Coffee With Pat Ministries

T-Bone Steaks,Yellow Roses and Grief
Devotional Author: Pat Aman
November 8, 2005

This was sent to me and I feel as the Holiday Season is apon us, we need to take the time to give the gift of love to someone. That someone may even be a stranger.

What does the Bible say about grief? Grief is an emotion given by God. It is a way for us to express deep sorrow and pain at a loss. Throughout the Bible we see God’s people express this deep emotion. David expressed grief throughout the Psalms. Even the disciples were grieved when Jesus told them that he would be betrayed and killed.

Psalm 34:18 Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

Matthew 11:28-3 “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily 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.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
“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 throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”

This sacred list from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 represents all the seasons and the important changes of our lives. Some are happy times, others sad; some are productive while others seem wasteful; some inspire peace and others bring pain. All of them are necessary for us to learn, grow, and evolve as spiritual beings.

“Friends are Angels who lift us up, when we believe our wings have
forgotten how to fly. Pat Aman”

Here’s to T-bone steaks, yellow roses and friendship.

Please read this and then reread it. Especially the last part…

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying
groceries. I wasn’t hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 7 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.
He often came with me and almost every time he’d pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I’d always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had left for his enteral home. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak. Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned
to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. “My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don’t know.”

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.
“My husband passed away eight days ago,” I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. “Buy him the steaks.! And cherish every moment you have together.”
She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. “These are for you,” she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. “When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.” She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she’d done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision.

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn’t alone.
Oh, you haven’t forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my
eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.
Author: Unknown

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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……….

Things are Not Always as They Seem To Be…
Author: Patricia Aman..
11/5/2007rev2922

Two of Jesus’ followers were discussing their disappointment, after His crucifixion. They did not realize that their questioner was Christ Himself:

“That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was. He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?” They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?” He said, “What has happened?” They said, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn’t find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn’t see Jesus.” Then he said to them, “So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can’t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don’t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?” Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him. They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: “Stay and have supper with us. It’s nearly evening; the day is done.” So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared. Back and forth they talked. “Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭13‬-‭32‬ ‭
Scripture from The Message

Their hopes and dreams were crushed. They had believed Jesus was to be a political Messiah, and now that was not possible. As many times as He had directed their minds to a Heavenly perspective, they just didn’t get it. They thought it was all over. In actuality, something more crucial was happening here. The death of Christ, and His subsequent resurrection, procured for us the salvation we could never achieve on our own. Because of Christ’s conquering sin and the grave, those who believe in Him as Savior can spend eternity, forever with God. What appeared to be a bleak moment, became the turning point of history, irrevocably changing
two worlds, both this earthly one and the one that lasts forever.

Maybe you are going through a dark phase in your life. Right now you can see no purpose, no hope, no light. But even though we can’t always see the whole picture, Father God can. Father God sees everything, He is in control and He loves you very much. He can bring a glorious Sunday out of any “Good Friday” that we face.

Just maybe you and me as well, needs to really trust in our Father God. Not only through the most arduous times we face, but, every second of our lives. See, Father God can and will help us nenes our hope in Him. Hope that can bring good both now and eternally, out of even our most painful experiences.

And He will if we just let Him.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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……….

“A B C’s of Life”
Devotional Author: Pat AH Aman

We sometime spend so much time complaining and searching for faults in others, that we need to stop and look within ourselves.

When we let Father God fix us, we will see others like He does, with love and compassion.

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 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. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:26-39‬ ‭

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of “Camp Complaining”
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To “thank” is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
Exalting God most high
Yes, there’ll be good times and yes some will be bad,
But…
Zion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!
ABC: Author Unknown

Why Do You Do, What You

Why Do You Do, What You Do?
Author: Pat Aman
March 10, 2009/rev2022

Why do you do what you do? Ever wonder what drives you? To serve those you serve? I have.

As a mother, I evaluate the advice I give, the help I offer. As a wife, I consider the respect, honor and faithfulness I give
my husband. As a friend, I analyze my trustworthiness, my generosity, my
tolerance. As a writer, I constantly scrutinize–edit my words, check my
spelling, perfect my grammar, but always miss it.

