Pastor H. Gene Allen

~ Good Morning!

Our Bible passage, today, is found in…

• Romans‬ ‭12:1-2 •

“So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to Him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to Him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship [Him]. (2)Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect.” (NCV‬‬ – New Century Version Translation)

• THE BOTTOM LINE •

✝️ V. 12:1a = Since Father God has shown us so much mercy, and has been so incredibly good to us, we should give, and live, our entire life for Him, and serve Him faithfully.

✝️ V. 12:1b = We should live our lives for God, and Him only. This is the correct way to live, and the correct way to worship, and show appreciation to God.

✝️ V. 12:2a = Don’t conform, or live your life in an earthly manner, the way everyone else lives; instead, be changed, from the inside out, and live the way that God wants you to live.

✝️ V. 12:2b = After you have given your life to God, to serve Him — and you have a better understanding of Him, and His Word — you should be able to distinguish the way that God wants you to live, and you should know how to live your life in a way that perfectly pleases Father God.

• CONCLUSION •

‼️ Live your life in a way that completely honors the Lord ‼️

Sincerely,

— Pastor Gene

~ Good Morning and a Fabulous Friday to You!

Following is our Bible passage for today.

• Psalms‬ ‭37:39-40 •

“The salvation of the righteous [God’s people] is from the Lord; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. (40)The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.” (ESV‬‬)

Psalm 9:9-10 sounds a lot like our scripture for today.

“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (10)And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (ESV‬)

And again, we see nearly the same message in Psalm‬ ‭62:6-7.

“He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (7)On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” (ESV‬‬)

• THE BOTTOM LINE •

The Psalmist David is telling us, in Psalm 37:39-40, that in a world with wicked people in it, the Lord is His children’s Salvation and Stronghold, (a strong, fortified, safe place). To those who call upon Him, He will protect them from the wicked people.

In Psalm 9:9-10, the Psalmist describes Father God as a place of refuge, (a shelter), for the oppressed, (persecuted). The Hebrew word used here, for stronghold, or place of refuge, describes high walls, or a rocky fortress. In essence, David is saying that the Lord is a stable, strong, place of protection, for all those who need Him.

• CONCLUSION •

Today’s Devotion is telling Us that The Lord is …

~> My Strong and Safe Place,

~> My Protector,

~> My Provider,

~> My Stability,

~> The One I can Trust, at All Times, to Meet All My Needs!!!

‼️ RUN TO JESUS ‼️

Sincerely,

— Pastor Gene

~ Good Morning!

Thank the Lord the ice, and frozen temperatures have, “Left the Building,” in Central Oklahoma!!! Now I’m praying that electricity will be restored to everyone’s home and businesses.

Two of my daughters have extensive storm damage at their homes, and have been without power, for a number of days now. Trees are broken, and down, all over the Family Life Church campus. I can relate to your problems, right now, and I’m praying for a quick relief for your circumstances.

Our verse for today is found in …

• Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ •

“I can do all things through Him (Jesus) who strengthens me.” (ESV‬)

• The BOTTOM LINE •

The Apostle Paul, here, is testifying to the sufficiency (ability, power) of Christ’s strength. He’s saying, because of the Jesus that is within him, he is prepared to endure any circumstance, in life, because Jesus empowers him to do so.

In today’s language, Paul is saying … “Jesus gives me the strength, at the time, to endure whatever I must endure. So if I have nothing, I’m alright, and if I have plenty, I’m still alright. I have total faith in Jesus.”

• CONCLUSION •

The same is true with you. Jesus will empower you to deal with whatever situation that you find yourself in.

Today — Pray, Stand on the Promises of God’s Word, Have Faith in Jesus — and He will empower you to endure in whatever situation that you find yourself in.

Expect Your Blessings!

Sincerely,

— Pastor Gene

(Ref. Phil. 4:19 & Psalm 37:4)

~ Good Morning!

