Category Archives: Devotions

Devotions

There Is Only One Of Me!

June 6, 2019 – 6:47 pm

Have you ever felt like there needed to be three of you. I think that is how I have felt since March.

I have been so busy, that I am beginning to wonder, do I still have a bed at my house? I would love to find out.

Someone said to me this week,”how do you have the time to study and prepare devotions?”

Answer: I take the time. If I did not take the time to spend with my Father God, my life would be in turmoil.

Yes, there are times like today when devotions maybe repeated. But, that is when I feel maybe someone, yes, even myself needs to read it again.

Remember, without your time with Father God, would be like not taking a bath for days. You would begin to stink bad.

Nicodemus
Author: Pat Aman

(Isaiah 9:2) says, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death upon them hath the light shines.”

John 3 tells us that Nicodemus first came to Jesus under the cover of darkness, a questioner: “Who are you really? How can a man be born again?” Jesus answered his questions, and raised more. But John does not say that Nicodemus believed.

Perhaps he mulled the questions and answers over, for John 7 tells us he defended Jesus when other Pharisees accused him: “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” But John still does not say he believed.

Then, unexpectedly, John 19 shows Nicodemus performing an act of great faith. When Joseph of Arimathes took Jesus’ body down from the cross, Nicodemus came with expensive spices and helped anoint the body for burial.

According to Hebrew law this made him unclean, he could not celebrate Passover. Further, it publicly identified him with Jesus when even the disciples had fled.

I wonder when Nicodemus decided to believe in Jesus, in a blinding moment, or by a slow process of growth?

John’s way of telling the story of Nicodemus shows me that when we first believe is not what really matters. What matters is that we, like Nicodemus, finally arrive at Jesus, to offer our wealth, our reputation and our service.

Judging people is a fault in this world today. People read the papers, watch TV, the internet, and of course the gossiping mouths and believe everything without seeking the truth.

I feel that we do not need to judge someone until we walk in their shoes. Maybe even meet with the person that we are judging and find the true facts about the story. Then we would learned the truth as well as find out that the person is doing greater things in the community that is helping people.

So before you judge someone, remember God tell us that we should not judge our brother and sister, but lift them up in the Holy Love of God. Remember one day you may fall, and it just may be the person you have judged and torn down, that will be there to lift you up.

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & Christian Faith Publishers

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What Would Jesus Do?

June 6, 2019 – 6:46 pm

What Would Jesus Do?
Author; Pat Aman
June 1, 2019

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

Tonight I want to give memory and honor to where it is due.

My brother-in-law, J.B. was, and my sister, Ruby is one of the best-hearted people I know. It did not matter when friends, family, church, community, town or parish called them they were there, as soon as possible, no questions asked, and they never maked anyone feel like they were a bother. They were just that way.

They were hard workers, who worked a big farm.

But, one thing I remember is J.B. did not just plant a garden for them, but big enough for the community.

I have personally seen their living room floor covered with peas, butter beans, corn and anything else that could be put in their and others freezers for the winter months. And sitting around that living room would be neighbors shelling peas, or putting up corn.

At the end of the day or week, people’s freezers were full.

They would even let people pick on halves. In other words, you go to field and pick, and however much you pick you just bring half by the house for Ruby to put up in her freezer.

I was visiting one fall, when three grown men’s came to visit Ruby. J.B. has already made his heavenly journey home. These men came by to visit Ruby and thank her and J.B. for planting and sharing those vegetables with them and their mother.

They told Ruby, when they were young boys, they were not honest with her. And they wanted to apologize for not giving her what was agreed on. They said, we left some in the field and picked them up after we settled with you.

Ruby said, “I already knew you were doing that, but, I just let it go.

J.B. and Ruby even furnished nice houses for their farm workers. And Ruby cooked every meal at lunch for them. They would come from the field, and sit at their table and eat. Even their wives and children came and ate.

Now because of Ruby’s health she is in a Senior Care Facility. She cannot walk, but she just turned, 87 on May 28th. But, even though she cannot walk on her own, she has a Hot Rod Lincoln wheelchair. And daily she goes up and down the halls, checking on all the residents, and praying for them.

One individual who could not make it to the facility in time, told her daughters that Ruby did not let her mother died alone. Ruby was holding her hand as she took her last breath.

So, again I can say, Ruby knows what Jesus would do.🥰

Listen, I am bragging a little, but, I can honestly say, “ J.B. and Ruby knew the meaning to What Would Jesus Do!”

They did not judge people. They did not belittle people. They did not lie about people. They had a servants heart.

Tonight, I watched the movie once again, “What Would Jesus Do?”

A small town falling apart because of slander and greed.

