Monthly Archives: May 2017

What do you do with fear? (Revelation 1:17-20), May 11, 2017

Today’s Podcast

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is famed with saying, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” But how well do we do that?
Scripture
1. Revelation 1:17-20
2. The One: This is not the time for fear; I am the First and the Last, and I am the living One. I entered the realm of the dead; but see, I am alive now and for all the ages—even ages to come. Amen. I possess the keys to open the prison of death and hades.

Now write down all you have seen—all that is and all that will be. Regarding the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the heavenly messengers who preside over the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches themselves.

Devotional
1. Fear is rampant in our society
  1. Fear of physical harm
    1. Terrorists
    2. Robbers, murderers, assault
  2. Fear of disease
    1. Cancer
    2. Heart disease
    3. Diabetes
    4. Communicable diseases
  3. Fear of failure
    1. Work
    2. Relationships
    3. Life
  4. Fear of death
2. What do we do with fear?
  1. Wikipedia – Fear is a feeling induced by perceived danger or threat that occurs in certain types of organisms, which causes a change in metabolic and organ functions and ultimately a change in behavior, such as fleeing, hiding, or freezing from perceived traumatic events. Fear in human beings may occur in response to a specific stimulus occurring in the present, or in anticipation or expectation of a future threat perceived as a risk to body or life. The fear response arises from the perception of danger leading to confrontation with or escape from/avoiding the threat (also known as the fight-or-flight response), which in extreme cases of fear (horror and terror) can be a freeze response or paralysis.
  2. We all experience it as a natural emotion, but Roosevelt tells us we have nothing to fear but fear
  3. Jesus tells us now is not the time to fear
  4. He has already conquered the thing we fear most – death
  5. He holds the keys to the prison of death
3. Follow Him and He can release us from that prison
  1. Knowing He holds the keys to the worst that can happen to us
  2. We do not need to be afraid
  3. Our greatest failure is overcome by the one who holds the solution to our biggest problem – death
  4. He takes us through the veil to life everlasting
  5. There really is nothing to fear – not even fear
4. Go show a little courage
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Start a journal, you’ll be surprised what you learn (Revelation 1:11), May 10, 2017

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
They used to call them diaries, but now they call them journals. Not sure why they changed. Maybe men didn’t like the term. But do you have one? You’d be surprised what you can learn about yourself in one.
Scripture
1. Revelation 1:11
2. A Voice: 11 [I am the Alpha and the Omega, the very beginning and the very end.][b] Make a book of what you see, write it down, and send it to the seven churches [which are in Asia][c]: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Devotional
1. We decided to tell our house a year ago and started packing up things. We didn’t and so started unpacking things.
  1. Lots of boxes, too many boxes, some still unpacked
  2. A few of them held dozens of 5 x 8 notebooks that house the notes of my experiences for the past decades
  3. I use the same notebooks for taking notes for work as I do for journaling
  4. Whenever i have a passing thought I don’t want to have to go find another special place, I just write it down
2. Looked back through some of those notebooks and explored my journey from the time I started the process of keeping notes on myself back in 1978 until today
  1. Didn’t have time or the energy to read them all
  2. Interesting to see some of the changes that occurred
  3. Maturity in some areas of life
  4. Thoughts about my children
  5. Prayer requests and answers to those prayers
  6. Changes in direction that I sensed God giving
3. Jesus told John to get a pen and paper and write down what he was about to hear
  1. We can’t remember everything
  2. The older we get the harder it is to remember
  3. Some of the things I found in my notebooks I didn’t remember at all 15 or 20 years later
  4. But some were really good bits of information that I wish I had highlighted and kept in practice
  5. Jesus didn’t want John to forget what He was about to tell the churches, lessons that would make them better if they would listen
4. Journals will make you better if you will consistently put your thoughts in words
  1. Read them occasionally
  2. Look at how your journey is progressing
  3. Teach yourself
  4. Recognize the successes along life’s journey as well as the failures
  5. Learn from both
  6. Capture the lessons God wants to teach you each day so you can remember them for more than the few minutes they zip through your brain
5. Are you journaling? If not, today is a good day to start
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

