2013 october- things that hinder us

7/27/2019 2013 October- Things that Hinder Us

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THINGS THAT HINDER US: FAMILY

OCTOBER 1

Bible Reading: Genesis 12:1-9Key Verse: 4-So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went

with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of

Haran.Key Words: Lot went with him

No, you didn't read the title wrong. Family can be a hindrance to our service for

God.

In the case of Abraham, he was instructed to, Get thee out of thy country, and

from thy kindred, and from thy father's house (verse 1). Then we read in verse 4 Lot,

his nephew, went with him; and you know the problems that Lot became toAbraham.

It's not just Abraham. Eve, the helpmeet for Adam, was a hindrance to her

husband. We all know about the brothers, Jacob and Esau. We are also told in Luke

14:26, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and

children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my

disciple.

You see, Jesus wants to be first in our lives, and often we put family first. SeeMatthew 6:33, Colossians 1:18, and also Luke 9:57-62.

Now, we all know that on occasion family can be a hindrance. They make

requests of us for things that take us away from church, and the things of God. Yes,

family can be a hindrance.

Praise God, though, for those families who put God first.

Now, the ultimate question is: Is God working through your family to serve God,

or is the family used to hinder you from your service? It's one or the other: whichone?

What to do: Let God use you to be a spiritual blessing to your family, not a

hindrance.


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: THE WORLD

OCTOBER 2

Bible Reading: Genesis 13:1-13Key Verse: 11-Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and

they separated themselves the one from the other.

Key Words: Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan

Someone once said, "The world's smiles are more dangerous than theirfrowns."

Have you noticed Lot's course of action:1.He looked toward Sodom (verse 10)2.He chose to go toward Sodom (verse 11)3.He pitched his tent toward Sodom (verse 12)4.He moved into Sodom (verse 12)5.He lived like Sodom (verse 14)

The world does hinder many from their service to God!Dave Roper writes: The Bible defines worldliness by centering morality where

we intuitively know it should be. Worldliness is the lust of the flesh (a passion for

sensual satisfaction), the lust of the eyes (an inordinate desire for the finer things oflife), and the pride of life (self-satisfaction in who we are, what we have, and whatwe have done).

Worldliness, then, is a preoccupation with ease and affluence. It elevatescreature comfort to the point of idolatry; large salaries and comfortable life-stylesbecome necessities of life.

Worldliness is reading magazines about people who live hedonistic lives andspend too much money on themselves and wanting to be like them. But more

importantly, worldliness is simply pride and selfishness in disguise. Its beingresentful when someone snubs us or patronizes us or shows off. It means smartingunder every slight, challenging every word spoken against us, cringing whenanother is preferred before us. Worldliness is harboring grudges, nursinggrievances, and wallowing in self-pity. These are the ways in which we are most likethe world.

Everyday we become more like God or like the world. Which do you resemble?

What to do: Put God first and the world will flee from you.


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: DOUBT

OCTOBER 3

Bible Reading: Exodus 3:11-22Key Verse: 13-And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of

Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you;

and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?Key Words: what shall I say unto them?

Have you ever considered the number of people that are hindered by doubt? InNumbers 13, Israel is hindered by doubt because of the giants in the land. In Joshua7, Joshua is hindered by doubt because of the defeat of Ai. In Judges 4, Barak ishindered by doubt because of the strength and numbers of the enemy that opposeshim.

In our text, Moses is hindered by doubt; which raises the question: What doubtsdo you have that are keeping you from serving God: maybe teaching that SundaySchool class, or working in the bus ministry, or singing in the choir? Doubt is aspiritual hindrance.

G. Campbell Morgan had already enjoyed some success as a preacher by thetime he was 19 years old. But then he was attacked by doubts about the Bible. Thewritings of various scientists and agnostics disturbed him (e.g., Charles Darwin,

John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley, and Herbert Spencer). As he read their books andlistened to debates, Morgan became more and more perplexed. What did he do? Hecancelled all preaching engagements, put all the books in a cupboard and lockedthe door, and went to the bookstore and bought a new Bible. He said to himself, Iam no longer sure that this is what my father claims it to bethe Word of God. Butof this I am sure. If it be the Word of God, and if I come to it with an unprejudicedand open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself. The result? That Biblefound me! said Morgan. The new assurance in 1883 gave him the motivation for his

preaching and teaching ministry. He devoted himself to the study and preaching ofGods Word.

