July 24 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Temperament and Tendencies”
Matthew 5:20

I could never live good enough to convince God to save me. There is no list of rules set up for me to live by that are good enough to help me make it. The simple rule is, “Jesus in me, the hope of Glory,” And by faith I trust Him to get me to heaven, and while I am yet here on this earth, I’m to have Him    in every thought and top priority in all that I do. I’m not saved by what I do, again because “I’m sealed unto the day of redemption,” and “The work He has begun in me, He will finish it.” In light of that, I pray like the Psalmist, “Search me Oh God, and see if there be any wicked way in me,” and if there are any secret sins, reveal them to me, that I sin not against you. Not so I can finally work my way to heaven, but that I may live out what is in me. I can never be pure enough or clean enough, but the old nature must conform to the Spirit of grace and truth, making me able to be an overcomer by faith. Only in redemption is this possible.

“Condition”

I stand in an awkward position, 

without His disposition;

I must come under contrition, 

and God will make the transition.

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“The simple rule is,
Jesus in me the hope of glory.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 16-19

Weekly Memory Verses:  Proverbs 14:31-35  

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

July 23 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Sanctification”
I Corinthians 1:30

 “I am crucified with Christ; never the less, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

It is not me, but Him now, that I’ve trusted in; I’m not my own, He proves Himself in and through me, yes me, mortal flesh! Am I worthy? I think not, yea less than worthy. I’m bought with a price that far exceeds all human understanding, it’s the shed blood of Jesus, applied to me that makes me clean and whole.

I’m set apart to manifest to others the love that He has put in me, and all of the attributes of the resurrected life. I am put here to ". . .live unto the Lord, . . .” Romans 14:8. We as Christians are sanctified to be: Sowers to scatter good seed; plowmen to break up fallow ground; heralds to publish salvation; salt of the earth to be a blessing and workers to work for Him and together with Him.

It is always amazing to me, Jesus says, “be ye holy for I am holy,” and then He gives us the power to do it; But we must draw it from His holiness. In this life, I can never be exactly like Jesus. But He must be Lord in me before I can ever prove Him to others.

 “Set Apart”

Thank you, Lord, for your work 

in me, I say it from the heart.

You came into me, my Lord to be, 

And now I am set-apart.

                ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:
“I am put here to live unto the Lord.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 12-15

Weekly Memory Verses:  Proverbs 14:31-35  

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

July 22 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Sanctification”
I Thessalonians 4:3; Philippians 3:10

To be set apart for the work of God, is in itself an awesome thought; that He would entrust us to follow His Son in death as well as life, because we must die out to sin and self in order to be alive in Jesus. The moment I’m willing to give up myself and go with the plan of God for my life, something in me begins to balk like a stubborn mule; it is called the natural man. He says, “What about me? I count too you know.” The flesh will stand up for itself and will cry out with selfish pride, “I’ve been faithful to you, and you owe me some respect.” But when you begin to depend on the faithfulness of the flesh, it will let you down. The natural man must die, that we might live unto Christ. 

When Jesus is number one in our lives, I mean, when He is allowed to completely take over everything, I then will learn to live a consecrated, sanctified life. When I come to the point in life when I say, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.” I am then beginning to see what sanctification is all about; And I say, let it be, I must have this sanctified life. I have given my life over to Him, that He may do with me as He pleases. He became man and took my place on Calvary that I might be made something presentable.

“He Died For Me” 

To be saved is to trust, 

What He did you see;

I can become Him, 

Because He first became me.

~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“We must die out to sin and self.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 8-11

Weekly Memory Verses:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

July 21 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“For So An Entrance”
II Peter 1:1-21; Matthew 5:3

Jesus is my teacher, but first He is my Lord and Saviour. I’m absolutely nothing without Him. I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the crucified Lamb. The harder I try to be a good man, is the more I realize that I can be nothing more than a sinner saved by His wonderful grace. I am not fully made yet; He’s still working on me. I’m yet under construction.

