IS MY LIFE A LIVING TESTIMONY?

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

1 TIMOTHY 1:15-16: “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”

OBSERVATION: What do people see when they look at my life? How do I present myself to others? Do I magnify my accomplishments while I hide my failures? Are people drawn to look at the testimony of my life or at me? I need to take a page from Paul’s life as I consider these questions.

When I was 30 years old, I had a short tenure as a Life Insurance Salesperson. Before that, I had worked in the grocery industry while also pastoring a church. Then, for a short time, I worked full-time for a parachurch ministry. However, in less than a year, the parachurch ministry decided to relocate out of the state.

All of a sudden, I found myself out of work!

I owned a home. I had a house payment and a car payment. I needed a job, and I needed one fast! I began to look for work. However, as I went on interviews, the question I was asked over and over again was, “Do you want to work in the grocery (or fill in the blank) industry or pastor a church?”

How could I answer that? I wanted to do both. Yet, I needed to earn money to support my family right now! The only offer I received was from a Life Insurance Company. I had no other offers and no other options. I threw myself fully into my new job. I did not have the option of failing!

I quickly succeeded in my new job and began to receive certificates of achievement and reward plaques. One was for being the company’s ‘Top Rookie Performer’. I had never been recognized like this before. It felt nice. As I walked by my supervisor’s office, I noticed the many plaques and awards on his wall for his accomplishments. I wanted these too! I began to define my life by my success.

Yet at the same time, I began to lose my spiritual focus. All my energy was put into my job. I was working around the clock because I needed to make money. My life focused on selling insurance 24/7. First, my devotional life began to suffer. Then, my prayer life became defined by simple arrow prayers, mostly to succeed at my job. As I drove my car to work one day, I realized I was living in a bubble.

What would my testimony be when people looked at my life?

In life, we can hide behind our certificates and plaques, seek the accolades this world has to offer, and all the trappings of success. Or we can be open about our lives, humble ourselves before others, and seek the Kingdom of God so that others will see Jesus and understand that they too can be saved.

Paul chose the latter and eventually so did I.

Paul never hid behind the mask of a ‘Super Apostle’. He was open about his past and transparent with his present. In fact, he saw himself as the ‘chief of sinners’! This definition would be rebuked by many in the church today. They would say, “You are no longer a sinner! You are a Son of the King!” While this is true, it positions one as superior to others. It points to who ‘I am’ rather than who ‘He is in me’!

It is a testimony that awards a plaque to myself, rather than leads someone to Christ

Why was Paul so transparent about his past, struggles, and weaknesses? I think Paul would be banned from many churches today for his testimony. Yet, Paul was never concerned with what others thought about him. Paul was concerned with only one thing.

Was his life a living testimony to the grace and power of Jesus Christ?

Paul owned his humanity. He owned his past. He shared his present. He was authentic in his testimony. And he did it for this one reason.

“But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16 NLT)

Paul did not revel in his past failures; he honestly shared them. He did this not to glory in his past mistakes but to shine the light on the greatness of God’s grace. He also did this so that no one would feel like the Gospel was out of reach. The same grace that reached down to him through Jesus Christ was available to all.

If God could save Paul, the ‘chief of sinners’, He could save them!

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT)

Paul was accused of proclaiming a Gospel of cheap grace. Yet, this was far from what Paul proclaimed. He pointed to the Cross but did not leave one there. From the Cross, he pointed them to their high calling of God in Christ Jesus. God not only wanted to save us, but also wanted to transform us. And, once again, Paul made this message accessible to everyone. It was not a pathway experienced by the super-spiritual. It was the path assured to everyone who trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!

“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT)

What do I want people to see when they look at my life? I want them to see one who is honestly working out God’s calling, day by day, moment by moment, in an authentic way. I want to be honest about my struggles and celebrate God’s grace. I want to get out of the way so that everyone will see Jesus rather than see me.

I want to remove all the certificates and plaques from the wall of my life’s accomplishments and replace them with the Cross of Jesus Christ!

Heavenly Father, help me get out of the way! Help me follow the example of the Apostle Paul and be honest in my testimony so that everyone will see that Jesus’ invitation of salvation is not for the strong but for those who are meek, poor in spirit, and pure (honest) of heart! The only accolade I need in my life is – “Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners, of which I am chief!” Continue to transform me and mold me into the image of Jesus so that my life can be a ‘living testimony’ of His great grace!

