HARVEST IS COMING / We Got It Made

This is the 5^th of 7 devotions with the theme

"Redemption"

HARVEST IS COMING!

by
Kent Cooley

(Adapted from Matthew 16:26; Ephesians 2:8)

When I was just a boy in the 70's, I remember a song by Joel Hemphill that left a great impression on me.

Pity the man who has treasures to hold

Yet he holds not the peril of great price.

Pity the man though he lives long on earth

Yet he holds not the giver of life.

Doctor or lawyer, traveler or merchant,

Builder who builds on the sand.

Pauper or King to be saved is the thing.

If he’s lost then pity the man.

At the beginning of this new year, we once again re-evaluated our goals and looked back over what has been accomplished from where we were last January. I am not just speaking of the monetary and financial aspects of life. I speak of accomplishments and achievements in the spiritual realm as well. Most of the time there is a price to pay for God's perfect will and one's destiny. It is a process that takes faith, patience and time. Few people pursue just this in their lifetime. But it is so worth it – the journey as well as the destination. I would not change places with the most elite in town. However, I do believe a harvest time is coming. It always does after seed is planted, watered and tended to. It is God's way. There is a harvest in this life from seed sown but the greater harvest is eternal.

Father, thank you for this journey that you have me on. It is exciting to think about the spiritual truths that are yet to dawn on me. It is exciting to wonder what is the next chapter in this season on earth. We really do have it made because when all is said and done in my life and all my accomplishments have been achieved and my destiny road ends, I will move into my mansion and begin a new life in heaven! Wow! Let the redeemed of the Lord say, "We've got it made!

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WE’VE GOT IT MADE

Devotion: Harvest is Coming!

(Adapted from Matthew 16:26; Ephesians 2:8)

Chorus

We’ve got it made

We’ve been washed in the blood of the Lamb

We’ve got it made

We won the prize for the race Jesus ran

We’ve got it made

Our debt’s been paid

We’ve got it made

By His grace we’ve been saved

Verse

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob dug wells

That all of their children would receive

Though they shed not one drop of sweat to dig,

Still they came for generations to drink

In the garden of Gethsemane,

Jesus shed great drops of blood

Digging a well of salvation,

With joy we can drink from because of His love.

©LoveWalkPublishing WordsAndMusic by KentCliffordCooley

Devotion by KentAndRebeccaCooley / All Rights Reserved

PROPHECY FULFILLED / I Thirst

This is the 4^th of 7 devotions with the theme

"Redemption"

PROPHECY FULFILLED

by
Rebecca Cooley

(Adapted from John 19:28-30, 35-36; Matthew 27:34)

I was there that day with my mother at the hill called Golgotha. I knew what was happening was more than what I could see. Scripture was being fulfilled right before my eyes. I, John, have recorded just what I saw that day so that you may believe also.

He refused the wine they offered him. I knew He must be at the point of death but He said He was thirsty. This time vinegar was offered to Him on a sponge and He took it. I thought, “No! The vinegar will seep into your wounds and it will be even more painful!” Now I realize, He was not asking to quench His thirst. He was fulfilling Scripture. The Messiah knew that everything needed to be complete. He was not a helpless, powerless victim. He was very much aware of every Scripture that spoke of His atoning death as the promised Messiah. He had been orchestrating events all along so that His death would perfectly fulfill every prophetic detail to complete His mission. After receiving the vinegar, He said, “It is finished!” All prophecy was fulfilled and His mission was accomplished. I saw Him die.

Lord, You are the One who created the oceans. You are the One who created water! You held time and eternity in Your hands on the cross and You hold it now. You drank the sour wine. You took the bitter cup. You died by choice, not because they made You. You did it for me. You connected Yourself to me in love on that cross. My words are not enough to say thank you, Lord. Thank you for what You did for me.

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I THIRST

Devotion: Prophecy Fulfilled

(Adapted from John 19:28-30)

Verse

In the beginning He created the streams

In the beginning He created the rivers

In the beginning He created all things

How is it that I now hear Him cry,

Chorus

I thirst, hear Him cry I thirst, on the cross He cried I thirst

Bridge

Every ‘t’ was crossed, every ‘i’ was dotted

He fulfilled every prophecy as he cried . . .

