Coffee With Pat Ministries

“God’s Promises to Protect His Children”

Devotional Author: Pastor Pat Aman/November 2, 2015,  © 1996/2015 Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible

Nahum, whose name means, “Comforter” or “Full of Comfort,” is unknow except the brief caption that opens his prophecy. His identification an “Elkoshite” does not greatly, since the location of Elkosh is uncertain. Capernaum, the city in Galilee so prominent in the ministry of Jesus, means “Village of Nahum,” and some have speculated, but without solid proof, that its name derives from the prophet. He prophesied to Judah during the reigns of Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah. His comtemporaries  were Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah.

In Nahum 3: 8-10, the prophet recounts the fate of the Egyuptian city of Thebes destroyed in 663B.C. and other cities such as Nineveh’s. So the following is a prophecy of what God will do it His people do not repent and come back to Him.

`A key test of faith for God’s people comes when God judges the nations around them. For Christians, this can mean that God may judge the nation in which they live. He is able to protect and spare His people from judgement that fall even on their neighbors.

Nahum chapter one shows us how God will save a repented people, destroy an unrepented people

In verse 7, shows us that we should trust that God is good! He is a place of safety for us when we are in trouble. He is faithful to care for those who trust Him to do so.

In verses 12-13, We need to believe that God is willing and able to deliver us from any bondage. Know that He will eventually stop any attack upon us.

And in verse 18, we must hear and believe the good news of deliverance from our soul’s enemy through Jesus Christ.

1 A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

The Lord’s Anger Against Nineveh

¹² This is what the Lord says:

Job is a job

Job 1:1

1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Job 42 1:13

42 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,

2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.

3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

7 And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded them: the Lord also accepted Job.

10 And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.

12 So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.

14 And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.

15 And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.

16 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations.

17 So Job died, being old and full of days.

Trying to have the patience of Job is a job for sure. I am learning this right now, but a good friend of mine told me this week something I have forgotten. She said, “There is always a test before the testimony.

Well, it hit me that my daughter will have a heck of a testimony to give honor to God for the great thing He has done in her life. She has gone through several surgeries on her eye, and now we are trusting God and believing.

In reading Job, I saw that God trusted Job enough to know that his servant would never fall away from Him.

When satan asked God to let him test the trueness of Job, God allowed him to test Job. But, God said you cannot take his life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face. The LORD said to Satan, Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life (Job 2:5-6).

As we all know the story, Job lost everything he had, all but a big mouth wife and three good for nothing friends.

And in the end if Job had not prayed for his friends, blessing his friends, God would have taken wrath against them. But Job still have compassion on them, and pleaded to God for them.

God told Job’s friends, “8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.”

Job’s friends talk bad against Job and against God. But, Job was a Godly man and did not want harm to come to his friends.

Job said,”But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold,” JOB 23:10.

Job was saying, My faith will be tried. How? Will I obey under extreme circumstances? Will I show love to my brethren even though they do not show love to me? The Lord allows that trial to try our faith so we have proof of the obedience of faith.

I will tell you now, sometimes my faith is not where is should be, but that does not stop me from seeking God, for I know He is the finisher of my faith.

I can hear you know, Pastor Pat you pray for people, do you not have the faith to know God will heal them?

Hey, I do what God tells me to do. I Pray. It is not my faith that makes a person hold, it is their faith and the grace of God above. I just must be faithful to what God has call me to do. And yes, I know God heals and will continue to do miracles in our lives.

God sent His Son Jesus to died on the cross for us. He died so we might live.

Jesus told us in John chapter 14 great promises and rules to follow.

John 14: 10 – 21

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Jesus told us that He was leaving but He was leaving us a comforter, the Holy Spirit. He was adamant when He said, “you shall do the same things I shall do, but greater things shall you do in my name, so my Father in heaven will be glorified.”

He was giving us His Power of Attorney, yes, His POA to lay hands on one another and pray in Jesus Name, and whatever the need be would be accomplished in them.

Remember, not us doing it, we are just the vessel He is using to give honor and praise to His Father in Heaven. But we must be obedient.

