Coffee With Pat Ministries

“Is God Listening?”
Author: Pat Aman

March 30, 2011 – 3:04 am

Prayer is the means by which we take our perplexities to the Father. But do you get the feeling that some people have God’s listening ear better than you do? I love the letter the little boy wrote to God in which he admitted he knew God heard prayers, but he wanted to know when God would be listening especially hard to prayers. In other words he was asking God is there a certain day that you handle prayer for different situations?

I think one of the problems we encounter in praying is that we are inclined to dictate to God what our preferences are. If we have already made up our minds, we may not hear Him when He speak!

As Mark 4: 23 -24 says, “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear…Take heed what ye hear.”

“Listen to what you hear,” He is saying, “You think there is a shortage of my messages, my answers to your prayers? Unplug your ears!”Perhaps our biggest problem is not that we haven’t and don’t hear; if we will be honest we might have to confess that we aren’t always ready to listen! We may have heard but we just do not want to obey. Too think God may have made a mistake. In other words we are saying, “God are you sure?”

Catherine Marshall in her classic Adventures in Prayer speaks of “The Prayer of Relinquishment.” She say, ” A demanding spirit, with self-will as its rudder, blocks prayer….Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, I come to see, is the pattern for us. Christ could have avoided the cross…. Christ used His free will to turn the decision over to His Father. He said, “Dear Father…all things are possible to you. Let me not have to drink this cup! Yet it is not what I want but what you want.’ She emphasizes that there is no resignation in Prayer of Relinquishment. This kind of praying doesn’t slam the door on hope. It’s called “the pliability of an obedient heart.”

Sometimes you as I also maybe faced with the problem, Lord, I just do not know how to pray about this problem.

Praise God, that is not a problem to God. Thanks to the Holy Spirit everybody is equal before God in prayer. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, in our improper understanding, and conveys from our hearts to God’s heart what is really there, that which is impossible for us to put into words anyway!”

Friends, God knows our needs before we ever bring them to Him. He is just waiting for us to see if we are ready to turn our life situations over to Him completely.

In other words, “Lord, here I am, I am yours, and I am willing to follow your ways for my life.

Sending to You and Your Family,
Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman
Devotion Written March 30, 2011- By: Pastor Pat AH Aman

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2021 “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……….

Study Notes: The New King James Bible

I Thirst For You Lord
Author: Pat Pat AH Aman

I Thirst For You Lord should be our daily desire.

I know as for myself, if I had not been drenched in the presence of Father God this week I would not been able to make decisions that must of been handled.

I was not expecting to have to replace my entire master bathroom and bedroom floor. And our precious neighbor who volunteered to work on it, did not expect to have to do the extent of repair that would be needed. But, he has worked far and beyond to get it done correctly. I can guarantee that those two rooms will be standing for a long time.

There are so many things we have to face daily, but without Father God, we would fall smack on our faces.

And if Father God is holding our hands, we should never fear of walking blindly into any situation that arises.

Just as you thirst for Father God. He thirst for you.

We need to daily start our morning with Father God. He really wants to talk to us.

In the Bible we read of David calling on Father God over and over.

“Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant. (Psalms 143:1, 6, 8, 12)

David never doubted his Father God’s ability to direct him.

Even when David fell right on his face, he knew that Father God would pick him up, dust his britches off, give him a smack on his backside and send him along his way.

Because David knew if he continued to thirst for Father God, that Father God would continue to pour living waters into him.

David, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in (him) you, (would) will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)”

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2021 “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……….

Will You Take The Son?
Author: Pat Aman

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: ‘The son, the son, who’ll take the son?’ Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

Eternal life begins here and now. Until the moment we pray the prayer of faith we are dead. When we come to know God and Jesus Christ his Son it is then that we are “reborn” and begin a new life as a part of God’s family. Jesus even shares some of what we can expect to find when we meet him in Heaven.

The price for your life has already been paid. Jesus Christ died on a old rugged cross, for you.