Perhaps you are like me, only in another
way. You analyze your every effort. You try to please a boss, a spouse, a child. You look to your neighbor’s newly mowed lawn and think you must get out there and mow yours. You see another planting geraniums and head to the nursery to purchase some roses. You listen to someone teach, or preach and feel you must measure up to that person. You hear someone’s testimony and think less or your own. You see others volunteering and serving and you chasten yourself for not doing more. Why?

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Our aim must be higher than comparing ourselves to others. When we take
stock in our own lives, we need to do so in light of Who we are trying to please. As servants of Christ, our only desire should be that of loving as He loved–because He first loved us. As we evaluate our work, our activity, our speech, our thoughts need rest only in our Lord’s pleasure.

Are we living in holiness, in humility, in peace? Are we faithful to His call? Are we serving to gain notoriety, success, or popularity? Or are we doing what we do as a willing and cheerful sacrifice of praise for the righteousness we have in Christ, our risen Lord? God loved us while we were yet sinners. He gave His life that we might have His life within us.
In Christ we have all we need to bring glory to Him. May we lay aside our need to please man, and live only to magnify Him and point others to Him.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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……….

?
Author: Pat Aman
March 10, 2009/rev2022

Why do you do what you do? Ever wonder what drives you? To serve those you serve? I have.

As a mother, I evaluate the advice I give, the help I offer. As a wife, I consider the respect, honor and faithfulness I give
my husband. As a friend, I analyze my trustworthiness, my generosity, my
tolerance. As a writer, I constantly scrutinize–edit my words, check my
spelling, perfect my grammar, but always miss it.

Perhaps you are like me, only in another
way. You analyze your every effort. You try to please a boss, a spouse, a child. You look to your neighbor’s newly mowed lawn and think you must get out there and mow yours. You see another planting geraniums and head to the nursery to purchase some roses. You listen to someone teach, or preach and feel you must measure up to that person. You hear someone’s testimony and think less or your own. You see others volunteering and serving and you chasten yourself for not doing more. Why?

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Our aim must be higher than comparing ourselves to others. When we take
stock in our own lives, we need to do so in light of Who we are trying to please. As servants of Christ, our only desire should be that of loving as He loved–because He first loved us. As we evaluate our work, our activity, our speech, our thoughts need rest only in our Lord’s pleasure.

Are we living in holiness, in humility, in peace? Are we faithful to His call? Are we serving to gain notoriety, success, or popularity? Or are we doing what we do as a willing and cheerful sacrifice of praise for the righteousness we have in Christ, our risen Lord? God loved us while we were yet sinners. He gave His life that we might have His life within us.
In Christ we have all we need to bring glory to Him. May we lay aside our need to please man, and live only to magnify Him and point others to Him.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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……….

Think About Nazareth
Author: Pat Aman 2004/23

Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Joseph chose Nazareth to return to after Herod had died. The man who so
feared this child King that he sent soldiers to the tiny village of Bethlehem to kill all the male children under two years of age could no longer hold on to the crown he had murdered children to keep. Father God had called him to eternity. Yet, around two dozen children had paid for Herod’s greed and paranoia with their lives. In a way, they were a smoke screen for Mary, Joseph and Jesus as the family followed the angel’s orders to take the child and flee. They were only a few hours ahead of the soldiers swords.

Nazareth may have been chosen for its’ insignificance. It was the least of the towns in the region that was the least in all Israel. While Jesus’ parents had seen many things that would confirm to their hearts that Jesus was the Messiah, as Mary had been promised by Gabriel. Those of us who are parents can easily understand Joseph’s apparent caution. Joseph may also have been protecting Mary, since Jesus was perceived as having been conceived by Mary and Joseph outside of their marriage.

John 1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

The name Nazareth does not appear in the Old Testament, but we are told
that more than one prophet had spoke of the Messiah as a Nazarene. What
they do speak of is the Messiah being despised and rejected. Nathanael asks the question saying what good could possibly come from that wretched place? The town was synonymous with everything low and worthless. And yet
it was behind this smoke screen that Mary and Joseph raised their sons and
daughters.

Nathanael asks a question any of us might have asked. In fact, Nathanael’s
thinking was right along the lines of most of Israel at that time. The Messiah would come as a King in power to throw off the Roman oppression. To think that the Lord would bring His promise through such humble means was not in the mainstream of thought. The idea was summarily rejected by most as foolish – including the Sanhedrin.