In Jesus’ Name!

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IS DOING GOD’S WILL EASY?

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

ISAIAH 6:9-10: “And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ [10] Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” NLT

OBSERVATION: Give your life to Jesus, and you will be filled with joy! Give your life to Jesus, and you will be blessed! Give your life to Jesus, and you will be fulfilled! While all of these things are true, there is one thing that is not…

Give your life to Jesus, and it will be easy!?

The modern version of the Gospel proclaims all the benefits of salvation and omits all the costs. We present the Gospel much like a used car salesman. We talk about all the wonderful features of the car but omit the money and repairs it takes to maintain it.

For our Classic TV fans, this will be a trip down memory lane. Barney Fife, the amiable Deputy on The Andy Griffith Show, was bent on getting a car. Sheriff Andy Taylor warned him to be careful. Barney found a wonderful old car being sold by a sweet old grandmother. He bought the car without getting a mechanic to check it because it looked great, the previous owner’s name was Barney, and after all, you have to trust a sweet old grandmother!

Sunday was a perfect day for a test drive. Barney had the whole crew in his car. Andy, Opey, Aunt Bee, and Thelma Lou. Barney drove down a country road with joy and pride in his new acquisition. Everyone was having a great time until the steering wheel started to come out of the column and the car began making a terrible noise. Buyer’s remorse does not even begin to cover the disappointment when Barney and his crew were towed back into town!

Many Christians feel like Barney. They are promised a land flowing with milk and honey. They are given all the promises and never called to count the costs. The Gospel is reduced to a promise without sacrifice, a journey without problems. Then, the steering wheel starts coming out of the column, and there is a loud banging sound under the hood!

Something is definitely wrong!

Now, put yourself in Isaiah’s shoes for a moment. Standing in the presence of God, beholding His glory, and then cleansed of his sin, Isaiah is willing to do anything for the Lord! When God asks, “Whom shall I send?”, Isaiah joyfully and eagerly says,

“Here I am, Lord, send me!”

Then God gives him the assignment. He is to preach to a hard-hearted people. They won’t receive him. They won’t respect him. They won’t listen to him. It is like the preacher who is up for a Congregational vote, and everyone wants a new preacher! It is a thankless task. It is an impossible task. It is a hard task. Naturally, Isaiah said, “How long should I do this?” God’s reply is sobering!

“…And he (God) replied, “Until their towns are empty, their houses are deserted, and the whole country is a wasteland; until the Lord has sent everyone away, and the entire land of Israel lies deserted.” (Isaiah 6:11-12 NLT)

Wow! Imagine receiving a call to pastor a church. No one likes you. They don’t want to hear the truth. They want someone to tickle their ears, affirm their sinfulness, and promise them a life without sacrifice. One by one, they begin to leave the church. The pastor keeps preaching the whole counsel of God. He prays, asks the Lord to bring revival, and yet no one responds. He is told to remain faithful until the very last person has left the church.

Would you take this assignment? Isaiah did!

While we sit in comfort in our American churches, brothers and sisters all around the world have left everything to take up their cross and follow Jesus. Many have lost their possessions and even members of their own family. They have been forced underground and serve a small contingent of faithful believers. They don’t preach a Gospel of convenience. They preach a Gospel of power and sacrifice. They count it all joy to suffer for righteousness sake. They walk in the footsteps of Isaiah.

Am I willing to do the same?

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.“ (Matthew 5:10-12 NLT)

Heavenly Father, my heart is stirred this morning. I confess that I enjoy a Gospel of convenience over a Gospel of sacrifice. I want to accumulate blessings, but I am hesitant to pick up Your cross. I want a calling that is filled with success and affirmation. I shrink back from anything that resembles Isaiah’s call. In Your presence, I humble myself and repent! Grant me the grace to count it all joy to follow You wherever You may call, regardless of the outcome and the cost!

In Jesus’ Name!

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THE ENEMY WITHIN…

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

EZRA 4:1-3: “The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.” But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.” NLT

OBSERVATION: What is the easiest way to destroy a city, a community, a country, or a church? It is not through obvious attacks from without. Rather, it is by sowing seeds of discord from within. The real enemy we have to fear is…

The Enemy Within!

As you read the Bible and as you study history, you will find countless examples of the enemy of faith and freedom attacking from within. Satan himself poses as an angel of light so that unsuspecting believers welcome him in. This is happening right now in our churches as we witness false teachers growing in popularity and blatant communists infiltrating the sacred halls of our government.