I also know God is in control of our lives. That is why we have the book of Job, to show us that there are reasons for and purposes in these trials and sufferings that we do not see. Job could not see what was going on behind the scenes, and neither can we. And yet God knows. He has a purpose, and it is a proper and right purpose that will end up manifesting more fully the love and compassion of His heart. The test of every trial is always to this end.

And God will never leave or forsake you. He would not have allowed this path you are walking if He did not know you were strong enough to handle it. In other words He is kicking the old devil in the face and showing him that you are steadfast.

This should show you how important you are to God.

So, now I asked you this very important question?

Are you doing the job of Job?

It maybe hard, but the pay and benefits in the end will be worth it all. Just stand still and know God is God.

Job 42:12

So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning:

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman

Also, please know that:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with Joy.
Philippians 1: 3-4

I end each message with “My Blessings, Love & Prayers,” I truly mean that, and I pray for each of you every morning and evening.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”

Bible Verses: The New King James Bible

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is © 1996 – 2015 by Coffee With Pat.
Please do not take any of the graphics or written content without written permission.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭

Do you have a listening heart?

As a Certified Licensed Counselor, I learned fast to listen with my heart and not just my ears.

When you listen with just your ears, you hear what is being said and then your mind starts thinking of things you may have gone though, and you stop listening, because you cannot wait until the person pauses long enough so you can start talking and soon you are telling your life’s story, and not listening to the one that you are counseling.

First, the person talking needs to be heard. They need words of wisdom and spiritual advice.

They do not need to be beaten down and told that they are awful for having problems or sickness. And yes, they may NOT even need Bible Verses to slap them in the face. (Yes, the time for God’s word will come, in God’s timing.

And if they, for example, they tell you that they lost an eyelash, they do not need to hear that your boo boo is bigger, that you lost two eyelashes.

I have visited the sick in the hospitals and persons in Nursing Homes, and I will tell you now, they do not want to hear that you had the same thing or bigger happen to you. They want you to share hope, and faith with them.

If you are visiting in the hospital make your visits short. The patient does not feel like talking. And if they want to talk, you sit there and listen, because they are needing to share their concerns, not listen to yours.

They need a listening heart, compassion, love and sometimes tough love, but they do not need to hear that your problems are bigger then theirs.

They do not need to hear about your problems at all. Yes, sometimes you need to just listen with not only your ears, but, your heart.

I promise you that one day you will get to share your testimony and how you made it, when the time is right.

But, again, sometimes it is best to just listen. You will find out more, my just being a listener.

See, I do not know it all, and I never will. But, I have known people whom have an answer for everything.

If you asked my advice and God has given me wisdom and knowledge to share, I will share my thoughts with you.

If I do not have an answer, I will tell you, I do not know, but, give me a couple of days and I will see if I can find the answer to your question.

But, I will try my hardest to listen to a person or persons when because they have entrusted their thoughts, heart and soul with me.

I will listen not only with my ears, but, my heart, because,

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭

God Bless Each of You,
Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat

Devotion Written By: Pat Aman
October 1, 2015

Rights Reserved
Coffee With Pat Ministries
©1996-2015

All this week, I have awoken and gone to bed with the song, “In His Presence,” in my spirit.  The words are as follows:

In the Presence of Jehovah
God almighty, Prince of Peace,
Troubles vanish,
Hearts are mended,
In the presence of the King.

You may know this song, if so, then sing it, and listen to the words.  If you do not know it, just read the words and realize what it is saying.

When you are praising God, or even on your knees in prayer, when you are in His presence, everything will be alright. All your cares, brokenness, troubles and trials will disappear.

Why? Because when you are in the arms of God, you are not trying to deal with these circumstances yourself.  You are letting God do His job.

(Psalm 91:1) says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

This is the simple answer, God keeps ALL of His promises.  His word does not lie.  God is willing and ready to do His part.  And that is to take care of us.  Watch over us and as His children, mend our brokenness and make all of our troubles vanish.