Thank God, I have not attained yet what I’m looking for, but I will, through what He has done for me. “I have no merits of my own, I stand on Jesus and Him alone.” “Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4).

Thank God! I despair in myself, I can’t accomplish what I feel I must for Jesus, so I must trust Him to do His will in me and through me. I stand totally helpless in myself. The more I think I can do for Jesus to win Him, is the less connected I’ll be with Him. If I have the attitude that Jesus just can’t make it without me, I’m finished before I ever start. I can’t make it without Him: I can’t preach, I can’t teach; I can’t be anything without Him living in me, guiding me, loving me and simply making me into what pleases Him. Thank God, I’m a poor rich man.

“On Beyond”

Of this world, very little I hold, 

But in Him, I’m rich and bold.

Earths’ pleasures diminish with the using, 

Memories fade without permanent fusing. 

Let us look forward, and not in despair,  

For waiting us is joy, far beyond compare.

                        ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“I’m yet under construction.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 4-7

Weekly Memory Verses:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

July 20 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“God Is Always Where the Need Is”
Isaiah 40:31

When I got saved, God gave me my marching orders. He said go. Now the problem for most of us is, that we are waiting on God to move a certain way to show us how to go and do His will. Our instruction manual, the Bible, teaches us in detail how to be dependent on God and get strength for the journey of going and compelling. 

If we are true believers in God and His word, it matters not what condition we are in, we will soon realize where our strength and ability come from. There is no excuse for not having strength and availability. When we understand that our spirituality comes from God and not from some physical commotion or emotion, then we will step out on zeal according to knowledge and God given faith.

Remember, if we are born again, He lives within us, we are complete in Him, and to step out on His promises is natural. It is sin to say, “I can’t do it;” I can’t go or claim that I can’t say this or that concerning truth and right. There are no excuses for sitting still and doing nothing, when He has enabled us to be able to do all things in His name. We cannot truthfully say, I have no ability to be what I should be for God. He will show us, because He is there where the need is, and we are His. 

“Where Is God” 

Where is God? 

We hear men say,

May I see Him please? 

He is here, living within;

And there, wherever the need is.

            ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:
“To step out on His promises is natural.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 1-3

Weekly Memory Verses:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

July 19 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“The Attitude of Belief”
John 13:13

 As Jesus said to His Father, “thy will be done,” we must also. He gives us our will and freedom to use it by choice. He will never force us to do anything, but if we pay close attention, He will always have open doors available to walk through. Jesus has been treated worse than any man, yet He is our Saviour, and we owe Him everything.

I represent the Redeemer in all things of my life; I see His holiness, I want to live holy; I realize His righteousness and I want to live righteous; I look at His worthiness and see that I am unworthy; But I’m moved by the Spirit to give Him praise, because He is worthy. He is able; He is Lord, and I am moved to be like Him.

May I see the Lord as He is and myself as He sees me. May I desire Him above all fellows. I must know Him, I must love Him, because I’m so unworthy. I have this deep settled peace that says, I can obey, I can trust, because of the covenant. He is mine and I am His because He became us that we could become Him! I’m not His because of what I’ve done, but because of what He did.

 "Obey”

To have a right relation, 

between my Father and me;

I must obey for His blessing, you see.  

I do it because of what He has put in me, 

And not all together from what you see.

Many things we see, we don’t understand,  

So be careful to look first at the Spiritual man.

                                ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“I have this deep settled peace, 

that says, I can obey.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 144-150

Weekly Memory Verses:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

July 18 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“The Unexplained of Belief”
John 3:19-21; Acts 9:6

For a man to break the human spirit of another, would leave no room for obedience to God. May we learn to turn ourselves aside and give God total right-of-way in our lives. For it is He that has changed us and is continually changing us, to be what He wants us to be in humility and temperance.

We are to obey Christ, not everything we think we ought to do, or feel like doing. We also can become slaves to religious acts by obeying another man’s domineering tactics, or our own self-righteous motives. When we do this, the Bible points a condemning finger at us. We then must go against what is natural, and that takes obedience to the wooing of the Holy Spirit. By obedience we are shown how to be a happy slave, glad to be of service to the Master.

