Chose Your Battles Carefully
Author: Pat Aman
6/28/2019

Isaiah 41:10-13
So, do not fear, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I wi l l uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

“Choosing your battles will help you win the war. So, choose them in prayer. Quote: Pat Aman

Proverbs 26:17 “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.”
‭‭
When I read these two scriptures, I realize in the first one, God is saying, “Hey, why are you fighting this battle? I already have it covered.”
And the second scripture, I actually laughed, because only God would of had David say it so plain.

In others words. Why waste your time with non-sense?

Many times you may have inserted yourself into a situation that, looking back, you wish you would have never done. You may have never grabbed a dog by the ears, but you probably would guess that what would follow would not be good.

There are battles in life that you should get involved with and battles that you should not.

So choose your battles carefully. If you haven’t been invited to participate by all parties or it doesn’t directly affect you, you should pause.

Just maybe you need to step back and look at the situation in which you are about to get involved?

Is there a situation in which you are already involved that you may need to remove yourself?

Yes, we all find ourselves in those positions. Why? Because we jumped before we thought.

We face external and internal battles daily.

The examples below are just simple, but you will get the idea.

Example: This is a personal battle I had myself. Internal
“Pat, do you reach for the Diet Caffeine Free Dr. Pepper, or a cold glass of water?”

My mind war…
Well, it is diet.
It is caffeine free.
It is just a soft drink, no sugar and no caffeine!
Let’s see ingredient’s:
Carbonated water
Caramel color
ASPARTAME
Phosphoric avid
Natural and Artificial flavors
Sodium benzoate
(Preservative)

Now other choice….
Water
Ingredient’s: water from a system, that family bought me which water goes through seven purification levels.

I know which one is healthy and healing, but, I do not always chose the correct one. Instead I fight a constant battle, I should not be fighting.

Drink the water, Pat!!!

Then let’s look at an external battle.

My husband works out of town 95% of the time. He eats out every night.
When he comes home, he wants a home cook meal.

Then here I am. I eat at home all the time, so, I want to go out to eat.

Now, this could be a big battle between the two of us. But, we have chosen our battle.

We chose to respect one another.

I cook most of the time for him when he is at home. I try to cook the good country foods he likes to enjoy.

But, we also go on a date night when he is home. He takes me out to eat for at lest for one special meal of my chose.

So, this next week, practice closing your battles. Whether, job, family, husband, wife, are children.

Asked yourself, is it worth my time, energy, are my emotional and spiritual peace of mine?

Then, step back and make the right choice.

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

Don’t Get Constipated
Author: Pat Aman…

I made a statement to a friend yesterday, that sometimes we get full of IT!

That we sometimes need to take a good dose of laxative. In other words a laxative from the word of God.

When we do this He will stir our insides around and everything will soon work out. Then we are cleaned out and feel a lot better about our circumstances.

(Psalm 51:10-13) says, “Create in me a clean heart O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.”

This scripture says a lot. Sometimes when we get so bedded down with life, we need a good working out from the Lord.

Now you know what I mean. When we get well, I just going to say it, constipated we feel miserable. We take some medication and we get worked out and we feel better.

There are times in our life, we think that we are in control. We can handle everything ourselves. We do not need God to help us solve our problems and troubles.

How many times have you prayed for God to take care of a circumstances, then the minute you say Amen to your prayer, you know the prayer you ask God to handle it.

You then get up off your knees and try to tell God how it needs to be handled. You start worrying about it. You have picked the situation back up into your hands and taken it back from God.

When we do this, we soon become unhappy. We become stressed. We become constipated. That is when we need to get in the word and down on our knees and take a good dose of God’s laxative. Then when He works it out, we will feel a lot better. Not so bloated and making ourselves and everyone around us miserable.

Today, take the time to pray and read the word and see all the (crap) God will bring out of you as you empty yourself in Him. He can take it and nothing we do smells to strong for him.

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & WestBow a Division Of Thomas Nelson Publishers ❤️ Respected Authors

America Strong
Author: Pat Aman…

America lost its innocence. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, the country of Japan knew that they had made a mistake. The Emperor of Japan said,” I am afraid that we have awakened a sleeping giant.”

Today, again, this sleeping giant needs to be awakened.

Americans are fighting among themselves. We are killing each other.

We must seek God and His ways.

The Bible says that we are held accountable for our treatment of our brothers and sisters (blood and spiritual).

God expects us to demonstrate a forgiving and expressive love to those who have wronged us.