But, a homeless man, came into the town, and with just a few words touched the hearts of the people.

Each person started thinking, is my decision going to make a difference? They started saying, “What would Jesus Do?”

I can tell you that J.B. And Ruby listened to God’s voice when it prompted them to do something for someone. They have been known to go against the better judgment of others around them and help people in need. They always gave the person a chance.

They have helped people in their community who needed help, in physical sickness, and financial problems, not asking for anything in return.

They were Good Samaritans….

Again, they knew, “What Would Jesus Do?”

In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus talks about another person who was stranded on a lonely stretch of road between Jerusalem and Jericho. Some thieves had stripped him of his clothes, wounded him, and left him half-dead. Can you imagine how demoralized he must have been? We don’t know how long he had been lying there, but after a period of time, a priest happened to walk by. I can just imagine that if the poor man had enough presence of mind to be coherent and see the priest, hope must have risen in his heart. A priest! Surely he would stop and help him and minister to his needs. But, do you know the priest did just the opposite of what you and I would assume he would do? When he saw the wounded man, he crossed over and walked on the other side of the road! Did he pretend it wasn’t happening? Did he feel a twinge of conscience as he left the man lying there? Did he think if he moved to the other side of the road where his cries for help weren’t so easy to hear, he would be excused of his moral obligation? Whatever his line of reasoning, he failed the poor man miserably.

Later, a Levite happened to pass by. Ah! Surely this time help had arrived! Levites were of the strictest religious order! They knew the law inside and out and followed it to the tee. So, that part about loving your neighbor as yourself, surely they knew it by heart, right? But, do you know what the Levite did? The Bible says, “when he (the Levite) was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” He looked on him! He saw his condition! And he made the choice to walk away. How could he know the law so thoroughly and yet feel that he was justified in not carrying it out in everyday life? Did he happen to look over his shoulder and feel any remorse? Did the wounded man’s eyes plead with him for mercy and send a sting of guilt into his hardened heart? Whatever transpired, he kept walking, and the man kept suffering.

Then along came another person. I can just imagine the wounded man hearing footsteps coming nearer…and nearer…and with each sound of a step, his hope must have increased! But, what disappointment as the traveler drew near enough to see his face! A Samaritan! Hope was gone, he would never stop. Everyone knew Samaritans and Jews didn’t speak to each other. They didn’t interact; they avoided one another at all costs. There had been generations-long feuding between Jews and Samaritans, so why would this one be any different? But, wait! He was slowing down his pace. He was looking at him! What would he do? Would he finish him off and leave him all the way dead? Would he laugh when he saw his helpless plight? Or would he see the seriousness of his condition, then cross to the other side of the road like all of the others? Maybe the wounded man didn’t even want the Samaritan’s help, maybe he recoiled to think of him even touching him, so fierce was the hatred between the two races.

Whatever the thoughts in the two men’s minds, the Bible says, “…and when he (the Samaritan) saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” This man went over and beyond the call of duty. He couldn’t ignore the injured man’s cries. He could not walk away and pretend it wasn’t happening. He couldn’t let their differences stop him from doing what was right.

Jesus went on to ask, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?” The correct answer was, “he that shewed mercy unto him”. Jesus replied, “Go, and do thou likewise.”

Sometimes, our neighbor is our enemy. Sometimes, our neighbor is different from us. Sometimes, our neighbor is one who has hurt us in the past and caused us pain. Sometimes, our neighbor is a stranger. Whoever it is, Jesus wants us to show mercy. It is much easier to turn away than to get involved in messy situations. But, did Jesus do that? Do you ever read of someone undesirable coming to Jesus and Him looking at them, then turning and going as far away from them as possible? Did He ever hold back His mercy just because the person was different or unfavorable? Has He ever been merciful to you, my friend? “Go, and do thou likewise”.

Maybe, we need to make a mental note in our hearts and mine, and start saying, “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?”

Song
What Would Jesus Do?
Adam Gregory

They stopped saying prayers in school yesterday
And there’s a boarded up
Run down church
Down on third and main
The Mission’s overflowing
And the crime rate just keeps growing
And I’m not sure where it’s gonna stop.
But man, this world is all we got.
What would Jesus do in time like these?
Would He walk among the sinners,
Fall to His knees?
Heal the sick,
Save lost souls the way He used to?
Would he threw up his hands and just walk away?
Cry a tear for a world that’s gone astray.
I’m not sure, but God, Iwish I knew,
What would Jesus do?
What if He appeared right where you stand?
Could you look Him in the eye,
Reach out and take His hand?
Show Him how we are changing this place
Day by day with his amazing grace?
It doesn’t look like heaven on earth
So I have to ask,
Are we doing right?
What would Jesus do in time like these?
Would He walk among the sinners,
Fall to His knees?
Heal the sick,
Save lost souls the way He used to?
Would he threw up his hands and just walk away?
Cry a tear for a world that’s gone astray.
I’m not sure, but God, Iwish I knew,
What would Jesus do?
Would he threw up his hands just walk away?
Cry a tear for a world that’s gone astray.
I’m not sure, but God, I wish I knew,
What would Jesus do?
What would Jesus do?