So write now, jump into the arms of God.  Go into His presence, and let Him love and take care of you.
Love and Prayers
Pat.

Devotion Written By: Pat Aman​
September 10, 2004
Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible

If You Cannot Serve, You Cannot Lead!

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.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pat

Devotion Written March 30, 2011- By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible

The Spiritual Gifts for Believers

Author: Pastor Pat Aman

I am reviewing and studying the Gifts of the Spirit for the thousandth time, so I thought I would share my study with you. AND, several have asked me about Cali stories. As a writer it has to hit you to write. I started another Adventures With Cali, but, right now to busy to work on it. I promise I will get back to it.  God bless each of you

I truly believe the church is in the last days. This world is worst than Sodom and Gomorrah. I have said many times, that if God does not come soon, He will need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Word of God tells us that in the last days there will be an outbreak of Revival in the world, but, there will also be a faster an stronger work of satan because he knows his time is short.

As a people of God, we must be ready and willing to grow the church. We must be about our Father’s Business.

Yes, there will be more manifestation of the Spirit in the church which are the disciples of God. Get ready! Our work has just begun.

1 Corinthians 12:7, “But, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” The Holy Spirit is namifested through a variety of spiritual gifts given to believers. These manifestations of the Spirit are intended for the upbuilding  and sanctification of the church. They are not the same as the gifts and ministries mentioned in Romans 12:6-8, whereby a believer receives the power and ability to minister in a more permanent manner in the church.

Romans 12:6-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

The manifestations of the Spirit are given according to the will of the Spirit when need arises and according to the earnest desire of the believer.

Some gifts may be manifested through an individual on a regular basis, and a believer may have more than  one gift to minister to particular needs. The believer ought to desire “gifts,” not just one gift.

1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 31

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Unity and Diversity in the Body

¹² Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

¹⁵ Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸ But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹ If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, ²⁴ while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, ²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ²⁸ And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

It is unscriptural and unwise to assume that because someone exercises a spectacular gifts, that person in more spiritual then one who has less spectacular gifts. Furthermore, possessing a gift does not mean that God approves of all a person does or teaches. Spiritual gifts must not be confused with the fruit of the spirit that relates more directly to Christian character and sanctification.

The Spirit’s manifestation through gifts may be counterfeited by Satan or false workers disgustising themselves  as servants of Christ. The believer must not believe every spiritual manifestation, but ought to “try the spirits whether thay are of God; because many false propherts are gone out into the world.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”

Bible Verses: The New King James Bible

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is © 2006 – 2015 by Coffee With Pat, and/or their Respected Authors
Please do not take any of the graphics or written content without written permission. Thank you for being kind and honest, and for respecting copyright laws.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Can a Minister have close friends?

See, as a Minister myself, there are times we need to talk to someone besides just God.

But, who can we trust with our private thoughts, emotions and personal lives?

Yes, we have our spouse, but, even our spouse needs a confident person to vent their feelings.

Still if I talk to someone in the church about things, what will happen?

I read an article and it had a startling quote in there from H.B. London, head of pastoral ministries for Focus on the Family. He disclosed that “at least 70 percent of pastors in the United States claim they have no friends.”

This is absolutely heartbreaking and unacceptable to me. No wonder most pastors don’t make it in ministry long. So why don’t they develop friends?

There’s tons of reason but here’s a few that come to my mind.

1) False Expectations: Many want their pastor to be friendly to everyone but close to no one!

2) False Assumptions: Many pastors have been told “You can’t EVER, EVER, trust people because they’ll use things you share with them against you one day.” (Side Note: Didn’t seem to stop Jesus.)

3) False Accusations: Many pastors will be criticized if they have close friends. If a normal person has close friends we call it healthy. If a pastor has close friends we call it a “clique.”

