Coffee With Pat Ministries

“I Raise My Hands”
Author of Devotion:
Pat Aman 3/6/2013/16/25

I listen to mostly gospel music. I do like beach music as well as 50’s, Even though I was born in 1953. I just like the oldies. I like the old time country music, because it told a story.

I was scanning the radio channels and heard this song. I fell in love with it. I did not know who the artists were, or the name of the song.

I went to Wally-World and asked someone in the music department, who sings a song about the raising hands, bowing head, and reading the words in red. A young man told me real fast that it was a Brooks and Dunn song. I told him I had to have it. So I bought it and I have played it over and over. I do not know another song on the CD, but number 8, “Believe”.

You are probably asking why I am telling you this, right?

Well have you noticed that a lot of the older country singers, and some of the new are doing gospel. I have a collection of gospel music being sung as a reunion for the older singers. On the tape, they talk about how in their older age, how much the Lord means to them. Some of them really have a testimony to what God has done for them. They also talk about how they started singing in church as a child, but soon were singing in the secular world. They also talk about God and His Word meaning more to them now.

Well, when I heard this song, I thought the same way. I have always known the Word of God. I have always depended on the Word of God, but now I am getting a little older myself, I am learning to treasure it a little more each day.

In the song, it is just an old man, telling a younger man to depend on God.

What more needs to be said. Here are the word to the song. I hope you have heard it. It is a beautiful testimony. I almost cry every time I hear it, when it comes to the part, “I raise my hands, I bow my head, I am finding more and more truth in the Words written in red. They tell me that there’s more to life than just what I can see. Oh I believe.”

Artist: Brooks & Dunn Song: Believe Lyrics:

Old man Wrigley lived in that white house Down the street where I grew up Momma used to send me over with things We struck a friendship up I spent a few long summers out on his old porch swing Says he was in the war when in the navy Lost his wife, lost his baby Broke down and asked him one time How ya keep from going crazy He said I’ll see my wife and son in just a little while I asked him what he meant
He looked at me and smiled, said (Chorus) I raise my hands, bow my head I’m finding more and more truth in the words written in red. They tell me that there’s more to life than just what I can see. Oh I believe Few years later I was off at college talkin’ to mom on the phone one night Getting all caught up on the gossip. The ins and outs of the small town life.
She said oh by the way son, old man Wrigley’s died. Later on that night, I laid there thinkin’ back. Thought ’bout a couple long-lost summers I didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. If there was ever anybody deserved a ticket to the other side It’d be that sweet old man who looked me in the eye, said (Chorus) I raise my hands, bow my head I’m finding more and more truth in the words written in red. They tell me that there’s more to life than just what I can see I can’t quote the book. The chapter or the verse. You can’t tell me it all ends In a slow ride in a hearse. You know I’m more and more convinced. The longer that I live Yeah, this can’t be No, this can’t be No, this can’t be all there is. (Chorus) When I raise my hands, bow my head I’m finding more and more truth in the words written in red. They tell me that there’s more to life than just what I can see I believe Oh, I believe I believe I believe I believe I believe.

Blessings, Prayers and Love,
Pat “ ‭ “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2025 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976……….

I do not own the rights to this song.

© Artist: Brooks & Dunn Song: Believe Lyrics

A PASSION FOR LIFE

Coffee With Pat
Written By: Pat Aman
2007/revision2025
All rights reserved

A passion for life comes from fulfilling your purpose in life. Because God is your Creator, seek Him to find your purpose and passion in life. Because most of us do not seek God nor His purpose for our lives, we become bored, tired, dishearten, depressed, self-destructive, double-minded, and aimless when going about our daily activities.

We can only have a life-long passion for life by seeking God’s purpose in our lives and making ourselves available for that purpose. 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use.” If we are not fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives, a life-long passion for life is impossible. If we choose not to make ourselves available for God’s use, we end up wallowing in sin, dishonor, purposelessness, self-destruction, and eventually eternal death separated from God forever.

