Chasing Cows
Author: Pat Aman
1996rev2023

I was drinking my coffee today, and thinking about a vacation the family had taken a few years ago.

Now I do not know about you, but Joe and I had two small dogs, Sara and Katy, that we take with us. They behave better than many children do.

A couple of few ago, we went to my mother’s, in Louisiana. There are cows in the pasture around the house. One cow in particular liked to jump the fence. Well, the cow was out of the pasture and 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!”

Anyway, 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. We let Sara out and away she ran, chasing that cow right back into the pasture. Well, 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 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. 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. So instead of her ruling the cow, the cow had rule over her.

Some of us have been raised in the church, we have been taught the Word of God 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 out Bibles daily and praying. Right now, you need to make a decision that you are going to set things straight. Right now, put satan back where he belongs, 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 © 1996/2023 “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

An Ordinary Woman
Author: Pat Aman
November 14, 2001

‪Here is my Heart’s view.❤️❤️‬

Yes, I like so many use to wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas. But, the older in age I get, I seem to long for the days of long ago. A quieter time. A slower pace.

So, yes, I may put up my Nativity Scene first, and than my tree. I will decorate the mantel with Christmas garland of ribbons red and green.

I will start preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas candies. I will play Christmas music, which sometimes I do all during the year.

I will start my Christmas celebration with a Heart of Thanksgiving.

But, I will be like Elizabeth as she prepared for the birth of her son John the Baptist. I will prepare my home and heart as Elizabeth did, because she knew her son was the forerunner of our Lord and Messiah. I will make sure I am ready not only during Christmas, but all year long proclaiming the return of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elizabeth-could not put off her time by wasting away with non-essential things of life. She had to get things in order.

She knew she would be raising the child who would have the crucial role of preparing the way for Christ.

So, I like Elizabeth, may prepare a little earlier. I may share the good news before Thanksgiving and all year long. But, I will alway set at our dining room table on Thanksgiving Day, and we each will go around the table and share how God has blessed us this year.

Yes, we will crave the turkey, eat the dressing and giblet gravy. With the sides of delicious angel eggs, sweet potatoes, collard, peas, cakes, pies and goodies. But, we will also remember the season ahead. The celebration of Jesus. Something we should celebrate all year long…

So, if though my window you see a lighted Nativity Scene, and Christmas tree with red poinsettias and garland of green. Just know that deep within my heart, I am just feeling a little sentimental with Joy in my Heart.

We must as Elizabeth did, not wait to let the light of Jesus shine though the eyes of our soul.

Let us constantly be prepared and ready to share the Gospel of Jesus to the World.

Elizabeth, she was a preacher’s wife, a quiet, behind-the-scenes woman. She was just a simple wife and mother. But about her son, Jesus said:

Matthew ‪11:11‬ Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.

She didn’t seek out attention or fame. Yet her son was the forerunner of our Lord and Messiah. She raised the child who would have the crucial role of preparing the way for Christ. Who was that woman of whom he was born?

Her name was Elizabeth. There is not a lot in the Scriptures about her. But we can glean some inspiration from what is there.

Luke 1:6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.

Elizabeth was righteous. She was obedient to God. She was a dedicated servant of her God. We are told to live blameless lives (1 Corinthians 1:6-8), but few people are described in the Bible as achieving that standard; Elizabeth is among them – living blamelessly, “without fault.” (Strong’s). She was the Proverbs 31 woman come-to-life.

Elizabeth gave credit where credit was due. She praised God for His provision:

Luke 1:25 How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my
disgrace of having no children!”

She was humble:

Luke 1:43 What an honor this is, that the mother of my Lord should visit me!

We see obedience again when it comes time to name her child. Cultural expectations led people to assume she would name the child after a relative. But the Lord had directed her to name him John, and she obeyed. She was intent on pleasing God rather than people.

Luke 1:59 When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.”