To believe God, is to simply take Him at His word, regardless of what He asks for in my life. I am a son, not a religious robot waiting for someone to push a button. Jesus is the Master of my heart, He is Lord, He meets with me, He shows Himself to me to give instruction and I’m better to obey His call. When He calls and I don’t obey, I will never know His best for my life, and I will stand miserably ashamed at the judgement seat. Recreate in me a willing spirit Lord.

“My Best Is Believing”

To trust you Lord, 

Is to believe:

And take your work 

In gladness receive.

I must give way to the 

Obedience test, 

For in You rests, 

My Holy best.

                        

                ~Tom Milam

Daily Jewel: 

“To believe God, is to simply 

take Him at His word.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 139-143

Weekly Memory Verses:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29  That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

July 17 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Belief, The Power to Produce Effective Results”
I Corinthians 2:4

If I am only out to impress people, my impression of God is not valid. I would become a hypocrite and would draw people away from the gospel, rather than to it. I must be an instrument to draw people to believing Christ, not turn them away. I must have the power of God in my preaching, and believe that when I preach it, others will believe it. I pray that people can see enough of Jesus in me, that they will be persuaded to follow Him.

If there is anything in my life that makes me to be seen more than Jesus’ redemptive work in me, I must get rid of it immediately. It would surely hinder the gospel being presented. I am here to show God to others, to preach the gospel, and that is it. My prayer is that I can preach and present the gospel, so as to draw them to a willingness to change. 

I hope that people will not see me as something I am not; O God, that they may see Jesus and the plan of salvation in my preaching, or I have failed. If I ever cease to lift up Jesus, with honor and praise, I don’t want to be here, my work will be finished, and I’ll be of no benefit.

 “The Heart Room”

If I were a stalk,

And gave forth no bloom, 

No fragrance could lift a 

Desperates’ gloom.

The gospel must flourish 

To relieve man's doom,

 And fill with its odors,  

An empty heart room.

                                ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:
“I am here to show God to others.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 132-138

Weekly Memory Verses:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29  That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

July 13 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“The Removal of a Friend” Isaiah 6:1

In 1993 my first wife died (my friend), I saw the Lord as at no other time in my life. He filled a void that I could never cope with, loneliness. He came into a place that no human could touch and prepared me to get closer for the sustenance I needed. I was fainting and failing, also ever discouraged. He gave me a new life, a new wife who after several years died of a massive stroke, in 2009.  

When much grace is needed, much grace is given. Thank you, Lord, for your strength, a new outlook on life and a new vision concerning my spirituality, the Church and soul winning. While I was actually not looking to marry again, God was polishing a rare jewel just for me. One with a price far more than rubies and diamonds. Someone with great values, faithfulness and a rare, selection of facets that would lift me and secure the vows of matrimony with excellence and nobility; someone that would add to my part of Gods great ministry, and I could not be more satisfied or happy. Love brought us together; love and respect are our faithful companions. Love, fellowship, honor, and the indwelling Holy Spirit is the bonds of our betrothal. God brought us together; Tom and Linda Milam, till death us do part.

I desire that my character correspond with the character of Jesus, so that I can live the life that is pleasing to him. As I think on this, I’m reminded that a thought becomes an act, an act becomes a pattern, a pattern becomes a development of character, and our character becomes our destiny. I must look to know God in the fullness of His power. I pray for an inner-purification to handle the circumstances that surround me - I look at Psalms 23 and I’m reminded of God’s eternal security plan and my ever-increasing dependence on Him. I can do nothing without Him, I am nothing without Him. Sometimes I see nothing but shadows, nevertheless here I am, to be used to God’s glory and honor.

Daily Jewel:
“He came into a place that no human could touch.”

 Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 106-107

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 10:9-13  

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12  ¶For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

.