We must remember that as God looks at us the body of Christ, he look at us as one. Why, because we are one body, born of one spirit. When God sees us, he sees many members parts of the body, but he see one body. He sees the body of Christ. He sees the body of anointing. We must understand it is not about God seeing all your individual needs. In fact if you read your Bible and Study, you will see you have no individual destiny outside of cooperate destiny. If you do not understand where you play in the big roll, you will not understand your individual roll. Because individual destiny is inside of cooperate destiny.

We all must work together as a church to win the world to Christ. As you work in the cooperate anointing, you will soon realize and see that God has been directing you to your purpose in life. You destiny, through the gifts that he has given you.

Do not ever think you are not important to God. He made you and placed you here on this earth to do his work. You are very special to him.

Just seek God, and he will grow your gifts, purpose and destiny. He will show you the direction he wants you to go.

2 TIMOTHY 2 BIBLE SCRIPTURE 2 Timothy 2:21, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use.”

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2025 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976.

Have Breakfast With Your Heavenly Father
Author: Pat Aman
2004rev.2025

(I Chronicles 4: 9-10) “And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bore him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed. and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me. And God granted him that which he requested.”

I have read the book “The Prayer of Jabez” Written By: Bruce Wilkinson, a billion times. I recommend this book to everyone I see. The book is only 92 pages long, but it is a book that will change you way of praying. I will give you a little history then explain what Mr. Wilkinson says about Jabez.

I Chronicles 4 start out with the Descendants of Judah; then when it gets to Jabez, it stops and the two verses above are quoted. Jabez had to be a man after God’s on heart. This is the only place in the Bible that Jabez is mention. So this prayer that Jabez said touch heaven. Clearly quotes Mr. Wilkinson”, the outcome can be traced to Jabez prayer. Something about Jabez’s simple, direct request to God changed his life and left a permanent mark on the history books of Israel. At first glance, the four requests may strike you as sincere, sensible, even noble, but not terribly remarkable. Yet just under the surface of each lies a giant paradigm breaker that runs exactly opposite to the way you and I usually think.”

In this book the Pray of Jabez’s requests can release something miraculous in your life.

I realized I was not being selfish in praying this way. God as I have said, is a good God and is just waiting to Bless his children.

In reading the Prayer of Jabez it enter my spirit, if I do not take the time to pray and spend time with my Father God as Jabez did, how can I asked God as Jabez did, “Oh that thous wouldest bless me indeed. and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me.”

I was drawn to the scriptures.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This encourages diligence and a commitment to understanding and sharing the word of God accurately.

1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing”. Which means having a consistent and open connection with God throughout the day, not just during formal prayer times

In our lives, we must seek God. We should seek Him every minute of everyday.

Each morning God prepares a feast just for you and me. He waits patiently for us to come sit at His table and get our instructions for the day. When we do not take the time to start our day with Father God, I promise you that our day will not be blessed with His mercy, love, grace, peace and direction.

Seek God daily for Wisdom, knowledge, understanding, common sense and guidance.

Yes, the Bible is our daily Bread. And Prayer is our daily conversation with our Father God. It is not just a treat on special occasions.

So, today, sit down and have breakfast with your Heavenly Father. Then you can be as Jabez and pray the simple words, “Oh that thous wouldest bless me indeed. and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me.”

And then you can watch your Heavenly Father bless you His child, just as He did for Jabez.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2025 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

What Are You Drinking?
Author: Pat Aman
February 19, 2002rev2025

This devotion comes from (John 4:13-15) “Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again. But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give them will never thirst, but the water that I shall give them will become in them a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

When you’re thirsty, nothing tastes so good as a huge drink of cool water! Of course, that water can only satisfy you for a while. Then you need another drink.

People today try to change their water to make it taste better. They buy packets of assorted flavors to make their water taste better. They buy bottles of flavored water. They also have all kinds of water with vitamins, and water to give you energy, they try to make it look good, taste good, and smell good. It may change the taste, look, and smell, but it is still water.

Satan does the same thing in our lives if we let him. He tries to make sin look good. He tries to tell us it is okay to sin. He tries to make it smell good, taste good, and look good. But people sin is sin, and there is nothing that can make sin change from sin. There is no flavor (excuse) that you can use for sinning.