©LoveWalkPublishing WordsAndMusic by KentCliffordCooley

Devotion by RebeccaAnnCooley

All Rights Reserved

THE SCARLET THREAD OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS / BrokenForMe

This is the 3^rd of 7 devotions with the theme

"Redemption"

THE SCARLET THREAD OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS
by
Kent Cooley

(Adapted from Gen 3:21; Revelation 7:14)

Several years ago I had the privilege of serving as music minister and adult Sunday school teacher at a church in High Point, NC. When I was given this position to teach, I felt led to begin in Genesis and study “The Scarlet Thread of the Blood of Jesus” throughout scripture. It began with the account of how God made coats of skin for Adam and Eve. This was the first shedding of blood for the covering of their nakedness. This foreshadowed the blood of Jesus. The study lasted for over a year of Sunday mornings and it ended in Revelation 7:14.

These are they which came out of great tribulation,

and have washed their robes,

and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Father, thank you for the scarlet thread of the blood of Your son, Jesus. Thank you for the promise shown in many types and shadows throughout all history of the blood of the Lamb shed for us. I acknowledge that only the blood of Your Son, Jesus can wash away my sins. I receive the redemption You have provided me through the Lamb slain for us now. Thank you for the blood of Jesus.

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BROKEN FOR YOU

Devotion:

(Adapted from Hebrews 9:22; Acts 4:12 Rev 13:8; John 1:29; Isaiah 53:5)

Verse 1:

Without the shedding of blood

There’s no remission of sin, no remission at all

And there’s no other name whereby we are saved,

So on Him we call

We were under condemnation,

But for every situation

He was slain from the foundation of the world

Chorus:

Broken for me and He was broken for you

At the whipping post for my healing was bruised

I can’t contain so much love that my Lord would pursue

See the blood streaming down from the cross it is true

Jesus was broken for me

His body was broken for you

Verse 2:

Throughout the old testament

There’s a scarlet thread of the blood of the lamb

And the question was asked,

Where’s the Lamb without spot or blemish for us

The question was finally answered

As John the Baptist did stand

The moment that he saw Jesus he cried,

“Behold the Lamb”

© LoveWalkPublishing WordsAndMusic by KentCliffordCooley Devotion by KentCliffordCooley

THE RIGHTFUL PLACE OF THE CROSS / Don'tMoveTheCross

This is the 2^nd of 7 devotions with the theme

"Redemption"

THE RIGHTFUL PLACE OF THE CROSS

by
Rebecca Cooley

(Adapted from Ephesians 6:12; 1 John 4:4)

The cross of Calvary appears very humble and unassuming, yet it is the most powerful force on earth. The cross is the reason that our struggle is not against flesh and blood and the rulers and authorities and powers of this dark world.

We recognize the power and strategy of the enemy in the world today. We see the enemy moving and working all around us. We circulate emails describing it. We discuss the details at our dinner tables. We go to court and fight legal battles. We make laws enabling the enemy’s tactics. The world has given the enemy place. The world and many parts of the body of Christ have chosen to ignore the cross of Christ and thus have moved the cross from its rightful place.

The cross is impressed upon my heart this morning. That humble and unassuming symbol impresses my heart with power and authority. The atoning blood of Jesus has power to break the enemy’s dominion. The enemy has no legal power unless we concede ground to him. The enemy must obey the blood of Jesus and submit to the authority that was provided by the cross. There is no greater truth on the face of the earth and no greater power than the power of the cross.

Father, forgive me for removing the cross from the throne of my heart. I humbly bow to that cross this morning and confess sin and receive forgiveness. I receive the anointing, the atoning blood that was given on the cross as my authority and power to overcome the enemy. I begin with placing the cross in the forefront of my heart today and I use that authority to dismantle sin that has tried to hide there. I set up the cross in my home as the ultimate power and authority to destroy the works of the enemy there. The enemy has no right to my family because the cross is in place in our home. Thank you, Jesus for the cross. I will not move the cross from its rightful place. It remains securely established on the throne of my heart.