Doubts not only hinder you, they can destroy you!

What to do: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans

10:17).


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: PLEASING PEOPLE

OCTOBER 4

Bible Reading: I Samuel 15:10-23Key Verse: 21-But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things

which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in

Gilgal.Key Words: But the people

King Saul had a people-pleasing personality. Now, there is nothing especiallywrong with pleasing people unless, of course, it displeases God. When you pleaseGod, it doesn't matter whom you displease. When you displease God, it doesn'tmatter whom you please.

Why are so many babies born out of wedlock? Someone desired to pleaseanother rather than please God. The same can be said over and over again aboutso many things.

Several years ago a young minister was called to be the pastor of a rather largechurch. He was asked how he thought that he, a young man with little experience,would be able to please so many men and women. He replied, "I am not going thereto please one thousand people, but to please One."

This is really the key to happiness. If we live our lives trying to please everyone,

it hinders our service for God.

What to do: We are to love everyone: that we can do. But you'll never please

everyone so set your goal to please "the" One.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: CRITICISM

OCTOBER 5

Bible Reading: I Kings 18:1-20Key Verse: 17-And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him,

Art thou he that troubleth Israel?Key Words:Art thou he that troubleth Israel?

He who has no critics has no accomplishment. Once you attempt something, oronce you accomplish something, critics seem to come out of the woodwork.

When Fiorello La Guardia was the mayor New York City (1933-1945), he hungabove his desk in City Hall a pronouncement by Abraham Lincoln. Interestingly,


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General MacArthur had a copy of it hanging over his headquarters desk duringWorld War II, and Winston Churchill had a framed copy of it on the walls of his studyat Chartwell: "If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me,this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I knowhow - the very best I can, and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end

brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything. If the endbrings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference."How true! Let me encourage you not to let your critics hinder your service for

God.

What to do: If your critics are right, correct it. If they are wrong, ignore it; but waste

little time responding to it.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: FEAR

OCTOBER 6

Bible Reading: I Kings 19:1-9Key Verse: 3-And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to

Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

Key Words: went for his life

Fear is a great hindrance. It keeps people from testifying for the Lord, or maybe

singing that solo, or maybe even witnessing. Fear does hinder us.When I was young, my friend and I would ride our bikes everywhere checking

out new places of adventure. On one occasion when returning from Johnson'scorner store, we came across a family moving into a new home. Being adventurousor nosy (I'll let you decide), we rode our bikes close to the house checking for newfriends who may want to be adventurous as well. We didn't find a friend, but wefound the biggest dog I had ever seen that began to chase us down the street. Wewere riding as fast as our little legs could peddle but to no avail. That big dog caughtup with us and was snipping at our heels so we put our feet on the handle bars andcoasted into my yard. Thank goodness, my dad was there. The dog, seeing my dad,came to a screeching halt and backed away. We were safe; but I must admit, I wasscared to death and very fearful to travel by the new neighbor's house. Fear hadwon! It hindered me from doing something I used to do, and things I wanted to do.Fear is the great hinderer.


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What has fear stopped you from doing that you know you should do?Remember, perfect love casteth out fear.

What to do:

Do at least one thing a week you don't want to do, and one thing aweek you fear that hinders your service for God.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: INABILITY

OCTOBER 7

Bible Reading: I Kings 3:1-15Key Verse: 7-And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of

David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

Key Words: I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

Solomon knew that one day he would be king but evidently gave it little thoughtuntil the time came, and then he realized he didn't know how to rule as a king.

We have all known assistant coaches in athletics who thought they were readyto be head coach, and they came to find out they were not as ready as they thoughtthey were.

I have known assistant pastors who thought they were ready to pastor. Theyfound out that pastoring is a completely different world than being assistant.

Solomon thought differently. He thought he could not be king. He knew helacked ability and wisdom to be the head of a country.

Let me tell you what I have discovered! The greatest ability in all the world isavailability. "Lord, I don't know how to do this, but I'm willing if you'll give me thewisdom to do it."