But God’s Word says, “ that Jesus can give you a drink of water that would last.” He is not talking about water that comes out of the faucet. Jesus is talking about a special kind of water that we can’t see, the water of everlasting life. The life Jesus gives constantly satisfies our needs and desires. You can have the “living water” today by believing that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

One day the Lord Jesus met a woman at a well who needed this living water and He gave it to her. He told her, “you can drink of the living water and never thirst again.”

Let’s expand a little more about this special meeting. The woman at the well had a destiny. Jesus wanted to reach her no matter what He had to go through to get to her.

After preaching in Judea, Jesus decided to return to Galilee, but Jesus needed to go through Samaria. This was the shortest route from Judea to Galilee. However, in Jesus’ day, the Jews, who hated the Samaritans, normally chose a different route to avoid Samaria. But, Jesus needed to go through Samaria to reach a certain woman.

When Jesus reached Samaria, He sat by a well to rest while the disciples went into the city. When a Samaritan woman came for water, He asked for a drink. Surprised, the woman could not understand how He, being a Jew, would ask her for a drink.

The woman was shocked that a Jewish man would ask her for a drink. Local custom prohibited public conversation between men and women who were strangers and especially Jews and Samaritans.

She didn’t know that this Man was different from all others. He was Jesus, the perfect Son of God, and He loved the Samaritans! As God the Son, He loves everyone, no matter what race or color. The Bible says, “God is Love”

He loves you and me, too. He made you and He loves you much more than you can ever imagine! He created the entire world, the mountains, the oceans the trees, and flowers, everything! He is not only great, but He is holy and pure. Little did this woman know that God cared about her. She had no idea that the One asking her for a drink was Jesus, God the Son. Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

The woman misunderstood when Jesus assured her that if she knew who He was she would ask for living water. The woman understood “living water” as that which was at the deepest part of the well. But Jesus spoke about the water of everlasting life which only He could give. Whoever drinks of this water, all who believe the gospel, will be satisfied forever.

Jesus challenged the woman to consider her own sinful condition by instructing her to bring her husband. Before the woman could believe in Jesus as the One who could give her “living water” (everlasting life) she had to recognize that she was a sinner. The Bible says, “everyone is born into this world a sinner.”

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one-man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

We are not right with God on the inside and that is why we have a “spiritual thirst.” We cannot change ourselves. Because you and I are sinners, we want our own way rather than God’s way. Can you think of sometimes when we know what is right, but choose not to do it? You and I have sinned, and the Bible says the “wages of sin is death” (to be separated from God)

Romans 6:23 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

You must be willing to admit you’re a sinner and that you need the Lord Jesus to give you “living water” Jesus was trying to help the Samaritan woman see that she was a sinner.

John 4:25 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”

But we see that she tried to change the subject on Jesus. Do we do that sometimes in our life to keep from doing His will?
The woman tried to change the subject by saying, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.” “Our Fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jesus say that in Jerusalem in the place where one ought to worship.”

When the woman told Jesus, the coming Messiah would explain these things, He said, “I am He.” The woman was face to face with the Savior of the world, the Messiah. The Messiah or Christ means “Promise One” from God. Jesus was the One that people had expected since the Old Testament times. The woman knew about that promise; and now He was here, talking with her! Jesus was the perfect Son of God who would die for the sins of the entire world. He was nailed to the cross by those who hated Him. He gave His blood as an offering for sin, your sin and mine. He didn’t deserve to die because He had never sinned, but He willingly took the punishment you an did deserved. He was buried, but He didn’t stay dead! He rose from the grave, proving that His sin offering was accepted by our holy God for the sins of the entire world. Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. And the Samaritan woman was face to face with Him!

Immediately the woman believed that Jesus was truly the Messiah, and she excitedly ran to the city to tell other about Him.

We need to get excited and run and tell the world of our Messiah. Let’s take a lesson from the Samaritan woman and go tell of the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2025 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

Your Year Jubilee
Author: Pat AH Aman
1/1/2015/rev.9/18/2024

2024 – The Year Of Prayer
2025 – The Year Of Jubilee

In the biblical cycle, 50 is the yovel (jubilee) year, in which debts are released, slaves go free, the shofar of liberation is sounded, and each person returns to his or her family’s holdings.