Pastors, don’t fall for it. You’ve been created for deep connectedness like everyone else. Develop and cultivate your close friendships (and encourage your spouse to do the same). You’ll need them. Every single one of them!“

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.”John 15:13-17

According to the New Testament Bible, Jesus said that His friends were those who kept His word, His sayings, and obeyed the things that He commanded (see the Gospel of John chapter 15). He also stated that His disciples, followers, were His friends. This includes the twelve disciples closest to Him, and those who were not included in that twelve such as Martha, Mary, Lazarus. Several women were also His friends in a sisterly way and they ministered to Him i.e. they would have helped Him with meals, sowing needs and such like. Their names were Susanna, Joanna, Mary (We see this in Luke 8:3). Those who follow Jesus are His friends—and the New Testament makes it clear that this includes those who follow Him today by obeying Him.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman

Also, please know that:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with Joy.
Philippians 1: 3-4

I end each message with “My Blessings, Love & Prayers,” I truly mean that, and I pray for each

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
and the government will be upon His shoulder.
and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
( Isaiah 9:6 )
The Guest Minister
Author: Unknown

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING

THE CHURCH’S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP,

WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND,

BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING,

BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER

WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION

THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW

MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER

HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE. WITH

THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND

BEGAN TO SPEAK.

“A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE

SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST .” HE BEGAN.

“WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO

GET BACK TO THE SHORE. THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT

EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE

COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE

SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.”

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT,

MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE,

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN,

LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.

THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY,

“GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE

MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY

WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE.

HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION.

THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE,

ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON’S FRIEND WAS NOT.

THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE

TORRENT OF WAVES.

AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, ‘I LOVE YOU, SON!’

HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON’S FRIEND.

BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO

THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE

RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.

HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP

STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT

WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER’S MOUTH.

“THE FATHER,” HE CONTINUED, “KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP

INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE

THOUGHT OF HIS SON’S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY

“WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO

SAVE THE SON’S FRIEND. ”

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE

SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY

BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO

ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE

LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.”

WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS

CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.

THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND

DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE
END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.

WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS

WERE AT THE OLD MAN’S SIDE.

“THAT WAS A NICE STORY,” POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM,

“BUT I DON’T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER

TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON’S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER

BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN.”

“WELL, YOU ‘VE GOT A POINT THERE,” THE OLD MAN REPLIED

GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED

HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS

AND SAID, “IT SURE ISN’T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT

I’M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES

ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO

GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME. YOU SEE…

I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR WAS MY SON BEST FRIEND.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman

Also, please know that:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with Joy.
Philippians 1: 3-4

I end each message with “My Blessings, Love & Prayers,” I truly mean that, and I pray for each of you every morning and evening.

Click Here to Contact Pastor Pat

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2013 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”

Bible Verses: The New King James Bible
Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is © 2006 – 2015 by Coffee With Pat, and/or their Respected Authors
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“The Woodpecker (satan) Never Gives Up”
Written By: Pat Aman
June 26, 2003

Well, have you ever watched a Woodpecker? They never give up. They will constantly peck away at a tree branch until it is destroyed. They have even pecked at the wood on houses, until the wood on the house had to be replaced. You also can hardly get rid of a Woodpecker. The only way some people have gotten rid of one is to destroy it, which is a federal offense.

Now I am going to share some facts about the Woodpecker. Please read the facts, then you will understand the devotion. ** Woodpeckers are seldom seen in flocks. Most of them are solitary or in pairs. Their lives are lived mostly on tree trunks and branches, head up and tails down. They perch on or move up tree trunks, searching for insects or digging holes for roosting and nesting spots. They have pointed beaks that are straight and very hard, and they use their beaks rather like chisels. They also use their beaks to hammer or drum and tap to communicate with one another, and to court. There are three-toed woodpeckers and four-toed woodpeckers, but all woodpeckers have short legs and long, strong toes with curved, sharp nails so that they can cling to trees.

First try to get rid of the Woodpecker: Cover all holes as soon as possible. Place a metal sheathing or plastic sheeting over the pecked areas on building siding to offer permanent protection from continued damage. Occasionally, the birds will move over to an unprotected spot and the protected area must be expanded. Aluminum flashing is easy to work with to cover damaged sites. Woodpeckers will sometimes peck through aluminum flashing. Metal sheathing can be disguised with paint or stimulated wood grain to match the siding. ** Just make sure that the woodpecker is not living in your home. Disturbing a woodpecker den or killing one is a federal offense.