(Romans 12:19-21) says, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay”, says the Lord. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

In Genesis 4:9, when Cain killed Abel, God cursed Cain for what he had done. God will take of our enemies if we will follow in His path of righteousness.

We also need to stop and think about America. Are we as Americans following the path of righteousness? Are we living a godly life?

(2 Chronicles 7:14) says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

(Jeremiah 24:6-7) say, “For I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down; and I will plant them and not pluck them up. The I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.”

There needs to be a spiritual Revival in America.

We need to make sure that we personally know God as our personal Savior.

In the book of Revelations we read about the things to come. Wars and rumors of wars. We just need to make sure we are ready to meet God when He gets ready to call us home.

The Flag-The Red, White and Blue
Written By: Rev. Patricia Aman
Copyright 2000

As I look at the American flag through my classroom window do I really see freedom? I see red stripes that stand for the blood that was lost in wars to give me my freedom. I look at the blue field that is the foundation of the stars, which stand for loyalty to our country, and I see white stripes in which stands for purity and a sinless country. The stars are shining states leading the world in peace, yes freedom.

But then behind a cloudy glaze I see something else. I see fifty stars not shining so bright. America has lost its shine. We have more violence than any other country its size in the world. Our schoolyards are full of guns and violence and bloodshed, not blood shed in freedom, but in violence. Even with our unlimited technology and our great scientific minds we have nearly half of our children graduating school with a below level I.Q.

Could all this be happening to our children because we have allowed discipline, prayer and the Bible to be removed from our homes and schools?

Our fore Fathers fought and shed their blood so we could have freedom. Was it all in vain?

So now as I look at the red stripes, they are getting redder with the blood of our children, it makes me want to cry. When I look at the white stripes I see drugs, pornography, killings, babies having babies, rape, incest, and hatred. Yes a country that is not sinless. I see so much sin that the white stars are slowly fading into a dingy yellow. And the blue field holding the stars the foundation is starting to lose its strength and does not stand for loyalty anymore. People are fighting each other. And for a certain dollar amount you can have someone murdered who gets in your way.

People are only so called loyal to themselves. Not to any one else and not to their country. Everyone is doing his or her own thing. No one works together anymore. Where is the loyalty in American? And where is that freedom as Old Glory waves high in the sky her head bowed low in shame. American lets stand up and take America back for our children. Let us stop anyone who stands in our way of freedom, whether it be freedom of speech, religion, life, liberty are the pursuit of happiness. Lets tell the devil and every evil occult that tries to lead our children away that we will not let you kill our children.

Parents reach down and grab your children from this horrible place we have allowed them to grow up. It is not to late for America. Lets put the Bible, prayer and discipline back in our homes and schools.

Parents begin at home by being an example to your children. Let them know they can live in a wonderful place and can succeed and grow and that there is a better way of life. A place that they will not have to be afraid anymore. Tell them about the once lost America.

Then they can stand up proudly and say, I am an American. I will fight for my country. I want my freedom and rights back and I will as my fore Fathers give my life to have it.

Then as we say the words I Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, of the United States of American, and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all, Old Glory will again hold her head up and we can look up as she waves high in the sky and say I am Proud too be an American.

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & WestBow a Division Of Thomas Nelson Publishers ❤️ Respected Authors

I Want To Be First
Author: Pat Aman

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20:20-23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Let’s think about this mother’s question. She was asking for great favor for her two sons.

They are full of confidence in themselves. They think they deserve this opportunity and reward. They think they can handle whatever comes.

Does this sound like us, sometimes.
We asked God for things He knows we cannot handle. He whispers to us in his soft voice, trying to lead us into the right path. But, we are stubborn and shellfish at times.

We want to act like little children who want more information than we can process and more experience than we can handle, so we act like younger siblings wondering why we can’t have the same privileges as out much older brother or sister.

While there may be a very good explanation for their mother’s question, the answer is beyond their grasp to understand. The two sons had no clue what they were signing up to do, but some day later, they would.

Do we get ahead of The Almighty God, the creator of Heaven and Earth, and try to act like we are ready to handle things ourselves?

Do we absolutely ask God for things we have no clue what we are asking?

Hum, maybe we need to not only ask, but learn too listen!

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & WestBow a Division Of Thomas Nelson Publishers ❤️ Respected Authors

“Who Takes Care Of Who?”
Author: Pat Aman

Sometimes it’s hard to tell.

Our dog Cali for instance, makes me wonder?