John 14: 2-3 says, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Jesus has prepared a home for us in Heaven where we get to exist with him for eternity.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:9-11, 13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today I would asked you one simple question, are you ready to have eternal life? Jesus is waiting for you to answer His call.

Do not let satan win the bid. Because Jesus has already paid the ultimate price for your soul. He paid it with His life.

Matthew 11:28-30″Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

1 Peter 1:10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Who Will Take The Son?
Author: Unknown

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, ‘Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.’ The young man held out this package. ‘I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.’

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. ‘Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.’

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son The auctioneer pounded his gavel. ‘We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?’ There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, ‘We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.’ But the auctioneer persisted. ‘Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?’

Another voice angrily. ‘We didn’t come to see this painting.
We came to see the Van Gogh’s, the Rembrandt’s. Get on with the real bids!’ But still the auctioneer continued. ‘The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?’

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. ‘I’ll give $10 for the painting.’ Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. ‘We have $10, who will bid $20?’ ‘Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.’ ‘$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?’ The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. ‘Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!’

A man sitting on the second row shouted, ‘Now let’s get on with the collection!’The auctioneer laid down his gavel. ‘I’m sorry, the auction is over.’ ‘What about the paintings?’ ‘I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!’

OVERCOMING GRIEF WITH DEATH AND WITHOUT DEATH

Author: Pat Aman

September 2, 2020

We all suffer grief. Whether it be grief of someone’s death, or unusual circumstances we do not understand.

We all know that so far the year 2020, well, has been worse than ripping a Band-Aid off.

Joe and I have been turned upside down in this year

2😢2😯…..

My precious sister who lived a long life of a Godly woman took her Heavenly Journey home. Her assignment here on earth was completed but, because of the corona virus, the family could only have a graveside service with 10 people. Yes, we should have been able to have a celebration of her home going, but instead we continue to grieve, because we were not able to have closure. Oh no, we would not be selfish to want her back, because she is healed and walking with Jesus. One day we will have a celebration of her life, talking over loving memories of years and time gone by.

Please celebrate the lives of your loved ones while they are living. Enjoy them, visit them, celebrate them while you still have them with you. I can say, Joe and I did those things with my precious sister to the very end. God allowed me to spend 15 days with her at the beginning of 2020. Never throw away the blessings Father God has blessed you with, by placing people in your life. For myself I know Father God can call them away in the twinkle of an eye.

I guess writing this article is a way for my grief to heal. Because the first week of April 2020, is when my sister walked into the arms of Jesus, my heart has been totally broken. I miss my sister so very much.

Joe himself has dealt with her Homegoing. Oh, he loved her so very much. He always said, she was the sister he never had, and he loved talking and just being himself around her.

The company he has worked with for 32 years had him on furlough from March – August 1st.

But, now that he is traveling again, I would feel so lost if not for my Father God, and our loving daughters.

And I will let you know the church people will not always be there for you. Why? Because they sometimes forget that Christians suffer, and fight battles with grief. And the stigma of Christians battling grief and depression would be an embarrassment. Christians are not supposed to deal with those issues.

Well folks, that is a lie from the pits of hell.

All people including Christians, deal with some kind of grief. Sometimes grief without death is the hardest. When you lose someone by death you have the eternal hope of being reunited with them again one day in Heaven. But when you have people you have loved unconditionally, walk away from your life without a cause, it can rip your heart apart.

I will say when that type of grief happens, do not let it beat you down. It is usually the other person dealing with things in their life that they are ashamed of and want to hide it from you. They think you will be disappointed with them. So, they will lie to you and make up stories that they want you to believe. In other words, covering up the truth. When in reality you would be prouder of them for seeking help and guidance.

People need to understand that to defeat grief of any kind, we must read God’s Word, Pray and seek God’s direction for your life. Sometimes you have to seek medical assistance, and that should not be an embarrassment or shame.

Realizing you have a problem and seeking help is the first step to recovery and winning the battle over grief.

There are many reasons why grief might come to you. The best thing you can do is to acknowledge it. Grief requires time and a process.

