Morningside Devotionals

This is the question, isn't it? We ask this question many times in a day, don't we? It is ingrained into our culture to be curious, often, though, those who partake of this devotional in other countries find that behavior odd, here is why- in some countries once you know something you own it. Think about that one? For us in the U.S. it's just a curiosity, but for other cultures, they wonder why we would want to own the solution to that one? They do not think in terms of mere examination, they think in terms of resolution, once you know. I've read in Tony Hillerman's work where the Navajo have similar beliefs- which seem to add up to tremendous problems for them when dealing with us? We sometimes tend to be arrogant about what we think that we know about God when in reality, we know, very little? Jesus put it this way: Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. People who see this for the first tim...

You'd think that after all the humble pie that I've eaten that I'd learn never to say; "never." Truth is, sometimes, you have to say, never; but usually, it's been my experience, if you'll pray about it, never doesn't have to happen, there is usually a way around it, to bye-pass it, or some other means to get there. Sometimes, though, that's not gonna happen. My best love in the world is God, Debbie and family (in w hich I automatically include some) second, and third is my dog Mopsey, here is why. When Mopsey was dumped at the place where my wife used to work (it's shortly to go down to Mexico and all the faithful workers there, let go...nice, huh? It's happening all over the place from what I hear?) Mopsey was about 20 pounds of tortured animal, she had been so abused by people that she was deathly scared of people. Her pink skin shone through what looked like kicked or bitten off fur, so much so that we took her to the vet, couple h...

At some point in my walk with Christ it happened, for some unknown and hard to explain reason, my eyes popped open one day and I realized that God's Word is exactly what God said; a name which John in his Gospel makes clear is; Jesus . Jesus who before the foundation of the world was the determining factor in creation; Jesus who willingly determined that the method for salvation proposed in the Godhead would be bodily purchased by the supreme and one time sacrifice; Jesus who through His blood purchased my and our salvation. That has not been questioned in my faith, but now, those who are said to be teachers have actually asked me publicly, three times, if I believe the Bible? If I believe what is written in the Bible and what it says? This is hard for me to imagine as I've followed Christ since 1976, and actually, before that; but the moment of my salvation experience was in 1976, in a barracks in Germany, and I shall never forget it, it is nailed down and no power of Hel...

I just love evangelists who today think they've really found some new and tantalizing, shall we say, mind blowing way to present the bigness of God and the personal nature of God- because they are doing work that is so important- and yet, with a sad countenance I also know they are staying boxed into a theology not designed to the age they are preaching in. This isn't anything new, Prophets have always been ahead of human controls, and prophesy wasn't sealed with the last book of Canon, The Revelation of Christ, rather, John in writing that would say that the doors to Prophesy, as a New Testament gift from God, are blown wide open. But here is the thing, each time we gain insight, we also tend to take a while to incorporate that insight into our belief systems- which means, folks who should get the light, get the shaft, which isn't what God intended when he imparted the gift to the prophet. Think of it this way- God wants people that he loves to come out of this expe...

The odd thing about how we as Christian's see the way things are, is that they are skewed through our culture, instead of the other way around. For example, we will place sporting events above worship under the banner of "well, everybody is going to be home watching it anyway?" That sort of lukewarm response to the gospels power isn't in keeping with what the Bible mandates, and those who seek a nice, comfortable, snug middle ground and actually have a devotional time as they assemble to gather while watching the sporting event (as an example) are simply halving up the value of the worship they claim they believe in. Take it out of venue and look at it as food, so that each worship hour, moment, event ( such as personal or corporate prayer) is a bite of food. You do the math, my sense is, if we existed food wise on what you put into worship, Bible reading, and prayer, and go ahead and include service specific to Christ, my guess is, we'd loose a little weight...