Humility, a thankful, praising attitude, obedience — such “ordinary traits.” And yet God used them mightily, to raise up a child who would become one of the most instrumental figures in Christian history – one who was foretold for centuries ( Isaiah 40:3-5) — John the Baptist. If God can use an ordinary woman such as Elizabeth, He can also use us. Sometimes we think God can only use a Billy Graham or a [fill in the name of a dynamic personality at your church or in your community]. God can also use us, in our “ordinary” lives, in our “ordinary” homes, workplaces, schools, lives. As parents, spouses, friends, teachers etc., we can touch individual lives, and those individual lives are precious to God. He will then use them to touch others, and them to touch others….Think about
your circle. Is there an individual you can pray for, reach out to, disciple if you are a mature Christian? With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can all be Elizabeth’s.

Devotion and Poem 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……

My Mama, What a Lady!
Author: Pat Aman

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mama
Fannie Mae Wade Hunter
12/26/1914-October 22, 2008

Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”

My mama’s birthday was December 26th. Her wedding anniversary is December 24th. And of course Christmas is December 25th.

That is three special days in a row for her. She has always like to be remember on each of these days separately. Not one big gift or card.

But she has always just wanted us to call her, go see her are just tell her that we love her. If you would ask her what she wanted, she would just say good health and her family. She has always been the giver. She always made sure that her family came, before she did.

In fact, for as long as I can remember she has not commented about her needs. She simply lived from day to day, thanking God for the blessings He had given to her. She always told how good God had been to her. And she told us that God gave her a good husband and wonderful children.

True, my mama has her ups and downs just like we all do. She has walked through many a valley. But I have seen contentment shining through my mama’s eyes, more than anything I have ever seen. I know that was Mama content with what she has in the way of material possessions. But there is something even deeper. I sense she is content with who she is and what she does and has done.

When I was with my mama, I think of the things in my childhood. There was always a loving, warm, caring and clamming effect that she showed to our family and friends.

But I am now praying that I will find the contentment that was in my mama. I pray this for myself, my daughters, friends and other special women in my life. Ones that I have met and will meet are maybe never come in contact with. In other words all of us who at times seem restless, and so filled with longing.

Sometimes I wonder about this old-fashioned brand of serenity I saw in my mama. I cannot say for sure exactly what it was. Certainly, it had to do with her walk with God. With her strength of character. But I suspect it also had something to do with her belief that everyone was special, and had a purpose for their lives.

Maybe it is time that we all realize, that we also are special people and that God bought us to this earth on a special assignment. And assignment to do His work and to let other people see Him through our eyes.

My Mama’s Bible
Author: Pat Aman
© 1996/2023 Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

Mama’s Bible, so ragged and worn,
Its pages are scribbled, ripped and torn.
Its been around for ages, she’s had it for years,
Some pages smudged by rain and some by her tears

The name on the cover is faded, it’s true.
There might be a page missing, or two.
To look at that book one might scoff and frown
They may say, “Why, there’s no use in keeping it around.
“A new Bible, I’m certain, is what you must need,
With pages so perfect, and pictures indeed.”
But friends, I know better and I’m here to persuade’
There’s more in that ol’ book, more than I can say.

For she read it and held it so close to her heart,
Its Knowledge and Wisdom and Love to impart.
She held it so tightly, through storm and through chill,
But ever much closer when her children were ill.

Her faith can be seen on each page and each line,
Her writings of love time after time.
She carried it high through thick and through thin,
So proud of the holy scriptures contained within.

Of all of the treasures in this world we can hold,
This Bible of mama’s so ragged and old.
Is far more precious than silver and gold.
.
No memory is more precious, none that I hold so dear,
When the storms of my life bring me much fear
The vision of mother, the love on her face . . .
As she read that old bible and told me of Jesus saving grace.