Ezra records this tactic being used to stop the progress of the rebuilding of the Temple. Those who opposed the restoration of Israel feigned allegiance to its creeds and tried to become part of the rebuilding team. Their words were false, and their motive was to hinder and destroy. Fortunately, the leaders in Jerusalem saw through their motives and refused them entrance.

We need this same wisdom to be applied in our churches and our country. The life of a church and the health of a nation have many things in common. A church and a nation are only as healthy as their members. If we allow people with the wrong motives to enter into our leadership, it is the same as adding leaven into a lump of dough. A little leaven leavens the whole lump!

When I pastored, I established a program of Congregational Discipleship. This was a process of leading new people through a series of 3 modules that would communicate both the values and mission of our local Church. The first module was called the Cross Track and focused on two things.

  1. Life Essentials
  2. Church Essentials

When someone wanted to become a part of our church and serve in a capacity of teaching, leadership, or on the worship team, it was required that they attend the Cross Track and make a public commitment to the church body, affirming that they were in agreement with and would support the leadership and the vision and mission of the church. You would be surprised how many people left the church either before or during this first step.

I believe our Discipleship Tracks Program served as a firewall, preventing dissenters from joining the church. We did not demand doctrinal conformity on every aspect of the faith. Yet, we did on the essentials of our faith, salvation, baptism, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the God-given mission for our local Church. If a person was unwilling to embrace these, it was clear they had a different agenda.

Our citizenship classes in the United States are meant to do much of the same. However, we are allowing people to falsely identify as citizens without a true desire to uphold the Constitution and the three key principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the inalienable gifts from our Creator. Many now in office are working against our country and trying to destroy it from within. Those who oppose checking a person’s citizenship before voting are revealing their true agenda!

So what do we do, in the church, and in our country? We can take a lesson from the Book of Ezra. The Jews who had returned to Jerusalem were finally cured of their idolatry. They stayed true to God’s Word, and they continued the work of rebuilding the Temple, even in the face of severe opposition. They survived enemies from without, false accusations, and temporary setbacks. God honored their faithfulness and ultimately gave them favor!

In an appeal to Darius, the King of Persia, the Jews in Jerusalem received this reply.

“So King Darius sent this message: “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province west of the Euphrates River, and Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues and other officials west of the Euphrates River—stay away from there! Do not disturb the construction of the Temple of God. Let it be rebuilt on its original site, and do not hinder the governor of Judah and the elders of the Jews in their work. “Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of the Euphrates River so that the work will not be interrupted.” (Ezra 6:6-8 NLT)

God honors those who are faithful to His Word. God can even turn the hearts of rulers toward the benefit of His people. We are at a crossroads in our nation and in our churches. Each day we hear about another candidate who opposes the very essence of the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. Each day we read of another denomination embracing leaders who are leading it from the faith once delivered to the saints.

This is not a time to give up. This is a time for all believers to engage!

Pastors, lead your churches faithfully and honor the Word of God. Public servants, stand up for the principles that founded our great country. Citizens, pray and vote for candidates who align with God’s Word and the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can sit back, wring our hands, and cry – “Woe is me!” Or, we can engage with the Gospel of Truth and the principles of sound government.

Communism is like liberalism in the church. It appeals to the lowest common denominator of all and leads them into bondage. Redistribution of wealth breaks the spirit and creativity of a nation. It hinders the generosity of the heart and leads to death. Liberalism in the church leads to a lukewarm spiritual state that keeps people out of heaven and blocks them from ever knowing the truth.

Psalms gives us our marching orders.

“Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands—to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with shackles and their leaders with iron chains, to execute the judgment written against them. This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 149:6-9 NLT)

This is not a call for the church to take up arms or engage in a militant uprising. This is a call for the church to worship the One True God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to proclaim the truth of His Word. It is to boldly preach the Cross of Jesus Christ and call all men and women to repentance. It is to fulfill the calling of each local church, in each community, in every corner of our land!

Our nation needs to return to the Constitution and our churches to the Word of God! Only then will we see God’s favor poured out and restored in our land!

Heavenly Father, create in me a clean heart and renew me by Your Spirit. May I commit my life to You in sincere worship and proclaim Your Word, the sword of the Spirit, in boldness and in love. Give us wisdom in these days to walk in Your path and to uphold the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in our land.

In Jesus’ Name!