Yes, we take good care of Cali. We feed her well, (people tell us that Cali eats better then we do) look after her health, (with the help of my daughter Anna, and Stage Road Animal Hospital), keep her warm in winter and cool in summer. I give her affection, play with her, and try to teach her how to live in a world of people.

My friends tells everyone that Cali behaves better then some children do.

But in return. Cali gives me the freedom to feel safe in my home. I am protected at all hours. In the darkness I can walk outside without fear. Why? Because Cali will protect me. And she knows mama is backing her up with a 38 in my pocket.

And she will either give you kisses are make you get back in your car. Not with her actions, or being aggressive, she just has a deep bark. But, it is all according to my actions, toward you.

She gives me companionship, even when I’m not good company for anyone else. It’s amazing how my low spirits can soar when a cold nose pushes against my arm and a toy finds its way into my hand.

Cali is spoiled and loves to give love and get attention. And I love and give her attention. Cali can be laid back, are ready to run and play.

She is gentle as a lamb, and loves it when the grandchildren come to visit. She will sit in her recliner and keep a tender watch over them.

She loves the children in the neighborhood, but I feel she might would be upset, if she thought any of them would be in danger.

If she sees something in the yard, she will come get us, and have us check it out.

Nothing can be out of place in the neighborhood, she will bark her deep bark until she sees we have it covered.

See, Cali’s got our back. And we try to care for her, as much as she cares for us.

So, who takes care of who? Love doesn’t keep score. I like to think that maybe I manage to give God a little something back for all the care He gives me. But I’m glad He doesn’t insist on it.

Just like Cali, knows when I do not want to talk, play, are let her sit in my lap. God also knows the times when I am feeling a little down and my Spirits are low. And just as Cali will wait for she knows that soon I will come around and play with her. God also knows that I will come around and call on Him.

Cali never leaves me, she just sits on her bed and waits.

God also never leaves me. He waits patiently for me to come back to Him. Then He loves, guides and helps me in all of my life weary times and good times.

(Isaiah 41:10) says, Fear thou not; For I am with thee……I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee…)

God is always there to help me and you, even when we do not feel worthy to be loved. He is always there to protect and watch over us.

God just like Cali, looks at our heart with His big loving eyes, and says, ““Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭

Today, God is waiting on you. He is ready to work things out for you. He is ready to make you happy and laugh. So, snuggle up in the loving arms of your Father God today.

Father God, help me be the person today, that my dog thinks I am…..

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & WestBow a Division Of Thomas Nelson Publishers ❤️ Respected Authors

Whose Your Daddy?
Author; Pat Aman
6/15/2019

‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15:48-49‬ ‭“As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”

Colossians 1:12
(We are) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

As I am thinking about Father’s Day, I want to share a story and a little history. I do not remember who wrote this story, but it is worth sharing wit you.

A Seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One morning, they went for breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, “I hope he doesn’t come over here.” But sure enough, the man did come over to their table.

“Where are you folks from?” he asked in a friendly voice.

“Oklahoma,” they answered.

“Great to have you here in Tennessee,” the stranger said.

“What do you do for a living?”

“I teach at a seminary,” the professor replied.

“Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I’ve got a really good story for you.”

And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple.

The professor groaned and thought to himself, “Great, just what I need–another preacher story!”

The man started, “See that mountain over there?” (He pointed out a restaurant window). “Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked, “Hey boy, who’s your daddy?” Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, “Who’s your daddy?” He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students. He would avoid going into stores because that question hurt him so much.

When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, “Who’s your daddy?” But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast, the boy got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about the young man, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, “Son, who’s your daddy?”

The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the, question, “Who’s your daddy?”

The new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to the scared little boy. “Wait a minute! I know who you are. I see the family resemblance now. “You are a child of God.” With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, “Boy, you’ve got a great inheritance. Go and claim it.”

The boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, “Who’s your Daddy?” he’d just tell them, “I’m a child of God.”

The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, “Isn’t that a great story?”

The professor responded that it really was.

As the man turned to leave, he said, “You know, if that new preacher hadn’t told me that I was one of God’s children, I probably would never have amounted to anything!” And he walked away.

The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked, “Do you know that man who just left that was sitting at our table?”

The waitress grinned and said, “Of course. Everybody here knows him. That’s Ben Hooper.
He’s the former governor of Tennessee!”

So, I asked you today, “Whose Your Daddy?”