Think about this. Noah had never before built an ark. Abraham had never beforebeen a sojourner. Moses had never before led a nation. Joshua had never before

prayed down walls. Nehemiah had never before built walls. But they madethemselves available and depended solely upon the Lord to aid them.There is a story of an Atlantic passenger laying in his bunk in a storm, deathly

sick--seasick. A cry of "Man overboard" was heard. The passenger thought, "Godhelp the poor fellow--there is nothing I can do." Then he thought at least he couldput his lantern in the port-hole, which he did. The man was rescued, and recountingthe story next day he said, "I was going down in the darkness for the last time whensomeone put a light in a port-hole. It shone on my hand, and a sailor in a lifeboat


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grabbed it and pulled me in." Weakness is no excuse for our not putting forth all thelittle strength we have, and who can tell how God will use it?

"Since God has put His work into your weak hands, look not for long ease here:You must feel the full weight of your calling: a weak man with a strong God."

What to do: Be available. When God calls, He gives ability.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: A LACK OF CARING

OCTOBER 8

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1Key Verse: 2-That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah;

and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of thecaptivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

Key Words: I asked them concerning the Jews

There is an old saying that goes, "People don't care how much you know until

they know how much you care." How true!Nehemiah was a great leader because he cared. We see in verse 3 that he

cared enough to ask, while in verse 4 he cared enough to weep. You will see inverses 5 - 10 that he cared enough to pray, and in verse 11 he cared enough to getinvolved.

It doesn't matter how well you sing, preach, teach, or how many times you say"Amen" to a message. A lack of caring will hinder you and me from the desiredresults that God is seeking. Caring speaks volumes, as does a lack of caring.

Author Leo Buscaglia once told about a contest he was asked to judge. Thepurpose of the contest was to find the most caring child; the winner was a four-year-old boy. His next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost hiswife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into this gentlemans yard, climbedinto his lap and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to theneighbor, the little boy said, Nothing. I just helped him cry.

If we want to reach others they will have to know that we genuinely care. Do

we? Do you?

What to do: Remember, people don't care how much you know until they know how

much you care.


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: FRIENDS

OCTOBER 9

Bible Reading: Job 2:9 - 3:3Key Verse: 11-Now when Jobs three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon

him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad

the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointmenttogether to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

Key Words: Now when Job's three friends

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar: with friends like these, who needs enemies?Choose your friends carefully for tomorrow you will be like them. Job had more

problems from his friends than he did from his enemies. I heard one preacher sayJob wasn't fighting just Satan, he was fighting his demons as well. This demoncalled them his friends.

I wouldn't call them demons but they certainly were not good friends either.Anyone who takes away from knowing and doing the will of God is a "friend whohinders."

Queen Victoria once shared her impressions of her two most famous primeministers. Of William Gladstone, she said, "When I am with him, I feel I am with oneof the most important leaders in the world." On the other hand, she confessed that

when she was with Disraeli, he made her feel "as if I am one of the most importantleaders of the world."Robert Morgan writes: "That reminds me of something my father once said. He

was a school teacher in a rural district. Over the years he served under a number ofcounty school superintendents, two of whom (I'll call them Jones and Johnson) heonce compared in this way. 'When I went to Mr. Jones with a request, he could turnit down and make me feel good. But when I went to Johnson with a request, hecould agree with it but make me feel bad.'"

Which raises the question: What kind of friend are you?

What to do: Be a Godly friend!


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: THE DEADLY TRINITY

OCTOBER 10

Bible Reading: Psalm 1Key Verse: 1-Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor

standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Key Words: Blessed is the man

We have here three scoundrels: the ungodly man, the sinner, and the scornfulman. These three are a detriment to you spiritually.

We are cautioned in regard to all three. Don't listen to the ungodly; don't loungearound with sinners; and don't laugh with the scornful.

Some years ago a break in the electric circuit occurred just as King George wasabout to deliver his radio address at the London Disarmament Conference. Ahumble workman caught the loose ends in his hands and bridged the gap, becomingfor a time part of the circuit. He didn't create the power by which the king's messagewas transmitted. He only closed the circuit so that it could flow. But through him theking's will was done.