NOTE: If you would like to learn more about Congregational Discipleship, please visit our webpage and learn about our Discipleship Tracks Program. https://www.localchurchdynamics.org/discipleship-tracks-program

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IS LIFE JUST A ROLL OF THE DICE?

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

ECCLESIASTES 9:11: “I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.” NLT

OBSERVATION: Is life just a roll of the dice? Does everything happen by chance, or is there a predetermined destiny for each person? These questions have been debated for centuries. Some see all of life determined by predestination, and others simply by man’s free will. How we view life will determine how we live it and how we interact with others.

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. Yet, Solomon was also one of the most flawed men who ever lived. The book of Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s attempt to make sense out of life through wisdom and logic. Each time he tries to do this, he fails. He tries to find the meaning of life in wisdom, pleasure, accomplishments, status, and even folly. His conclusion is always the same…

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NLT)

In Ecclesiastes 9:11, Solomon observes what frustrates everyone. The fastest runner loses the race. The strongest person loses the battle. The wise go hungry. The skillful person never becomes successful. The educated never achieve their full potential. Life seems like a game of craps, just a roll of the dice. It is all just a matter of chance, being in the right place at the right time.

I have felt that way many times. I have listened to a gifted singer at church and thought, “Why aren’t they playing for thousands?” I have also listened to professional entertainers and wondered, “How did they ever make it?” So much of this life is left to chance. In the music industry, we hear the same story:

“They were in the right place at the right time!”

Yet, this is not the Christian perspective. Solomon is not writing his analysis from the position of a born-again believer. He is writing from a completely human plane. He is exploring life as it is without divine intervention. We can all agree that, without God in our lives, life is just a matter of chance. Yet, when a person turns his or her life to Jesus Christ, a dramatic transformation occurs, and all of life changes!

“…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)

The verses above give a completely different view of life from Solomon’s. Solomon was looking at life from a human perspective. We are called to look at life “In Christ”, from a godly perspective. Our life in Christ is filled with purpose, hope, and a definite plan. God personally calls, equips, and guides us into our eternal destiny. Our lives are not determined merely by being at the right place at the right time. Our lives, our steps, are determined by the Lord!

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalms 37:23-24 NLT)

So does this mean Solomon was completely wrong? Is everything in life predestined by God? What part does free will have to play in our lives? I am not trying to open up the centuries-old theological debate. I merely want to point out two facts. (1) Everyone is subject to chance, even the believer. (2) Everyone has a choice to make in how they will respond to life. Even the believer can choose to ignore the plans God has made for them. Free will and God’s destiny are always in tension.

The key is obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit!

“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.“ (Romans 8:12-14 NLT)

Today, I may get in my car, drive down the road, pick up a nail, and have a flat tire. I was not predestined to have a flat tire. This happened by chance. Yet, how I respond to the flat tire is a matter of my free will. I can respond from a human perspective, or I can be led by the Spirit of God. One will produce anger and frustration; the other will lead me into the pathway of God’s provision and peace.

The question remains: Which path will I choose?

Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have saved me for a purpose! You have called me to a life that is filled with hope for the future. Even in moments of chance, Your hand is ready to lead and provide. Grant me the grace to choose life in the Spirit over a simple life of chance. Thank You that in Christ, everything in life has been redeemed from futility and is being transformed into an eternal destiny and purpose!

In Jesus’ Name!

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JOURNEY THROUGH PSALMS: BOOK ONE

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

If you have enjoyed posts on our blog, check out this collection of previous posts from the Book of Psalms – now available in Print and Ebook format!

Click on the link for more information! https://a.co/d/02zIpcxd

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IMITATE GOD? (Can anyone do this?)

Posted on July 12, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

EPHESIANS 5:1: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” NLT

OBSERVATION: Imitate God? Talk about a statement that causes you to stop, dead in your tracks. As I began to read the opening of Ephesians, chapter 5, these two words became a roadblock that made me stop. How can I imitate God? How can the finite emulate the infinite?

Paul doesn’t stop there. He calls us to imitate God – in everything we do! This is not an option but an expectation. Paul writes this as if it were easy. He seems to say, “…after all, you are His dear children.” Children act like their Father, right? This is no big deal. It should be easy. If this is true, why am I struggling just with the thought of it?

When I opened my Bible today, I also opened my Bible App. This was the verse of the day.