We all have experienced other kinds of losses, and we feel confused about the feelings we are experiencing can be absolutely traumatic at times.

Grief is defined as “deep sorrow.” And death is not always the cause of that grief.

Grief can be caused by divorce.

Loss of a job.

Health Problems and Concerns.

Loss of a friend or friendships.

Addictions.

Being wrongly accused, and so many other life’s ups and downs.

There are many circumstances that can lead to grief trauma. It can be out of control, consuming you like a wildfire. But, we must realize that Father God knows what is best.

Our Heavenly Father included grief as a way to heal. Just as laughter, happiness, and sadness are all a part of emotional healing.

The Bible has over 275 scriptures with over 50 dealing directly with grief. I will share just a few…..

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

2 Corinthians 1:1-3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; …

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Please if you are dealing with grief, do not be ashamed. Seek help.

For God’s Word say, ”Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” III John 1:2

There are signs that you are consumed by grief.

If you feel any of these items below, please do not try to handle it alone.

• Guilt

• Anger

• Confusion or denial

• Depression

• Social isolation

• Uncharacteristic thoughts, behaviors or decisions

• Uncontrollable emotions (crying for no reason)

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or getting too much sleep

• Stomach aches and changes in eating habits

• Headaches

• Increased stress

Turn to Father God and seek His will for your life. He is waiting for you with open arms.

And please do not be ashamed to seek medical attention.

For God has promised us in His Word, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2020 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” and Westbow Press a division of Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

May not be copied without authorization of Author and Publishers…..

NO NO NO, Don’t Send Me No Chain
Author: Pat Aman

My Chains are broken, I been set free. So, don’t send me any chains to put a yoke around me….

Chain letters and messages are of Satan. It is Satan way of getting us to practice witchcraft. Anything that tells me to do something or I will lose or get a blessing, is satanic.

Witchcraft is from the devil and anyone who practices it will not enter into Heaven. It is an abomination to God!

When you start dabbling in witchcraft you open yourself up to demons and demonic influences which will indeed harm you.

Satan is very crafty and we must never let him take control of our lives. He tries to sneak in your life by making sin look good. Even whispering, “oh it is fun to read your horoscope, or your fortune cookie. It is just fun…

Then we have people saying what that zodiac sign is. Even little things on Facebook to tell you of the future.
People letting their children play video games full of witchcraft. Teaching their children how to destroy and murder.

People watching things on TV that keep sin in their life.

What goes in your spirit will slowly show in your mouth and actions. As they say, “ what comes in, eventually come out.”

As Christians we need to stop dealing in witchcraft.

If you know anyone who is involved in witchcraft try to help them to save their life, but if they refuse your help, stay away from that person.

Even though Christians don’t need to fear it, Satan is very powerful so we must stay away from all evilness and things of the occult.

The only way someone can read all these Scriptures and still think that witchcraft is OK is if you didn’t read them at all. Repent! Throw away all occultic items!

Christ can break any bondage to witchcraft. If you are not saved, asked God into your heart and repent of your sins. If you are saved, repent and ask God for forgiveness.

The devil try’s to sneak in and tells us we better do this or that, are we will lose something or not get a blessing.

Well, God is in charge of His children’s blessings, and He gives and does not take away. So, we cannot lose anything that God has purposed for us and our family.

I love each of you and each of you are wonderful friends. But, I do not send anything out that is a chain type message, and deals with witchcraft.

I do daily devotion on

1. http://coffeewithpat.com
2. Coffee With Pat FB
3. Pat Aman FB
   That keeps me pretty well deep in Bible study and prayer, plus just my daily routine of keeping the family moving forward.

Always, remember if you need me just continue to IM me, or call me.
BUT, NO CHAIN LETTERS OR MESSAGES!!!!!

