Kent Crockett's Devotionals

The Authority of the Believer

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:43:00 +0000

In an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, a couple of farmers were illegally selling their vegetables on the roadside. Deputy Barney Fife pulled his squad car over and told them they had to leave. The two big bullies stood up to him, saying they weren't going anywhere. Barney backed down from them and hurriedly sped away.

After returning to the courthouse, Barney was fearful of having to confront the lawbreakers again. When Sheriff Andy found out what the farmers had done, he reminded Barney that he was an officer of the law, and he had to go back and order them to get out of town.

Barney returned to the veggie stand and asked them again to leave. The thugs walked up, stood in front of him, and defiantly crossed their arms. Barney tapped on his badge, looked them in the eye, and said, "Sure, you guys are big, but this badge represents people who are a lot bigger than you are." The bullies hung their heads, backed down, got in their truck and drove away.

This scene gives us a picture of the authority that believers have in the spiritual realm. In our natural strength, we'll act like Barney, fearful of the devil. Satan plants lies in our minds, telling us that every horrible thing imaginable will happen to us. It's at that time we must remember our divine badge of authority over Satan. Jesus said, "I have given you authority...over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you" (Luke 10:19).

You have been "deputized" by the King of kings, and the spiritual badge you're wearing represents a God who is much bigger than the devil. When we submit to God and stand in our authority, we can "resist the devil and he will flee" (James 4:7).

Don't let Satan torment you with fear and worry for another minute. Use your authority and order him to "get out of town."

Keep looking up,

Kent

Feel free to forward this email to your friends.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you'd like to receive my devotionals via email, you can subscribe at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ You MUST click on the link in the email that you'll receive from Feedburner (Many potential subscribers have forgotten to do this last step)

New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:24:00 +0000

One man said, "Here it is February and I've kept every one of my New Year's resolutions. I've kept every one of them in an envelope in my desk."
Why is it that so many resolutions fail? It's because to make any change, three things are required: 1) a decision to make a change, 2) a point in time when it begins 3) the power to carry it out.

New Year's brings the first two. We make lists of the things we've decided to change and then mark January 1st on the calendar as the starting point. We soon find out that it doesn't stick because we don't have the will-power to follow it through.

The real issue is that we're trying to conquer the urges of the flesh by using the strength of the flesh. The "flesh" in the Bible refers to our natural desires and impulses, which causes the problems we're trying to resolve. When we try to change, we fail because "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:41). The flesh is not strong enough, nor is it willing enough, to make the change.

The key to change, as Jesus said, is to "deny self." We must quit depending on our own strength and turn completely to the Lord for His power. It's only then we will "be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16). God will always provide the power to make the changes in us that He desires, which is better than a New Year's resolution.

Happy New Year!

Kent

http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/

Put Your "Baby" in God's Hands

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:31:00 +0000

When Pharaoh ordered all the Hebrew baby boys to be killed, the mother of Moses, Jochebed, did something that didn't make sense to the logical mind. She put her baby in a wicker basket and hid him in the reeds by the Nile River (Exodus 2:3). Moses could have been eaten by crocodiles, or the basket could have been swept downstream. But Jochebed put Moses in God's hands and trusted Him to take care of her infant son.

The day will come when you must put your baby in God's hands. The "baby" represents anything that's important to you. It could be your job, something you own, a relationship, or it might even be your child. Perhaps you're fearful or worried that something will happen to your baby. You won't find peace of mind until you let go and transfer ownership of your "baby" into God's hands. The Lord is perfectly capable of handling the situation that you've given to Him.

What happened to Moses after his mother let go of him? A few minutes later, Pharaoh's daughter just happened to go to that spot on the river and found baby Moses. Then, by an act of God's sovereignty, Pharaoh's daughter paid Jochebed wages to raise her own son! (Ex. 2:5-9) And not only that, the Lord later used Moses to deliver the Hebrew people from Egyptian bondage.

When we place our babies in God's hands, it not only releases us from fear and worry, but the Lord is now free to do great things with what we've surrendered to Him. What do you need to put in God's hands?

Keep looking up!

Kent

Divine Appointments

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:53:00 +0000

A divine appointment is when God leads someone, who usually doesn't know he or she is being led, to a certain place, at the perfect time, to accomplish a specific purpose. The Bible records hundreds of these divine appointments, and Joseph and Mary's trip to Bethlehem was not only a divine appointment, but also fulfilled an ancient prophecy.