Poem and Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman August 26, 2008

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

Fannie Mae Wade Hunter
12/26/1914 – 10/22/2008

From: Pat Aman
Sent: Wednesday, 2009/16rev23
Return to the Table
Author: Pastor Pat Aman

Sometimes in our lives we wonder why things just do not seem to go right. We try and try, but always come to a road block. You may even know that God has something special for you but you just seem to never be able to grab the brass ring.

Well, today let me tell you in eight words what you need to do.

“You need to go back to the Table.”

You have been feasting on yesterdays bread too long, and because of this you have become stagnant. You need to return to God’s table and feast on some new Manna from Heaven.

Nutritionists will tell you that when you are trying to lose weight that you must lower you calorie intake. When you do this you will lose weight. But then there may come a time that you stop losing weight. You hit a plateau. You may still be exercising and doing the same thing that made you lose the weight before, but you seem to not be losing anymore weight.

They then tell you when this happens you need to increase you calorie intake up from 400-600 calories a day to trick your body into change. In other words you body has gotten use to the old routine and it is just satisfied at where it is, and does not want to change. As you increase your calorie intake you body thinks wow, what is going on, more food, so it will start to burn calories again. Your metabolism will kick back into high gear to start burning the extra calories that you are eating.

It is the same way with your spiritual body. When you first get saved you pray and read your Bible. You want to learn everything you can about your new life in Jesus. You are running at full speed. You are filling your spiritual tank each day with new Manna from above.

Then all of a sudden life happens and you start to fill yourself with the complication of the world. You run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. Soon the garbage piles up.

Why? Because you are feeding less at the table of God. You become stagnant. You seem to be at a stand still, and going no where. You have used all of your spiritual calorie intake, and you just feel awful, depressed, and do not have the energy to do what God has called you to do anymore.

Well friends, Go back to the table. You have feasted on yesterday bread too long, and it has run out, so now it time to learn some new things. It is time to seek God for your family and yourselves. It is time to increase your calorie intake on manna from God’s table.

As you feast at the table of God, you will soon realize that, hey, I am now going in the right direction. I know what God has called me to do. Hey, life if getting better daily.

See, you are adding some new calories to you spiritual diet. Calories of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, common sense, and now you are able to comprehend exactly what God is saying to you.

So, friends go back to the table, read your Bible. Pray and Spend time with you Heavenly Father and see your life change and grow in the Lord.

John 6:22-35
The Bread from Heaven
22 On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone—
23 however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks—
24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?”
26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do?
31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”
35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Jesus said to us, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life.”

What is the prime goal of our lives?
For what are we working?

Just as bread supplies our bodies with strength and nourishment, Jesus, the true bread from heaven, came to strengthen and nourish his people—to change their lives, to bring spiritual and eternal life to all who would believe in him! Jesus offers the ultimate spiritual satisfaction: if we believe in him, we will never hunger or thirst.

What are you working for?
Even though you live in a big house, wear designer clothing, own property, and eat expensive meals, you will still be hungry if you do not have Jesus in your life.
Are you still hungry for something? What bread do you need?
Do not work for the bread that is perishable. Do not waste your life for the bread that makes you hungry again. Work for the bread that you can share with the unfortunate, and have the bread of faith from heaven, that eternally satisfies your hunger.

Law of the Garbage Truck
Author Unknown
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were
driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his
brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, ‘Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!’ This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, ‘The Law of the Garbage Truck.’

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of
disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. Don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life’s too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so….Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

So friends, go back to the table and give God your garbage. He knows what to do with it. Then start feasting on His Word.
Blessing, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat

If you would like to ask Jesus to come into your heart today, please contact me and I will personally send you some scriptures and prayer to help you, to ask, Jesus, to come into your heart

Just reply or message me.
(Nehemiah 8:10)
“The Joy Of The Lord, Is Your Strength.”

(Proverbs 17:22)
“A Merry Heart Does Good, Like Medicine, But A Broken Spirit Dries The Bones.”