Let me ask you: Can the king's will be done through the ungodly? How aboutthe sinner? And what about the scornful? You see, these three will hinder you.

I close with the words of Paul from Galatians 5:7, Ye did run well; who did hinder

you that ye should not obey the truth?

What to do: Be careful who you run with; they'll have you running the wrong way.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: INTIMIDATION

OCTOBER 11

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 4:1-11Key Verse: 2-And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said,

What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? willthey make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of therubbish which are burned?

Key Words: What do these feeble Jews?

Intimidation is one of the key instruments used by those who oppose God tohinder the works of God.

Think about Elijah who was intimidated by Jezebel in I Kings 19; or what aboutthe Hebrew spies in Numbers 13 who were intimidated by both the size and numberof the enemy? What about Barak who was intimidated by the army of Canaan? The


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enemy attempted to intimidate Jeremiah in Jeremiah, chapter 26, as they threatenedhis life. The Jewish religious leaders attempted to intimidate Peter and John in Acts4.

Marty Springstead, supervisor of American League umpires, said he will neverforget his first assignment behind the plate. It was in a 1966 game at Washington.

Frank Howard was playing for the Senators, and on the first pitch to themountainous slugger, Springstead called a knee-high fast ball a strike. Howardturned around and yelled, Get something straight, buster! I dont know where youcame from or how you got to the major leagues, but they dont call that pitch on mea strike. Understand? The next pitch was in the same spot, and Springstead yelled,Two! Two what? Howard roared. Too low, Springstead said, Much too low.

If you can be intimidated, you can be hindered!! Remember, ...greater is he thatis in you, than he that is in the world(I John 4:4b).

What to do: ...be strong in the Lord and the power of his might(Ephesians 6:10).

THINGS THAT HINDER US: POOR TIME MANAGEMENTOCTOBER 12Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8Key Verse: 1-To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the

heaven:

Key Words: To every thing there is a season

I could write on time management for weeks, but in all honesty, that would be

poor time management; which, by the way, I have discovered the average person isgood at - I mean at wasting time.

Paul told us in Ephesians 5:16 to redeem the time. Most people fail to realizethat misuse of time is a sin.

How would you like to spend 2 years making phone calls to people who arenthome? Sound absurd? According to one time management study, thats how muchtime the average person spends trying to return calls to people who never seem to

be in. Not only that, we spend 6 months waiting for the traffic light to turn green, andanother 8 months reading junk mail.These unusual statistics should cause us to do time-use evaluation. Once we

recognize that simple life maintenance can chip away at our time in such hugeblocks, we will see how vital it is that we dont busy ourselves in vain (Ps 39:6).

Psalm 39 gives us some perspective. In Davids complaint to God, he said, Youhave made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You (V. 5).He meant that to an eternal God our time on earth is brief. He doesnt want us to


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waste it. When we do, we throw away one of the most precious commodities Hegives us. Each minute is an irretrievable giftan unredeemable slice of eternity.

Sure, we have to make the phone calls, and we must wait at the light. But whatabout the rest of our time? Are we using it to advance the cause of Christ and toenhance our relationship with Him? Is our time well spent?

I sure hope so. Don't let poor time management hinder your service for God.

What to do: Time, like food, can be wasted. Use it wisely.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: A LITTLE FOLLYOCTOBER 13

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 10:1-15Key Verse: 1-Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking

savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

Key Words: so doth a little folly

Notice the person Solomon has in mind has a reputation for being wise but alittle folly destroys a good testimony. It doesn't take but a little folly to hinder us in ourservice for God.

J. Vernon McGee writes: Life is full of illustrations of this truth. One night on thetown can mean a lifetime in the darkness of disease or even death. An officer in achurch I served years ago told me, I was brought up in a Christian home, and Ireally never did run around, but when I went away from home and got a job, I wentout with the fellows one night. That is the only night in my life that I went out, and

that is the night I got a venereal disease. I had to postpone marriage for severalyears, and I had to break off an engagement with a sweet, lovely girl. Just one deadfly will ruin the ointment of the apothecary. How tragic!

A mother spends 21 years teaching a son to be wise, and some girl will comealong and make a fool out of him in 5 minutes. What a picture! A little folly, a littlefoolishness -- that is all it takes. It can be the thing that can ruin a life and spoil thelives of others.