In the Old Testament, Micah prophesied 700 years into the future and pinpointed the town of Bethlehem as the birthplace for the Messiah. "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah . . . from you One will go forth from Me to be ruler in Israel, His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity" (Micah 5:2). Out of all the cities on the entire planet, God circled tiny Bethlehem on the map.

Now here's the problem. The virgin Mary and her husband Joseph lived in Nazareth, not Bethlehem (***see note on Nazareth below). They had no intention of traveling to Bethlehem to give birth, so how would they get there to fulfill the prophecy?

In what can only be described as an act of God's sovereignty, the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census be taken, which required everyone to return to their original cities (Luke 2:1-5). This forced Joseph to return to Bethlehem because he was of the house and family of David. Caesar was just a pawn in God's hand, and the Lord used a pagan king to get Mary to Bethlehem at just the right time to give birth to Jesus and fulfill Micah's prophecy!

NEVER FORGET THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL. Even when humans misuse their free will. Even when evil seems to be prevailing. God can overrule what man does, and He always has the last word. Always.

Have a Merry Christmas,

Kent

***I led a tour group to Nazareth in October 2008, where we saw a wine press hewn out of the bedrock and a rock quarry that dated back to the 1st Century. To see pictures of these, go to http://www.nazarethvillage.com/research/content/wine-press

The Judgment Seat of Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:55:00 +0000

Are you ready to stand before God? That day is coming. "For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body" (2 Cor. 5:10). If you are a Christian, you are reading about yourself in this verse. Actually, this is something to look forward to.

You might wonder, "If God has forgiven all my sins, why am I going to be judged for what I've done?"

When you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, all your sins were forgiven. This judgment isn't to examine your sins. It's to evaluate your faithfulness to determine your rewards in heaven.

The Greek word for judgment seat is "bema." After an athlete in biblical times won an event, he would go stand before the bema seat in the coliseum to receive his reward. A wreath would be placed on his head, similar to an Olympic champion receiving a gold medal. At the judgment seat of Christ, each believer will receive a reward from the Lord according to what we have done for Him during our lives on earth. This is why Jesus encouraged us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matt. 6:20) and Paul said, "Run in such a way that you may win" (1 Cor. 9:24).

Your rewards will determine your eternal assignments in heaven--what you'll be doing in the next life. Yes, you will have a job in God's kingdom! We will serve Him forever, which means will be fulfilling God's assignments (Rev.7:15). Heaven would be like hell if we had nothing to do forever. Jesus said these rewards are so exciting that, if we could see them, we would "leap for joy" (Luke 6:23).

See you at the bema,

Kent

Please feel free to forward this email to your friends. http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/

What was the Bethlehem Star?

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:37:00 +0000

We all know the Christmas story about the wise men from the east following the star to Bethlehem. "And lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was . . . and they came into the house and saw the Child" (Matt. 2:,9,11). Was this a star in the galaxy that they followed? Let's think about that.

How could a literal star go before them and stop over a house? Don't you think the heat from a literal star would have burned up the house, not to mention the rest of the planet? Some people think the star was millions of miles away and it just looked like it was over the house from the wise men's vantage point. However, if the wise men had walked around to the back door instead of the front door, the star would have been behind them and not over the house. So what was this star?

Many Bible scholars believe it was a supernatural phenomenon--that God created what looked like a star to lead them to the Messiah. He did something similar to this in the Old Testament, when He led the children of Israel through the wilderness by cloud and by fire. "The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night" (Ex. 13:21).

Others believe the star may have been a brilliant angel that led them to the house. Angels in scripture are also called stars (See Rev. 1:20, 9:1, 12:4,7-9, Job 38:7, Isa. 14:12). Since a host of angels appeared to the shepherds to announce Christ's birth, it's not unreasonable to assume that God used an angel to lead these Gentiles from the east to the Messiah.

O come let us adore Him!

Kent

Feel free to forward this email to your friends. http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/

Talking to Your Kids About Santa Claus

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:34:00 +0000

When I was a kid rumors were swirling around the school that Santa Claus didn't exist. After I got home, I asked my mom, "Is Santa real?" My mom smiled, hesitated, and then admitted, "No, he's not."