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DON’T MOVE THE CROSS

Devotion: The Rightful Place Of The Cross

(Adapted from Ephesians 6:12; 1 John 4:4)

Verse 1:

It must be an awful thing for Christ to have to see

A world that’s turned its back on him

Though sovereign he may be

By Him was made an easier way

So that men might be free

Though His back was laid bare,

He seemed not to care

Though the blood filled His eyes and matted His hair

Where he hung His head and died

But before that He cried, Father, forgive

Chorus

Before you move the cross away

What will replace it?

If we don’t give the cross deep thought

We are downward bound let’s face it

An emblem that had shed its light

On so many souls that would be lost

Move anything yes everything

But don’t move the cross

Verse 2

I don’t know if folks can see just how I feel way down inside

Toward those who try to hide this Christ

From those lost sheep who cry

God help me if I should be the man that would try to say

That His blood is not real and no one can feel

His power’s all gone And His stripes cannot heal

And for all that its worth we may as well curse

And throw it away

© WordsAndMusic by James Rogers

Devotion by RebeccaAnnCooley

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STRATEGY 2 WIN / LoveWentToCalvary

This is the 1^st of 7 devotions with the theme

"Redemption"

STRATEGY TO WIN
by
Rebecca Cooley

(Adapted from John 14:28)

Some of the disciples thought that Jesus had come to overtake the Romans and to re-establish the kingdom of Israel. They expected Him to set Himself up to succeed the throne of David. They really thought this was supposed to happen and expected it. So when the events that were leading up to the cross began to unfold, the disciples were trying to understand. Jesus wanted them to see beyond their small, selfish thinking and to see the bigger and better picture. Jesus was trying to change their mindset from one of ego and pride to a mind of humility. Humility was the key to experiencing God’s glory and humility is our key to experiencing God.

The disciples may have been saying in the shadows to each other, “We’ll show those Romans. Jesus is here and He’s going to overthrow their kingdom. We will stand by Him. We will fight if we have to!”

Jesus used a different angle. "You've heard me tell you, 'I'm going away, and I'm coming back.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I'm on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life. I've told you this ahead of time, before it happens, so that when it does happen, the confirmation will deepen your belief in me. I'll not be talking with you much more like this because the chief of this godless world is about to attack. But don't worry—he has nothing on me, no claim on me. But so the world might know how thoroughly I love the Father, I am carrying out my Father's instructions right down to the last detail.”

Lord, thank you for revealing in Your Word the strategy that You used against the enemy. Thank you for insight and understanding that reveals to me my strategy against the enemy today. Could I go so far as to tell you Lord, that I will look for opportunities to humble myself? At least, help me to recognize when You are working humility in me! I know You are working in me a strategy to defeat the enemy in my life and to those victories to affect others.

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LOVE WENT TO CALVARY

Devotion: Strategy to Win

(Adapted from John 14:28)

Verse 1:

Royalty itself became poverty, born in a manger oh how can this be

The foxes have holes and the birds have nests but the Son of Man hath not a place to rest

He became a servant just to make me a king

Chorus:

Love went to Calvary, Mercy hung upon a tree, Grace said “Not My will”

Power came to save and heal, I’m so glad He made a way for me

I’m so glad He made a way for me

I’m so glad He made a way for you and me when (2. all to see that) love went to Calvary

Verse 2:

I see you weeping and crying at Gethsemane

Lord I see You bleeding and dying on an old rugged tree

All power in heaven and earth had been given unto Thee

You could have called ten thousand angels but instead you called me

Bridge:

For God so loved this old world that He gave His only begotten son

That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but they should have everlasting life

© LoveWalkPublishing

WordsAndMusic by KentCliffordCooley

Devotion by RebeccaAnnCooley

CARE PREVENTION / Walking & Talking w/ You

This is the 6^th of 6 devotions with the theme from 1 Peter 5:7

“Casting Care”

CARE PREVENTION

(Adapted from Romans 11:16; 1 Corinthians 13:5; 1Peter 5:7; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 1:9;)

The first fruits of our day belong to the Lord. Scripture says,

"If the first fruit is holy, the whole lump is holy."