1 Chronicles 10:13-14 So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD’s command, and he even consulted a medium instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars–their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Galatians 5:19-21 Now the actions of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, rivalry, jealously, outbursts of anger, quarrels, conflicts, factions, envy, murder, drunkenness, wild partying, and things like that. I am telling you now, as I have told you in the past, that people who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2020 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” and Westbow Press a division of Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

A Cold Stale Cup Of Coffee
Author: Pat Aman

I was in the grocery store a few days ago, and I was looking at all the flavors of coffee creamer they have to sale. There is Hazelnut, Irish Cream, Mocha, Vanilla, on and on.

Now I do not like my coffee black, but it does not matter because I add my coffee to my protein powder each morning.

I like a little flavor with my coffee.
And I like a little flavor in my life.

I really like to drink coffee with a friend or couple of friends because you can laugh, talk and let them keep filling that cup of coffee and your cup of life with the pleasure of friendship.

And as long as you sit there, the hostess will keep pouring more into that cup, until you are overflowing.

You know that is why we need to talk to God everyday and read His word. When we do He will always puts more favor in our life. He will just keep filling that cup with more and more of His love, His thoughts, His wisdom, filling us with the Holy Spirit, and every blessing He has to pour into our cup. He adds all kinds of flavor.

2 Timothy 2:15″ Study to show yourself approve a workman that be not afraid”
When you study God’s word, you will be overflowing in Him. overflowing so much, until you have to go share it with someone else.

When you are overflowing with God, then there is no room for satan and his demons to try to move in.

We need to also gather together with God’s people. Going to church is important. It also puts flavor in our lives.

Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Being together with others help stir up love and the works of God in our lives. When we stay alone and by ourselves we grow weak, and the problems of life overwhelm us. That is when satan will try to put all manner of thoughts in our mind.

This is hard for Joe and I since I am an Ordained Minister/Evangelist.

We miss attending and fellowshipping with our home church so often because of us traveling sharing the Word of God with others. But we do get filled with the blessings of meeting so many people and sharing God Word with them.

When my mama was alive she and my sister would go to several churches. They would go to the Methodist Church on Sunday for the 8:30 service, then to the Baptist Church where they are members for Sunday School and the main church service. And they also attended the Assemblies of God for revivals, singings, and special service.

Now they were not church jumping. They just enjoy getting the flavor of all God’s people.

It did not matter the denominational name as long as it was a Bible believing church.

See, it does not matter what religion you chose to call yourself, just as long as you can call yourself a Christian.
There will be NO denominations in Heaven.

I have a quote that I quote often,

“When you leave this world, that denominational tag you wear on your lapel will either fly off as you go up, or burn off, on the way down.” Pat Aman

Please where ever you decide to call your church home, JUST do it.

Gather together with God’s people. And let your cup overflow with the love of God.

I asked you today, did you have coffee with God? Did you get your coffee cup (Spirit) filled and renewed up with new flavors?

You cannot pour (give) out what you do not have inside of you. You must seek God daily so you can get refreshed and renewed. Nothing is as bad as a stale or cold cup of coffee (christian).

And nothing is as bad as someone who calls themselves a Christian yet never seeks God. They are just a old cold stale cup of coffee.

Someone is hurting today and they need to see Jesus in you.

So seek God and let Him pour into your coffee cup (soul) a manna of fresh steaming wisdom, knowledge, understanding, commonsense, grace, mercy and hope. Get refreshed today.

Sit and stay awhile with Him, and I promise you that you will feel refreshed and renewed.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2020 “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 Am Not Afraid Of Cows
Author: Pat Aman

I was drinking my coffee, yes decaf, and thinking about a vacation the family had taken several years ago.

We had two small dogs, Sara and Katy, that we took with us, everywhere. They behaved better than many children do.

Sara was reddish brown and looked like a fox. I even taught her to say, “I Love You.”

They lived a long healthy lives, but they both went to Rainbow bridge about nine years ago.

We had gone to my mother’s, in Louisiana, and it being a farming area of course there were cows in the pasture around the house.

As we were driving up to the house one cow in particular liked to jump the fence. And on that day the cow was out of the pasture.

Our dog, Sara, had never seen a cow.

Boy, was she ready to find out what that funny looking thing was. We let her out of the car, and away she ran, chasing the cow until it jumped the fence and went back into the pasture.

