Living Fountains

Daily Devotion

Archive for March, 2011

The seven “Additives” to our faith

March 29, 2011 at 7:44 pm · Filed under Bible Devotions, Uncategorized


The seven “Additives” to our faith

  1. Virtue / Integrity
  2. Knowledge
  3. Temperance / Self Control
  4. Patience / Endurance
  5. Godliness
  6. Brotherly Kindness / Christian Affection
  7. Charity / Love

Second Peter Chapter 1 [KJV]

3            According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4            Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5            And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6            And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7            And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8            For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9            But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

10          Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

11          For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Road Of Tranquility

 Definitions

 Virtue / Integrity: Conformity to a standard of right > “morality” < particular moral excellence / firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: incorruptibility an unimpaired condition, the quality or state of being complete or undivided

 Knowledge: The fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association / acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique.

 Temperance / Self Control: Moderation in action, thought, or feeling: restraint / habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions / restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires.

 Patience / Endurance: Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint / manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain not hasty or impetuous / steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity /  able or willing to bear / permanence, duration / the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.

 Godliness: What is Godliness? Hum???????

 Brotherly Kindness: Kind deed; favor / the quality or state of being kind / affection

 Charity / Love: Benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity / generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need /  an institution engaged in relief of the poor / public provision for the relief of the needy / a gift for public benevolent purposes / an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift / lenient judgment of others

 Summary:

Here we see according to Peter, that God has given us everything we need in order to live life, as well as live life in a Godly manner. The divine power that God has given us, is through our knowledge of Jesus who called us according to his own integrity. We should always keep in mind that our walk is to have a constant reminder of these things so that we can continue to grow and secure the calling of God. Note: Another perspective view of the word fall as mentioned here in the book of Peter is to see it as a measure of how much we produce. If we continually and diligently pursue we will not fall. And we shall produce a measurable exceeding life that reflects the knowledge of Jesus in the way we produce these additives. The more we line up the more we produce. Therefore I pray these additives be a constant application to our faith and may we continually and exceedingly grow in the knowledge and position in the Kingdom of God.

As we look at the way in which we increase our devotion and faith in the seven additives provided by Peter we notice a similarity of actions for each one. Each one compliments the other. Our position as those who chose to walk after the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ must be to demonstrate those qualities that separate the nature of sin and the divine nature of God. Our wealth is ultimately the promise of the entrance into an eternal kingdom forever with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my hope that as we enter those gates; we have a following of those who where touched and inspired by our Godliness, our stand for a life of virtue, our acquaintance and experience with Jesus our Lord, our emptiness of our own impulses, our kindness and affection, our generosity and love for those in suffering and in need. How honorable is that? To stand before the King and proclaim here is thy Craftsmanship. Everything entrusted to me is accounted for. Keeping in mind it is not about us, it is all about our creator and how we follow the master’s plan. We are not chosen because we are better than everyone else we are chosen because of a covenant that is Gods plan. These additives keep us forever reminded that our lives are not our own and the application is what prepares our hearts to live that kind of life. The world as we know it seeks to gain its own reward however our reward is not of this world. It is a result of Jesus giving everything of him-self for us; his power, his position, his life. For us to reflect such an offer of sacrifice can only be represented by one who is willing to also lay down his or her life for others. This is LOVE. 1st John Chapter 4 verse 8 says [The person who doesn't love doesn't know God, because “God is love”]. It is therefore an honor to walk in his footsteps as we the children of God reflect that Love.

In Closing:

May God expand our borders to overflowing with the Love he so graciously provides; May we embrace those in which come to us for life and shelter. May our hearts be a mirror of such great compassion which God shines from heaven; May the peace of our souls rejoice in the majesty of his embrace upon our lives. I pray the words of Peter forever resonate as a reminder to be diligent. Amen

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My God will prove his word and approve my footsteps

March 28, 2011 at 8:30 am · Filed under Bible Devotions, Just a thought, Uncategorized


So often we find ourselves disappointed and let down by how we are viewed through the perspective eyes of others. It seems the more we find peace and contentment in a particular area, there is always someone there to bring us down a few notches. I find this to be more prevalent in Church groups that operate under the umbrella of manipulation and starvation. We however need to be mindful and careful, not to allow two common thugs that I’ll call anger and resentment to take residence in our minds. They will try to come in and sit for a while however we should always know there is no good in them and just have them stand outside the door. We can always get back with them once we have come to grips with the opinion of someone else’s view of us, especially if push comes to shove, which hopefully will never happen. LOL

Sometimes we just need to step away and find what it is that God sees, as pleasing. I can recall a time when I would study and hear a wonderful word of God and then try and share it with someone only to have them totally shoot me down. I often felt betrayed or left feeling a sense of being inadequate. Then one day I realized; this was exactly what I was doing to others. It is a powerful influence to be competitive and we can sometimes misuse our authority in Gods word to exalt ourselves. What I found was “to exalt one’s self, was to exhaust one’s self”