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Humanly speaking, I cannot imitate God. In fact, in my own human wisdom and strength, I will do exactly the opposite of what God would do, almost every time. My life, apart from God, is like a bent arrow. No matter how hard I aim at the target, I always veer off course. Like Paul, I cry out…

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” (Romans 7:15 NLT)

So, is the call to imitate God just a pipe dream? Is it given to show us how impossible it is? As Jesus said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible…” Yet, what a wonderful promise that follows these words – “…But with God, everything is possible!”

Paul reveals God’s answer to our inability in the book of Romans.

“The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.” (Romans 8:3 NLT)

What was God’s answer to our inability? It was Jesus! God became a man to fulfill all that we are called to do, perfectly and without sin. Jesus, God in human flesh, fulfilled all of God’s will and then willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. When Jesus cried out, “It is Finished!” He broke the power of sin and death forever. Jesus declared that in Him the impossible becomes possible.

To those who call upon His name, Jesus saves, breaks the power of sin and death, and pours out the Holy Spirit into their lives. It is not in our human strength that we are called to Immitate God. It is in the power of the Holy Spirit who transforms the impossible into the possible. The Holy Spirit leads us into the fullness of God’s life and gives us the power to walk in His steps!

“He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit…For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:4, 14 NLT)

It is the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that lifts me above my impossibilities and freely empowers me with the possibilities of God. These possibilities are without limit. Jesus said, “…But with God ALL things are possible!” even the call to imitate God. We don’t imitate God by trying to obey every single commandment in the Scriptures. We imitate God as we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and walk in the power of His love!

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2 NLT)

This is not a call to human love. It is a call to be transformed and led by the love of God in Christ Jesus. As we deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus, we are transformed in the power of His love. As we abide in His Word, our minds are renewed by the love of God. And, as we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, He leads us in the pathway of God’s love. Then, it hits us!

The Holy Spirit is helping us to imitate God!

Jesus is living in us and through us. We are seeing life through the wisdom of God. We are walking in humility and forgiveness and making choices out of love for God and our fellow man. The old nature is no longer controlling us. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that is changing us from one degree of glory and freedom to the next. We are on the pathway of change, and it is a glorious and miraculous thing!

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT)

Heavenly Father, thank You for making the impossible possible through Jesus Christ, my Lord! I want to Immitate You. I want to walk today in the power of Your Holy Spirit. I want to be transformed in Your love. Grant me the grace to meet each challenge, each question, each choice, in the power of Your transforming love.

In Jesus’ Name!

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WHO IS PULLING THE STRINGS? (A reflection on America’s 250th Anniversary!)

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

EPHESIANS 2:1-3: “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.” NLT

OBSERVATION: A Celebration of Freedom! (Or is it?) Today is July 3, one day before the 250th year since the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. There will be great celebrations throughout our Nation and at the Nation’s Capitol. Yet, what are we celebrating?

As Americans, are we really FREE?

While we celebrate another Independence Day, what is happening behind the scenes? More importantly, what is happening in my heart? As I ponder these questions, I remember my childhood. I remember ducking under my school desk during Atomic Bomb drills that were supposed to be a preparation in case the Communists from the USSR decided to engage in a nuclear battle. And now, in our very nation, communism, dressed up as “Democratic Socialism”, is being marketed across our land.

When I read the Old Testament and the history of Israel’s kings, I have often wondered how they could swing so quickly from righteousness to rebellion, from a godly king to one who begins to serve idols. They were the people of God. They had received the Word of God. They had been given victory and freedom from all their enemies. And yet, once free, they began to freely choose to go back into slavery through rejecting God’s Word and worshipping idols. How could this happen and happen so quickly?

I have lived 7 decades. I have lived during the tenure of 14 different presidents. I have watched our nation stand united, then quickly divided. I have experienced times of revival when vast numbers turned back to the things of God and times of rapid moral decline as ungodliness took root and spread across our land. I have literally been living in the history of the Nation of Israel, all within a short 7 decades. Good leaders, bad leaders. Righteousness, unrighteousness. Freedom, oppression.

It seems like someone is yanking our chain, pulling our strings.

Who is really in charge anyway?

While the American Experiment is mankind’s greatest attempt to legislate liberty, America’s condition is a stark reminder that true liberty cannot be ushered in through the pen or efforts of man. In fact, if left to man alone, the experience of liberty will be nothing short of a continual ebb and flow of righteousness and unrighteousness. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights do not free man from his battle with the enemy of our souls.