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & WestBow a Division Of Thomas Nelson Publishers ❤️ Respected Authors

Your Plans
Author: Pat Aman…
June 12, 2019

Have you ever made plans, and they did not work not work out?

Oh, boy, can I raise my hands to yes on that question!

Now, I will asked you a bigger question, “did you asked God what He thought about your plans.”

I have found out the hard way, God has a sense of humor.

God seems to have a unique way of upsetting the plans we have made, when we have not taken His advice into account. He tells us in His word He is with us, and He will guide our path, if we just let Him.

“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.” Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1:4-12‬ ‭

We get ourselves into in a mess when we leave God out of our plans.

When if we had sit down (and had a little talk with Jesus, He would have made it aright), from the very beginning.

Jeremiah 29: 11-13. 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. 12. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Seeking God in our lives is more than just words. It is a personal relationship.

When we are apart from God, we do not remember to take into account, everything that God would have already planned out. Things He knew that we would face. Obstacles that may occur.

We must realize God already knows about us. He knows our voice. He hears our prayers.

““It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭65:24‬ ‭

So, if you have hit bottom, and you think there is no way out. Reach up, for God is ready to reach down and set your feet on the right path.

Psalm 49: 1-3 1. I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

This devotional is a ©1996/2019
Coffee With Pat Miniseries & WestBow a Division Of Thomas Nelson Publishers

HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS
(Cleavant Derricks)

I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in
And then a little light from heaven filled my soul
It bathed my heart in love and it wrote my name above
And just a little talk with my Jesus made me whole

Have a little talk with Jesus tell him all about our troubles
Hear our fainted cry answer by and by
Feel a little prayer wheel turning know a little fire is burning
Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

Sometimes my path grows drear without a ray of cheer
And then a cloud of doubt may hide the day
The mists of sin may rise and hide the starry skies
But just a little talk with Jesus clears the way
Have a little talk with Jesus…

I may have doubts and fears my eyes be filled with tears
But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night
I go to him in prayer he knows my every care
And just a little talk with my Jesus makes it right

Have a little talk with Jesus…
Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right
Songwriters: CLEAVANT DERRICKS
© Universal Music Publishing Group

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’ 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 11It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'”Philippians 2:9-11 9Therefore 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 should 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

Where Is The Salt?
Author: Pat Aman
5/30/2019

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

What is it about salt? And how do I season speech with it? Gracious speech is sweet, yet Paul says to season it with salt.

Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

If you go to one of our daughter’s home, you will find every kind of special salt. Himalayan salt you will find. Sea salt you will find. But forget about just regular old salt.

And I will not even get into, no Sugar, no Crisco Shortening.

Now you will find a butter called Ghee, or a coconut butter or shortening, but normal stuff, forget it.

Now she does have spices, yes, all the organic spices in the world. And I have learned to cook at her house using these items.

I did find out that using coconut shortening on your turkey at Thanksgiving makes the brownest sweetest tasting turkey.

But, back to the salt.

I have had to learn to measure out the correct amount of salt that she has in her house. Because you can put a little to much Himalayan-salt before you realize and when I did, there was no saving that meal. Not even by adding potatoes to the pot. But the salt added correctly, the meal had a robust taste.

We know that salt carries all the other flavors to a new level of palatability. It brings a wonderful balance to whatever we maybe cooking.

Take out the salt in any recipe and there’s something vital missing.

Let’s think about it for a second. What is it about salt? By itself, salt doesn’t taste so great. It’s too strong. Yet add it to the recipe and its power becomes the very thing which brings life to the food.

I think salt is that one Spice of God’s truth that enhances, preserves and strengthens us.

What about the words that come from our mouths?

Speech seasoned with salt will encourage or warn, it will impart life and prevent decay from setting in, or stop it in its tracks.

Think about back before the ice boxes, refrigerator, and freezers. People cured their meat with salt. They were able to hang their meat in smoke houses, and cellars as long as it was salted, which kept the meat from decaying.

When I watched my Mawmaw Wade making butter out of the sweet cream that rose to the top of cow’s milk, she always added a little salt. It was just the right amount to keep that sweet taste of butter, but enhanced the flavor of the butter.

Salt is vital to life and salted speech is too.

As children of our Heavenly Father, we need to be “salty” in a world that is falling apart from the decay of sin.

Our message is sweet. God forgives, He loves, He brings eternal life. Yet these wonderful truths exist in an awful context of death and decay which we must not ignore by only speaking graciously. We must add salt.

Do you add the correct amount of salt to your vocabulary?

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