I know — it’s freezing cold, icy and wet outside, and many of you have to get up, and get out, in this Central Oklahoma Freeze Zone. Well, grab some hot coffee, or tea, and set down for a few minutes and warm yourself on God’s Word. And before you head out the door, this morning, pray, at least, these four things:

1. Lord, thank you for allowing me to wake up this morning and have another day to live for you.

2. Lord, watch over, and bless, my family today.

3. Lord, keep me safe as I head off on my journey(s) this morning.

4. Lord, place me in someone’s way, today, that I can encourage and tell about you.

Our Bible verse, today, is found in …

• Luke‬ ‭6:35 •

(35)“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because He is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin.” (NCV – New Century Version Translation)

NOTE: I have only given you one Bible verse to read today; however, today’s devotion covers, verses 27–36. You should read the entire passage when you have the time.

• THE BOTTOM LINE •

In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus mentioned seven aspects of unconditional love. These actions are not really able to be kept up naturally, by human nature, because they’re not in our human nature. These actions, and behaviors, require a supernatural enabling that can only come from the Lord.

Exhibiting the kind of love, listed in verses 27–36, marks that person off as being distinctive (vv. 32–34), and as having, and showing, the same characteristics as our Heavenly Father.

Here is what our Lord says to do…

1. Love your enemies.

2. Do good to those who hate you.

3. Bless those who curse you.

4. Pray for those who mistreat you.

5. Do not retaliate (v. 29a).

6. Give freely (vv. 29b–30).

7. Treat others the way you want to be treated (v. 31).

• CONCLUSION •

Our Lord’s characteristics, and actions, mentioned above, serve as a standard for the follower of Jesus to exhibit today.

‼️ Do Your Best To Be Like Jesus ‼️

Sincerely,

Pastor Gene

Text: Matthew 15:21-28 (ESV)

“And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.”

‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬

One of my favorite stories of Jesus is His interaction with the Canaanite woman whose daughter was possessed by a demon. She tells Jesus her problem, but the disciples try to push her away from Him. Jesus waits in silence. The Canaanite woman then utters a prayer that moves Jesus into action.

The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” She said. [Matthew 15:25]

How would our day change if we utter those same words with the problems we have?

Sometimes I convince myself that I’m too busy to pray. The reality is, though, we can pray a simple prayer that may be only one sentence long yet God will answer it, because He answers our prayers not by how eloquently we pray but by how much faith we pray with.

God doesn’t need a 30-minute prayer session to be moved into action. He just needs faith and a sentence to call Him to do something.

Here are 20 one-sentence prayers that you can pray any time and any where that could change your day and that of those around you.

1. Lord help me be a better spouse and better parent today than I was yesterday and the day before that.

This prayer I should be silently praying anytime I go to the fridge. What a prayer to quickly pray when you are with your family that God will be happy to answer if only we would.

2. Lord help me to show this person your love and attention in a way that they haven’t seen before.

Next time you meet with someone, let this prayer roll of your tongue silently before a word you speak to him or her. Every encounter we have is an encounter to change how someone views God.

3. Lord help me believe that you are with me even when I’m unsure if you are.

God is with us! We know this theologically but sometimes in the face of chaos or trials we forget to live this out practically. Next time you feel anxious or uncertain, ask God give you a little nudge to remind you He is with you.

4. Lord help me turn from my sin when my sin turns toward me.

David said, “My sin is always before me.” Yikes. Sometimes instead of knocking, sin rings the doorbell. When temptation comes, let this prayer help you not answer its call.

5. Lord help me do the things I know I should be doing but currently I am not.

God is great at giving us a push in the back. There are things you know God is asking you to do but currently you aren’t. What better way to start doing them than asking God to help you.

6. Lord help me to believe that I can make a difference in someone’s life today by just saying something nice to them.

The words you say to people are little parachute bombs filled with either rocks or flowers. Words hurt or help people, and sometimes we forget this.

7. Lord help me believe your Word can be like a flashlight and guide me down this darkened path.

I know not many of us are trudging the Oregon trail at night, but metaphorically we are on the path of life. Sometimes it gets dark, and when it does remember God has provided the ultimate light source, His Word.

8. Lord help me give the love you have given me away freely and without charge to the people around me whom I struggle to love even a little bit.

There are people in your life whom you find it difficult to love. If you were charging for love, you would put a 200 percent tax increase on it. Instead of withholding giving away love, give it away without holding onto being right.