We aught to seek the council of the wise; however this does not mean the wisdom of man but of God. We can learn the art of becoming detached for a season and I believe it is healthy to do so. We have all heard the comment that a child should eventually cut the apron string of his or her mother. This is an emotional detachment so the child can develop their own ability to function on their own. Well our spiritual growth is the same principle. We must detach ourselves from those who constantly want to feed us their opinions. What is sad is their opinions are usually based on our past or current position in the natural man and we are trying to establish a life for the future in a spiritual man. The council of the Godly is very important and we should submit ourselves to that authority. It is under that authority that we sit and listen. It is not a debatable time is learning and growing time, therefore we need to be mindful that as we ourselves have sat and listened and grown. We must be patient with others who are growing as well. The point here is; I don’t waste my time debating the things that God has instilled and perfected in me. I detach myself from debate not from people. Jesus himself did not debate Pilot who was given the power to destroy him. Jesus knew the truth and knew the way, and was settled in it. Nothing that anyone could have added or taken away from that hour would have made a difference. This is where we need to place ourselves. To separate ourselves to the word of truth will sometimes separate us from the popular views of others. We walk in humility and compassion in light of this. Yes there are others who will scorn and question our position; however we stand back and simply know with confidence My God will prove his word and approve my footsteps. Just a thought…

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Seize Every Moment

March 27, 2011 at 6:01 pm · Filed under Bible Devotions, Just a thought, Uncategorized and tagged: , , , , , , ,


Land of dreams: Temple of Forgiveness

Image by arno gourdol via Flickr

God speaks to each and every one of us in a way we can understand him best. Once we have that way established it is important to always keep that line open. One of the ways God speaks is by the things that are around us. Our lives and its patterns say a lot about whom we are and where we are going. When I was a young man; well let’s just say younger than I am now. Lol. I was working at a hospital and one day I walked into restroom. Upon entering I noticed a homeless lady standing there. She was eating and washing herself. Knowing she was not supposed to be there. “Little did I know” I yelled hey you need to get out of here and I literally scared her to the point that she ran out and left her food “what little she had”. Now many would think that was the right thing to do. I know at that time I did. Well years later I was at my lowest point in life and found myself kneeling at the foot of Jesus crying out for help. He opened his arms wide and started a life a new in me. One morning I woke up and asked God the question. Lord what would you have me do today. All of a sudden heaviness came over me. You see I had 3 warrants out for my arrest. I had been paranoid and dodging the law for so many years and that morning the lord was challenging me to set things right. I pleaded God I cant hand myself in, I am a single Dad and have a daughter to take care of, and I am trying to live for you now and what will the people at church think and I don’t want to go to jail, and on and on and on. But the lord in his omnipotent wisdom was not convinced of my rationality So, I went down to the courthouse and stepped up to the receptionist and humbly said. Um Ma’am I have 3 warrants out for my arrest and I am here to hand myself in. She looked up and asked for my identification and said please excuse me for a minute. That minute seemed liked hours. I was sweating and shaking and had no idea of why I just did what I did. My mind was running the Indy 500 and no one was even close to my tail. Then the receptionist returned and said the Judge would like to see you in is chamber. I about fell over. I walked into the Judges chamber and he said have a seat young man. I did. He began to say we have been looking for you a long time. He asked why now after all these years; you have decided to come in. I explained your honor I have done many things in my life and I deserve the punishment. Recently I have given my heart to God and because he means so much to me I asked him this morning what I could do that was pleasing to him. That is why I am here. I want to make it right because that’s what is right with God. I don’t want my past hanging over my head. For years I have had to hide and run and now I need to face the consequences. The Judge looked at me and said here is what I want you to do. I want you to go down to the blood bank and donate blood. And with the receipt they give you; I want you to come back her and give it to me. So I did and upon going into the Judges chamber the second time he said; sit down. He leaned forward and said you don’t know how many times I have heard that story. God has changed me. There was one thing different with you. You said you deserved the punishment and was willing to face the consequences. Others who have used that story were defending themselves and trying to explain why they didn’t deserve the punishment / consequences. He said son you are on the right track and always be true to yourself and your God. Then he picked up a paper and called his receptionist in and said in the case of such and such and such and such I decree today that Mr. Richardson is a free man and his record to be quashed. He stood up and walked around his desk and shook my hand. He put his hand on my shoulder and said son don’t let me down I believe you are on the right path. I was speechless. I thanked him and walked out of there so relieved. Well driving down the road on my way home I saw this homeless person on the side of the road. Again all of sudden I felt I needed to stop and do something that was pleasing to God. So I pulled over and as I approached the person she turned around and it was the same lady I had chased out of the restroom years before. Immediately my eyes filled with tears and I could only tell her how sorry I was and that I wanted to bless her with my love. I pulled out all the money I had on me and gave it to her and said I just want you to know Jesus loves you and so do I. she replied thank you kind sir; I know and Jesus love you too. God bless you. As I walked back to the car I was taken back with these words. You are redeemed by the blood and the tears just poured out as I realized I just gave blood as Jesus gave his blood and now my sins are forgiven. Never underestimate the events in your life and seize every moment to do that which is pleasing to God

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Give Comfort Today

March 27, 2011 at 5:04 pm · Filed under Bible Devotions, Just a thought, Uncategorized and tagged:


Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
He is the Father who is compassionate and the God who gives comfort. He comforts us whenever we suffer. That is why whenever other people suffer, we are able to comfort them by using the same comfort we have received from God.

Find Your Place Of Rest

I know we have all been thru suffering in one way or another. just know that we have not suffered in vain. As christ suffered and comforted us we are to give comfort as we ourselves have suffered. So let us give comfort to someone today. Just a thought.

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