It’s not like rotating stock on the shelves (Revelation 1:8), May 9, 2017

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
It’s not like rotating stock on the shelves. He’s just always there.
Scripture
1. Revelation 1:8
2. Jesus: I am the Alpha and Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.
Devotional
1. I was a preacher’s kid growing up.
  1. Opened the doors for every service
  2. Got there at least 30 minutes before everyone else was expected to arrive
  3. Made sure the lights were on, a/c or heating set to the right temperatures, everything ready for the service
2. After the service, last to leave
  1. Cleaned up any papers/bulletins laying around, left on the pews, reset the thermostats to save energy, turned off the lights, locked the door
  2. First in, last out
3. Became a habit not just for church but for a lot of things
  1. Work
  2. Meetings
  3. Social gatherings
  4. Almost anything that had a start and end time associated with it
  5. First in and last out became a habit
4. Jesus told John He was the first and last, the alpha and omega
  1. A lot different than my puny experience
  2. He was around at creation
  3. He was there before there was a way to schedule anything because He was around before time started
  4. He has been around every moment from then until now without skipping a nanosecond
  5. We can’t understand it
  6. Limited timeframe of our existence can’t wrap our minds around it
5. He will also be here when time disappears and all we know transforms into a new heaven and earth
  1. He will be the omega, the end, the one who is to come
  2. His is the one with an existence with no beginning and no end
  3. Because of His infinity in what we think of as time, Jesus can know our how to help us in every circumstance we face
6. He is also the Almighty
  1. He proved it to Abraham
  2. birth of Isaac
  3. rescue of Isaac
  4. He proved it to Moses and the Israelites
  5. plagues
  6. exodus
  7. promised land
  8. Exile
  9. He proved it to us
  10. new covenant
  11. crucifixion
  12. resurrection
  13. pentecost
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

Feeling alone (Acts 18:9-10), May 8, 2017

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
Topic Introduction with headline.
Scripture
1. Acts 18:9-10
2. The Lord: Do not be afraid, Paul. Speak! Don’t be silent! I am with you, and no one will lay a finger on you to harm you. I have many in this city who are already My people.
Devotional
1. Have you ever been in a crowd of people listening to someone spout of something you knew was wrong but noone spoke up?
  1. Hitler’s speeches
  2. Terrorist rhetoric
  3. General wrongdoing/evil action
2. We think we’re the only one in the crowd and are afraid of what the crowd might do to us if we speak up
  1. Usually not the only one
  2. Usually others in the crowd feel the same way but are also afraid
  3. Usually just need someone with the courage to start that chain reaction of good will to stand up against evil
3. Will standing up against evil always put the crowd on your side
  1. No
  2. Jesus was crucified
  3. Paul was martyred
  4. Many have lost their everything they owned and some lost their lives for speaking up for Christ
  5. But the courage to speak up always has positive consequences
4. Look at what Stephen’s martyrdom sparked
  1. Saul an onlooker
  2. Many witnesses saw Stephen’s reaction and thousands wanted to know this Jesus he spoke of
  3. The same has happened when others throughout history have stood up for Christ
5. Jesus promised His disciples He would never leave the or forsake them
  1. He never fails to keep His promises
  2. When we invite Him into our lives He is with us and in us
  3. He gives us the courage to stand alone in the crowd because we know we are never alone
  4. He is with us, empowering us
  5. Gives resurrection power to enable us to share His message of forgiveness for the asking
6. Do you feel alone in the crowd?
  1. Think again
  2. Search your heart
  3. You may be the spark that begins a revival fire among those who witness your testimony of God’s grace and mercy in your life
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

Can a leopard change his spots? (Acts 9:10-16), May 7, 2017

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
How hard is it to believe someone can change their ways? Particularly someone who has been a really bad character?
Scripture
1. Acts 9:10-16
2. The Lord: Ananias.

Ananias: Here I am, Lord.