Liberty is a lost cause unless…someone cuts the strings that hold our hearts!

If you take a deep dive into the background of our Founding Fathers, you will find that nearly half of them graduated from Seminary. They were predominantly Christians. They knew that the fragile framework they were creating as they penned the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights could only exist in a moral society. The greatest danger to liberty was not one from without. The greatest danger exists in the heart of man. And there was an enemy always at work to pull the heart of man from God, the foundation of all our liberties.

This is the battle. This is the war. This is the unseen threat to our freedom. It is not a power from without. It is the war within our hearts. It is the war each of us faces. No one is an exception. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:1-3,

“…You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God…”

The Church and the believer hold the keys to our nation’s freedom. It is not found in a political party, new legislation, or a charismatic leader. It is found in the hearts of every man and every woman. It is the transformation that faith in Jesus Christ alone can bring into our lives. And, it is the proclamation of the Gospel, the foolishness of preaching, that brings this transforming power of God to hearts and lives. The Church has been given an awesome call.

It is a call to “Cut the Strings” of sin and death through the message of Jesus Christ!

Freedom is not earned. It is neither attained nor maintained through human strength. Freedom, true freedom, is the gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus is the only one who can cut the strings of the devil’s influence and control of our minds and hearts and give us a new heart that delights to do what is right. It is the converted heart that establishes true freedom, which can never be taken away. It is the converted heart that changes the pages of human history.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)

We are not saved through good works. Yet, we are saved so we can do the good things God has planned. The strings that once controlled us have been cut. We are now completely free in Jesus Christ. Free to walk after the Holy Spirit. Free to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Free to lead others to the wonderful freedom that we share. And, free to stand up for the principles of liberty and justice for all that made our nation great!

It was changed hearts that gave us the blueprint for the Great American Experiment. And it will be changed hearts that alone can sustain it. What an awesome revelation. What an awesome responsibility. Heavenly Father, help us, Your Church, to proudly take a stand for liberty by proclaiming the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ!

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (Romans 1:16-17 NLT)

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness…” (Preamble to the Declaration of Independence, The United States of America)

In Jesus’ Name!

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WHERE’S THE FRUIT? (Kirk, keep the seed in the cup!)

Posted on June 30, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

GALATIANS 5:22-23: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” NLT

OBSERVATION: Where’s the fruit? When I read these familiar verses and reflect on my life, I cannot help but feel that I fall short of this list. Paul is writing about the true nature of Jesus Christ being manifested in our lives by the Holy Spirit. When I read this list, I see Jesus! When I look at my life, not so much.

Why do we struggle so much with the Fruit of the Spirit? Why does it seem there is always a battle going on within me? The Spirit and my flesh are struggling, pulling me in two different directions. I feel like I am on one of those old-fashioned merry-go-rounds in a playground (the ones they have banned now because they are so dangerous). I am spinning around and around and want to get off, but I don’t know how. Paul writes,

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” (Galatians 5:17 NLT)

Will someone please stop the merry-go-round of my life!?

What brings us to this point? Why does it seem so hard to walk after the Spirit and manifest His fruits, the true nature of Jesus Christ? Jesus was right when He said, “Watch and pray, for the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak!” As I pondered these questions, I remembered a moment from my childhood.

I don’t remember my exact age, but it was in grade school. In every elementary school, at some point, a child will have a teacher give them a seed, a cup of dirt, and ask them to conduct a science experiment by watering the seed and watching it grow. All we were supposed to do was to water the seed, keep the cup in the sun, and monitor its growth each day.

That is where I seriously exited from the instructions. I watered my seed, I watched my little cup, but nothing was happening. Perhaps there is something wrong with my seed? Maybe I am not watering it enough? Maybe it needs more air? I know what to do: I will dig it up, inspect the seed, and then put it back in the cup. This little seed needs my help!

Well, you can already guess what happened. The little seed did not need my help. I was the one who needed help. I lacked patience and faith. I thought my efforts would help the little seed grow. I was convinced that without my help, nothing would happen. And, guess what happened? It was my help that kept the little seed from sprouting. When everyone else’s cup had a wonderful little green shoot breaking through the ground, all I had was a patch of brown dirt and a seed in the cup!

This is also true with our spiritual lives. For some reason, I think that Jesus and the Holy Spirit need my help to produce fruit in my life. Surely, it can’t be as simple as trusting in the Lord and walking after the leading of the Holy Spirit. There has to be something I can do to speed up the process! Listen to what Paul has to say in answer to these thoughts and questions.