July 12 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Personal Development or Building the Church?”
Ephesians 4:13

We are reconciled unto God by what Jesus did, we have accepted this through faith and now stand redeemed by the complete work that He did for us. It has been said that each Church should have its own identity. Well, it does - lifting up Jesus Christ! If we can’t honor and lift up Jesus in all things of our lives, then we need to check and see who our real father is. My greatest goal as a preacher of the gospel is to lift up Jesus, not to put Him back upon the cross, but that people might see Him as He is - the Saviour of those that will trust Him to deliver them from eternal separation from God and Heaven. 

If we fail in presenting Jesus and Him crucified, buried and then glorified to soon come again and receive us unto Himself, then we need not to call ourselves a blood - bought Church. My desire as a preacher, missionary and person, is to lift up Christ, not just for myself or my own prestige but to the glory of God and for the sake of those on their way to hell. For the confused, wayward brethren that have lost hope. I therefore must know Jesus and be given totally to Him. I want what pleases God!  I want His presence; I desire to have His very life. And I don’t even know how to ask for what is best for me; But here I am Lord, use me, I want to be a vessel of honor.

“He Does It”

Do I measure myself, 

By what I have done? 

Or am I trusting Jesus,

That we two might be one.

                    ~Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“I must know Jesus.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 101-105

Weekly Memory Verses:  Psalms 32:1-6

1 Psalm of David, Maschil.>> Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2  Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

4  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

5  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

July 11 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“The Aim of The Saint”
Philippians 3:10

Knowing Jesus is the ultimate in knowledge; Oh, that I may know Him in all things around me and all that is brought my way. Thank God that the Holy Spirit is persistent, guiding to realms of ecstasy and leading me in paths never thought of in the natural realm. I must always realize all of my circumstances and see Jesus in them -- if He is not, then I’m not to fret with it.

I’m careful not to let drudgery change me; but to allow even the smallest, weakest tasks to enlighten me and strengthen me in knowing more of the life of the Master - O, “that I may know Him.” I must ask myself; do I know Him in what I’m doing today? If I can’t get Christ in what I’m doing, then what I’m doing is of no benefit. I can’t get bogged down in worrying and wondering about myself, if I’m getting this or that done. But to know Him and lift Him up in my everyday walk is what needs to be done, regardless of circumstances. May I look at everything in the light of Jesus Christ and His glory.

“Knowing”

It’s not so much of what we do, 

That God will richly bless us;

It’s more of what we are becoming, 

as we get closer to knowing Jesus.

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

"Knowing Jesus is the ultimate in knowledge."

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 92-100

Weekly Memory Verses:  Psalms 32:1-6

1 Psalm of David, Maschil.>> Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2  Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

4  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

5  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

July 10 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

 “Desiring Glory, But Without Responsibility”
(Spiritual Laziness)             Hebrews 10:24-25

A Christian can never retire, only just fade away. It is true that we don’t like to get involved with other lives and the hardships of life, but God called us to do these very things. If we let down one minute, the devil will make a wreck out of our mind and willpower. We must know Christ to learn Christ and to encourage others to wake up, get up, pay up, buy up, pray up because we’re going up! If we are not careful, we will get tired of the battles and want to retreat, but there’s no turning back, no vacations, no place to stop and tarry; only to help a fellow laborer. We have a tendency to say, now that this part of the battle is over, I can relax and enjoy my Christian independence for a while, but not so; the battle is just beginning in battling self-pride and a not-so-willing fleshly spirit. Christian joy is obedience to the Leader, the Master, our Commander-In-Chief.

All of the joy of serving and worshipping Jesus is not wrapped up in a shout all of the time; But going and praying with someone or provoking another to make up their mind to just go with God.

“On Purpose”

Thank you, Lord, for this 

privileged happiness; 

Break me and make me 

a purposeful witness.

