicked man. I don’t deserve anything good, and I’m not entitled. The truth is, I am NOTHING and can do NOTHING without HIM (John 15:5), but God has been gracious to me.

May we swallow the pride and walk in humility. We’ll be blessed by the results.

Your brother in Christ,

  • Manny
Devotionals, Marriage, Passages of the Bible

Selections from Song of Solomon

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Manny & Shelly read this devotional together.

This morning I read Song of Solomon chapters 1-8

If you’re married and want God’s blessings on your Agape and Romantic love, this is a great book to read. I’m so blessed with my wife Shelly – the greatest gift after salvation.

Here are some highlights and thoughts from today’s reading:

The Song of Solomon can be seen as a love relationship between God the Father and Israel, Jesus and His Bride (the Church), or the love between a husband and wife. I leaned towards the latter this time around (for the most part).

3 times in the book we have that exhortation, “I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem…do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.” (until the time is right).

• Isn’t that the way it is (should be) for us as Christians? Don’t stir it up. WAIT on the Lord, He will bring that person your way when you’re both ready!

Song of Solomon 2:10, “My beloved spoke, and said to me: ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.’”

• I love that, “Come away…” And together we ride off into life, as husband and wife, the Great Adventure.

Song of Solomon 2:16, “My beloved is mine, and I am his.”

• After marriage we belong to each other, we take care of each other. Paul said the same thing in 1 Corinthians 7:4.

Song of Solomon 3:4, “Scarcely had I passed by them, when I found the one I love. I held him and would not let him go.”

• So applicable in marriage – til death do us part, don’t let anything separate you. Also applicable in our relationship with the Lord, hold tight Manny, hold tight, ‘cuz the world is trying to rip Jesus out of your heart.

Song of Solomon 4:9, “You have ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; you have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes.”

• Look what you’ve done to my heart, my sister, my spouse. I’ll never forget the first day I first set eyes on Shelly. I can still see her beauty, her smile, her dimples, her big brown eyes, her thick bushy beautiful brown hair, her sculptured curves – and after just one look, I somehow knew I would marry her.

Song of Solomon 5:16b, “Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend.”

• This must be the heart of our marriage relationship – friendship; the deeper the friendship, the greater the trust, we can tell each other secrets, we can be there and help each other for the rest of our lives.

Song of Solomon 6:9a, “My dove, my perfect one, is the only one.”

• The only one. Out of all the billions of women alive, out of all the fish in the sea, Shelly, you’re the only one for me!

Song of Solomon 8:7a, “Many Waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it.”

• The storms and Tsunamis of life will hit hard, but true love will prevail, endure it all, it is absolutely impossible to drown true love, and that true love is rooted in a true and genuine relationship with the living-loving God.

Song of Solomon 8:13, “You who dwell in the gardens, the companions listen for your voice – Let ME hear it!”

• How many husbands would say that to their wives? “Let me hear it. Talk to me babe, don’t just talk to your friends, talk to me, tell me your heart.”

Song of Solomon 8:14, “Make haste, my beloved…”

• As Song of Solomon comes to an end, I can’t help but shift gears to the other Beloved of the book, how it pictures the relationship of  the Lord Jesus with His bride (the Church). In closing we pray, “Make haste, my beloved, come Lord Jesus, “O Lord, come.” (1 Corinthians 16:22b)

Bible Studies, Devotionals, Salvation

More than Food? (Sowing and Reaping)

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John 4:37-38, “For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

I’m not a farmer, per se, but I think I know how to plant seeds. Every once in a while, I’ll reap, I’ll pull a lemon, a kumquat, or different pieces of fruit off my friend’s trees, even though I didn’t plant those trees.

Well, just as that’s true physically, Jesus is saying this is true spiritually. We should be sowing and reaping for the salvation of souls.

Jesus went out of His way to win the Samaritan woman and then the subsequent village to salvation. This was His heart, His mission, His passion. He wanted His disciples to have that same heart, to the point that evangelism and soul-winning would be more important to them than food – that this type of activity would be their satisfaction and sustenance…but they needed to know about spiritual agriculture, the general pattern. Jesus told His disciples, “One sows and another reaps.” Jesus was sending them to reap in a great harvest, but others had labored and sown before them. I can’t recall exactly where I heard this quote, but someone once said, “This truth brings humility to the reapers and encouragement to the sowers.”

Christian friend, whoever you are, keep sowing seeds, loving on people, fishing for men and women, praying for their salvation, and don’t be discouraged if you’re just sowing seeds. If you do get to see some come to faith, stay humble, knowing that others have labored in the field of that heart before you, but praise God you were used by Him, for salvation is of the Lord.

Jesus has a heart for the lost – and He wants us to have that same heart. Even though we’re not all gifted as evangelists, we can all do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5).

Can you think of anyone in your life who needs to be saved? Is the Holy Spirit laying anyone on your heart? Are you looking for those “open doors” of opportunity each day to plant or reap? I hope so. I pray this would be more important to us than the very food we eat each and every day (John 4:32-34).

Until the whole world hears…your brother in Christ,

– Manny