I thought it over for a few seconds and asked, "Is the Easter bunny real?" "No, he's not real either," she confessed.

Finally I asked, "Is God real?" Immediately she tried to assure me, "Oh yes, God is real!" I couldn't help but wonder if she was telling me the truth this time, since she had already admitted to lying about the other two.

Christian parents are faced with the same dilemma today. What should you tell your small children (who are too little to separate fact from fiction) about Santa? You have three options:

Option #1: You can lie and tell them Santa's real. But later when they are older, you'll have to admit that you lied to them. They might even start questioning God's existence, like I did.

Option #2: You can tell them up front that Santa's not real. The downside is you're taking away much of the fun experience at Christmas. Think about it, you don't need to grow them up that quickly. You withhold a lot of information from children about other issues until they are old enough to process it. Here's a better idea:

Option #3: You can tell them that Santa's a game that you play. This is what we told our young children when they started talking about Santa. "Santa and giving each other gifts is a game that we play." They never really thought to ask what the game was about. When they got older and asked about the reality of Santa, we told them, "It was all pretend and you figured out the game!" We never lied to them and we all enjoyed the fun of Christmas.

Remember, small children think like small children, and there's nothing wrong with that. As they grow and mature, they are able to grasp the truth. The apostle Paul explained this when he said, "When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11). So then, have a fun Christmas and remember to teach them that Jesus is real!

Kent

Feel free to forward this email to your friends. http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/

Carrying Excess Baggage

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:01:00 +0000

As you travel through life, are you carrying any excess baggage? I'm not talking about physical luggage, but unnecessary burdens that you carry on your soul. Just like the man in the picture is loaded down with suitcases on his back, your soul can get overloaded with invisible weights. If you're carrying too much baggage your soul will get depressed. That's why Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me . . . and you will find rest for your souls" (Matt. 11:28-30).

To get rid of your baggage you must first identify it. Some people have been carrying bags for years without even realizing it. The first step is to get honest with yourself and admit that something is wrong with your soul. Here are some common burdens that people carry:

GUILT--refusing to allow Jesus Christ to forgive ALL your sins

GRUDGES--refusing to forgive others for hurting you

WORRY--refusing to trust God with your future

STRESS--refusing to hand your troubles over to the Lord

How do you get rid of your baggage? You have to let go of them. The reason you're burdened down is because you're still holding on to them. God's Word tells us to "cast your burden upon the Lord" (Psalm 55:22). Notice that God does not automatically remove your burdens from you without your permission. He tells you to cast them on to Him. You must let go and place them into His hands.

Don't put it off. "Let go" and "let God" remove the burdens off your soul that you don't need to be carrying.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to forward this email to your friends.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you'd like to subscribe to my devotionals by email, you can subscribe at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ You MUST click on the link in the email that you'll receive from Feedburner (Many potential subscribers have forgotten to do this last step)

Taking Inventory

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:09:00 +0000

David McLennon got his first job at age 13 working at a small-town grocery store. One day the store owner said, "It's time to take inventory." David had never heard that word before, so he asked, "What does that mean?"

"It's a time when we make a list of everything in the store," the owner explained.

"Why do you do that?" David asked.

"Well, it's easy to forget what's in the store. Only by counting each item can we actually know everything that we have."

Since this week is Thanksgiving, it's time to take inventory of everything we have. Do you realize that you live better than most kings have lived throughout history? Don't believe me? Here is a list of things that most of us have, but kings never had at their disposal:

TAKING INVENTORY: Things you have that kings never owned

Air conditioning. Heating. Thermostats to regulate both. Ceiling fans. Natural gas. Electricity.

Hot and cold running water in your house. Indoor toilets. Toilet paper. Soap. Shampoo. Conditioner. Toothpaste. Toothbrush. Deodorant. Floss. Mouthwash. Hairspray.

Appliance stores. Refrigerators. Freezers. Ovens. Stoves. Microwave ovens. Crock-Pots. Electric lights (just flip a switch). Television. Internet. Radio. Telephones. Cell phones. Computers. DVD players. Movie theaters. Watches. Clocks. Closets full of clothes and shoes. Sunglasses. Suntan lotion.