9. Lord help me trust that you have a plan for my life even when it may feel like it is a bad one.

Do you ever feel like the plan that God has for you feels more like a wild goose chase that is zig zagging around the world? Well, sometimes it does, but God’s plans are perfect and straight if we trust Him as the master mapmaker for our life.

10. Lord help me have patience because I’m pretty sure I’m out.

Patience is essential in ministry. People will test your patience including your own family. When your patience seems like it has evaporated into the atmosphere, ask God to replenish it.

11. Lord help me not find my significance from social media today.

Twitter, Facebook, Google+: All are great until we look to them as our significance meter.

12. Lord help me run to your Word for guidance instead of looking for an answer inside Google.

Google has provided every answer we need to almost every question we have. Need some advice? Type it into the search bar, hit enter and in .2 seconds you will have 100,000 responses. Google is great, but God is greater.

13. Lord help me to not care what people may think about me and only be concerned with what you think about me.

Church leaders and pastors are typically people-pleasers. We want people to like us and accept us. Be careful, though, the desire to be liked by others doesn’t squash your desire to know what God says about you.

14. Lord help me forgive people quickly and swiftly because if not the bitterness will have its way with me.

Forgiveness is not easy to do, but the alternative of not forgiving is much harder to live with. Ask God to help you forgive, after all He does it whenever we need it from Him.

15. Lord help me not treat ministry like a job but only as a calling from you.

Whenever ministry becomes a job, you’ll quickly find burnout won’t be close behind. God calls us not to a 9-5 job but to a lifetime of living a call that is the greatest call we’ll ever answer.

16. Lord help me have faith, the kind of faith that I could lift a mountain and toss it into the sea.

When you have the mentality that nothing can stand in your way of doing God’s work, including a mountain, then you will achieve the greatness that will come with having a faith that can move even mountains.

17. Lord help me to lead well those you have asked me to lead.

Whether you realize it or not, you are leading people. More importantly you are leading people God has entrusted into your care. Ask the Lord for help, because left to our own we will choose to let people lead themselves.

18. Lord help me see things and hear things that others aren’t because they are too busy.

In 2 Corinthians 4:18, Paul encourages the Corinthians to focus not on the things they can see but on the things they can’t. We look around and see many problems. Instead of seeing the problems, see the God who is orchestrating your solutions.

19. Lord help me work hard on the right things and leave the results up to you.

We want results. When you aren’t getting the results you want, ask God to help you keep working hard on the right things and leave the results up to Him.

20. Lord help me.

Sometimes we may not know how we even need God to help us. When you are at a lose of words, let God fill in the blanks.

~ Early Morning Rant, (or Rage).

I just watched a commercial promoting U.S. Representative Kendra Horn’s election back the the congress.

The commercial stated that 3 public school teaching organizations is now endorsing Kendra Horn for congress.

They said that Kendra Horn is in support of public education for children.

QUESTION …

How can you be Pro-Child, and Pro-Children’s Education when you openly support, and vote, for the Abortion of a Child⁉️

Please see the Big Picture and Vote The Word of God‼️

ABORTIONS DO NOT PLEASE GOD. THEY ARE AN ABOMINATION TO HIM‼️

NOTE …

If you have had an abortion, you are still very precious to Jesus and very much loved by Him. Jesus cares for you deeply, and wants to bring healing to you.

ALSO …

Kendra Horn is Pro-Pelosi! A vote for Horn is a vote for Pelosi and her Liberal Agenda.

PLEASE …

Consider Stephanie Bice for the U.S. House of Representatives.

(This post is the personal opinion of the writer and may not be the opinion of the writer’s employer, Family Life Assembly of God.)

~ Good Morning!

We have an interesting Bible verse to look at this morning. So read, and listen carefully. Our verse is found, today, in …

• Proverbs‬ ‭1:7 •

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (ESV‬‬)

(The Devotion is a tad long today, but stay with me.)

• THE BOTTOM LINE •

✝️ “Fear,” here, means to be in Awe of, or have Reverence for, the Lord.

✝️ It also means to Respect and Obey the Lord God always and forever.