The Year of Jubilee was a holy year and was a time of celebration, deliverance, and restoration. It was a time for:

1. Resting from labor
2. Releasing slaves
3. Redeeming what was lost
4. Helping neighbors and family
5. The land to keep a sabbath to the Lord
6. Each person returning to their ancestral possession
7. Not sowing or reaping and storing what grew of itself

According to Luke 4:18-19, Jesus declared that HE was the Year of Jubilee, and that the acceptable year of the Lord had arrived.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19, emphasis added)

As in all things, Christ comes to not only fulfill the Old Testament but also to go beyond. He is fulfilling the Old Testament Year of Jubilee but with a promise of greater freedom: freedom from death and sin.

1. Jesus’ ministry
   Jesus’ ministry was centered on the Year of Jubilee, and he announced that he was enacting it when he began his public ministry.
2. Jesus’ death
   Jesus’ death is believed to have taken place during the Year of Jubilee, which some interpret as a “year of the Lord’s favor”.
3. Jesus’ message
   Jesus’ message was about salvation and forgiveness of sins, which some interpret as a spiritual concept that came to fruition through his death and resurrection.

The Christian Jubilee Year, then, is a time to enter into this freedom. It is a time for reconciliation with God and neighbor. As we receive the graces of this year, also called a “Holy Year,” God calls us to a holiness of life, to engage in acts of mercy and conversion. While we cannot take a break from our “sowing” or “harvesting” for a year, we can find ways to dedicate this year in a special way to the Lord. Perhaps one way to begin celebrating the Jubilee Year is to turn to the Lord in his Word, strengthening our relationship with him by reading the Bible.

“For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope. God’s word helps us find reasons for that hope. Taking it as our guide, let us return to the message that the Apostle Paul wished to communicate to the Christians….

This Year of Jubilee follows the Year of Prayer in 2024

According to the Bible, the next 50th year of Jubilee would be considered to occur every 50 years, and based on current understanding, the next Jubilee year would be 2025.

The Jubilee year is found in the Book of Leviticus, where it states that every 50 years should be a year of release, where slaves are freed, debts are forgiven, and land is returned to its original owners.

‘And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years. Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family. That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field. ‘In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his possession. And if you sell anything to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor’s hand, you shall not oppress one another. According to the number of years after the Jubilee you shall buy from your neighbor, and according to the number of years of crops he shall sell to you. According to the multitude of years you shall increase its price, and according to the fewer number of years you shall diminish its price; for he sells to you according to the number of the years of the crops. Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 25:8-17 NKJV)

I leave you with one important question, “are you spending your time in prayer, preparing for your year if Jubilee?”

Blessings,
Pastor Pat…

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2024 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976.

Notes:
Spirit Filled Bible
Strongs Concordance
Matthew Henry’s Study’s
Dakes Bible Study

We’ll never look at the Lord’s prayer the same again. This is amazing and it really helps us to see what we lack in the sense of trying to live a life fully honoring the Lord!!

What does the Bible say about the importance of prayer?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7

Why is prayer so powerful?
God, our loving Heavenly Father, wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. He always listens to us when we pray. Daily prayer can bless you, your family, and those you pray for. It can also invite more peace into your life, help you learn more about God’s plan for you, and more.

“How Can I Say The Lords Prayer”
Author: Pat Aman
March 9, 2016/rev.2024

Can I say the Lord’s Prayer?
Author: Unknown
I cannot say “Our “,
if I live in a water-tight spiritual compartment; if I think a special place in Heaven is reserved for my denomination, race or creed.

I cannot say ” Father “, if I do not demonstrate the relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say ” which art in Heaven “, if I am so occupied with the earth that I am laying up no treasure there.

I cannot say ” Hallowed be Thy Name “, if I, who am called by His name, am not holy.

I cannot say ” Thy Kingdom come “, if I am not doing all in my power to hasten its coming.

I cannot say “Thy will be done “, if I am questioning, resentful of or disobedient to His will for me.

I cannot say ” on earth as it is in Heaven “, if I am not prepared to devote my life here to His service.

