May 20~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Marvelous Loving Kindness”
Psalm 17:1-15; James 1:5-6

It is easy to give of our substance, such as money and things. But it is altogether another matter to give our hearts with what we give. I believe we fail miserably in this respect; God help us to give more unconditionally.

Jesus doesn’t give His favors like we do, He gives the best from the top of the table, and not just the crumbs that fall from it. His gifts are given out from love, we sup with Him out of His own dish, while leaning on the comfort of His breast. He doesn’t give the leftovers, or the old rusty cans that have been discarded; nor does He give the little, small potatoes out of His garden, but the big ones that can be baked and garnished with other things that enhances; that builds upon, and never takes away. Everything that Jesus gives is saturated with His affection and will not trample over the poor man to get to the well-off man. His love is unmatched and undoubted in its sincerity and affection. 

All of His gifts and donations are given from a heart that bled for us and yet bleeds as we speak. We cannot weary Him with our asking; He doesn’t get bent out of shape with us for having to give all of the time, and we are not a burden to Him at all. In fact, He is pleased to extend His mercy and grace to us. He is our Saviour and continually gives His life for us, in His pouring out of His attributes and gifts. There is honey a-plenty, not from a dead carcass, but from our living Lord. 

“Tis So Sweet”

There’s glad sweetness in the honey, 

that’s produced from the heart.

Spiced with His affection, 

let us taste and do our part.

                            ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Everything that Jesus gives is saturated with his affection.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 27-29

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

May 19 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“We’re Not Ready Yet”
John 17:15

It is for sure that one of these days we’re going to be with Jesus, and not according to our timetable, but His. The Army of God here on earth will draw their gospel pistol for the last time, and I believe, very soon, we’ll pull our sword against the enemy just a few more days, and we will be privileged to hang it on the wall in Heaven’s Memorial for its soldiers of valor. One day soon we’ll be done with fighting the good fight of faith, the conflict will be over, and we’ll enter into the joys of the Lord.

It seems it would be better to be born again, and at that instant. Leave out and go to Heaven right then. We then wouldn’t have to worry about battles, suffering, heartache and troubles, we’d just go on home. But we’re left here to be cared for by the Father, until we accomplish all that He desires of His children. If we didn’t stay here in the flesh, others could not see the work in our lives by Jesus, and it is for our profit that we mature to a ripe full age, then our inheritance will be so much sweeter.

Many times I have faced troubles and problems that literally tore me apart, I must admit that I wanted to die, because I knew if I did, I would be seeing Jesus face to face and I wouldn’t have to suffer another trial of affliction. But it was selfish and I would have to repent. It was not longing for Christ that made me want to go, but my fleshly troubles I didn’t want to face. How do we feel when we are not under the pressure and heavy load? Now it is all- right for us to desire to go; But is it to escape our troubles or is it to glorify the Son of God as long as we can and then to go when it is time? He promised to keep us from evil! Amen!

“Patience”

May it be while we’re still down here, 

that we glorify the Son of God;

Though conflict, suffering and dangers near,

let us with patience, this valley trod.

                        ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“...we’re left here to be cared for by the Father.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 24-26

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

May 18 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Complete In Him”
Colossians 2:8-10

The word complete means that nothing else needs to be added, it is all there. We are totally complete in Christ if we are indeed one of His.  We cannot help Him to keep ourselves saved no more than we could have saved ourselves. Our works will always be incomplete, “but He is faithful that promised.” His grace goes beyond our guilt, His faithfulness is firm; He is unconditionally unchangeable; His power is pure, and His knowledge is without limits! All of this is found in His salvation and promised to us by way of the inheritance. All of Christ is ours, in all of His character; He is ours, and yet remains the Son of God and we are likened with Him as sons also. His wisdom is so wide, it covers all directions; Our instruction comes from His knowledge; The power of His protection is ever present with us; We can be sure of His justice, it is always right; We cannot consume the comfort of His love, and His magnificent mercy is our rest and solitude.

God gives and gives, and then says, here is more; Look for it, He says; it is here with Me in treasure chests of learning, dig it out He says, it is all ours! All of His goodness is ours, all of His greatness is manifested to us, in Christ Jesus. We can hold all confidence in His love and power, after all it is Almighty God that has faithfully promised.

    “No Repeats”

What He has promised you can depend upon, 

In Him we are made complete.

By grace through faith we accept the Son, 

and salvation is without repeat.

                                    ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“It is Almighty God that has faithfully promised.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 21-23

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

May 17 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Talking The Talk or Walking the Walk?”
II Corinthians 3:2; I John 2:5,6

Why should it be in our hearts to be able to be like Christ? To walk, talk and think like Him. Jesus says, He wants us to be conformed to His image. Why should we want that more than anything else? It is for our own welfare and spiritual state of soul. Remember, that God said He would be with us, to guide us in paths of righteousness. Why should we complain if He has delivered us from the sickness of sin and replaced it with grace to grow and produce? If we model after anything, it should be Jesus; If we have any hero’s they should be Jesus; And any copying done, should be done after Jesus. Are you wearing the image of Jesus on your heart?

I am happier now, than I’ve ever been, walking more in the footsteps of Jesus. I’m one of the Sons of God, stepping in His footprints doesn’t take as much stretch as it used too. We also should walk like Jesus for the sake of faith, all of our expectations should be to be like Him. Many have belittled this by hypocritical endeavour, remember it was in the house of His friends that Jesus was wounded. Let this be a reminder, it’s not the waves on the outside of the boat that will sink you, It’s the little drips on the inside that will swamp the vessel. All of the weapons of the world, and the devil, holds no light to the kiss of a Judas. False teaching will cause more damage than an outspoken critic or an unbeliever any day.