The Lord: Get up and go to Straight Boulevard. Go to the house of Judas, and inquire about a man from Tarsus, Saul by name. He is praying to Me at this very instant. He has had a vision—a vision of a man by your name who will come, lay hands on him, and heal his eyesight.

Ananias: Lord, I know whom You’re talking about. I’ve heard rumors about this fellow. He’s an evil man and has caused great harm for Your special people in Jerusalem. I’ve heard that he has been authorized by the religious authorities to come here and chain everyone who associates with Your name.

The Lord: Yes, but you must go! I have chosen him to be My instrument to bring My name far and wide—to outsiders, to kings, and to the people of Israel as well. I have much to show him, including how much he must suffer for My name.

Devotional
1. It’s really hard to put your trust in someone who has lost your trust, isn’t it?
  1. Convicts difficulty in getting jobs
  2. Embezzlers never trusted
  3. Those who have wronged you never brought into the inner circle or even into friendships
  4. Always afraid they will repeat their actions and you’ll get hurt again
2. Jesus comes to Ananias and tells him to reach out to Saul of Tarsus
  1. Ananias knows Saul’s reputation
  2. Knows he has authority to arrest followers and knows their destination after arrest
  3. Ananias knows Saul cannot be trusted because of his previous actions
  4. Jesus says go and teach him
  5. What do you do?
3. You do what Jesus tells you to do!
  1. Might be hard for us to believe people can change but..
  2. Think about the change he made in you
  3. If he can change you, can’t he change the one you don’t want to trust?
  4. Can’t He transform the redeemed?
  5. That’s what He told Ananias and that’s what He tells us
4. So you’ve been burned by someone who says they are born again and they proved they were not by their actions
  1. Some things to think about
  2. God doesn’t expect us to put someone back into their place of greatest temptation, that would be foolish for them and us
    1. Don’t send alcoholics into a bar
    2. Don’t give embezzlers positions as treasurer
    3. Don’t put temptations in front of those who you know succumb to those temptations
    4. But use their skills
  3. Still, befriend, encourage, teach, help as new members of God’s kingdom
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

Talk about awkward (Acts 9:4-6), May 6, 2017

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
Have you ever been in a conversation where people were gossipping about someone and all of a sudden that person showed up? Awkward!
Scripture
1. Acts 9:4-6
2. The Lord: Saul, Saul, why are you attacking Me?

Saul: Lord, who are You?

Then he hears these words:

The Lord: I am Jesus. I am the One you are attacking. Get up. Enter the city. You will learn there what you are to do.

Devotional
1. It happens more often that people want to admit.
  1. Sometimes it happens real time – person walks up behind and hears the conversation
  2. Sometimes the person walks into the middle of the conversation and everyone gets quiet, they still know something is up
  3. Sometimes the word just gets back and they know who said what
  4. Relationships are destroyed as much as reputations are destroyed often by untruths
2. That’s what was happening in Paul’s life
  1. Persecuting Christians
  2. Telling the Jews things about them that were not true
  3. Telling stories about Jesus that were not true
  4. Spreading lies and rumors that despoiled Jesus’ reputation
  5. Jesus stepped behind him one day to interrupt his conversation
3. Saul, why are you attacking Me?
  1. What are you saying about Me?
  2. What are you doing to My followers?
  3. What have you been doing behind My back
  4. Why don’t you say these things to My face
4. And you know when we get ourselves caught in those embarrassing situations where we know we’re gossiping and shouldn’t, there are always consequences
  1. Paul got caught and was embarrassed by his wrong actions
  2. Fortunately did something about it
  3. Repented for his wrongdoing
  4. Learned of the tasks Jesus had for him to do
  5. Carried them out enthusiastically
  6. Stopped persecuting and became the persecuted
  7. Gained life and lost his
  8. Became the most prolific writer in the new testament
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