Grocery stores. Fresh vegetables. Fruit from all over the world--pineapples, mangoes, bananas, grapes, apples, oranges. (Remember, kings didn't have all these foods). Canned foods--every thing imaginable. Frozen foods--dinners that are already prepared for you! Ice cream.

Medical doctors. Medical equipment. Hospitals. Ambulances. Pharmacies. Medicines to treat nearly every sickness, headache, heart problem, and pain relief. Vitamins. Eyeglasses. Hearing aids. Dentists to treat broken teeth. Orthodontists. Dermatologists.

Automobiles. Gasoline. Airplanes. Airports. Taxis. Buses. Mechanics. Paved roads. Rest stops.

Restaurants--fast food, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, American, pizzas.

Music--iPods, CDs, satellite radio. (I could go on, but the list would be too long!)

Do you now understand that the average person today is wealthier than the richest people who have lived throughout history? It's a shame that most people have never truly thanked God for each one of these incredible blessings. In fact, they complain that they don't have enough!

Thanksgiving shouldn't be once a year. It should be every day. "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good" (1 Chron. 16:34).

Keep looking up,

Kent

Please feel free to forward this devotional to your friends.

http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/

No Strings Attached

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why God sent Moses to tell Pharaoh to "let My people go"? The Lord could have led the Hebrews out of Egypt without getting Pharaoh's permission, but God wanted to give Pharaoh a chance to "let go." He needed to "take his hands off" the Hebrews and release them from slavery. If he had listened to Moses and let go, he could have avoided the ten plagues. But, he didn't heed God's warning and so he had to suffer the consequences.

Lots of people today have "Pharaohitis." They're holding on to people in their minds that they need to let go. Maybe they've been hurt by someone and won't forgive. God says to let the person go. Or, they're involved in an unhealthy relationship and the Lord commands them to let the person go. Some people have lost a loved one either through death or a breakup, and even though years have passed, they still haven't let go. Others are "controllers" and will try to make everyone do what they want. God says to them, "Let My people go so that they might serve Me" (Ex. 8:1).

You can let go by cutting the string that connects you to that person. As long as the string is attached, you're in bondage to that individual. Imagine taking a pair of spiritual scissors and cutting the string in Jesus name. Tell the Lord that you are releasing the person into His care and that there are no more strings attached. Now when that person tries to pull strings, it doesn't affect you because the connection has been broken.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to forward this devotional to your friends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you'd like to receive my devotionals by email, you can subscribe at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ . You MUST click on the link in the email you'll received from Feedburner. (Many potential subscribers have forgotten to do this last step)

Your Time is Running Out

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:27:00 +0000

Do you know the difference between a clock and an hourglass? A clock has revolving hands, which gives the illusion that time goes on forever. An hourglass, on the other hand, reminds us that time is running out.

In Psalm 90, Moses reminds us that our brief time on Earth is running out. He says "As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years . . . for soon it is gone and we fly away" (v.10). He then offers a bit of advice for all of us, in v. 12:

1. Count your days. Moses says, "So teach us to number our days . . . " We usually say, "I'm 25, or 45, or 65 years old" because we count our days from the time we're born. But I think Moses is telling us to count our days from the other end--from death. And that's assuming we make it to 70 or 80. No one is guaranteed the next breath. "Counting our days" means that we realize that life is short, and we have a ever-diminishing amount of time left.

2. Make your days count. Moses continues, "that we might present to Thee a heart of wisdom." Once we realize every day is a gift from God, we make our lives count for Him. You can only do this if you've given your life to Christ. Once you've done that, live to please Him in all that you do, which is presenting to God "a heart of wisdom." You'll not only make the most out of this life, but you'll also be rewarded in the next life too.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to forward this devotional to your friends.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you'd like to receive my devotionals by email, you can subscribe at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ . You MUST click on the link in the email you'll received from Feedburner. (Many potential subscribers have forgotten to do this last step)

"Do the Opposite"

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:59:00 +0000

In an episode of Seinfeld, George Costanza was frustrated because every decision he had made and his every instinct had turned out to be wrong. Jerry says, "Here's your chance to do the opposite. If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right." George realizes that Jerry is on to something. If he would act and react completely opposite of his normal actions and reactions, he might have better results. George made a decision to alter his behavior and said, "Yes! I will do the opposite!"

It turned out that Jerry was right. Whenever George did the opposite of his normal reactions, the situation always turned out in his favor.