Just a little folly produces a great hindrance.

What to do: Count the cost! The price of folly is high!


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: JEALOUSY

OCTOBER 14

Bible Reading: Daniel 6:1-17Key Verse: 5-Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,

except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.Key Words: Then said these men

Now, while our own jealousy can hinder us, that's not the jealousy I have in

mind. It's the jealousy of others that can often hinder us.

The jealous deacon who thinks he should receive more attention and praise.

The jealous staff member who complains because they do the work and

someone else gets the credit.The jealous musician who feels superior to other musicians. All of these not only

hinders the person who is jealous, but others as well.

Two shopkeepers were bitter rivals. Their stores were directly across the street

from each other, and they would spend each day keeping track of each others

business. If one got a customer, he would smile in triumph at his rival. One night an

angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, "I will give you

anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice asmuch. Would you be rich? You can be very rich, but he will be twice as wealthy. Do

you wish to live a long and healthy life? You can, but his life will be longer and

healthier. What is your desire?" The man frowned, thought for a moment, and then

said, "Here is my request: Strike me blind in one eye!"

One sign of jealousy is when it's easier to show sympathy and "weep with those

who weep" than it is to exhibit joy and "rejoice with those who rejoice."

What to do: Remember, weed poison not only destroys the weeds, it will kill the

roses as well. So it is with jealousy...it kills everyone it touches.


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: WEAK PRAYER LIFE

OCTOBER 16

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1-12Key Verse: 7-Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall

be opened unto you:

Key Words:Ask and it shall be given you

The subject here is understood. You ask and it shall be given you, you seek,and you'll find, you knock and it shall be opened...which raises the question: how'syour prayer life?

In one region of Africa, the first converts to Christianity were very diligent aboutpraying. In fact, the believers each had their own special place outside the villagewhere they went to pray in solitude. The villagers reached these prayer rooms byusing their own private footpaths through the brush. When grass began to grow overone of these trails, it was evident that the person to whom it belonged was notpraying very much.

Because these new Christians were concerned for each others spiritualwelfare, a unique custom sprang up. Whenever anyone noticed an overgrownPrayer path, he or she would go to the person and lovingly warn, Friend, theresgrass on your path!

Well, is there grass on your path?

What to do: Clear the grass from your prayer path.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: PEOPLE

OCTOBER 17

Bible Reading: Mark 2:1-12Key Verse: 4-And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they

uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let downthe bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

Key Words:And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press

People can get in the way, can't they? People hinder the cause of Christ by theiractions of rejection and being unfriendly, and by their attitude of haughtiness andpride. People...you can't live with them and you can't live without them; but if weallow it, people will hinder us from doing what's right. I admit I love to watch people,but there is a vast difference between watching people and following them.


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In our Bible reading for today, the four that brought the palsied man to Jesus didnot let people hinder them from getting to Jesus...neither should we.

Think about this: if you have two people in a church, you have two interpersonalrelationships. If you have four people in a church, you have sixteen interpersonalrelationships. If you have 300 people in a church, you have 90,000 interpersonal

relationships happening at one time! The point is: if you let people hinder you, you'llhave dozens of excuses for quitting and not serving.Warren Wiersbe's daughter came home from school one day and went into her

room and slammed the door shut. Warren went to the door and asked to come in.She said, "Absolutely not!" When he inquired as to why, she said, "Because you arepeople!"

Believe me, I understand; but you can't let people hinder you. Keep your eyeson Jesus!! Got it? I sure hope so.

What to do: Keep your eyes on the goal: Jesus!

THINGS THAT HINDER US: PROCRASTINATIONOCTOBER 18Bible Reading: Luke 9:51-62Key Verse: 59-And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first

to go and bury my father.

Key Words: suffer me first to go and bury my father

We find all kinds of reasons to procrastinate; but if the truth be known, there is

never a good reason for our procrastination. As a matter of fact, procrastination isquite harmful.

A farm boy accidentally overturned his wagonload of corn in the road. Thefarmer who lived nearby came to investigate. "Hey, Willis," he called out, "forget yourtroubles for a spell and come on in and have dinner with us. Then I'll help you getthe wagon up."