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & Christian Faith Publishers & Respected Authors

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God’s Got The Other End!

June 6, 2019 – 6:44 pm

God’s Got The Other End!
Author: Pat Aman

Sometimes just living a Christian life is hard. And it should not be.

They feel like they are holding on to a frayed rope. And the rope is slowly slipping away.

A lot of times it takes a person hitting bottom, before they reach up to Father God.

Then when people hit bottom they 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, Why? Yes, when wondering why bad things happen to good people.

I guess is it 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 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 so 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.
If today, 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

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & Christian Faith Publishers

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Are you Ready To Meet Jesus?

June 6, 2019 – 6:43 pm

Are you Ready To Meet Jesus?
Author: Pat Aman – June 4, 2019

Please do not get left behind. Jesus is returning in the blink of the eye. Are you ready?

I watched, “Left Behind” again tonight.

People knew the Word Of God, but they were too busy living their own lives. They did not have time for God. They were even attending church.

I started thinking are people ready for Jesus to return to get His bride, the church? Are people ready to meet Jesus if they would take their last breathe tonight?

I hear so many say, “I got baptized.”
But, did they get saved?

Baptism is just an outer sign of an inward change.

Baptism is letting the world know you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

I see individuals who are attending church, but, I see no change in them. I do not see in fruit bearing.
‭‭
John‬ ‭15:1-8‬ ““I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
‭‭
Let’s look at the church at Laodicean. The church has nothing to commend it. Jesus begins the message with condemnation: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:15-17). Jesus emphasizes their “lukewarm,” apathetic nature three times. As a result of their ambivalence to spiritual things, Jesus would have nothing to do with them. He would “spit them out,” as the people of Laodicea would spit out the tepid water that flowed from the underground aqueducts to their city. With their apathy came a spiritual blindness; they claimed to be rich, blessed and self-sufficient. Perhaps they were rich in material things. But, spiritually, the Laodiceans were in a wretched, pitiful condition, made all the worse in that they could not see their need. This was a church filled with self-deceived hypocrites.

I have had more than just a few asked me, “Pastor Pat, I don’t know if I’m ready to die.”

What gives the person such uncertainty that they’re not sure they are ready to die? Well it’s the thing that’s behind dying. It’s the sin and the guilt that they know of from their own life and it terrorizes consciences and hearts, bodies, flesh that knows that it’s dying. It terrorizes your body and your mind too.

Even when it’s someone else that you love, it’s a pain and a struggle because you know that the same sin that is doing that to their own body has you in its crosshairs too.

How would one know that they are ready to die?

The forgiveness of sins. The taking away of the power behind death, of the body, that’s what makes a person ready.

When the aged Simeon in the temple, right after the baby Jesus was born, held Jesus in his hands Simeon knew he was ready to die. He said “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, …For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” (Luke 2:29-30)

Simeon held baby Jesus in his hands and he knew he was ready, at that moment or any moment to come, to go away in death but in peace. He had the forgiveness of sins in that little child.

When the Christian leaves the altar, the altar, they have received into themselves the body and blood of that same child, that grew into a man and took all our sins upon himself. He was the sinless Son of God.

Salvation is a gift that is made available to those who repent, believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He died and rose from the dead to save us all (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10).
This gift cannot be earned through good deeds or by simply being “good” (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Timothy 1:9). It is a matter of faith (acting out on what you believe according to God’s Word concerning salvation).

Please pray this prayer, if you want to be saved.

Father God,
I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, “But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:21). I am calling on You. I pray and ask Jesus to come into my heart and be Lord over my life according to Romans 10:9, 10. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” I do that in this very moment. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead. In Jesus Name Amen”

1 Thessalonians 5:2 2for you know very well that the day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night.

Revelation 16:15 15″Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 4But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

1 Corinthians 15:51.Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- 52. in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.