I'll never forget the first time somebody said this to me, it shocked me, as an only child, I grew up thinking that those who had brothers and sisters had it all and I was less because I didn't. In school whenever they had a hassle, they had a big brother or sister to turn to, or a little brother or sister to live up to, I had ...well, me, and my parents and relatives who were helping to raise me. So family to me is a very intense thing, whereas to someone who has family, I suppose it's not such a big deal, to me, brothers and sisters are enormous blessings of God that people should be thrilled to have, and most are, I am, to this day, somewhat envious of them. But when she said this, it shocked me, "my brother, is a complete waste of human." She went on to say she wished he weren't her brother. Well that stuck with me, and today, in the body of Christ, in our, family, my goodness, are there some who are there, but we wished they weren't? Are there s...

It is odd how in life you can be the friend, or, have someone be a friend to you; one is giving one is receiving; both are pretty nice, when they're on an even keel, it's a boat that will not get rocked and take on water over the edge. But often in our lives we have situations which aren't even, friends who aren't much when it comes to being friends; and it might raise the question about how good a friend we are? Truth be told, we're sometimes a might better than what those we think of as our friends are? How do you measure it? In my brief experience I've developed what I call the Pauline friendship ruler, because I believe Paul was a true lover of those around him, but sometimes, when those friendships got lopsided, I think Paul took action on that; and so should you. What I do is take a look at the small things, how often am I there for them, that it isn't returned? How often am I caring and concerned about them, when it isn't returned? How ofte...

Some years back a very dedicated and very devoted deacon shared one of his favorite scriptures with me. It stuck with me for two reasons, one; it's an awesome observation by the Prophet, and two, the messenger's conviction about it. Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision : for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision . The deacon said that when the preacher shared this scripture that it was presented as the heartbreaking view that it is, people who couldn't make a decision, and it's not a hard one, is it? Being secure, safe, and to reside in God? Why would anyone reject that simple offer? Here is the truth, when it's presented incorrectly- you see, the horrific misinterpretation of the Bibles message about The Christ, has left many people not wanting to follow Jesus, instead of wanting to follow Jesus? Christ didn't create that negativity, so where'd it come from? Down through the countless choices of...

Jesus asks this very uncomfortable question, Jhn 14:15 If ye love me , keep my commandments. Watch this quick - simple - powerful - devotional thought, it's thirty seven years in the making. Why'd He ask say that, when He asked it, where He asked it, to those He asked it of? What is going on here, off the cuff, did you know? If not, that's actually O.K., here's why, if you didn't know, did you look? See that's important, here's why- notice what He said- it wasn't condemning, it wasn't presumptive, it wasn't even human - it was Godly - God sent- and so simple and so powerful that to this day, it's the question we get to answer- isn't it? Jesus wants to know, simply, do you love me- and He tells us how He knows - if we keep His Commandments. Notice the personal nature of this question, because in English it doesn't come through, the "If " is a singular conjunction (joiner) to the phrase "ye love" (t...

Who knows what lesson is being taught about with the public figures who are cleaning their private laundry so openly? To a public which is accepting it so easily? Look I know that this is out there, and to ignore it is nearly impossible, at least in my house, where the subject plays on TV very loudly and I have the choice to leave the room- or, listen to it in the background, because I really could care less about Tiger's problems, other than perhaps to pray for him? But really, Tiger isn't the only public figure who is going down that highway, so publicly, am I the only one who finds this to be gossip and wonder why Christian's aren't ignoring it as we are told to do in the Bible? 2Cr 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip , arrogance and disorder. Per Signum Crucsis (By The Sign o...

One of the kindest most considerate most awesome leaders that I've ever known is also one of the most giving people I've ever known; now being a giving type of person doesn't make her such an incredible leader, but it doesn't hurt none, either. So let's consider what the economics of God is actually like, and then let's really think about what we think the economics of God are like, because, it's a pretty safe bet, we're off the mark. First, our economics have to do with resources, God's economy has to do with faith. We love a hoarder, a person who builds up their own wealth, we revere such people and call them "successful," God calls them "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." (Rev 3:17)- because God loves a cheerful and giving heart- my friend has stored up for herself blessings in heaven that cannot be numbered, so many lives has she blessed. Second - our economy is based on a principle called scarcity- when something...