Second: Harass and scare the woodpecker causing damage using one or more of the following techniques. Remember no harassment technique works all the time or in every situation. It may take a variety of techniques and repeated prevention methods to effectively solve the problem. Woodpeckers can be very persistent and are not easily driven from their territories or selected pecking sites. In any event, once a woodpecker problem has been noted, you should act quickly to discourage him before the woodpecker decides your home is a nice place to live!!**

“Pat’s Opinion” Well, do you know what I am going to talk about? Yes, The devil and his team of demons.

When you ask Jesus to come into your heart and you are delivered of your past, I can guarantee that satan will come back and try to tempt you of the things you did in the past. He will see if you are strong in the Lord, or if you are straddling the fence. He will keep hammering away, until he can find a place where he will perch himself on you, and go up and down, trying to find your weak spot.

The best way to prevent the devil from taking up residence in your life, is to GET IN THE WORD. Then you will know that you know, that the devil is not living in your life.

(Luke 7: 24-26) 24. “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’

25. And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.

26. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

Jesus is talking about the empty place left in your life, after you have been delivered. If you do not fill it with the God’s Word, Prayer, and fellowship with other Christians, you are opening yourself up to be drawn back into that sinful nature. Then your state will be seven times worse then before.

And do not depend on your wife, husband, children, preacher, etc. to do the studying and the praying for you, to keep you covered. It does not work that way. You have to do it yourself.

When others pray for you, it is them just asking God to protect you and watch over you until you get some sense in your head. You cannot get to Heaven on someone else’s coat tail.

I really do not want to get into the next statement at this time, but I feel I need to share what the scripture is really talking about, then I will go on with the devotion. (I will let you know that Jesus was mainly talking in the verse about a person being delivered from demons and not being saved. The vacuum left by the departure of an evil spirit must be filled with the Holy Spirit, or else the individual is open to worse demonic activity. Jesus is warning that when a situation like this happens before a fundamental reform happens, the person’s state can be worse than before the deliverance. In other words, when a person lacks the spiritual discernment to recognize Jesus as the Savior.)

When you are saved, you need to get into the Word of God. That is so important. You need to dress daily in the armor of God. You need to keep yourself covered from the attacks of satan and his demons. You need to make sure that you do not let your armor down.

Ephesians 6:10-18 10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15. and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16. above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18. praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Just like when they tell you to put up metal sheathing to keep the Woodpecker away, they also tell you that the Woodpecker will move to another spot, and while looking for food he will destroy that portion of the wood. Satan will also do the same thing. He tries to feed on you and destroy you. If you do not stay covered he will slip in, just like the Woodpecker, trying to find another weak spot, a place in your life that you have not completely turned over to God. Hidden sin in your life, that you have not asked God to forgive you of…

Remember the people around you may not see or know it, but God does.

And please remember, when you ask for forgiveness of your sins, God removed them from the pages of your life. He remembers them no more. So do not let satan throw old sins up in your face that God has forgiven you of. If God remembers them NO more, why should you constantly dwell on them or the passed. You just need to dwell on doing the assignment God put you on earth to do. And I promise you, you do have a work to do for God.

We are all sinners saved by the blood and grace of Jesus.

The Armor of God does not cover a sinful nature. The devil will try to find out where you are the weakest. He is persistent, just like the Woodpecker. I will say, that when dealing with satan, you have to be strong in the Lord. You cannot play church on Sunday and Wednesdays, and think you have the strength to tell satan where to go. You cannot scare the devil away on your own.

How much can I emphasize that you have to study God’s Word and pray, to be strong in the Lord. The devil does not play fair, and the only way you can get rid of that persistent devil is to defeat him with the Word of God and be covered with the Armor of God.

Jesus defeated satan in the wilderness by saying, “It is written” He was talking about the Word of God. And satan who also knows the Word of God, and was stupid enough to try to temp Jesus with the Word.

