Devotions with Pastor Jerry Schmid

A MIST A VAPOR

​Have you ever wondered about Gods marvelous creation we call water? Water can change from any one of three states into another, those being water, ice or vapor. With that being said, here is a question for you to ponder over: From the time when God created water in the beginning, has there ever been any new water on this planet we call earth, or is it the same water just cycling through the various forms, from water, to ice or evaporating into steam then returning in the form of rain or a frozen form of rain?

Now consider the scripture from James 4:14 Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

We are here on this earth only for a little while but when we reach the end of life; unlike water vapor, we will not return as an ice cube or a snow flake, but we will be changed in some way, then seeing heaven and hell for real, but only entering into one. Unlike water changing states based upon heating or cooling, our choice, yours and mine, is a choice each of us can make now, for we can ill afford to wait until our days have ended at which time it is too late. Choosing Christ now is the simplest choice to make, just say YES.

Matthew 6:19-21 encourages us to Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

If our heart is in the Lord, there will our treasure be, but if it is in earthly things, or self, there in will our final state be. Our treasures cannot be of this world but must lie in our investing spiritual virtues in the lives of others. I recall a dear lady, Granny Hurst, whom many years ago persisted in investing in the lives of myself and my family. This precious saint never failed to call each and every time the church doors were open and we were not there. She would call, pray, tell us we were missed, and loved us in her heart. Like it or not, I could count on her calling. How are you investing the abilities and talents you have in the spiritual lives and wellbeing of others?

Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, but Gods knows your heart “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds." Romans 2:4-6

May God keep you in His precious Grace and Bless you as you serve Him!

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Jerry Schmid