I Wish We’d All Been Ready
Jordin Sparks with “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” is a ballad from the soundtrack of the movie “Left Behind”. In the lyrics of “I Wish We’d All Been Ready”, Jordin laments that not everyone was ready to “leave” this world as they still had things to do and conflicts to resolve. The song was written and previously released by artist and writer, Larry Norman in 1969

I Wish We’d All Been Ready

Life was filled with guns and war
and everyone got trampled on the floor, I wish we’d all been ready

Children died the days grew cold
a piece of bread could buy a bag of gold, I wish we’d all been ready

There’s no time to change your mind the son has come and you’ve been left behind a man and wife asleep in bed she hears a noise and turns her head he’s gone I wish we’d all been ready

Two men walking up a hill
one disappears and one’s left standing still I wish we’d all been ready

There’s no time to change your mind the son has come and you’ve been left behind life was filled with guns and war and everyone got trampled on the floor, I wish we’d all been ready

Children died the days grew cold
a piece of bread could buy a bag of gold I wish we’d all been ready

There’s no time to change your mind how could you have been so blind the father spoke the demons dined the son has come and you’ve been left behind

You’ve been left behind
You’ve been left behind

https://youtu.be/MUOODCHc-XU

Remember! Are You Ready?
THE A.B.C.’s Of Salvation …

ADMIT
You have Sinned…
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. – James 2:10
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; – Romans 3:10
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

BELIEVE
On Jesus Christ
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.”- John 3:16-17
…The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. – Mark 1:15
Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” – Acts 19:4 NKJV
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” – Acts 16:31
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. – 1 John 3:23
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

CONFESS
Christ Publicly
…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. – Romans 10:9-10
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. – Romans 1:16

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & Christian Faith Publishers & Respected Authors
http://coffeewithpat.org

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Devotions

Lord, I Feel Weary

June 6, 2019 – 6:42 pm

Lord, I Feel Weary
Author: Pat Aman – 6/5/2019

You ever have those times you just get sick and tired? Well, I think that has been me the last few days.

After you read devotional, please watch video.

Just juke happening. Our oldest daughter having surgery. Now she is having reactions from surgery. Our dog Cali having surgery and then hearing she may not have very much longer with us. Then hearing of two dear friends having cancer.

I had a strong moment conversation with Father God. I did remind Him of the following Bible Verse in His word.

“Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:26‬ ‭

Now, I know He was talking about pleading with unfaithful Israel. But as we all do, I thought I would let God know I needed to plead my case.

I thought I needed to remind God of my faithfulness.

And that was ridiculous, because God already knows all about me. He knows my hearts desires. He knows my faithfulness.

But, I just like you, are human.

“Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

But, anyway, I finally decided I was just weary. Weary and tired from the work I have been doing. Weary and discouraged from trying to pray for family and friends and their needs when I can’t do anything else to help them. Forgetting that God is their source, not me. I am just a vessel of prayer and love for them. And I need to remind them that yes, I can be there for them, but God is their healer, restorer, and their comforter.

Weary and disgusted from the sin of this world. Just weary. I am very familiar with the scriptures that tell us not to be weary.

Galatians 7:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing;…”

II Thessalonians 3:13, “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”

I just needed to take some time and a few days and study the scriptures to find help for my weary soul.

Maybe you are weary, too. Maybe you and I both need to open God’s Word and look to find strength and encouragement in God’s Word.

God tells us that, “We Shall Reap, If We Faint Not.”

(Galatians 6:7-9) “7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:7-9)

We find a lot about sowing and reaping in the Bible. And we can be sure that we will reap what we sow. But reaping is not usually immediate so many don’t even consider this concept.

Paul encourages us to sow to the Spirit.

Not all of the seeds fall on good ground and lead to salvation, but we are to keep on sowing, just the same. We are not accountable for how the seed is accepted or neglected, but we are responsible for sowing the seed and giving out the Word of God. When we don’t see the results of our labor, we may grow weary, and feel that our labor is in vain. But don’t be discouraged.

God’s Word promises that, “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & Christian Faith Publishers & Respected Authors

http://coffeewithpat.org
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Devotions

I Can Hardly Imagine

May 28, 2019 – 5:45 am

I Can Hardly Imagine 

Author: Pat Aman

May 28, 2019

Tonight Joe and I watched the movie, “I Can Only Imagine.”

The first time I heard this song, I had to pull the car over and praise God, as tears of joy and love over-poured from my spirit. 

I did not even know the meaning or heart break and restoration that the writer of the great song went though, in his life. 

As we watched the movie, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ movie, we learned that the lead singer of MercyMe, Bart Millard shares his journey which inspired the famous song. Bart’s past became a defining and controlling factor in his life. In order to become spiritually healthy, he had to recall the past: his mother’s absence, his father’s abuse, and his own leaving. 

On some level, we can all resonate with Bart’s past and had hurts growing up. Romans 14: 11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will  bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'” Philippians 2:9-11Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee  bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.

So, what is God like?