The real reward is in the service, not the result. This fundamental fact of following Christ has left much of the pulpit of America, and, unfortunately, elsewhere as well. Service minded Christianity asks the question of Christ, "Lord what would you have my body, your servant do?" It is in answer to the question asked by great evangelicals who sought to share what they felt Jesus felt on the cross, it was all they knew how to offer, in many instances, they didn't even understand what they were doing. Over the years I've watched so called revivals turn from Holy Spirit led events; to scheduled circus style entertainments- built and literally designed to run a certain time, at certain times, for a certain time, in a certain way, for a certain group paying the bills (you see), who are due the respect of the event, and the Holy Spirit gets into the situation by force! Imagine that if you will, the Holy Spirit literally has to force His way into a three day event, sch...

Ridiculous and frivolous lack of vision , that's one way to describe a nation which is told for over twenty years that production based life will have to become information based life, and that the jobs of making things will have to become the jobs of telling others and other nations how to make things . Some listened, most, did not, today we are reaping that stupidity on behalf of our bloated and irresponsible Chiefs . Folks want to argue about that, but you go back twenty five years and read what the best in the field of futurism and statistics, the science of predicting what is coming, based on the present truth, read what they said, and they said it with perfect clarity and we are reaping it today. What will we reap next as we blissfully fail to wake up? How long are evangelical Christian's going to remain unaware of the truths of the reality of scripture that doesn't talk about warfare without redemption, existence without faith, and leadership which has no vision?...

Center field, where the ball is usually hit, if they hit left, they're swingin' early, if they hit right, they're swingin' a little slow, but if they connect jus' right, center it is. This means center field is, unfortunately, usually a back up position, get behind the right fielder if they've got it, the left fielder if they've got it, go get it if they can't, back up the infield on every play, run, run, and then run some more; if you're any good at it, center is a very rough place to play. Center field is also a power hitter position, many times power hitters are put into center, odds are they won't get hurt there, plus, they get an idea about the pitching, seeing the pitcher from behind and dead on. Dead on is a full view, all the time, and it's the view you need if you're gonna survive in this ruckus we call a world, it's getting dizzy for the Christian, and your enemy wants to try to move you left or right of center, he doesn...

So you're sitting there reading this, thank goodness, you are my connection to rewards beyond anyones ability to add them up, and you bless me to be able to place those at Jesus feet and say "Lord without you none of this would have been possible, thank you." So my sense of prayer time with you is this, it's important, and we don't get enough of it, and, God sometimes grants us in prayer, insights that otherwise we'd walk right past. Ever hear someone say, "wow I never noticed that," sure you have, know why(?), it's simple, they're right, they don't notice, we don't notice, small important details, we just don't, they get past us, like two coins in a fishes mouth on a distant sea (Matt 17:27), in a distant time, we don't notice why they were there. At any rate, God gave this insight to me, He has given it to you I'm certain, but He seemed to impress upon me rather strongly to share it again, so, here it goes, here is th...

Here is one you probably haven't thought of, and you've been reading this story for years. The night when Jesus was in the garden, you remember the story, his disciples went to sleep while Jesus was in the most enormous prayer, quite possibly, of all eternity- it's either this prayer or the one He mentioned us at, on the cross, remember, "Father forgive them...," one of these two is probably the heavy of all eternity, but anyway, back to it, remember the story? Here's the mind blowing question you ain' asked yourself, what'd they miss? They were sleeping, Jesus was praying, what'd they miss by sleeping? Now as you answer very quickly, stop and think, is it possible that, things might've been different had they stayed awake and prayed with Jesus as He asked? You know my favorite fuss about love is a reality, that is, it grows - over time, over events, inside people, love grows- do you think Jesus understood this? I think He did- and I thin...

Imagine how incredible it is to have many friends who think of you, are concerned about you, wish you well, want you to succeed, want the best for you and do so many things for you. That is a blessing beyond being able to say thank you. How do you thank someone who has saved your life? How do you thank someone who has taught you how to value? How do you thank someone who has spent their precious time to be with you, to lift you up and to hope that you will do better? Paul said he was in debt to everyone, Paul and I agree about me, the debt is enormous, the people who have been involved in my discipline that I didn't have sense and maturity enough to see were helping me; because it felt like anything else at the time, but oh today, I know; they provided me a measure to work against in growing. So how can I thank you for all that you have done for me, there is really only one way, isn't there? Here is my life, know that your love has meant everything to me, and know that J...