Now let me tell you, Sara thought she was the big dog. If there had been a prideful look, she had it. “Just look what I have done. I chased that thing right back where it belongs!”

The next day, the cow was again out of the pasture, so we thought we would let Sara chase her again. And Sara was more than ready.

This time we got the movie camera out. We wanted this on tape. You know, funniest home videos.

Well, we let Sara out and away she ran, chasing that cow right back into the pasture. And we all thought including Sara that was supposed to be what happened.

Instead, the cow stopped, turned around, and started back toward Sara.

When this happened, she lost all her bravery. She immediately laid down on her back and put her legs up in the air. Total submission to the cow. Or maybe she thought if I act dead, that thing will just go away.

We all had a good laugh and Sara did not care for chasing cows any longer.

Now you know that there is a devotion somewhere in this story.

I got to thinking about the situation.

When everything is going good, we are brave hearted. We laugh and tell the devil where to go.

But when the cow the devil attacks us, we, like Sara, turn and act defeated, just hoping that if we play dead, and do not do anything, he will just go away. In other words, we give total submission to the devil. And that is when he can take our lives and destroy us.

But that is not the case. (Ephesians 6:12) says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Yes, satan and his demons do try to attack us daily.

This is the reason we need to read our Bibles and stay in prayer daily.

Remember, Jesus defeated satan in the wilderness by saying, “It is written, satan, you shall not temp the Lord your God.” See, we have to use the word of God on Satan.

Ephesians 4:27 says, “Neither give place to the devil.”

If we stay in fellowship with God, then the devil does not have a place in our lives to attack us.

When you are filled with the word of God, there is no room for satan or his demons.

But when we get out of fellowship with God, then we open ourselves up to every attack that satan can throw at us.

See, if Sara had been raised on a farm, then she would have known what to do.

She would have had control over that cow. But, instead of her ruling the cow, the cow had rule over her.

Some of us have been raised in the church, and we know what is right. We know how to defeat satan, but we back down.

Why?

We have gotten out of fellowship with God. We are not reading our Bibles daily and praying.

Right now, you need to make a decision that you are going to set things straight.

Right now, put satan, that old cow back where he belongs, out to pasture, and out of your life.

Then fill your spirit daily with fellowship with God. Read your bible and pray.

Then, when the cow comes after you, you will be able to send him back to the pasture.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2020 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” and Westbow Press a division of Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

Encourage One Another
Author: Pat Aman

“Christians are to be encouragers and not discouragers. Pat Aman

In our churches and our world today, we need to be encouragers–building one another up, inspiring one another, and strengthening one another in our faith. God has called Christians to be encouragers:

1 Thessalonians . 5:11 “Encourage one another and build each other up.”

Hebrews10:25 “Let us encourage one another…”

Hebrews 3:13 “Encourage one another daily…”

Although God has commanded us to encourage one another, sometimes, we do just the opposite.

Since we are human beings, at times, we…Discourage one another instead of encouraging one another.

We seem to concentrate on people’s weaknesses and faults instead of their strengths.

We seem criticize others instead of complimenting them on their good qualities. And we seem to tear down instead of building up.

Lets look at two reason we should be encouragers and not discouragers.

Why should we be an encourager?

Because being an encourager, we can change someone’s life!

In Acts 13:5 – When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper, a young man named John Mark was an enthusiastic worker for the Lord. In fact, he loved God so much that he accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. However, along the way, John Mark decided to return home and leave the missionary effort.

Acts 15:36-40 – Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. Barnabas wanted to invite John Mark to join them for another journey, but Paul did not want too. As a result, the partners went separate ways, Barnabas with Mark and Paul with Silas.

Can you imagine how devastating it was for Mark when Paul refused to let him go on the next missionary journey? He could have been so discouraged that he quit the ministry or even gave up on God. However, Barnabas (Son of Encouragement) stood beside his friend John Mark despite his past failure and encouraged him in the work of the Lord. He lifted John Mark up and gave him another chance and inspired him to continue in the ministry. Barnabas’ encouragement changed John Mark’s life.