I cannot say ” Give us this day our daily bread “, if I’m living on past experiences.

I cannot say ” forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us”, if I harbour a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say ” Lead us not into temptation “, if I deliberately place myself, or remain in a position where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say ” Deliver us from evil “, if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.

I cannot say ” Thine is the Kingdom “, if I do not accord the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say ” Thine is the power “, if I fear what men may do; or what my neighbour may think.

I cannot say ” Thine is the glory “, if I am seeking glory for myself.

I cannot say ” Forever and forever “, if my horizon is bounded by the things of time.

I cannot say ” In Jesus Name. Amen “, if I do not also add, ” Cost what it may, ” for to say this prayer will cost EVERYTHING.

This poem is inspired by “The Lord’s Prayer” found in Matthew 6:9-13.

Matthew 6: 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Indeed prayer is not only an act of speaking, but it also means that we pray to ourloving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Matthew 22:37)

Blessings and Love,
Pastor Pat “ ‭ “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2024 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

The Power Of Forgiveness
Author: Pat Aman
September 1999/rev.2024

Matthew 18:22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Peter has asked Jesus a question about forgiving someone who sins against you. According to the laws of Judaism, they required you to forgive the same person three times for the same offense. Peter, perhaps thinking he is being generous, asks Jesus if he should forgive someone who sins against him up to seven times. Jesus says no. Instead, you must be prepared for effectively unlimited forgiveness.”

Ephesians 4:31-32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13 “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

I know you might be thinking, “Pat”, you do not understand my situation, I was wounded by someone who I trusted.”

I will say, we all have been there! Look at Judas who betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

I know personally that sometimes forgiving someone is easy, and other times it is not. I have walked in those shoes.

Do we have to forgive?

How many times should we forgive? Do we forgive everyone?

What about forgiving someone who isn’t sorry?

Or worse, what about adultery, rape, murder and abuse?

How do we forgive that?

Because forgiveness is a sign of Father God’s love and mercy. It is also a sign of our human ability to change, heal and grow.

When we forgive, we are choosing to let go of yokes of anger and resentment. Sometimes, forgiveness is not easy, but it is always worth it.

Forgiveness can lead to healing and reconciliation.

It can also help us to become better people.

But, we must remember, forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation.

Father God’s Holy Road Map, the Bible teaches us that forgiveness is a gift from God. It is an act of His grace. Forgiveness is also an act of our own will. We can choose to forgive, even when it is hard.

Forgiveness shows we are strong and brave. It takes courage to forgive. But it is always worth it.

Forgiveness is powerful because it frees us from pain and bitterness.

It is more about our relationship with Father God than the other person.

Father God forgave us, and He expects us to extend that same grace to others.

When you forgive a person, you are telling and showing others that your relationship with Father God is more important than holding onto yokes of the bondage of grudges.

Forgiveness is powerful because it is a beautiful reminder of Father God’s forgiveness He give us.

Let’s remember that healthy boundaries are always needed. The Bible is also clear on how we are to not associate with evil people.

We must always set healthy boundaries as you link arms with Father God to forgive. are called to practice patience and forgiveness in our relationships, mirroring the unconditional forgiveness offered to us by Father God through Jesus Christ. By extending forgiveness to others, we embody the love and grace of Christ in our daily lives.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2024 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976.

Servants Heart
Author: Pat AH Aman
March 30, 2011-rev.November 2023/2024

If You Cannot Serve, You Cannot Lead!

This April/May 2024, had been filled with many activities at church, ministry, home and in my personal life. I have hopefully have had a Servants Heart in serving Father God, Church, Friends and Family. I have learned that no matter your age, talents, gifts, abilities, are where you are on the ladder of life, not a one matters if you do not have a heart of a Servant.

When two disciples of Jesus requested a place of prominence in Jesus’ kingdom, Jesus instructed the disciples on the true meaning of leadership—not “lord-leadership,” but servant leadership.

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory. … ”

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

So, You May Ask, ” Why Am I Serving?”
How do my actions prevent me from servant leadership?