How often are we this intolerant? Too often, especially where we are sure
of ourselves and we have strength in numbers. But Father God often uses the simple things to confound us when we would consider ourselves wise. For
years the mainstream of thought was that the promises Father God made to Israel had fallen to the church since there was no Israel and it did not appear that would ever be one again. And yet today, Israel is back in the land.

Is your Nazareth that five year old niece who just peppers you with questions that are just so constant and so disconnected that you hide a little when she is around? Wait for the day she brings you wild flowers and breaks your heart with joy. Is your Nazareth the family next door who constantly fight? Imagine one of them saying in frustration how much they wish their family could be as happy and loving as yours. The door is open to show them the source of your peace and joy in Jesus Christ. Imagine the joy of seeing their lives transformed by the power of God in their lives.

Don’t dismiss your Nazareth.

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to
be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from
everlasting.

We need to honestly look into our hearts and see the things we have given up on as worthless and useless – beyond hope. We need to open our hearts and minds to be able to see Father God’s hand moving in places where the world is not looking.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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……….

Thought For Today????
Author: Pat AH Aman

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ The reason why he Apostle Paul, was so ready and willing to preach it, even where he ran the greatest risk of his character and life, was, because it was “the Gospel of Christ” he preached, and he was not ashamed of it.

How can we have a Holy Spirit Lead Revival in times like these, and no one is told about the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ, and no one is asked if they would like to ask Jesus to forgive them of their sins and receive the gift of Salvation?

We can preach the Bible, but, if no one is at the altar accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior, then there can be no new life and restoration.

Churches today need to get back to the basics. God’s word is not a some theatrical production.

Salvation is God’s power at work in every area of a person’s life. In preaching the gospel of salvation we must prioritize the need for people to be born again. However, we must also preach that God want to heal, deliver, rescue them because this is what the Bible teaches.

Apostle Paul puts it this way, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8 “By grace, through faith!” “A gift!” That is really great news!

God does not want us to be hopeless or to fear. He assures us that Jesus has done everything necessary for our salvation. By the power of his Holy Spirit, he gives us faith in Christ’s victory over sin.

So, as a Ministry daily we can share the good news with those who so desperately need to hear it. May God bless us abundantly as we do these things!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭
Coffeewithpat.com

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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……….

Could We Have Been A Better Person ?
A Better Listener?
Author: Pat Aman

Planted deep in all of us, and sternly repressed most of the time, is the uncomfortable feeling that we should be better persons than we are.

We know that we’re not living up to our full potential, that in reality we’re not so kind, considerate, unselfish or compassionate as we’d like to be, or as God would like us to be.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if some great benevolent sponge could sweep across the blackboard of our lives, erasing all our errors and shortcomings? Wouldn’t it be grand to have a fresh start?

Why is it so easy to make resolutions and so hard to keep them?

Partly, I think, because old thought and behavior patterns are reinforced by one of the strongest forces in human nature– Habit. And partly, no doubt, because we bite off more than we can chew in an effort to fix everything at once.

But suppose we decided to break down our self-importance into twelve parts and work on only one part during the course of each month? I’m going to give it a try and I hope you’ll join me. I’ll choose a simple one to work on during
September.

It is learning to listen. How do I know I need to become a better listener?

First I was with a group of people and we were sharing thoughts for future plans. And I realize a person in the group had to stop our conversation and interject on every comment made. And I would politely try to lead the convent back to the important discussion and not listen constantly to their constant life sorry.

Then, I it made me stop and think, do I do that at times?

Through the years I have learned to listen and only speak when it was necessary. I do not have to have an opinion on every subject.

But, too many people do not listen, because they are to busy rehearsing in their head what they are going to say when the person stops talking, or takes a breath.

That is when self ego steps in and Father God has to step out.

There are people whom desire to monopolize the center of the stage and deliver all the lines. And these are the times things fall apart and words are misspoken.

This month, we all need to try to talk less and listen more. And not just
listen to other people but listen for hidden messages; the hunger for
appreciation, the need for reassurance, the unexpressed but still unmistakable (to the careful Listener) cry for help.

The good Lord gave us two ears, but only one tongue. He had His reasons.

All through the rest of September we need to try and remember this EGO/Not Listening problem.

Revelation 3:6 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith……”

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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……….

We Are Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
Author: Pat Aman
August 28, 2022

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.””
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1-2‬ ‭

Father God has shown my husband and I in the last four weeks, that we just have to continue leaning on Him.