                        ~Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Christian joy is obedience.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 81-87

Weekly Memory Verses:  Psalms 32:1-6

1 Psalm of David, Maschil.>> Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2  Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

4  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

5  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

July 9 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“A Deliberate Commitment, But I’m Too Unworthy.”
Joshua 24:19

If there is anything in my life that keeps me from serving God in its fullest capacity, it is that I have not yet learned to trust completely. My own feelings keep getting in the way -- I get frustrated with myself in trying to get accomplished what I need the Lord to get done in His infinite wisdom, in me. I am not holy; I declare this day, “Oh, dear Jesus, make me holy as you are holy -- Make me as holy as a pardoned sinner can be made.” I desire the power of God to saturate me, within and without, because some things have slipped by me that I just didn’t see. As a preacher, I must overcome these difficulties in the power of Almighty God.

“Here I am, I will serve God! I have decided to follow Jesus, I’ll not turn back; I will believe, I know I have nothing to trust in, but you Lord.” Yes, I’m unworthy, I’m weak, I’m not fit to serve anyone, much less God! But I’m willing that you might work through me, Oh Lord God! I think I’ll just go with God!

My good works are of no benefit, I must learn to fully believe God in all things; I find myself trying to do too many things in my own power, because of slackness in patience. So, do in me all that you say Lord, help my unbelief.

“Just Thinking:” 

Thank you, Lord, for the tasks and the tests.

 -Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Help my unbelief.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 81-87

Weekly Memory Verses:  Psalms 32:1-6

1 Psalm of David, Maschil.>> Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2  Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

4  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

5  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

July 8 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Exercising The Will”
Joshua 24:15

I will that the Spirit fill me today for service, as He has done so many times before. I have no doubt about it. God has laid on me a burden about some things that need to be done. Do you have some things in your life that needs to be accomplished and concerning the willingness in your life to be loyal to the Master? It is up to you and I to follow through in knowing the will of God for our lives.

I look back and see what you have done in the past Lord, and I know you’ll see me through these days of decision. When I was first saved, and then later called to preach, I could swing over hell on a grape vine, with a water pistol, and look the devil in the eye as he was cursing me out. I’ve willed in my life that same zeal again, and it has come back many times. And I choose once again to follow God with these new propositions of trust, he has presented to me. “Here I am Lord, use me.” 

I can’t trust the flesh and my own thinking to get the job done, I must trust the Almighty Spirit of God. Oh God, let me see you in all that I have to face, not allowing the influence of people or things to affect me. If I can’t see God in it, I’ll not do it! I will be loyal, I will serve, I give myself to you Lord. Thank you for the power of will.

“Just Thinking”

If loyal to Him I’ll be,   

then loyal He’ll be to me.

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“If I can’t see God in it, I’ll not do it.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 78-80

Weekly Memory Verses:  Psalms 23:1-6

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

July 7 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Straight Things Are Difficult”
Matthew 7:13-14 

I, in myself could never live a Christian life, because something had to change within me, and that was because of what was coming out of me. When troubles and trials come, we must run to God, not away from Him, as some do. What makes a believer do this? He has something working on the inside, the Holy Spirit, praise God! I’m not saved because I do something, I do something because I’m saved. “In Jesus do I live and move and have my being.”

I must live according to Christs’ redemptive work in full obedience, like this; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When troubles come, and I haven’t been living as I should, my true character will show itself, if I fail, it will show that I’m out of practice. God help me, I need Him.

When a crisis comes, if I obey the Spirit, I’ll be able to stand firm on the promises of God, and what I’ve learned. Thank God that Salvation tests us through trials and tribulations. I am a son of God; I therefore am required to obey as a son. I’m thankful that God’s grace makes me look like Jesus and not a lazy good-for-nothing, laying around bleeding my father dry. Try humility, it will get you an audience with the King.

“The Picker”

A bed of roses, 

Cannot be picked; 

Without the picker, 

Getting pricked.