For the sake of Christ Himself, we should desire to be like Him, to imitate Him in all things. Do you love your Saviour and men alike? Does the mention of His name bring gladness and peace to your heart? Can you see yourself standing with Him over the kingdom of this world? Is it your heart's desire to be glorified as He is, and see precious souls saved? Then let others see Him in you.

“Live It”

The very best way, for others to see their need.

Is the Bible through you, that they might read.

                                        ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“If we model after anything it should be Jesus.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 17-20 

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

May 16 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Rich In All Things”
I Timothy 1:17; I Timothy 6:17; Revelation 1:17-18 

Never be ashamed to ask God for things, for He is a giving parent that thrills at our asking. We can never exhaust His supply, and He will never withdraw His hands from our needs Grace is a-plenty and it restores itself faster than we can use it, because Grace and Mercy is Jesus. The oil of grace will never burn dry, the wick stays trimmed, and fresh oil is ever flowing. The waters of His grace are ever flowing, always filling to the rim and never causes flood damage. His bounty of resources never has a manufacturing defect, never a shortage of product and never a labor shortage or dispute. His love is like an overflowing well, fresh, cool and continuous. Our King will never die, as all others have, and as long as our Head is alive, we are alive! He will never neglect or fail us; We feed from His hand daily, He has fresh mercy daily, for this ever-changing world.

When you enter His door, His hospitality overwhelms you, and you cannot leave without saying, “I’ve been blessed indeed.” His table is always set with all you desire, and hidden bonuses show themselves with the using. Every morning we find new mercy and in the night it’s fresh and makes us look forward to another day of telling of His goodness. His blessings are much more than the stars of the heavens and the sands, of the seas combined. Who can know His greatness and count all of His benefits? And yet it is all ours by inheritance, God is good. Amen!

 

“The Provider”

My Soul extols you, Oh Great Provider, 

Your benefits never fail, only grow wider.

Your loving kindness is a gracious crowning jewel.  

I will praise you forever, with unending renewal.

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Never be ashamed to ask God for things.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 14-16 

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

May 15 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Justified Believers”
Acts 13:39; Romans 5:1-11

We are living in justification now, we don’t have to wait on some kind of ecstatic moment in time, but that of being born again.  Faith is right now, and your life will not be a barren tree, but will bear fruit. We are just as justified down here as they are up there, and some of the proof is the dying thief on the cross beside of Jesus as he said, “today, you’ll be with me there”. Others we read about, that have served the Lord for many years are no more justified than those, that due to certain circumstance, have no service at all. The moment you trust Christ, you are justified, “just as if you had never sinned.” The Bible says that right now, today, we are accepted in the beloved. We live acquitted today, free from guilt and blame, never to be brought up against us. God supplies adequate spiritual nourishment to get the best growth out of us, as we realize that we are pardoned “now” we don’t have to wait for some other given time in our lives. Our sins are gone “now”, we stand not-guilty “now” before the Almighty Judge, because the blood covering provides the ultimate shelter from the deserved wrath of God. “There is therefore “now”, no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

God is holding nothing over our heads to remind us of the shame we once suffered, and the guilt we once endured, will not be brought out in judgement, we “now” stand forgiven, by the applied blood of the Lamb, the sin sacrifice for my soul. Our privilege of freedom, leads us to devoted duty; we are living in Him “now”, not waiting to live.

“Spent”

No spot or wrinkle can be found,  

On these that are born from above.

The specks of earthly living, 

Tarnish not the forgiving love:

And spending yourself is a Spiritual plus, 

because, look what He spent for us.

                        ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Today, we are accepted in the beloved.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 11-13

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

May 14 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Children Of God”
Psalm 24:1; John 17:22; John 15:11; Romans 8:17

What is His, is ours by inheritance. Jesus is the One and only heir of God; but by a compassionate, forgiving God, we become joint heirs with Jesus by adoption. By faith we got in, by trusting the full and complete work of Jesus Christ our redeemer. We have right, in him, to claim all that He has. We gave up our rights here, that we may become partakers with Him there. Paradise is ours, all of the bliss and glory is ours; We can walk through the gates of pearl, stroll along the river of life, and it is ours for everlasting, because He is everlasting, and we are joined with Him. And as long as the head is alive, the body stays alive. Jesus shares all He has with His brothers and sisters. There is a crowning and rewarding day for all winners, and we are winners only through Him.

Our rewards for being conquerors are these: We are seated to the right of Jesus on his throne, The Kings Palace and all His treasures. A crown, a scepter, a robe, unmatched by any we have ever seen, and most of all His heritage is ours. Christs’ happiness consists of sharing with His own (John 17:22). “That your joy might be full” (John 15:11). We are overcomers through Christ and we will appear with Him in glory. As we are honored to be one of Gods, He is honored to call us sons, by way of His only Sons conquests. We have a place in His kingdom by what Jesus accomplished in the Atonement.

“Enter”

In royal robes, He rejoices, 

Over His own, His skirts are spread;

He delights in praising voices,  

From those He delivered from the dead.

His greatest joy is saying “enter,” 

“Ever with Me to abide;”

Rewards we’ll receive from our mentor, 

Us, who have the blood applied.

                        ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“What is His, is ours by inheritance.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 8-10

Weekly Memory Verses: 1 Peter 2:21  

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.