When Father God has an assignment for you and He knows you have been tested, tried, true and faithful, He opens doors quickly.
It does not matter if you are 17 years old, are 70 years old.

This last four weeks has been a swirl wind of new and exciting things. But, it has also shown us that we must continue on the path of Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.

We may not directly know what the next few weeks will hold in store for us, but, we have our hearts and eyes set on our Father God.

We as Peter, have stepped out of the boat, and must keep our hearts, spirit and eyes on Jesus.

Matthew 14:29, “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

We have the blessings and favor of Father God directing us by the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Where will this journey end?

We are not sure, but with us leaning on the every lasting arms of Jesus, we have no fear, worry and doubts.

We will not rely on ourselves, the world, or others to direct our path, are we will find ourselves going down the wrong street every time.

But, by submitting and obeying Father God, we are following Him, and He is directing our steps. He always has and always will.

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”

Father God is always ready to hear from us and He delights to help His children. If we seek Him out, He will direct our paths and help us go in the right direction. God tells us, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13

The grand old Hymn, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” is a hymn published in 1887 with music by Anthony J. Showalter and lyrics by Showalter and Elisha Hoffman. Showalter had received letters from two of his former pupils informing him their wives had died and were seeking consolation. When writing them back, he was inspired by the phrase in the Book of Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms”. He was so moved by this phrase that he turned the last words into a hymn for those seeking relief in times of grief. Although he needed help with the stanzas, so he went to see Elisha Hoffman author of over 2000 gospel hymns. Hoffman provided the stanzas while Showalter created the refrain and music to this hymn. From this noble intent, Showalter created one of the greatest hymns for times of solace as he encouraged “leaning on the everlasting arms” of God when seeking comfort.

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk, In this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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 Pass are Fail?
Author: Pastor Pat Aman
2/14/2017

“1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” -Hebrews 11:1

In Hebrews 11, we see the words confidence, hope, and assurance,

Monday a week ago I put all three of these words totally in God’s hands.

I have been losing weight lately. Not trying, but just staying busy and on the run.

Anyway, my engagement ring and wedding band have become loose on my finger. I actually woke up a few weeks ago and started to make the bed and my engagement ring was laying by my pillow.

But that Monday I got up and dressed and when I set down to put my shoes on, I saw my engagement ring was not on my hand. I went to the bedroom and removed every sheet, blanket, and spread, so sure that is where my ring would be located. But, I did not find it. I searched on the floor. Walked around every room I had been in, but no ring was to be found.

I went and set at my desk and started praying. All of a sudden I said, “God, yes the ring is important to me, but it is just a material thing. Joe and I have been married 41 years at that time and with a engagement ring, or without a ring we are still happily married.

If you want me to find the ring, I have the confidence, hope, and assurance, in You that I will find it. But, it you feel that I do not need the ring for some reason, Your will be done.”

Afterwards I decided I needed to run a few errands, so I put my shoes on, grabbed my purse and went and got in the car.

I had not even thought about the ring anymore. See, the ring was not important. It was just a material item.

I truly was surprised at how I was not even consumed, concerned or thought about it totally at all. I was at peace.

Anyway, I got in the car and as I was putting my seatbelt on I saw my engagement ring laying in the middle of the passengers seat.

I then remembered that Joe and I had gone out to eat the night before and maybe when I unfasten my seatbelt to get out of the car, it came off my finger.

The amazing thing is it was lying in the middle of the seat and did not fall between the seats as I unfasten my seatbelt.

I picked it up and thanked God that He allowed me to find it.

Then, as clear as anyone talking to me I heard a voice say, “Pat, my daughter, you showed me that your love for your husband and your love and faith in Me, was more important than a material item, like your engagement ring. My daughter it shows me that I am first in your life. And I am pleased.”

Friends, I just cried. Not over finding the ring, that was just an extra bonus. But, I had passed the test my teacher Father God had allowed me to take.

Remember, what consumes you, controls you. It can put you in chains of bondage.

So, I asked you today. What mark will you make on the test you maybe going through?

Will you pass or failed?

When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is…Remember the teacher is always always quite during the test.

Sometimes when you wonder why you can’t hear God’s voice during your trials, remember the teacher is always quiet during the test.

BUT, the teacher never leaves the room. The teacher is constantly walking around the room protecting their students.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman
http://coffeewithpat.org

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “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……….