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2023 “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

Intentionally Motivated
Author: Pat Aman
12/31/1989/rev1996/rev2023

Starting out the 2024 New Year, I am going to be more intentionally motivated to make sure I stay longer at Father God’s feet.

I have realized that my devotional time should not just be a time of study. It should also be a time of communion with God in prayer and quiet time. Not me just talking, but, me listening to God talk to me.

I will make sure it is a time that I sit before Him and let Him know how much I love Him.

I love to spend time praising Father God, but, I also find myself sharing the things on my heart and give them to Him. If I do not, my concerns can become worry. I try by hardest to never say the word worry, so I need to let my faith rise up and know He has all the circumstances and situations in my life.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you,”
1 Peter 5:7

So many times I have heard over and over from people say that the minute they decide to make a part of their day with God in praise, prayer and study, it almost becomes stressful or hurried for them.

That reminds me of the movie, War Room. When she started in her prayer closet, she was lost at how to use her time with God. But, though her dedication, God and her became Father and daughter.

But, I tell you now, that if you have to wake up early to do it, go for it. You’ll find you have more energy in general if you wake up early and specifically, your mind will have more positive energy flowing through it if you spend that time with Father God.

My oldest brother and his wife give the first 10% of their day to Father God. They have made this a factor and important part of their lives.

When you go to visit them, you just know that after breakfast they will disappear into their God space and talk and listen to God. You can go to your room and spend time with Father God or do whatever you need to do, but, you respect them and their time.

Maybe we all need to take a lesson from my brother who is a retired 89 year old Chemical Engineer, and his precious 86 year old wife, who are over-all healthy and very active for their age. Except for the last couple years they were both active in their church teaching and leading groups, not just in America, but in their travels. They lived in England a couple years with his work. In other words because they have always given God a special time and place in their lives, God has given and favored them with a long active life.

Right now, I asked you to purpose in your heart to form a intimate relationship with your Father God.
He is patiently waiting for you.

Your time with Father God should be a time of, Commitment and Faithfulness. Respect (Honor, Reverence) Trust & Faith. You Listen Father God speaks. You Speak which is (Prayer). Take the Time and Effort To Know God, and be Honesty with Father God. He already knows the truth, He is waiting for you to have the faith to share it from your soul.

Make knowing God and having intimacy with God your main desire and pursuit. Nothing will please Him more. The more you know Jesus the more you will love Him, and trust Him, and delight in Him, and follow & obey Him.

Blessings, Prayers and Love,
Pastor Pat Aman

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1989/1996/2023 “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

God I Am so Grateful, I Felt Your Gentle Touch.
Author: Pat Aman
12/20/2018/2024

Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

In 2017, with tears in my heart and eyes, I write this devotion. It was around Christmas time and we are so busy running around doing last minute errands that we do not always take the time to hear God’s voice. Maybe feel a nudge that we are suppose to stop and take care of some God business.

Today, I drove to town to take care of some business. I planned to go straight there and back, but God had a different plan.

We have a country store that I often will stop to get a coffee or a Starbucks Mocha in the can. I had not planned to do either of those today. But, before I realized, I was sitting in front of the store.

I thought why did I turn in here?

Anyway, I went in, purchased a Starbucks that I have not even finished.

But, when coming out of the store there was a young gentleman. He spoke to me, and I spoke back, with Merry Christmas to you. But, I could not move. I was drawn to this young gentleman.

I talked to him a few minutes, then I bought up to him to follow God’s direction. To let God take care of his situation.

He looked and me, and said, “your the one. God told me as I stood here and stood still, that He was sending someone to talk and pray for him”

I stood in awe of God. We did talk. I talked in a simple child like manner, explained in a simple parable of how prayer works, if we depend on God.

Then I put my arms around him, and said, son, God loves you. Then I prayed for him. In tears in his eyes and a smile, he stood still and after the prayer, he looked at me, and said, “you did not have to even speak to me today, but, you, did”

I gave him a book on prayer. Gave him a big hug, and said bless you, son.