First, John says that God is a father. By sending “his one and only Son,” God demonstrates that fatherhood is central to his identity and being. He has eternally existed as a Father, and the Son, Jesus Christ, has eternally enjoyed the fellowship of a good and perfect Father.

Second, John twice writes the famous words: God is love. God is not simply loving or full of love; He is love. In other words, love is not the primary thing and God secondary; “love comes from God,” meaning love can only be understood as an offspring of God’s nature.

Third, John tells us that God is for us. The Father did not wait for us to find our way to Him; we could never make it on our own, not given our sin against Him. God demonstrates his love for us—you and me and the whole world—by sending his only Son, so “that we might live through him.”

We must realize that we are adopted into our Heavenly Father’s family. But, for us to be adopted it required the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Adoption came at a great cost to the Father. We were adopted by God for the same reason that any parent adopts, out of sheer love. We are adopted “in love” and “to the praise of his grace” (Ephesians 1:4-6). God is not just full of love; God is love. Love is just an expression of God being God.

In his great love, he plans adoption, pays the cost, becomes our Father, unites us to a whole family of brothers and sisters, offers us his immeasurable wealth, and gives us the assurance that nothing can separate us from him.

He is our:

  • Elohim (God)
  • Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah)
  • El Elyon (The Most High God)
  • Adonai (Lord, Master)
  • El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)
  • El Olam (The Everlasting God)
  • Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
  • Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals You)
  • Jehovah Nissi (The Lord Is My Banner)
  • El Qanna (Jealous God)
  • Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
  • Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
  • Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)
  • Jehovah Raah (The Lord Is My Shepherd)
  • Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
  • Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)

Can we even realize or imagine what it will really be like when one day we return to our Heavenly Home?

What will we do when we stand before Father God?

I myself, can only just imagine. Because Father God has shown me more grace and mercy than I deserve.

On my, I can hardly even imagine….

I Can Only Imagine

MercyMe

I can only imagine what it will be like

When I walk by Your side

I can only imagine what my eyes will see

When Your face is before me

I can only imagineSurrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus?

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence?

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing Hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagineI can only imagine when that day comes

And I find myself standing in the Son

I can only imagine when all I would do

Is forever, forever worship You

I can only imagineSurrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus?

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence?

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing Hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

Yeah, I can only imagineSurrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus?

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence?

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing Hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine (can you imagine?)

I can only imagineI can only imagine (can you imagine?)

I can only imagine (I can imagine)I can only imagine.

I can only imagine.©1999 Simpleville Music(ASCAP)

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2019“Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”and Christian Faith Publishers”

And Respective Authors

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Devotions

How About A Steak?

May 25, 2019 – 5:52 pm

How About A Steak?
Author:Pat Aman
May 25, 2019

2 Peter 3:18, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

We can gain understanding of spiritual growth by comparing it to natural growth. There are many similarities.

We do not start out as adults. It takes time, nurture, and experience to learn and develop.

When a baby is born, it’s nutrition is liquid. Either a Mother’s milk or bottle formula.

Some babies have problem with digestive issues. The parents will work with the Pediatrician to select exactly what satisfies the baby and gives the precious one the right formula to help it grow and be healthy.

As the baby grows they will start eating rice cereal mixed with it’s formula and with little applesauce.

Each step in the little ones growth, more food with consistently will be added. But, always carefully, so they will not have an upset stomach or allergies.

Giving a baby the wrong type of food to soon can cause the baby to be fretful or sick.

That is the same thing with adults. We put the wrong things in our physical or spiritual bodies we can become sick.

Yes, physical food is needed for both infants and adults. Food gives strength to our bodies. The correct food help our bodies immune system. The correct nutrition keeps us healthy.

In the our spiritual life the food required for strength and growth, is the Word of God.

As a new Christian we may start our off with the milk of God’s Word. And as we grow in Christ, God pours move of his word into us. As we study and read God’s Word, we soon realize that we have gone from milk to a thick piece of juicy steak.

Matthew 4:4, 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.'”

Our spiritual growth is part of the God’s plan for us. God’s Word is our spiritual food. Not only do we need to read it, but also to speak it and meditate on it.

If you are not growing in your spiritual life, what are you putting in your life?

Ephesians 4;15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ —

A new-born Christian has the same authority over the devil and all his forces, even as he is starting to learn God’s Word. Because when they become saved, they have authority in the names of Jesus. They also have the same righteousness which is a gift from God. Yet they have the same potential, which over time can be developed.

1 Peter 2:2, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

So keep feeding your spirit on the Word of God and act on what you learn. Just like a child, you will fall down a few times while learning how to walk. But you must get up and try again. God will watch over you and protect you as any good parent should, so you don’t have to be afraid.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2019“Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”and Christian Faith Publishers”

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Devotions

I’m Tired and Weak Lord!