It was Jesus, not Jerry, who first came up with the idea to "do the opposite." He said in Luke 6:27-28 when people hate you, do the opposite and do good to them. When people curse you, do the opposite and bless them. When people mistreat you, do the opposite and pray for them. I know that it's not the natural way to react, but if you'll do what Jesus says, He will give you the supernatural ability to do it. And you just might be pleasantly surprised at the results because of your change in behavior.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to email this devotional to your friends.

Guidance in Decision-Making

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Jurors in Kentucky couldn't decide whether to convict a man of murder or manslaughter. So what did they do? They flipped a coin and found him guilty of murder! The lawyer for the defendant said, "It's scary to think that twelve people would decide to flip a coin to reach a verdict, especially in a murder case."

Are you shocked by their actions? Lots of people use the coin toss as the final deciding factor. Others simply take a wild guess and hope they've made the right choice. God offers a better way. He says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go. I will counsel you with My eye upon you" (Ps. 32:8). Here are some factors to consider when you are making a decision.

1. Consider your options. Carefully examine and list every possible option to take.

2. Investigate the situation. (Luke 14:28-32) Jesus said to first sit down, which settles down our emotions so we can think clearly. Next, we are to calculate the cost, which means to do a background check on the potential situation.

3. Make a plan. (Prov. 16:9) Vision is the eye that sees the goal. A plan is the map showing us how to get there.

4. Walk in the light you have. (Ps. 119:105) God will shine His light on the right path. Sometimes it's a spotlight, while at other times it's a flicker we can barely see. Walk wherever the light shines.

5. After making your decision, don't look back. (Luke 9:62) Looking back and doubting yourself will only cause problems after you have already made the correct decision.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to email this devotional to your friends. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you'd like to receive my devotionals by email, you can subscribe at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ You MUST click on the link in the email that you'll receive from Feedburner. (Many potential subscribers have forgotten to do this last step)

Bees in the Promised Land

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:37:00 +0000

While Timmy was playing in the yard, a bee stung him on the hand. He ran to his mother, crying, "I hate bees! I wish God had never made them." His mom put some ointment on the sting and said, "Let me get you something that will cheer you up. Do you want some toast and honey?"

Timmy perked up. "Yeah I'd love to have some honey!"

"Are you sure?" she asked. "You hate bees, but it takes bees to make honey." Tim looked at his toast and honey, which he was holding with the hand that had been stung. "Hmm. I never realized that bees had a good side!"

And so it is with life. Everything has a good side and a bad side, including the Promised Land. Moses sent twelve men into the land of Canaan to spy it out. The spies saw the land "flowing with milk and honey" but they also noticed the giants living there. Israel would have to fight the big guys to obtain the land that God had promised them. (See Numbers 13)

When they returned, ten spies gave a frightening report, saying they shouldn't go into the land because the giants would win. Joshua and Caleb said just the opposite--that the land was fruitful and God would give them victory over the giants. Although all 12 spies looked at the same territory, they came to different conclusions because 10 focused on problems and 2 focused on blessings. What we choose to focus on determines whether we're terrified or hopeful!

What does this have to do with your situation? You are "spying out the land" where you now live and are giving daily reports on what you see. Are you looking at your problems and missing what God has promised? Are you like the 10 whiners, or the 2 winners? You choose.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Facing the Giants

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:09:00 +0000

Many of the incidents recorded in Scripture teach us valuable lessons that we can apply to our lives today. When David killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17), we discover some truths about how to approach our "giant" problems. Let's examine some facts about this famous battle and David's secrets to gaining victory.

1. We must first conquer our fears before we can conquer the giant. Everyone in Israel was afraid to face the giant. "When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid" (17:24). David was the only one who wasn't afraid. We can't enter any battle trembling in fear, but must be totally confident of winning.

2. We must trust God to stand behind His covenant. David stood firm in God's covenant and asked, "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (17:26). Circumcision was a sign of God's covenant. David understood the "uncircumcised" giant was no match for him because David had God's backing and Goliath wasn't under the covenant. Every child of God is under the New Covenant and we must trust the Lord to come through, even when the enemy taunts us.