Often we announce a destination: “Here’s a vision; here’s what I want to do.” Then we use a delegating leadership style and don’t roll up our sleeves and get in there.

That’s what managing the journey is. Sure, it’s coming up with the vision and the direction, but then the vision must be implemented: coaching, supporting, giving directions, praising progress, and redirecting. Jesus did this well. I

Jesus wandered from one little town to another, and people would say, “How do you become first?” Jesus said, “By being last.”

People would ask him, “How do you lead?” “By following.”

Managing the journey of change is servant leadership. We must get our own personal accomplishments out of the way and praise, redirect, reprimand-anything it takes to help people win.

Billy Graham once said, “A person told him they were not being fed at their church. He quickly said, ‘do you take your spoon with you, when you go?’”

Too many people want the church to cuddle them. Instead of asking what your church can do for you, do something for your church.

Rather than viewing the church as a business to simply give you what you want, remember what Jesus told his disciples.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
– Mark 10:43-45

There are plenty of opportunities to serve the church.

The more you serve, the more likely you will feel like you are spiritually fed because you are putting your faith into action. And while becoming active you will meet more people. You will make new friend’s.

If you notice an area where your church is lacking or struggling, it may be time for you to volunteer to step in and fill that gap.

After all, it was probably God who brought the lack to your attention for a reason.

Before you write off a church and say you aren’t spiritually fed, take a look at what you are doing on your own to grow closer to God and what you could be doing in your church to serve others.

Blessings, Pat Aman
“Let all that you do be done with love.” I Corinthians‬ ‭16:14‬ ‭

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2024 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

The Shoe Man
Author: Unknown 2015/2023/24

My alarm went off
It was Sunday again.
I was sleepy and tired
My one day to sleep in.
But the guilt I would feel
The rest of the day
Would have been too much
So I’d go and I’d pray.

I showered and shaved
I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat
In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer
As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me
Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side
I thought, “Why must our soles touch?”
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine
But it didn’t bother him much.

A prayer began: “Our Father”…

I thought, “This man with the shoes
has no pride.
They’re dusty, worn, and scratched
Even worse, there are holes on the side!”

“Thank You for blessings,” the prayer went on.

The shoe man said
a quiet “Amen.”
I tried to focus on the prayer
But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren’t we supposed to look our best
When walking through that door?
“Well, this certainly isn’t it,” I thought,
Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended
And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud
Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters
His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear
The shoe man’s voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering
And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached
Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out
What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft “clink”
as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me
To tears, and that’s no lie
It was not the same for the shoe man
For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service
As is the custom here
We must greet new visitors
And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow
And wanted to meet the shoe man
So after the closing prayer
I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark
And his hair was truly a mess
But I thanked him for coming
For being our guest.

He said, “My names’ Charlie
I’m glad to meet you, my friend.”
There were tears in his eyes
But he had a large, wide grin
“Let me explain,” he said
Wiping tears from his eyes.
“I’ve been coming here for months
And you’re the first to say ‘Hi.'”

“I know that my appearance
Is not like all the rest
“But I really do try
To always look my best.
“I always clean and polish my shoes
Before my very long walk.
“But by the time I get here
They’re dirty and dusty, like chalk.”

My heart filled with pain
and I swallowed to hide my tears
As he continued to apologize
For daring to sit so near.
He said, “When I get here
I know I must look a sight.
“But I thought if I could touch you
Then maybe our souls might unite.”

I was silent for a moment
Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison
I spoke from my heart, not my head.

“Oh, you’ve touched me,” I said,
“And taught me, in part;
“That the best of any man
Is what is found in his heart.”

The rest, I thought,
This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am
That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

Matthew 25;42-46
““But when the Son of Man comes in His glory and majesty and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him [for judgment]; and He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right [the place of honor], and the goats on His left [the place of rejection]. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’ “Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Leave Me, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (demons); for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me [with help and ministering care].’ Then they also [in their turn] will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will reply to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these [my followers], you did not do it for Me.’ Then these [unbelieving people] will go away into eternal (unending) punishment, but those who are righteous and in right standing with God [will go, by His remarkable grace] into eternal (unending) life.””
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