May 21, 2019 – 3:44 pm

I’m Tired and Weak Lord!
Author: Pat Aman
5/20/2019

This devotion is long. And it only tells about one-fourth of the circumstances of my journey, but I hope it helps you to hang on…

God’s got this……..

Have you ever felt this way?

I have felt this way many times. And it was not because I did not have faith in God, but my body had been ravaged with sickness and pain.

Judges 6:14-16 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”“But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.”

I had been extremely active in my younger days. I played on our church softball team. Antioch Baptist Church for many years. I was the catcher. And this is hard. You are constantly up and down. You legs and knees are working overtime. As well as your arms, catching and throwing the ball.

I was also very active in my church, teaching Sunday School, youth ministries and Girls Auxiliary. And had a full time job.

In 1976, I met my husband and we then worked together in our own business, and were involved in our community, church and even sponsored a local baseball team. They were called Aman’s Auto Parts.

I also became the women’s coach for a local community team called Archie’s Angels. Named after Mr. Archie Parrish who owned the first Drug Store in Newton Grove, NC. The drug store is now under ownership of dear friends, Thomas and Son, Joey Williford.

I also was a full-mother, as well as working alongside beside husband.

We were active in our local church and active 4-H leaders. We were awarded Leaders of the year, by Governor James Hunt for our work with youth in the state of North Carolina.

I myself, also went to seminary studies through the International Pentecostal Holiness Church and received my Mission License, Minister License, Christian Education Credentials, and Ordination Credentials. In others words many long years of studies and going through the Local Conference of the North Carolina IPHC, to take my tests. As well as going before the conference board to be accepted.

And back then you did not have computers to read and do testing on. You studies and read the books required and went personally to the conference office classroom and took your test in person.

I am not telling you this to brag, but to show you how active we were.

But, life started changing. We sold our business and my husband went to work with Best Access Systems, and now going on 31 years, he still works for the same company. I started teaching in the local county school systems.

God allowed me to also start a pre-school, school, After School Care, and Summer Camp for a local church.

But in 2002 my life started changing. I started teaching GED for a Community College. Everything was great, but then my health started changing. My colon rupture. I wore a colostomy bag for a while, but praise God, I was able to have it reversed.

But, I no longer was able to work full time, due to my body slowing down because of my chronic illnesses with my intestinal issues.

From 2004-2006, I suffer through surgeries again. I ended up living over two years with surgical MRSA, then surgical E-coli. I had open wounds that had to be packed and dressed daily. I had drain tubes from several places in my abdomen.

But, again, the grace of God bought to through.

God allowed me to physically be able to travel back and forth to Louisiana to help my sister with my mama and her declining health. And the last six months stay a majority of that time with my sister and mama. Then our precious mama made her Heavenly Journey home in October 2008.

After then my health did pretty good. I was still able to visit my sweet sister in Louisiana and help her when needed.

In 2012 my body came to a screeching halt! Life as I knew it had ceased to exist, again. I was forcing myself to go and be active, but I felt like crap… There is no other word for it…

By this point I have had a total of over 12 surgeries. Hoping that there would be no more.

But, I started seeking a doctor to see why, I had gain up to 321 pounds.

Every doctor I went too, said they would not you touch me with a ten foot pole. That there was no help for me.

But, the last doctor finally said, “I know a doctor who I think can help you. He gave me his name, I made an appointment and when I entered his office, he looked and me, and said I was walking death.

He sent me straight to the hospital for tests. And the very next morning, I went into surgery.

The surgery lasted about 10 hours. I came out of surgery a very sick women.

They told my family my stomach had adhered to my liver. And everything I ate was going out of my stomach, into my small intestines, and then returning back into my stomach a fistula. I was literally being poisoned by my own body.

I stayed in the hospital over three weeks. They did not expect me to ever leave.

And on top of this, they were giving me a medicine that was making me have hallucinations.

My daughter keep telling then, that is not my mama in that bed.

They realized it finally. Narrowed down the cause, and I was able to think once again.

When the doctor came by one morning I told him I wanted to go home. They did not want me to go, but I was determined.

Now folks, God was still on His throne. He was working in the background.

My family was tired. My family was upset. They needed help. And God knew it.

We had good friends who were in the ministry. They were the Evangelist Singing Group, “Still Amazed.”

They called Joe and said that they had a couple weeks open in their schedule and they wanted to help. So, our precious friend took her time of rest, by flying up and taking care of me. And it was not an easy task.

I was not walking steady, not eating, and I was very depressed.

I felt defeat. I thought my life and ministry was over because of my chronic illness.

I was weary and tired. I was too weak and no longer as “stable are clear” minded as I used to be.