"That's mighty nice of you," Willis answered, "But I don't think Pa would like me

to." "Aw, come on, son!" the farmer insisted."Well, okay," the boy finally agreed. "But Pa won't like it."

After a hearty dinner, Willis thanked his host. "I feel a lot better now, but I justknow Pa is going to be real upset."

"Don't be foolish!" exclaimed the neighbor. "By the way, where is he?""Under the wagon.".Gloria Pitzer has written this clever little poem:


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Procrastination is my sinIt brings me naught but sorrow.I know that I should stop itIn fact, I will...tomorrow.Let me close by asking, is procrastination hindering your service to God?

What to do: Never put off until tomorrow what you should do today.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: A LACK OF PERSISTENCE

OCTOBER 19

Bible Reading: Luke 18:1-18Key Verse: 5-Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her

continual coming she weary me.

Key Words: yet because this widow troubleth me

We do give up easily, at least on most occasions. I have a saying that goes, "A

winner never quits and a quitter never wins." Keep after it!!Reader's Digest records the following written by Jacob Riis, "I look at a stone

cutter hammering away at a rock a hundred times without so much as a crackshowing in it. Yet at the 101st blow it splits in two. I know it was not the one blow thatdid it, but all that had gone before."

Consider this: Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of ideas.Walt also went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland. Michael Jordan,

perhaps the greatest basketball player of all time, did not make his high schoolbasketball team his sophomore year. Beethoven's teacher called him hopeless as acomposer. Winston Churchill failed the sixth grade. He did not become PrimeMinister until he was 62. His greatest contributions came when he was a "seniorcitizen." Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he finally throughpersistence succeeded. Be persistent and, as a believer, be persistent in yourprayer life. Never, never give up!!

What to do: Be a winner; don't quit. Be persistent.


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: A LACK OF INTEGRITY

OCTOBER 20

Bible Reading: John 8:1-11Key Verse: 8-And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.Key Words:Andagain he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

Integrity can be defined as your actions matching your words. No doubt thatthese accusers of this adulterous woman lacked in the area of integrity. I'mconvinced that when Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground, he was writingdown the sins of the woman's accusers.

Have you ever heard the saying, "I can't hear what you're saying for watchinghow you're living"? That's a lack of integrity.

After his Sunday messages, the pastor of a church in London got on the trolleyMonday morning to go back to his study downtown. He paid his fare, and the trolleydriver gave him too much change.

The pastor sat down and fumbled the change and looked it over, then counted itseveral times. You know the rationalization, It's wonderful how God provides. Herealized he was tight that week and this was just about what he would need to breakeven, or at least enough for his lunch. He wrestled with himself all the way downthat old trolley trail that led to his office. And finally he came to the stop and he got

up, couldn't live with himself, walked up to the trolley driver, and said, Here, yougave me too much change. You made a mistake.

The driver said, No, it was no mistake. You see, I was in your church last nightwhen you spoke on honesty, and I thought I would put you to the test.

A lack of integrity may do more than hinder you, it may stop you completely.

What to do: Integrity: don't leave home without it.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: THE MURMURERS

OCTOBER 21

Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-15

Key Verse: 1-And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because theirwidows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Key Words: there arose a murmuring among the Grecians against the Hebrews

The word murmuringmeans to grumble, gripe, or complain in a low voice.Here's what I've learned in my forty years of experience about murmurers.


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1) A new arrival in heaven was surprised to see a suggestion box along MainStreet. The heavenly newbie turned to a more seasoned resident and asked, Ifeverything is perfect and everybody is happy in heaven, why is there a suggestionbox? Because some people arent really happy unless they complain.

2) Murmuring depends upon one view of things. "We can complain because

rosebushes bear thorns, or we can rejoice because thorn bushes bear roses."3) Murmurers fail to realize just how good they have it. Griff Niblack, in theIndianapolis News, has a clever way of reminding us that our idealistic perception ofthe past isn't always as realistic as we imagine: "If you're yearning for the good olddays, just turn off the air conditioning."

Two closing thoughts: 1) If you are a murmurer, remember things could beworse. 2) If you're not a murmurer, then praise God that you're not!