Jesus believed love is the most powerful force in the universe, He said so, in numerous ways and at various times; it was His supreme belief that love overcame all else. Sadly we skew the meaning of what Jesus meant when He said love, very clearly in His teaching love exceeds everything that you imagine, goes beyond what you imagine, finds ways beyond anything that a human can or would imagine; love is, in fact, so powerful that it can change an empty shell of a heart into a live, fully abundant spirit capable of reaching out and gathering other souls to come and meet the Master of all souls, Jesus. But the sad part is, love can be killed; oh not ultimately, ultimately, love overcomes all and wins; Jesus insured that, but in your life, love can be killed; you can let it happen, and when you do, you will know it. Here is how it starts, the people that you used to allow to have meaning in your life, slowly change to something which has less meaning. The things that you used to be sur...

Valentine's Day is approaching, it is my all time favorite holiday, because it is taken to stand for love, and love is what my life must be about, because it cannot be about anything else, because I am a follower of Jesus. Different people view the following of Jesus in different ways, but in my heart it boils down to this, the disciples were with Him physically, they were with Him when He did the Fathers miracles, and they tell me of these in their writings which God inspired them to complete before they were martyred. But following Jesus, in my heart, means somewhat of the same thing as following anyone whom you've not met personally. While in the Army in Europe in 1978 I saw General Alexander Haig retire, I was on the front rank of the honor platoon from our Group. I knew Colonel's who knew General Haig personally, but I did not, but I did follow General Haig, and was loyal to him. When General Haig issued an order I followed it, because of that loyalty, both to the...

When Jesus said that we should love our neighbors as ourselves most people mistook what He meant, which is easy to do. Most presume that they get it, truth is, they might get it, but likely they don't. This principle of putting yourself in the position of the servant, is prime to the Christology, and why when you look at someone you love, your eyes can't lie, love shines out. This is why when someone loves someone, their eyes are the communicators of this, love that you feel and do, is a practice of who you are. You do love for people, it is the small detailed important actions that a person who loves someone will be sure aren't missing from the relationship, and the person who is only pretending to be in love with someone can't possibly accomplish, they are the dead giveaways of who you are. So when you love yourself, it is impossible not to love your neighbors, it isn't something you can do anything about, you become what Jesus believed in, which is love. It...

Quaterback of the World Champion Saints on National Television, "we give all the credit for this Super Bowl Victory to God, without Him none of this would have been possible." Always great to hear super performers who humbly honor God. Super perform today- honor God. Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters , and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. Per Signum Crucsis (By The Sign of the Cross) De Inimicsis Nostre (From our Enemies) Libera Nos, Deus Noster (Deliver us, our God) In Nomine Patris (In the name of the Father) Et Filii (and of the Son) Et Spiritus SAncti (and of the Holy Spirit) Amen "drd's" Blog Ooh Visit Our Twitter Group 1000 plus strong and growing! Visit our Facebook effort, it will make ya smile! Visit our MySpace effort, it will make you glad you did! Visit our YouTube- it is truly, going to be AWESOME- 3DEEP is coming...

***This Is The Actual Posting - Erroneous Post With Half This Title Went Out By Mistake*** Think God Can Use Rock And Roll For Getting His Truth Out? Neil Young's hit of some years back has a heavily cynical element in it, but he is truthful, the world sees our blessings, as not being blessings to them? In one of the oddest natures of fate, the blessings of one are not seen by another that way. This is one of the most difficult of all issues which faces modern Christianity, and it's not ready for it. Let me say that one more time, modern Christianity is not ready for the issue of the "haves and have -nots." This issue is going to be one of the principal issues which is used to usher in the demise of the powerful Christian evangelical age, unless we get a handle on it quickly. This is why my alarm about how we interpret the Revelation of Christ, has sounded, and will continue to sound; folks are accepting that the horns gonna sound and we're out of here- fol...