He said, “no bless you. I have attended churches in the area, looking for a church, but you are the only one who spoke to a me, a stranger on a corner, prayed for me, a stranger and then put your loving arms around me, and told me God loved me, and you loved me. You are my Angel.”

I reminded him, God told you to wait, and you did. God lead me to the store, and I obeyed.

I then told him to look at the beautiful rainbow in the sky. He cried….

I got in my car, and cried all the way home.

Someone asked,”weren’t you afraid? “

I said, not for one second. Because this meeting was appointed by God.

Friends, it is not the just the people in the walls of a church building, that we need to reach out too. We need to go outside the walls, and touch the lonely, sick, and hurting.

We need to give God our time. We need to listen for that small little nudge from our Heavenly Father.

The poem below shares about taking the time. Just even a few minutes to help someone in need.

Turn My Violin
Author: Unknown

A number of years ago an elderly sheepherder wrote a letter to a New York City radio station. In it he described his simply life on the western
prairie, with only his dog and sheep for companions.

“I get my greatest pleasure from my radio and my violin,” he wrote. ” but
recently my violin has become badly out of tune. Would it be possible for
someone there to strike the note A on the piano so that I could hear it on my radio here and tune my violin by it?”

The disc jockey read the letter to his audience and then announced that the program would be delayed for a few minutes while he struck the note A several times so the man could tune his violin.

Sometimes I find that I too am out of tune. My life seemed to fall into total discord and, like the sheepherder, I have to send out a plea for help. Fortunately, I know where to turn. I know Who will strike just the right note to help me retune myself, for in my Father’s Word I always find the harmony of my soul.

(Psalm 17:6) says, “I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God.”

Is your life in need of tuning today?

Close your eyes, listen, and in the
prayer of your heart you will soon hear a beautiful, clear melody.

Note: Because I am under contract with Thomas Nelson/Wedtbow Press, everything I write is covered under © Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2023 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of ©Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2024…

I Blew It, Father God.
Author: Pat Aman
September 13, 2001rev2024

Everyone has blown it at one time or another in life. You are not alone.
Everyone has “fallen down on the job,” “come up short” or “blown it big time.” Some may not agree that this is true, but that’s what the Bible reveals.

“For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

I will tell you now, I am not or ever will condone blowing it. If we do, we’re just allowing the devil to show up trying to make us have ourselves a pity party. Yes, the devil wants you to throw a pity party so he can show up in his pajamas carrying his overnight bag with no intention of leaving.

We all blow it from time to time: lose our temper, act irresponsibly, hurt someone’s feelings, act selfishly, and just make mistakes.

1 John 1:10 If we excuse or justify these things, we distance ourselves from God and never mature spiritually.

Ephesians 6:14 It’s like putting holes in our spiritual armor and opening ourselves to spiritual attack.

Sometimes smart people do dumb things, wise people do foolish things, and Godly people do sinful things.

For some of us those things are a big, dark, ugly past. For others, it’s a secret we’ve never told anyone. Regardless of how we messed up, the one thing we all share in common is that we’ve all made mistakes. The Bible says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

But, the problem is many of us don’t know how to recover afterward.

This is the goal of the Christian life. It is not to run the race perfectly. It is not to be without falls or stumbling. The fact is that we will all mess up. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Proverbs 24:16 says, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”

By God’s grace, we rise again.
Don’t give up when you find that you blow it as a parent, leader, are whatever position are title you have.

Don’t give up when you give in to temptation. Don’t give up when you struggle in your faith.

Forget what is behind. Strain towards what is ahead. Press on to win the prize that God has promised you in Christ Jesus.

You weren’t called to just start the race; you were called to finish the race!