I had trouble remembering scriptures. I gave up.

But Praise God, he had other plans. He let me know that he was not finished with me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

God has allowed me me continue to do His work.

Coffee With Pat, is a glory to God. And writing books. Who would have ever thought I would write children’s books, and devotional books.

So, as I read in Judges tonight. I realize, when I am at my weakest, is when God is at his strongest. He is working overtime for me, and YOU!

Judges 6:14-16 we read that Gideon could only see his limitations and weaknesses in spite of God’s clear promise for strength, in so doing he failed to see how God could work through him..

Even though God promises us the tools and strength we need to serve Him, like Gideon, we often make excuses. When we remind God of our limitations we are implying that He does not know all our circumstances and challenges.

When life claps us in the face due to health or other difficult situations in our lives, God will always open another path for us to continue to serve Him.

I still have one more surgery to go through. Well, maybe not. I know God will continue to heal my body.

I am so glad the Lord opens doors for me to serve Him in my life’s journey.

It does not matter how depressed, oppressed, weak, poor, sick, or whatever the challenge we may have, God will give us the ability we need right now to help us, build others up, and share to them, His saving grace and mercy.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2019“Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”and Christian Faith Publishers”

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Devotions

How Hard Do You Want Your Mountain Climb To Be?

May 20, 2019 – 5:42 am

How Hard Do You Want Your Mountain Climb To Be? Author: Pat Aman

I really do not know where to begin this devotion.

The last few days have been a merry-go-round of events. 

God has led me too places to help different people in their times of decisions, concerns, difficulties and circumstances. And even special occasions that should of been beautiful, but because of misunderstandings and communication turn out terrible.

Some just happened and others caused them, or bought the problems on themselves, by making a fast decision.

They did not  pray and seek God first, so events in their lives tumbled out of control.

All I can say, is this world needs Jesus. 

Yes, we all make mistakes and have hills to climb. 

Well, maybe I should say, “mountains to climb, that the peak seems out of reach.”

But, when we do not watch our step going up that mountain we slip and fall, even roll all the way back down to the bottom.”

Why does this happen?

Because we take our eyes off our Heavenly Father. We do not take the time to pray, wait and listen. 

Sometimes we miss God’s vision for our lives because we are waiting to see a lightning bolt from Heaven, when we should of been able to recognize and hear the small still voice of God.

How do we overcome these obstacles?

First decide, that you will not take your eyes off  God and the Vision He has for you. 

Second,  make a decision to spend daily time with God, listening to His voice and following God’s plans, not yours. 

I have an office/prayer room upstairs. And in my prayer room is where God can speak to me, as I sit quietly not letting TV, radio, or anything else cloud my vision or stop me hearing. 

And sometimes, I sit on the back porch, watching the Hummingbirds and praying. But, wherever I am, I make sure God has my full attention.

“Do not sit around and have a pity party too long, God has a new vision for you, so get to work.” Pastor Pat Aman

(Jeremiah 29:11) “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

(Genesis 28:5) I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have Promised you.”

(Isaiah 40: 28-29) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He give strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Where do you spend your quality time with God each day? 

Each day God longs for us to visit with Him. He longs for us to sit and talk with Him. And He longs for us to LISTEN. We miss out on so much, because we do all the talking and not enough listening.

This morning I was reading about Judah in the Old Testament. They like us needed a rude awakening. 

Maybe,  I need to say like me. Yes, even I have rebelled against God, because I lost the vision, or wanted my own way, instead of what He had for me. That is called rebellion.

Just like Judah needed to be chastise, there are times maybe when we ( I ) need to be also, but instead God with all of His wisdom just opened my eyes, just as He did theirs.

(Isaiah 54:2) Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

God told Judah, that their vision was to small because of their pain. He told them, “You have focused on your lack.” He told them to expand their tent pegs out a few notches and live as if you have it all. Because you do. You have my undying love, My forgiveness, My power, and you have Me!”

You know I can see in myself in the same position. There have been times I needed just that kind of vision. The eye opening kind. A Word from God. Because there has been times when I just I wanted to go into my “tents” of pity and frustrating and even anger. I sit there awhile in the dark and even feel comfortable, but it does not last for long. Because God desires my companionship under a larger tent that I might expand His kingdom with Him. And as I do so, I find, the fresh breeze of new strength to deal with my self pity, frustration and anger. I feel renewed, to enlarge my vision, and have a better perspective on my life. 

Just because things did not work out in the past, does not mean, they will not work out in the future. God’s timing, is not my timing. 

So as I sit in my prayer room or on my porch and feel the cool breeze of the Holy Spirit encamped about me, as I pray and study my Bible, I know that my spiritual eyes are being open, and my vision renewed, and God is pleased.