Morning prayer is a preemptive strike on the enemy and we begin our day with a huge advantage. It is the best time to cast our care so that we can begin our day care-free. It is the best time to confess our sins so that we can begin our day sin-free. As we emerge out of the darkness of the night, it is in the morning that we choose to walk in the light as He is in the light. It is in the morning that we find ourselves in a mode of fellowship with the Lord that lasts all day. We can truly pray without ceasing all day when we establish fellowship in our first waking moments. Talking to God in the morning is the best investment you can make in your day.

And when you add thanksgiving, you bring much pleasure to Your Creator!

Gratitude reduces the amount of care you will have to cast on the Lord. It is the ounce of prevention that is better than the pound of cure. An ounce of thanksgiving is better than a pound of care.

So go ahead, get your feet wet from the dew on the grass. Take a walk with Jesus this morning.

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WALKING AND TALKING WITH YOU

(Adapted from Romans 11:16; 1 Corinthian s13:5; 1Peter 5:7; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 1:9; )
Verse 1: 
My feet are wet from the dew on the grass in the morning, 
walking and talking with You.
Verse 2: 
I cast all my care on the one who cares for me in the morning, 
walking and talking with You.
Verse 3: 
I confess all my sins to the one who is faithful 
to forgive and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.
Verse 4: 
I walk in the light as You are in the light in the morning, 
walking and talking with You.
Verse 5: 
O what fellowship, O what joy divine in the morning, 
walking and talking with You.
Verse 6: 
I am Yours and You are mine in the morning, 
walking and talking with You.

© LoveWalkPublishing WordsAndMusic by KentCliffordCooley

Devotion by KentCliffordCooley

This is the impartation devotion:

Father, it has been settled once and for all.  I cast all my care upon You, all of my care, because You care for me.  

MY BEST FRIEND / Casting All My Care

This is the 5th of 6 devotions with the theme from 1 Peter 5:7

"Casting Care"

MY BEST FRIEND
by
Rebecca Cooley

(Adapted from 1 Peter 5:7)

Do you have a best friend? A best friend is someone who accepts you just the way you are. You can tell your secrets to your best friend and trust him/her not to broadcast them on facebook. A best friend forgives and keeps coming back around. A best friend is loyal and believes in you. A best friend cares about how you feel. Your best friend may have a temperament just like you or you may be opposites but you enjoy each other’s company. My husband is my best friend. He is all of these things I have described and even more.

But there is a friendship I have that is closer than the companionship of my husband. It is a friend I can give all of my worries and cares to. If I tried to give my cares to my husband, he would not know what to do with them and if he took them, they would weigh him down and be a burden.

At one point, Jesus told his disciples that he no longer called them his servants but he now called them friends. Their relationship changed to a more personable one. Jesus referred to them as close friends.

Scripture indicates that our relationship with God can be personable as a close friend. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Jesus said, “If your earthly father would give good things to his children, how much more will your heavenly Father give to his friends?” Scripture bears out that there is no relationship more personable and more loving than the one we have with Jesus.

"Give all your worries and cares to God,

for He cares about you."

Father, I cast my care upon you knowing that you really do care for me. You care for me as your child and as your best friend. My friends could let me down and even my husband doesn’t have all the answers that I need. I am glad that I can say that Jesus is my best friend!

 © LoveWalkPublishing - Devotion authored by Rebecca Ann Cooley

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CASTING ALL MY CARE

Devotion: My Best Friend

(Adapted from 1 Peter 5:7)

Verse:

Jesus is a friend indeed and he sticks closer than a brother to me

I don’t have to bare my burdens alone

As a matter of fact, I don’t have to bear my burdens at all

Chorus

Casting all my care on him for he cares for me

Casting all my care on him he will meet my every need

I won’t take the care of it, I lay it at his feet

Casting all my care on him for he cares for me

Bridge

And he said he no longer just calls me a servant anymore

But now he calls me his friend, He calls me his friend

© LoveWalkMusic WordsAndMusic by KentCliffordCooley