Just remember what Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

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

What is Character?
Author: Pat Aman
1998/2009/rev2016rev2024

Proverbs 22: 1
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”

God has made us to have external characteristic and internal characteristics. The external things are those part of us that everyone can see. They are the outside part of us, how tall we are, what we look like, how good we are at music or sports or art, how well we do in our schoolwork and many other areas that others see about us. Most people place the most importance on these external things. They are very concerned about what they wear and if they have “name brand” clothing or not. They are concerned about the style and cut of their hair, about the style and cut of their hair. Many times even the brand of tennis shoes that they wear is of great importance.

It is not wrong to look sharp and wear stylish things. It is not wrong to do well in school. It is not wrong to want to do our best in football or basketball or make the cheerleading squad. These are good things to desire. But they are not the most important things about us. Part of growing up and becoming a mature man or woman is really knowing what is important and what is not important.

The really important part of you is the internal part called your character. The reason this is important is that sooner or later, what you are really like on the inside will show on the outside. If you are a liar and think you can get away with it, soon you will lie often; and you will be found out, and your character will show you for what you are. If you have much pride in some ability, soon others will notice your pride and will not want to acknowledge the ability God’s has given you.
They will not care how good you are at something, for they will not want to be around you. But if you work on your character, it will show through your life and make those external things even better.

For example, if you are a giving and caring person from your heart, others around will be happy for you when something good happens to you. If you are self-centered and only think of yourself, others will not be happy and glad for you when something good happens.

The reason that people sometimes do not have friends is because their inner character is not pretty or smart. What we are on the inside will sooner or later always show to others.

Just remind yourself of what is really important. Stop and think of ten bad attitudes, and then think of ten good attitudes. After you think about these attitudes it will be obvious which attitudes are of God and which are of the flesh. If we are to grown in our character and “Be conformed to the image of Jesus” by the Holy Spirit working in us, we must remember some very important things.

We must desire to be like Jesus and consciously choose to “walk in the spirit”.

We must recognize that from time to time we will “fall back” and choose to give in to the desires of the flesh. We must not be discouraged by this but use those times to determine that we have an even greater desire to be like Jesus.

When we do give in to the desires of the flesh, we must realize that we have sinned and confess our sin to God. He promises in I John 1: 9 that if we confess our sins to Him, He will “forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”

After we have received forgiveness, we need to ask God to fill us with His Spirit and Guide us in the way we should go.

If we are conscious of these things, we can be sure that God will be at work making us more and more like Jesus. We will want of live a life that we will be filled with love for others, and with peace and joy in our hearts, longsuffering and patience when things do not go our way, gentleness and goodness in our attitudes toward others and faithfulness when God wants to use us to do something good. When we have these things, we will not have to suffer guilt, anger, rebellion and all those other attitudes and feelings that continually hurt us and others. We will be free to be all God wants us to be.

When we read the story of Noah, we read that the people in Noah’s time were living in the flesh and did not desire to seek after God. It was not long before God destroyed them all, for their hearts were sinful and wicked. Noah and his family were not perfect, but God say in Genesis 6:8 that “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord”

Noah is a good example for all of us. God does not expect us to be perfect, but He does want us to learn to walk in the Spirit and to desire to become like Jesus. When this is our desire, He promises to bless us in many ways. One of God’s promises to Noah was that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood. But God does tell us many times that if we continue to walk in the flesh which is sin, and have no desire to learn to walk like Jesus, there will be consequences in our lives that are not good. Just as your parents might give you consequences of punishment for misbehavior, so does God warn us of consequences of allowing ungodly character to be a part of our lives. Think now about your character. What is there about your character do you need to change? What are the good things about your character?

Read the verses below and they will help you answer the two questions above.

                                                                           Proverbs 6:16-19              

16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look, A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 12:A good man obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

Proverbs 15:29The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.

Proverbs 28:13-14
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. 14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2023 “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

Don’t Dabble
Author: Pat Aman

Use wisdom…it will never fail you…Quote: Pat Aman

Jesus taught his disciples and God Word speaks in every verse and parable about wisdom.

Some of my favorite verses are the ones in St. John..