Today, STOP!

Today, LISTEN!

Today, God wants to put you on the correct path. His path. 

But, it will be up to you, as to how hard you want your mountain climb to be.

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2019“Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” and “WestBow Publishers”

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Devotions

Being Thankful While Trying Too Find Your Tail…

May 18, 2019 – 4:45 pm

Being Thankful While Trying Too Find Your Tail…

Are You Eeyore?
Author: Pat Aman
November 21,2003

We all go through junk! And, maybe I was sheltered as a child, but I never remember hearing the word drama then, as much as I do now.

It seems people live for drama in their lives. Some bring it on themselves and some get it uninvited.

The definition of drama-drama noun
dra·​ma | \ ˈdrä-mə

Definition of drama
1 a. literature : a composition in or intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance
b. a movie or television production with characteristics of a serious play broadly : a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
a police drama
2 literature :art, literature, or affairs
English drama
3 a: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces
the drama of the past week
dealing with some family drama
b: dramatic state, effect, or quality
the drama of the courtroom proceedings.

Gracious, in reading the definition, I see the words theatrical performance.

Could that be someone trying to get attention, love, and maybe someone who needs friendship, but does not know how to just be themselves.

Maybe something happened in their life that had made them feel low self esteem and they just do not know how to truly be just themselves.

People are under so much pressure to be something they are not capable of being.

When I counsel with these individuals, the first thing I do is get them to love themselves. See, if you cannot love yourself, you cannot love others.

Depression and Anxiety can also cause low self – esteems. And I am afraid to say a lot of our churches look down on people who are depressed, or going through anxiety.

Friends, life happens. Circumstances happens. Hopelessness happens.
Body changes happens.
Hormonal changes happen.

And each of these things not only need prayer, comfort and love for the individual, but sometimes they have to seek medical treatment for depression.

And there is absolutely nothing wrong or bad in seeking medical help.

As fellow Christians we should be building one another up and not looking down on someone who maybe going through depression.

Isaiah 40: 28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles( they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I myself feel like Eeyore in the Winnie The Pooh Book. I wonder if I can be truly thankful because I have lost my tail. I have lost my way.

I asked you, can you be thankful while trying to find your tail…

Life has become so busy. When it gets too busy, I think a couple of days I lost mine.

Have you ever felt like Eeyore. You know the little gray patched up donkey in the Winnie the Pooh series. They lived in a beautiful 100 acre woods Eeyore use to say, “Is my tail still on?” Then he would say, “let’s have a look, and he turned slowly round to the place where his tail had been a little while ago, and then, finding that he couldn’t catch it up, he turned round the other way, until he came back to where he was at first, and then he put his head down and looked between his front legs, and at last he said, with a long, sad sigh, “I believe you’re right, Pooh, it is still there.”

Sometimes I feel the same way, I feel I have lost my tail, and cannot find it. I think that we sometimes go to that 100 acre woods, a beautiful place, but it becomes our gloomy place just like Eeyore.

When you are in that gloomy place it is hard to give praise and thanks when we feel like Eeyore that we have lost our tail.

Even though Eeyore had great compassion for others, and was always trying to help people, he still at times felt, Oh, poor me. See, he lost his love for life. He some how lost the sense of a positive attitude. His fire had gone out.

In our lives we all at times may think, I am burned out, woe is me.

We still truck along trying to do our best, but we have to continually put patches on our lives just to hold us together.

See, God speaks of this very thing in Revelation chapter two. He tells the church at Ephesus, that He knows all their good deeds, but He is getting a little disappointed in them, because they have lost their first love. “Him.”

Again, I myself sometimes feel tired, even though I keep getting up from being knock down, that my first love is getting depleted from my life. I need to get that fire back, the fire that helps build my faith up. Yes, that is when I need to get down on my knees and look up to God and find my tail.

God promises to give strength to the weary, and I tell you now, I have to stand on that promise.

So, if today, you are feeling like Eeyore, and you have lost your tail, and are sitting in your gloomy place look up to the Heavenly Father.

Yes, get back on your knees, and look up to God and say, “I think you are right God, I still have it together.”

And then begin singing, praising and thanking God and see your life turn around, as we become thankful instead of woe is me.

In others words, you may have to be like Eeyore, turn around, check things out, and see if you may have to let some things go that maybe clouding up your way.

The way God wants you to go. You may as Eeyore, have to get in a downward position on your knees, so God can show you that your tail is still on and your headed in just the way He wants you to go.

You just need to turn around and follow God with Thankfulness and Praise.

For I promise you will find you tail
-your purpose-

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2019 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals”and WestBow Press a Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers

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