What to do: Either you are a help or a hindrance. Evaluate your life.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: ADVERSITY

OCTOBER 22

Bible Reading: Acts 27:1-25Key Verse: 9-Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous,

because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

Key Words: sailing was now dangerous

For some, such as Paul, adversity helps to motivate us; but for others, such asthe twelve Hebrew spies of Numbers 13, it only serves to hinder us. I have foundthat this is often the case...that adversity serves as a great hindrance to many.

But when God allows adversity in our lives, it is never to hinder us but to helpus.

In 1987, Gary Richmond published a book titled A View from the Zoo.Illustrations from the animal world fill the pages with spiritual truths. The birth of a

giraffe gives insight to life's trials and hardships. When a calf is born, he falls ten feetand lands on his back. The mother momentarily hovers over the newborn beforekicking the baby head over heels. If the calf doesn't get up, he gets another goodkick. She repeats this process to stimulate his efforts. Finally, when the little giraffegets up on his wobbly legs, the mother kicks him off his feet again. To an outsidersuch behavior seems cruel. To the mother it is an expression of love. This firstlesson in life helps the newborn quickly develop the skills needed to move rapidlywith the herd when predators are near. Sometimes we feel as though God has no


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sooner gotten us on our feet when He turns around and knocks us down. The nexttime that happens, think about the newborn giraffe. God may simply bestrengthening you for your own protection in the future.

What to do: Don't let adversity hinder you, but rather allow God to use it to

strengthen you.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: OUR FLESH

OCTOBER 23

Bible Reading: Romans 7:14-25Key Verse: 18-For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to

will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Key Words: in my flesh dwelleth no good thing

More often than not, our flesh is our own worst enemy.John Mason Brown was a drama critic and speaker well known for his witty and

informative lectures on theatrical topics. One of his first important appearances as alecturer was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Brown was pleased, but also rathernervous, and his nerves were not helped when he noticed by the light of the slideprojector that someone was copying his every gesture. After a time he broke off his

lecture and announced with great dignity that if anyone was not enjoying the talk, hewas free to leave. Nobody did, and the mimicking continued. It was another 10minutes before Brown realized that the mimic was his own shadow!

You may hear many things in your life that tend to hinder you from service toGod; but I can assure you that there is no hindrance to you greater than yourself(your flesh). That is the reason we are told to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lustsof the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

What to do: Hinder not yourself; walk in the Spirit.


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: ACTING INAPPROPRIATELY

OCTOBER 24

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 6:1-13Key Verse: 12-All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things

are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Key Words: but I will not be brought under the power of any

Some who read verse 12 of our text focus on the words all things are lawfulandtake that to mean they can do anything they so please. That certainly is not thecontext of this verse. The context is taking a fellow church member to court. Can wedo that? Sure, but Paul says while it is lawful, it is not expedient. The word expedientcarries the idea of being appropriate. It's one of those things we don't often take intoconsideration in our decision-making.

In a children's program one little fellow had the part of quoting Matthew 19:14,But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for ofsuch is the kingdom of heaven.

When it was his turn to say his verse, his nerves got the better of him and heforgot the verse. Suddenly he said, "B-u-t, Jesus said, Suffer the ch-il-" and thenforgot the remainder of the verse. This happened on three occasions. So bravely helooked out at the congregation and said, "Jesus said don't any of you adults do

anything to keep us kids from coming to Him." And that is the gist of what Paul issaying. Often we ask, "can I" when we should be asking, "should I." You see, whenwe behave inappropriately it's not only a hindrance to us, but others as well.

What to do: Don't ask, "is it lawful;" ask "is it appropriate?"

THINGS THAT HINDER US: GREED

OCTOBER 25

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 16:1-11Key Verse: 2-Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as

God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Key Words: let every one of you

Giving is not optional; it is an opportunity to demonstrate my love for, my faith in,and my thankfulness to my Great Savior and the Supreme Author of my life. Yes, Ido mean God.

Often we talk about a lack of faith that causes us to not give; but in reality, it'smore about greed and wrong priorities. The gas company, power company andmortgage company all seem to come before God.