“For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” (Galatians 5:4-6 NLT)

All my human effort is not needed. If I am trying to be like Jesus by dotting every i and crossing every t, then I am trying to make myself right with God by works of the Law, and I have turned away from the promise of faith. Paul speaks much more boldly than this. He says to try and produce the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the fruit of the Spirit, through our own efforts is to be – “…Cut off from Christ!”

This does not mean we have lost our salvation. It means that we have interfered with the true source of life – Jesus Christ and Him alone! We came to the cross for our salvation just as we were. We brought nothing to the cross but our sins and our faith. We laid down our sins, and by faith He imputed His righteousness to us. The Holy Spirit poured out the love of God into our hearts, and we began a new life, a life in the Spirit! God’s seed was planted, and He desires to cultivate and grow His nature (the fruit of the Spirit) in our lives! In other words…

Kirk, don’t mess with the seed! Let God work in your life!

This sounds easy, but it really is the hardest thing for me to do. I want to get my hands on it. I want to help the process. In fact, I have convinced myself I am essential to the process. And yet, when I am involved, nothing happens. So Paul speaks to me once again and tells me what is missing in my life!

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” (Galatians 5:24-26 NLT)

What is missing during the times when I find myself unfruitful?

THE CROSS!

How easy it is to forget that it was at the Cross that I met my Savior, by grace through faith. And, it is at the Cross that I meet my Sanctifier the same way. My old nature, sins, and self-effort were all nailed to the Cross of Jesus Christ. My new life in Christ was imparted to me by the Spirit. My new life must continue in the Spirit. As Paul emphatically states, “…let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives!” This is the key. This is the pathway to the fruit of the Spirit. This is the only way to experience sustained change and growth in my life. So I hear the Holy Spirit speaking to me…

“KIRK, KEEP THE SEED IN THE CUP!”

All that God desires to do in my life, all that I desire to be, all of the fruit of His nature, is not found through my effort; it is found at His Cross! It is at the Cross that I meet Jesus as my Savior. It is at the Cross that I meet Jesus as my Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier, and Healer. When I am tempted to begin doing things in my own strength, when I want to dig out that little seed and give it some help…

HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD ME TO THE CROSS!

Lead me to the cross

Where Your love poured out

Bring me to my knees

Lord, I lay me down

Rid me of myself, I belong to You

Oh, lead me, lead me to the cross

In Jesus’ Name!

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THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL? (What is the Blessing of Abraham?)

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

GALATIANS 3:8-9: “What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.”

OBSERVATION: Does the Bible promise every believer a life of prosperity? Is the evidence of one’s faith measured by the job they hold, the house they live in, or the car that they drive? If you sow a seed into someone’s ministry, does the Bible promise you will receive a monetary or physical return of 100%?

Is this the Blessing of Abraham?

The teaching that the blessing of Abraham is a physical and financial blessing for all believers is taken from God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis.

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3 NLT)

It is then coupled with Galatians 3:9 and the promises of the Covenant that are outlined in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.

“So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.” (Galatians 3:9 NLT)

So, the conclusion drawn is this. If we walk in faith, we are released from the curse of the Law (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Galatians 3:13), and we have become the recipients of the blessings of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 28:1-4; Galatians 3:9). It is a logical flow, but is it really what the Bible is teaching?

How do we determine if a teaching is true or false? There are two tests that I always apply. Does it pass the “Whole Counsel Of God” test, and does it pass the reality test? Let’s briefly unpack these two.

First, let’s look at the REALITY TEST.

Some may object to this test, saying it does not disprove the teaching of the Prosperity Gospel, as it only illustrates the lack of faith in those who don’t receive their blessing. Yet, if a Biblical doctrine is true, then it will be true everywhere. The primary place the Prosperity Gospel thrives is in America because America is prosperous. You cannot export this teaching to a third-world country. This message does not translate to the poorest among us, nor should it. The Prosperity Gospel brings the promise of salvation by grace through faith down to the lowest common denominator.

Second, let’s look at the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD TEST.

The Prosperity Gospel does not pass the test of the Whole Counsel of God’s Word. It does not even pass the test of Galatians, chapter 3. One has to be reading this chapter through the lens of the Prosperity Gospel to even try to make it a proof text for this teaching! What does Paul proclaim as the “Blessing of Abraham” that is available to all believers?