Are you a pessimist? (John 21:7-8), May 5, 2017

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
My daughter calls me a pessimist because I like to plan for contingencies that might happen in the future. But I think we would all like to know a little bit of what will happen next so we can be prepared. Does that make me a pessimist?
Scripture
1. John 21:7-8
2. Jesus: The Father, on His own authority, has determined the ages and epochs of history, but you have not been given this knowledge. Here’s the knowledge you need: you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be My witnesses, first here in Jerusalem, then beyond to Judea and Samaria, and finally to the farthest places on earth.
Devotional
1. I was putting together some information a few months ago in preparation for things that I hope will never happen to me or my family.
  1. Daughter saw me gathering the information
  2. “Dad, do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist?”
  3. Optimist, I like to think I look on the bright side of things
  4. “Then why are you always planning for the worst case?”
2. Good question that made me start thinking about how I approach some of the bigger problems that can confront us in life.
  1. Insurance – life and health
  2. Shelter
  3. Provision for family
  4. How to leave a legacy of values for family
  5. Not a survivalist, but prepare for disasters
3. Some of the thought process comes from military training
  1. Strategic planner during military career
  2. Built plans around contingencies
  3. “What if” thinking to avoid surprises that shook you to inaction
  4. Crossed over to thought process in other things
4. I don’t necessarily see planning for contingencies as pessimism, but…
  1. We can go too far and miss life
  2. Jesus warned early Christians to perform a task instead of trying to guess when He would return
  3. He had a job He wanted them to do
  4. If they spent all of their time planning for the contingency of His return, no one would hear the good news of His power to forgive sins
  5. Enough that God knows the future and will take care of the ages and epochs of history
  6. Enough that God gives us His spirit to enable us to do the work He gives us to do
  7. Enough that we can concentrate on the work at hand and not worry about what comes tomorrow, He has those contingencies covered
5. Knowing the future is already determined and taken care of by the Commander of heavenly armies, how does that make you feel about contingency planning?
  1. The future is in His hands and He has your best in mind.
  2. So are you an optimist or a pessimist about tomorrow?
  3. With Him on your side, how can you be anything but an optimist?
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

Wishing to be in the other man’s shoes (John 21:22), May 4, 2017

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Music intro
Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
Have you ever thought it would be better to be in someone else’s shoes? Be careful what you wish for!
Music intro
You can subscribe to the podcast, send me comments to let me know what you think, and listen to past devotionals at richardagee.com. That’s richardagee.com.
Music intro
Scripture
1. John 21:22
2. Jesus: If I choose for him to remain till I return, what difference will this make to you? You follow Me!
Devotional
1. We sure think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence sometimes, don’t we?
  1. Different job
  2. Different place
  3. Different circumstances
  4. Life would be so much better
  5. Just look at the life of that guy over there compared to what I’m going through right now
2. Big problem with that thinking
  1. We only see what’s on the outside and what his external circumstances allow us to see
  2. Never know the struggles, heartaches, difficulties going on behind closed doors
  3. We all tend to wear smiles in public when we can and put our best foot forward for those around us
3. Example of promotion in the military
  1. Thought it would be nice to be a colonel when I was a lieutenant
    1. Set your own calendar
    2. Driver to get you places
    3. More pay
    4. Secretary
    5. Best seats in every gathering
  2. With every promotion I figured out lieutenant wasn’t so bad
  3. As a colonel
    1. Eight to ten hours of every day spent in meetings or preparing for one
    2. 200-300 emails to answer every day
    3. A ream of paper to go through every day
    4. My secretary made sure my inbox was emptied and all those papers sent to the right place after I reviewed them; she deconflicted meetings so they didn’t overlap
    5. I had a driver so I could read email and talk on the phone while going from one place to another and not waste those precious minutes
    6. Best seats? Only because my eyes are getting bad and those seats are the best targets for all the question and answer sessions from the generals
  4. As a colonel, I knew a lieutenant’s life was great
4. Jesus reminded Peter and us, What difference does it make to you, just serve where you are and follow me.
Music exit
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”
Music exit

Don’t forget the command that goes with the love (John 21:15-19)

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
What was Jesus trying to tell Peter when He ask three times if he loved Him? Did you remember His command each time as well?
Scripture
1. John 21:15-19
2. Jesus: Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these other things?