3. We must remember God's faithfulness in past battles. As a shepherd, David had killed a lion and a bear that tried to attack his flock (17:34-36). These experiences were training exercises to get him ready for Goliath. David acknowledged this when he said, "He trains my hands for battle" (2 Sam. 22:35, Ps. 18:34, 144:1). He reflected on God's faithfulness, knowing that the God who gave him the skills to kill the lion and bear would also give him victory over the giant.

4. We must follow God's instructions and not man's. King Saul tried to equip David for battle by putting his bronze helmet and armor on him. David had never worn soldier's armor before and could barely walk (17:38-39). If he had tried to fight Goliath in the typical way he would have been killed! Instead, God had him use a rock and sling. We must listen carefully to the Lord about how to attack the problem, which might not be the way it has always been done.

5. We must give God the credit for giving us the victory. David didn't take credit for slaying the giant but wanted the Lord's name to be exalted, "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" (17:46). And that prophecy was fulfilled. It's 3,000 years later and people all over the world know about David killing the giant through the God of Israel.

Now go kill that giant you are facing today.

Kent

Feel free to email this devotional to your friends. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you'd like to receive my devotionals by email, you can subscribe at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ You MUST click on the link in the email that you'll receive from Feedburner. (Many potential subscribers have forgotten to do this last step)

The Purpose for Joseph's Pit

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:28:00 +0000

Joseph was thrown into a pit in the wilderness by his brothers. They had planned to kill him, but Reuben suggested that they throw him into a nearby pit instead (Gen. 37:18-22). It was no accident that the pit just happened to be where they were. God had planned in eternity past for it to be there, knowing that it would one day serve a divine purpose. It was an ordained pit! Notice three things about this pit:

1. The pit kept Joseph from being killed.

His brothers fully intended to kill him and saw the pit as a way to get rid of him without shedding blood (v.22)

2. God made sure the pit was dry (v.24). If water had been in it, Joseph would have drowned.

3. The pit was used as a holding tank until the Ishmaelite traders came by and escorted him to Egypt (v.25-28). It was no accident that the traders just happened to travel by that route at just the right time. God was leading them (without them knowing it) so they would take His servant to the desired destination. And it was there that the Lord eventually made him a ruler!

Sooner or later, someone is going to throw you into a pit. When it happens, keep in mind that the Lord has a purpose for your pit. Although your enemy had the first word, look for God to have the last word. He is just using your pit as a holding tank to get you to a better place. And He will, if you will keep your heart right and not get bitter at your brothers.

Keep looking up! (Even when you're at the bottom of the pit)

Kent

Take Your Hands off That Neck!

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:14:00 +0000

Jesus told a parable about a king that forgave a slave who owed him $50 million (in today's dollars). It would take 4,500 lifetimes to pay off the debt, yet the merciful king let him off the hook! You would think that slave would be so grateful that he would forgive all his debtors as well. Not so with this guy. He went and found a fellow-slave who owed him $15. When the fellow-slave couldn't repay, he wrapped his hands around the other man's neck and began to choke him (Matt. 18:28).

Are your hands around someone's neck? Maybe you aren't choking anyone physically, but what about in your mind? The $50 million debt represents our sin-debt to God. When we ask God's forgiveness, the Merciful King lets us off the hook. Since we have received His mercy, we must extend mercy to all our debtors and let them off the hook as well. How do we forgive our debtors?

1. Forgiveness is based on what God did for you, not what that person did to you.

I cannot give away something that I haven't first received. I can't give you $15 if I haven't first received $15. And I can't give forgiveness to others if I haven't first received it from God. But if the Lord has given me $50 million worth of forgiveness, it will very easy for me to give away $15 worth.

2. You must feel compassion for the person who hurt you.

The king "felt compassion" for the slave and then forgave him (Matt. 18:27). He changed the way he viewed the debtor, and his anger turned to pity. He actually felt sorry for that pitiful slave! Find a way to feel pity and compassion for that person, and then you'll find that forgiveness will come with it.

3. "Let go" by taking your hands off their necks.

You've got to quit demanding repayment. Maybe that repayment is an apology that's owed you, or you're waiting for an ungrateful person to say, "thank you." Quit expecting that person to make things right. That means you must swallow the debt yourself, just like the king had to take the loss for the $50 million debt he was owed.

When you forgive your debtors, the burden you're carrying will be lifted off your soul. And that's worth a whole lot more than the $15 debt you forgave!

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to forward this email to your friends.

Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.