Matthew 4:1-11 1. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

2. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

3. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

4. But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

5. Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,

6. and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’and, In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”

7. Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”

8. Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

10. Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

11. Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Just as the Woodpeckers can be very persistent and are not easily driven from their territories or selected pecking sites, Satan is persistent and cannot be driven away with just a little, “devil get out of my life.”

You need to realize that when Jesus died on the cross, He then gave you the authority to stomp the devil into the ground. When Jesus died on the cross, He put the devil under your feet.

I cannot understand why people who know God’s Word, just like the devil knows God’s Word, let the devil run over them. Even the demons know God and fear Him. And when you have Jesus in your heart and know you are in Christ, the devil and demons should fear you when you walk into the room.

In any event, once a woodpecker (The devil and his demons) problem has been noted, you should act quickly to discourage him (The devil and his demons) before the woodpecker (the devil and his demons) decides your home is a nice place to live.

Do you have any Woodpeckers (habits or sins) in your life today?

Has the devil and his demons taken up residence at your house? If so, get rid of them now. Get down on your knees and repent of those sinful habits. Ask God to forgive you, then get in God’s Word, Pray, and get into a church where you can be in fellowship with other Christians. Being in fellowship with other Christians will help you. For sometimes you need someone to help hold your hands up. You may be saying, but the church is full of hypocrites. Well, one more won’t hurt. If you are judging the people in the church you are just as bad as they are.

You just get in there, and do what God wants you to do. Do not worry about what the other church people are doing. God will take care of them.

And again, please remember, when you ask for forgiveness of your sins, God removed them from the pages of your life. He remembers them no more.

So, today, ask God to forgive you of your sins. Then keep yourself bathed in the Word if God and Prayer.

Joyfully, In The Master’s Service Blessings, Prayers and Love,

Pastor Pat Aman/©1996/2015
CWPM1996/2015

All rights belong to Pastor Pat Aman
First Rights

One Book, Three Pages, No Words

bibleandsword

John 3: 16 – 17, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but the world through Him might be saved.”

Nehemiah 9:17, “But Thou art a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness.”

A certain man was reported to have carried this book with him everywhere he went. Sadly, I do not know his name. As the title says, this book had only three pages in it, and yet none of those pages had a single word on them. Still, he carried this book with him everywhere he went. The first page was pure black. The second was red like scarlet. The third was white as snow. He not only carried the book, but he would take it out and show it to people. No one knew what it was or what it meant. One day, he told someone the meaning of his book.

Page One: The black page. He said that this page was his sin, which rightly deserved the wrath of God. “I look, and look, and think it is not black enough, though it is black as black can be.” Like the tax-gatherer in Luke 18:13, this man knew his sin. “But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'”

sinwilltakeyoufurther

Page Two: The red page. This page is the page of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It remembers His atonement for sin by His blood. “How do I delight to look at that, and look, and look again.” This man knew what 1 Peter 1:18,19 says, “Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

cross3nailsforgtiven

Page Three: The white page. He called the white leaf his soul, which was washed in Christ’s blood. Through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the red page is made white as snow. “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord, ‘though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool,'” Isaiah 1:18.

jesusloves76

So here we have the three-page book. It is a book we should all carry around, at least mentally. There really are three pages in our book. Before Christ, there is only one page, the black one. When we come to faith in the atonement of Christ for our sin, we experience the red page, which cleanses us and makes us like the white page, spotless and pure, owning for ourselves Christ’s sacrifice, and saved from our sin through the shedding of His innocent blood.

When I Say

Author Unknown

When I say…. ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not shouting ‘I’m clean living,’
I’m whispering ‘I was lost, Now I’m found and forgiven.’

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say…. ‘I am a Christian’ I still feel the sting of pain…
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner Who received God’s good grace, somehow!

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2015 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”
Study Notes: The New King James Bible
Unless otherwise stated, all content in this mail is © 1996 through 2009 by Coffee With Pat, and the Respected Authors.

Blessing, Love and Prayers,

Pastor Pat

The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
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Laughter Is Good For The Soul