Simon Peter: Yes, Lord. You know that I love You.

Jesus: Take care of My lambs.

Jesus asked him a second time . . .

Jesus: Simon, son of John, do you love Me?

Simon Peter: Yes, Lord. You must surely know that I love You.

Jesus: Shepherd My sheep.

(for the third time) Simon, son of John, do you love Me?

Peter was hurt because He asked him the same question a third time, “Do you love Me?”

Simon Peter: Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.

Jesus: Look after My sheep. I tell you the truth: when you were younger, you would dress yourself and go wherever you pleased; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and take you to a place you do not want to go.

Jesus said all this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After this conversation, Jesus said,

Jesus: Follow Me!

Devotional
1. A lot has been said about why Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved Him
  1. Three different words to describe love
    1. Like something like you like ice cream or a good movie
    2. Love like brotherly love
    3. Unconditional agape, god-like love
  2. Peter denied Jesus three times so Jesus asked Peter three times for each denial
  3. Peter needed to reach deep into His core to get past the flippant answer we all give to questions most of the time
    1. How are you? Fine
    2. How was your vacation? Great
    3. What can I do for you? Just looking
    4. Do you love me? Of course I do
2. What we often forget is the command Jesus gave Peter that goes along with his declaration
  1. Take care of my sheep
  2. Shepherd my sheep
  3. Look after my sheep
  4. Do the hard work of keeping these fledgling followers encouraged during hard times
  5. Teach them My ways when the world is trying to drive them another way
  6. Give them help when they’re caught in the storms of life
  7. Be their shepherd
3. Jesus is telling Peter the same way James tells us in his letter
  1. Faith without works is dead
  2. Works do not save you
  3. But faith without works is not the faith Jesus wants of His followers, either
  4. Just ask Peter
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

Sharing the haul (John 21:10-12), May 2, 2017

Leave a reply

Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
So is Jesus’ invitation about sharing the haul He help bring about or sharing the breakfast He already prepared or teaching His disciples a lesson or what?
Scripture
1. John 21:10-12
2. Jesus (to disciples): Bring some of the fish you just caught.

Simon Peter went back to the boat to unload the fish from the net. He pulled 153 large fish from the net. Despite the number of the fish, the net held without a tear.

Jesus: Come, and join Me for breakfast.

Devotional
1. Peter heard the man call from the shore to throw his nets on the right side of the boat
  1. He wasn’t real sure why that side was any better than the other
  2. Did what the man suggested
  3. Made one of the biggest hauls of his life – 153 large fish
  4. Not sure what constitutes large, but Peter was a fisherman and large would not be something you could hold in the palm of your hand
2. Recognized the command came from Jesus after the fact
  1. Jumped in to meet Him
  2. Didn’t care what others thought of His actions
  3. Didn’t care about the wealth lost in getting to Him
3. Finally felt sorry for his friends and went to help unload the boat
  1. Took time to unload 153 large fish plus whatever else was caught in the nets
  2. Laid them out in the sand to dry
  3. Checked the nets for tears
  4. Hung them up to dry to be ready to go out again
  5. Professional fishermen
4. Bring some of the fish you caught
  1. Share what you have with others
  2. Don’t be greedy with what God has allowed you to gain
  3. Enjoy the fellowship with others as you give generously
  4. Bring some of the fish you caught
5. Breakfast was already roasting on the fire
  1. Brought fish, but fish was already cooking
  2. Abundance came out of sharing
  3. Joy came out of accepting the invitation from Jesus
6. What would have happened if Peter had not paid attention to that man on the beach that day?
  1. Tired, hot, sweaty from a long night’s work
  2. No fish to show for his toil
  3. Would not have met the Master for breakfast
  4. Would not have eaten some of the best fish created, just for him
7. God invites us to share out of the abundance He has given us so that He can invite us to experience even more with Him.
  1. God’s math doesn’t add up in our sense of thinking
  2. But we are not God
If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”