It's Amazing What Praising Can Do

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Paul and Silas had been beaten with rods, thrown in prison, and had their feet fastened in stocks (Acts 16:22-34). The apostles were hurting from receiving "many blows." Their backs were bruised and bleeding. Because their feet were locked in stocks, they couldn't move to get more comfortable. In spite of this, you don't see them complaining to God or wondering why He would allow such a thing.

Instead of whining, they started praying and singing praises to God! (v.25) Do you think they felt like doing that? We usually praise God when we feel exhilarated, or if a prayer has been answered. It takes faith to praise God when horrible circumstances tell you to do just the opposite.

The Lord responded to their praise by sending an earthquake about midnight, and to quote Elvis Presley "made that jailhouse rock." But this wasn't an ordinary earthquake because "all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains were unfastened" (v.26). The jailer cried out to Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (v.30) They left the prison and baptized the jailer, along with his family, who were also saved. This family might have never been saved if Paul and Silas hadn't been arrested under this man's watch. And that's why God allowed them to get thrown into prison.

When we praise God in spite of our adverse circumstances:

1. God will open doors for us (v.26). He will open doors of opportunity that were previously closed.

2. Our chains will fall off (v.26). He will unlock the spiritual chains of depression, fear, and worry.

3. People will get saved (v.30-34). God will intervene so that lost people's hearts will be opened.

It's amazing what praising will do!

Kent

Please feel free to forward this email to your friends.

Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.

What's on the Inside?

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Several children in a park watched a man release helium-filled balloons. The man let go of a white balloon, which floated up into the sky. Then he released yellow and red balloons, which also flew up and away. An African-American boy asked him, "Mister, if you let go of a black balloon, will it go up?" The man replied, "Son, the color on the outside has nothing to do with it. It's what's on the inside that makes it go up."

Do you lack confidence or feel discouraged? Remember that it's what's on the inside that makes you go up. Quit looking at yourself, or your circumstances, which can easily drag you down, and look to the One who can lift your spirit up. If you are a Christian, you have the Spirit of the Living God inside you! "The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you" (Rom. 8:11). God is "able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us" (Eph. 3:20).

If you are deflated, ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit. He will lift up your spirit on the inside and give you the encouragement that you need (See Rom. 15:5).

Keep looking up!

Kent

Please feel free to forward this email to your friends.

Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.

Be Content With What You Have

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:38:00 +0000

A dog carrying a bone in its mouth was crossing over a bridge. He looked into the water and saw a dog with a bone that looked a lot more desirable than his own. Not realizing he was looking at his own reflection, he let go of his bone to grab for the other dog's bone... and ended up with neither.

Many people have made the same mistake as that dog. They've given up what they had to get something that they thought would make them happier. Unfortunately, the dream for something better turned out to be only an illusion, and then they couldn't get back what they gave up.

The key to happiness is to "be content with what you have" (Heb. 13:5). Contentment isn't having everything you want, but wanting everything you have. Has it ever occurred to you that the things you now have were once things that you were desperately trying to get? But somehow you lost your appreciation for those things because you took them for granted.

Make no bones about it, you can be happy in your current situation. If you will start thanking God from your heart for each and every item in your possession, your appreciation will increase and you will find the contentment that you've been looking for.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to forward this email to your friends.

Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.

The Astronaut's Space Suit

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:42:00 +0000

Do you see the astronaut on your left? No, you don't. You're actually looking at the astronaut's space suit, and the astronaut is the person living inside that suit. The space suit allows him to live a little while on the moon, and then he will return to earth.

Just as an astronaut needs a suit to live in space, your earthly body is your "space suit" that allows you to live on this planet. Through your "space suit" you breathe oxygen, drink water, and eat food. But one day you'll shed the outfit, which is the day you'll die.

Even if you live to be 100, your time on earth is extremely brief compared to eternity. "You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). At the moment of death, your spirit will be released from your body and you'll leave your space suit behind for everyone to view at the funeral. Meanwhile, if you're a Christian, your spirit will be immediately ushered into the presence of the Lord, where you'll live forever (See 2 Cor. 5:8).

You can prepare for that day if you will receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you would like more information about knowing God in a personal way, please contact me. http://www.kentcrockett.com/contact.html

Keep looking up!