A right standing with God by faith!

“In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.” (Galatians 3:6-7 NLT)

A full pardon from our sins!

“But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13 NLT)

The Promise of the Father – the Holy Spirit!

“Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:14 NLT)

Freedom over the power of sin in our lives!

“But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 3:22 NLT)

In a free society, like America, Christians should prosper! The transformation of the believer’s heart in Christ, a Christ-centered work ethic, honesty, love, and respect will open doors in a free society that bring tangible prosperity.

However, in other cultures, one’s faith can result in losing one’s job, position in the community, and even one’s life. They may be relegated to a position far beneath the state held before they professed faith in Jesus Christ.

The Prosperity Gospel is not taught in the Whole Counsel of God’s Word, is not found in Galatians chapter 3, and does not export to every corner of the globe. It is a distorted view of the Bible’s teachings that should be avoided.

I give thanks for all the blessings that God has brought into my life. I pray for God’s blessings upon everyone who names the name of Jesus Christ. Yet, my greatest joy, and the Blessing of Abraham that I now partake in, is the righteousness of God that has been given to me by faith in Jesus Christ’s completed work on the cross. The guarantee and evidence that I have received the blessing of Abraham is the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a promise that translates to every tribe, every tongue, and every nation!

It is the Promise of Salvation by grace through faith…ALONE!

Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to rightly divide the Word of Truth. I pray that You will keep me from doctrinal errors through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to prosper in righteousness, faith, and obedience. Thank you for all the blessings You have placed in my life. However, let them all take second place to the greatest gift of all – the righteousness that is by faith in Jesus Christ, and in Him alone!

In Jesus’ Name!

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LISTEN MORE…SPEAK LESS!

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

PROVERBS 17:27-28: “A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” NLT

OBSERVATION: Has your tongue ever gotten you into trouble? Have you ever said something that you regretted? Have you mastered the art of listening? My answers would be Yes, Yes, and No!

The tongue is a funny thing. It is one of the smallest members of the body, but it can ignite the passions of man. James speaks of the power of the tongue in his epistle.

“And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” (James 3:4-6 NLT)

When I lived in California, I had a sailboat. It was a 26 ft. sailboat that was worthy to sail on the ocean. Even though it was a large boat, it was controlled by a small rudder. The rudder is controlled by a short wooden handle called a tiller. As you sat in the cockpit of the boat, you never moved the tiller very much. Just a slight adjustment would affect the entire direction of the sailboat. So it is with the tongue.

Proverbs tells us why the tongue is so powerful. It is like a tiny spark that can set one’s whole life on fire. It can destroy friendships, shipwreck marriages, and set nations against each other in war!

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Proverbs 18:20-21)

The tongue can bring death or bring life. As children, we may have sung the little rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Yet – WORDS DO HURT! In fact, they can kill. They can kill one’s self-esteem and one’s faith. They can plant seeds of distrust and division, and they can bring out the vilest qualities in our human nature.

So what is the answer? Solomon writes,

“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:27-28)

In other words,

LISTEN MORE…SPEAK LESS!

Even-tempered people do not have to get in the last word. It is the foolish heart that always has to have something to say. It is the carnal heart that speaks before it listens. A wise person prays, as David prayed,

“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” (Psalms 141:3)

And as James exhorts, we need to learn how to listen!

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:19-20 NLT)

So, let’s put it all together. It is hard to listen. We always want to say something. Yet, speaking before we listen is what always gets us into trouble. How can we give an answer when we don’t even listen to the question? And, many times those in our lives don’t want an answer at all. They simply want an empathetic heart that will listen to their heart.

“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” (Proverbs 18:13 NLT)

I am tired of saying to myself, “I wish I didn’t say that!”. I want to be wise, prudent, and yield my tongue to the Lord Jesus Christ so that He can steer both my heart and my mouth. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Therefore, when Jesus has control of my tongue, He has control of my heart.

A yielded heart will listen more and speak less!

A yielded heart will offer words of life, only after listening.

A yielded heart will pray as David prayed…

“Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalms 19:13-14 NLT)

Heavenly Father, give me a listening heart. Put a guard over my lips and keep me from presumptuous sins. Change my heart as I yield my tongue to You. May the words of my mouth flow from the meditation of a listening heart and be pleasing to You, O Lord my Rock and Redeemer.

In Jesus’ Name!

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