            ~Tom Milam

 

Daily Jewel:

“I am required to obey as a son.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 72-77

Weekly Memory Verses:  Psalms 23:1-6

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

July 6 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Valleys, Visions and Vanities”

Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 35:7

I awoke this morning, fighting some depression again, and for the life of me, I can’t figure why. My first thoughts were that of doom and gloom, feeling a great sense of desperation, and failure. For a few minutes I felt fear grip my heart and mind, I almost panicked; then I looked at the valley I was in, and lifted my face toward Jesus in prayer and realized the temptation of Satan dimming my view and clouding my vision again. I then declared to my Heavenly Father and in the very presence of Satan, that I refuse to be brought under subjection of the tricks of the devil, and that I have decided to go on with God, Amen!

I feel faint and weary, but I will keep on in well doing. I cry out, "O God make the vision real in me, concerning the lost, and the things that need to be done in these mountains and Churches, and wherever You lead me. Help me Lord, to help others want to get involved in the work of the Lord Jesus."

God forgive me for pushing the visions on by myself and criticizing myself so bad all of the time. I want to be what the Lord wants me to be. So here I am Lord, help my unbelief. Here I am Lord, down in the valley, vanities are overwhelming, batter me into shape, that I may be used to your glory and honor. And if I can no longer be used, I am of no benefit to God or man, and I would just as soon be out of here.

“Living Your Vision”

While deep down in the valley of decisions,

Trying to rationalize life’s rhymes and reasons;

Vanities come and vex for a season, 

But Gods light shines through, 

And now I’m living my vision.

                                        ~Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“O God, make the vision real to me.”

 Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 67-71

Weekly Memory Verses:  Psalms 23:1-6

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

July 5 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Don’t Make A Move Without God”
Psalm 37:5

I don’t need to get into things if I can’t fit God in them. If there is one single little doubt about a circumstance I’m in, I should leave it alone, it’s not worth fretting or worrying over, if God can’t be included. I must go to God just the way I am, or I will never find His will for my life; I’m not righteous or clean enough to do it on my own merits. Being covered by the blood of Jesus gives me access to the throne of grace, anytime, whether I feel worthy or not.

Do I always have to feel guilty about something, or have shame cloud my view? I think not, I can approach God at any time, hallelujah! When I get up in the morning, the first thing I need to do, is call up God and talk to Him a little while and then shoulder the phone the rest of the day, because I will run into problems all day long. A day without trouble would worry me, because I wouldn’t get the opportunity to get a little closer to God. I’m glad I can go to Him anytime and in any circumstance.

 “He Came To Where I Was” 

When I was convicted of worldliness and sin,

God came along and just butted in. I once was lost, but now I’m found, It was by sin

I was fully bound, I now am whole, I’ve been set free,

By the grace of God I’ll forever be. (Eph. 2:4)

~Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Being covered by the blood of Jesus gives me access to the throne of grace.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 60-66

Weekly Memory Verses:  Psalms 23:1-6

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

July 4 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Never Foster Fretting”
Psalm 37:8

I try not to fuss and fume about things, but I find myself getting caught up in my wicked flesh and must confess and repent. God made me a choice maker, so I choose not to be a fretter, fusser or to be stubborn about the will of God for my life. It is His will that I should never be anxious. When God says don’t do this or that, or we go along doing what we know not to do, God says, “my child I mean what I say.” If I obey, I’ll be better for it. It’s easy to obey God when things are going great and everyone around you seems to be happy and content.

But our response to a dark day shows our real character. We find out, and so do others, how pitifully wicked we really are. When we set out to get our own way, we’ll soon find out we will get in the way and have to be set aside until our stubborn, self-righteous behavior gets purged by the cleansing power of our Father. My own ideas are just that, my own. I must center my life on the will of God, or I will become a skeptical wimp. I must become a spiritual optimist and refuse to fret, fuss or fume about God’s will for my life. 

“There”

Where is God? The skeptics say,  

I don’t see Him in that or this; 

Believe and look around you,

He is “there”, and “there” is where the need is.

                        ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Our response to a dark day shows our real character.”

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 52-59

Weekly Memory Verses:  Ephesians 2:1-5  

1 ¶And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 ¶But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)