Kent

Two Heads Aren't Better Than One

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Scientists studied a two-headed snake and discovered that each head had a mind of its own. One moment it would crawl one way, then the other mind would take over and it would slither in a completely different direction. Both heads were competing to control the body.

Like that two-headed snake, we can be double-minded when we listen to voices other than God, which makes us unstable in all our ways (James 1:8). A marriage is double-minded when the husband and wife constantly fight, each wanting their own way. A church is double-minded when it's divided over issues, each side struggling to be in control. Christ is not divided, so at least one group isn't listening to God.

The cure for double-mindedness is to humbly surrender ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, "Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose" (Phil. 2:2). When married couples, churches, and confused individuals seek the please the Lord above all else, they will be of one mind. But everyone must decide for themselves if they want God to take control of their lives, or if they want to keep slithering their own way.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to forward this email to your friends.

Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.

God's Waiting Room

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Have you been asking God for something but the answer hasn't come? Please take a seat in God's Waiting Room. "Waiting on the Lord" is the gap in time between our prayer request and when God's answer arrives. During the delay, our faith is being tested simply because we don't know how long we'll have to wait.

King David must have been squirming in his waiting room chair when he wrote, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?" (Ps. 13:1-2)

While we're seated in the Waiting Room, nothing appears to be happening. We have no evidence that God is at work outside the four walls. We're kept totally in the dark about what's going on. Everyone who has ever walked with God has spent time in the Waiting Room because it's during this time He stretches our faith and patience to new levels. What should we do while waiting?

1. Continue to pray. Although it seems like God's not listening, He is still hearing your prayers. Remember, you are going through a test.

2. Don't complain. The longer we wait, the more tempted we are to start complaining, and the waiting room turns into the whining room. Find ways to thank God even though you don't know what's going on.

3. Remove the deadline. Trust the Lord to bring the answer whenever He wants. Most of the time, the delay simply means that the timing isn't right. Not everything is in place yet. When all the pieces of the puzzle come together, God will make it happen. "He has made everything appropriate in its time" (Eccl. 3:11).

Keep looking up!

Kent

Feel free to forward this email to your friends.

Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.

Having Trouble Sleeping?

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:39:00 +0000

A single mom and her little girl were getting ready for bed. The daughter, who was afraid to sleep alone, said, "Mommy, I can't sleep because I'm afraid. Does God ever sleep?"

"No, God never goes to sleep," she replied. The Bible says, "He who protects Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." (Ps. 121:4)

The daughter relaxed and said, "Well, as long as God is awake, I can go to sleep. There's no need for both of us to stay up!"

Do you have trouble sleeping? God wants to deliver us from our "sleep fears." He says, "When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet" (Prov. 3:24).

If your mind races with stressful thoughts, fix your full attention on the Lord. "The steadfast of mind Thou will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee" (Isa. 26:3).

If you are afraid someone might break into your house, ask God to protect you and then go to sleep. "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for Thou alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Ps. 4:8). When someone asked Alexander the Great how he could sleep so soundly in the midst of danger, he replied, "My trusted lieutenant is watching over me." If he could sleep in peace because a man was protecting him, shouldn't we trust our all-powerful God to protect us?

Keep looking up!

Kent

Please feel free to forward this email to your friends.

Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.

You Can't Go Back in Time

noreply@blogger.com (Kent Crockett) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:38:00 +0000

Perhaps you've seen the movie The Time Machine. How would you like to borrow that contraption, travel back in time, and change some things in your past? If you're like most people, you've done some things that you'd like to undo. But the fact is, the past doesn't even exist. The only way you know about it is in your memory. If you are being tormented by something "back there," it's because you're holding on to it in your mind. If you want to be set free from a bad experience in your past, here are three things to do.

1. Ask Jesus to forgive you. He died for all your sins on the cross (not just some) and will forgive you, if you'll ask Him. God says, "I will remember their sins no more" (Heb. 8:12).

2. Forgive and let go of the people who have hurt you. You are handcuffed to each person you don't forgive. That's why you can't get them out of your mind! Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the cuffs and sets you free.

3. Forgive yourself. Once Jesus has forgiven you, you have no right to keep punishing yourself. "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).

If you've done these three things, you don't need a time machine to change anything. All you need to remember is to not look back.

Keep looking up!

Kent

Please feel free to forward this email to your friends.

Previous devotionals are found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.