“If you abide in me, and my word abides in you. You can ask what you will and it shall be.” (John 15:7)
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32).

Our Father God calls for a continued application of the mind to His Word. A disciple does not dabble and play in learning. He makes the pursuit of an understanding of God’s Word as an important part of his life.

Example: Would you go see a doctor who just played around and dabbled in their studies at medical school?

If you answer is no! Then why do you dabble and play around with the Bible? The greatest book ever written on wisdom and life.

We need to study God’s Word.

Apostle Paul wrote to s young evangelist Timothy. He told him directly. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).”

God bless you,
Pastor Pat AH Aman

Job 12:12
Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. (NLT)

Job 28:28
Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. (NKJV)

Psalm 37:30
The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. (NLT)

Psalm 107:43
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD. (NIV)

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (NIV)

Proverbs 1:7
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (NLT)

Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. (NIV)

Proverbs 4:6-7
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (NIV)

Proverbs 10:13
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. (NKJV

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2023 “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

God’s Got The Other End!
Author: Pat Aman.
January 5, 2003/17/23

Sometimes just living a regular Christian life is hard.

You can always tell when people get serious about situations in their lives. They not only pray but they realize it is time to fast.

I know I have ask for myself, I wonder why bad things happen to good people, and that is just human nature to ask why?

I wonder why my colon had to rupture and because of it, I had to go through seven major surgeries since it happen.

But see God sees the big picture, where I only see the present.

Just living a regular Christian life is not always easy. Sometimes it is just down right hard, and I feel that being in the ministry is double hard lately, because as I try my best to lift others up, I sometimes need lifting up myself.

I know that being in the ministry I have suffer all kinds of things. And I have prayed Lord, why must I suffer these things.

I have also told God that I didn’t particularly care to suffer these things. And He told me that He didn’t care for me to suffer that stuff either. Boy, does God’s answers blow your mind.

But God then told me, yes, things should have been different, people should have treated you better, your circumstances could of been better, but He then said, remember I will hold them accountable for it, as I hold you accountable for things when you do not listen to me.

You just preach the Word of God, and I’ll take care of you and your circumstances, and I’ll take care of ones who may cause you harm.

And He will too. God remembers all the sacrifices you and I have to make for Him in life. He’s keeping track of the way people treat you and me, and things we may go through that we cannot understand. And, He’s going to reward you and me for bearing it.

The Bible says, ” God keeps every one of your tears in a bottle.” (Psalm 56:8)

So if God can keep track of all our tears, don’t you think He sees all the little things we do through?

He certainly does, and one day He will reward us openly for our sacrifices.

But as we do go through not do good things in our life, we need to study God’s word and seek direction. We need to not only pray, but then we need to tarry at the alter long enough to listen to His answer for us.

And sometimes we even need to fast and pray.

In (Daniel 1:8 and 17) Daniel did a 3 weeks fast. This fast was to show that God would take care of Daniel and his friends and make them healthier, more knowledgeable and skilled in learning, wisdom and understanding of all visions and things.

And in (Daniel 10) Daniel fasted for 3 weeks and God gave him understanding of things to come.

(Daniel 1: 8, 12 and 17) says, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank, there he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Prove they servant, I beseech thee, ten days, and let them give us pulse ( In Hebrew pulse means something sown, vegetable) to eat, and water to drink. And for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding i all visions and dreams.”

(Daniel 10:2-3) says, “In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, (In Hebrew pleasant was a root, and bread is grain)neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”

We know that Jesus fasted 40 days and nights in the wilderness to get ready for His ministry. And there are times that we need to set our face before God, with our mouths shut, so that we can receive wisdom, knowledge and understanding and direction.

So today, if your facing life’s challenges and you feel that you are just holding on. Grab hold of that Rope tie a knot in the end and just hold on. Because God is holding on to the other end of the rope and He is not planning to let go.

Blessings, Love and Prayers,
Pastor Pat Aman

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2023 “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