Think about it, what would have happened if Mark had quit? We probably wouldn’t have the Gospel according to Mark.

Each time we encourage someone, it may change the course of his or her life.

To often we can diagnose people unfairly and label them a failure. Moreover, we treat them as failures. However, in reality, we should believe in and encourage them and when we do, we can change the course of their lives.

How can we encourage others?

We need to look for the best in people and not the worst.

We all have weaknesses. No one is perfect. And since we are all frail human beings, we could pick each other to death with criticism.

But if we look at people’s strengths and good qualities, we will enjoy each other and build each other up.

We cannot dwell on people’s weaknesses, but instead we should focus on their good qualities!

If we look for the best in people and not the worst, we will always find something good in everyone.

We must look for opportunities to encourage others.

When someone does something good in your eyes, simply tell them.

It will make a world of difference to that individual.

If you enjoyed someone’s prayer, tell them.

If someone becomes a Christian, encourage him or her in their faith.

If someone at your work does a good job, give them a pat on the back.

If your children do something good, give them praise. Children constantly need encouragement because it builds up their self-worth and importance.

Brethren, we need to be a people of encouragement! The Bible commands us to do this. By being an encourager, we can change someone’s life, and we can build people’s self-worth.

It is so easy to get caught up in tearing others down. But this mindset is worthless. There is nothing good that can come out of discouraging others. So if you are constantly tearing people down, it is time to stop it and start building them up with kind words of encouragement.

When we leave this earth, do we want to be remembered as encouragers or discouragers?

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2020 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” and Westbow Press a division of Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976…

Do What?

Author: Pat Aman

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

 Why are people always so quick to put the blame on God?

“God is too wise to ever make a mistake and too loving to ever be unkind…” Duane Pederson…

 2 Corinthians 12:7. ” And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me. 9. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

 God did not want Paul to exalt himself through the abundance of revelations given him, so He permitted him to have the thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.   

I am going to give you the simplest explanation of the thorn in the flesh that is possible.  It was  “the messenger, pronounced anggelos meaning angel of Satan. Anggelos is translated angel 179 times and messenger 7 times.     It is never translated disease or physical infirmity and never means any such thing.  An angel of Satan, one of the spirit beings, which fell with him, followed Paul and buffeted him when he was tempted to become exalted. 

2 Corinthians 11:23. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 25. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26. I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been

cold and naked. 28. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Paul lists in the above scriptures some of the things that this angel caused him to go through to keep him humble.  There is not a disease in the whole list.  Paul’s thorn must be understood in the same sense as the scriptures below, where the same thorn, if found in the Scriptures there. Were those giants and enemies of Israel diseases in their sides or the cause of their wars and other kinds of suffering?

Now, I know everyone has the right to his or her own beliefs.  But I can tell you that God does not, and will never give someone a disease or sickness.

God himself tells us in His Word how we need to take care of our bodies spiritually and physically. 

Sometimes we ourselves do not remember this, and when we do not take care of ourselves things will happen. But, that is our own doings, not God. We sure cannot blame it own God.  I also know that we, just as Jesus, and just as Paul told Timothy, that as a servant of Jesus Christ that we will have hardships.

These hardships come to remind us to be humble. Also, to keep us in line with God’s Word.  If not we would soon take God out of the picture and start believing we are the savior of our life, and not Jesus…

2 Timothy 2: 1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

 Remember we are free agents and God is a gentleman and will not force us to do anything that we do not want to do.  He gives us guidance and direction, but it is up to us the path we choose.

I do not know about you, but I choose not to be sick.  Jesus died that I might be well and healthly.

(Numbers 33:55 ” ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live.

Ezekiel 28:24 ” ‘No longer will the people of Israel have malicious neighbors who are painful briers and sharp thorns. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.

If I can do anything, I hope that I can get you to search the scriptures and let God talk to you.  God Bless each of you.

Pastor Pat

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2020 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” and Westbow Press a division of Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976….