✝️ To Fear the Lord, means to, Express your Loyalty, and Faithfulness, to Him.

✝️ According to the Old Testament Scriptures, those who Fear the Lord, obtain God’s protection, wisdom and blessing.

In contrast to those who “Fear” the Lord, there are those who the Holy Scriptures call, “fools.”

👺 Fools arrogantly reject the Lord’s teaching, because they believe themselves to be wise enough. They openly belittle, and ridicule, God’s Word.

👺 One commentator said, “Fools are stupid and indifferent to God’s character and government; hence the wicked.”

There are 3 different kinds, or meanings, used for the word, “Fool,” listed in Proverbs:

1️⃣ The first kind of, “fool,” is recognized by being dull, closed minded, thick headed and stubborn. This definition, of the word fool, is used 49 times in the book of Proverbs.

2️⃣ A second meaning of the word, “fool,” is defined by, someone who lacks spiritual perception. This definition, of the word fool, is used 3 times in the book of Proverbs.

3️⃣ The third type of the word, “fool,” means, arrogant, flippant and mentally lacking any brightness. He is hardened in his ways, vulgar and rejects God and His wisdom. This definition, of the word fool, is used 19 times in the book of Proverbs.

• CONCLUSION •

To sum all of this up, the type of fool used, here, in our text today, in Proverbs 1:7, would be the third type. — He is arrogant, and coarse (rough, rude, crude and vulgar) in his ways, and rejects God, and His wisdom.

Of course, a follower of Jesus, is going to be a follower of Father God, and His Word. In everything we do, we should revere, respect, obey and be loyal to the One who saved us from our sinful past, and the One whom blesses our walk everyday.

May God bless you abundantly as you faithfully seek the Lord and follow His Word, and will for your life.

Sincerely,

— Pastor Gene

~ Good Morning!

Our verse today just happens to be my Life Verse. It’s found in …

• Matthew 6:33 •

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (ESV‬‬)

• THE BOTTOM LINE •

If you will pray, seek Father God for His direction, and live faithfully for Him, you can be assured that He will take care of you, meet your needs — and I have found, that He has provided most of my wants.

• CONCLUSION •

‼️ Don’t Worry! The Lord wants you Blessed. Live faithfully for Him, trust Him, and watch Him provide for you ‼️

Sincerely,

— Pastor Gene

~ Good Morning!

Let’s talk, quickly, about Generosity.

• Proverbs 11:24-25 •

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. (25)Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (ESV‬)‬

• THE BOTTOM LINE •

The above two verses encourage generosity. In essence, verse 24 tells us that, by giving freely a person has plenty.

The New Testament confirms this in 2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:6‬, which states, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (ESV‬)

Conversely a person who is miserly, failing to help others in obvious need, will himself always be in need.

• CONCLUSION •

Luke 6:38 says, “If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” (CEV‬‬)

‼️Be Generous; You will be blessed, and You will Bless Others‼️

Sincerely,

— Pastor Gene

~ Good Morning!

Following is our Bible passage for today. It’s found in …

• Proverbs 6:16-19 •

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: (17)haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (18)a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, (19)a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (ESV‬‬)

• THE BOTTOM LINE •

The above seven things aren’t the only things that Father God hates, but rather shows us that at least these seven things, the Lord does hate, and is an abomination to Him.

✝️ A proud look

✝️ A lying tongue

✝️ Hands that murder

✝️ A heart that plots wicked actions

✝️ Feet that move quickly to sin

✝️ One who lies against someone when witnessing in court

✝️ A person who causes discord among friends

• CONCLUSION •

To some up Proverbs 6:16-19, The Lord hates it when people use their _______ to sin against others.

➡️ Eyes…………V. 17

➡️ Tongue…….V. 17

➡️ Hands………V. 17

➡️ Heart……….V. 18

➡️ Feet………….V. 18

➡️ Mouth……..V. 19

🛑 Do your best not to sin; and when you do something that is offensive to God, repent immediately, and ask God to forgive you. If you will do this every time you sin, soon, you’ll no longer commit that offense toward the Lord.



Do your very best to live out God’s Word, and you’ll enjoy a blessed and abundant life.

Sincerely,

— Pastor Gene