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In the jungles of Brazil there dwells a tree called the water tree. It's aninteresting tree. It grows to be anywhere from 20 to 25 feet high and 3 to 4 inchesaround. The water tree is hollow in the center. That's because the center of the treecontains fresh water. Thus it's name: the water tree. The only way the water tree canrefresh others is to die. You have to cut it down in order for it to give up its water

supply. The same is true when it comes to giving. We have to die to self in order togive and be a source of refreshment.Many believers have never died to self. As a result they will never really be a

source of blessing to others. They will fail to submit to authority. If one cannot obeyGod, they will battle with all other forms of authority as well; and, as a result, theyare a burden, not a blessing. They will hinder the cause of Christ rather than help.

What to do: Ask God to help you to be a giver. If not, you will always be a hinderer.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: A BAD MEMORY

OCTOBER 26

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 1:1-11Key Verse: 3-Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of

mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Key Words: Blessed be God

Three truths leap off the pages of Chapter 1 of II Corinthians.

Truth One: Remember what God is to you (verse 2); He is your Father.

Truth Two: Remember what God does for you (verse 4); He comforts you.Truth Three: Remember what God does through you (verses 5-11); He works

through you.

How easily we forget the blessings of God to us! Where would we be if it werenot for God?

Many stores have mannequins. Another word for mannequin is a dummy. The

job of the dummy is to magnify the fashion of the store. They put clothing on thedummy and the dummy is supposed to act as an attraction to lure the customer intothe store. They are to look at the clothes on the dummy and be drawn into the store.The clothes on the dummy didn't come from the dummy. The clothes on the dummycame from the owner of the store and the owner of the store put clothes on thedummy so that folks outside would be attracted to come inside based on how thedummy looks. Need I say more?


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On our best day, we are nothing but dummies. What God wants to do is dressus up. He's given you a new nature. He's given you a new life. He wants to dressyou up and He's saying, "Listen, dummy, I want you to attract people to Me not onlywhen times are going good but when times are going bad. Your job is to make Melook good." God is after making sure that He looks good. If you can make this

switch, a small switch because it only involves one thing, and yet a whopping switchbecause it involves everything, God will be glorified in your life.

What to do: If you fail to remember what God has done for you, you will fail to live

for Him.

THINGS THAT HINDER US:

A FALSE CONCEPT OF LIBERTY

OCTOBER 27

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:1-7Key Verse: 1-Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,

and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Key Words: the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free

There are those who believe that salvation is not freedom from sin, but freedomto sin. How strange! God saves you to stay in the same sinful bondage you arealready in? How silly!!

SALVATION DOES NOT FREE US TO SIN BUT IT FREES US FROM SIN.

We read in verse 13, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only usenot liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

A family in Tennessee has handed down a significant letter for at least threegenerations. William Walter Warmath, a Baptist minister, received it from his motheron his twenty-first birthday, which came while he was serving as a staff member at

Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly in North Carolina. He tells about it in his book Spirit inConflict. It had first been written to William's father, J. G. Warmath, on this twenty-first birthday, by his father. Since then, William Warmath has passed it along to hisown son, Jerry, on his twenty-first birthday. Here is how the torn pages, yellow withage, read:


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Humboldt, TennesseeMarch 24, 1893

J. G. Warmath, Twenty-one years old today. Free to do as he pleases - to makea first-class gentleman, second or third class as you may. Free to associate with

first, second or third class ladies and gentlemen. Free to be an honor to his familyand society generally or otherwise. Free to lead an honorable and upright life, a lifethat will be esteemed by all who may associate with you. Free to choose your ownoccupation and make a success or otherwise. Free to love any nice pretty first-classyoung lady and wed her if she is willing. Free to make all the money that you canhonorably and save a good living out of it for old age or misfortune. Free to be yourown guardian and counsellor - to use all means that may come into your hands asseemeth best to you. But not free to bring reproach upon your Father and Mother's

name... . Hoping that life may be an honor to your name and country. We subscribeour names - Your Father and Mother.

We are never free to bring reproach upon the name of God, never!!!

What to do: You are free - not to sin, but free from sin. Live like it!

THINGS THAT HINDER US: THE PAST

OCTOBER 28

Bible Reading: Philippians 3:1-14Key Verse: 13-Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I

do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,Key Words: forgetting those things which are behind

Living in the past can be good if you learn from it for the future. But living in thepast can be dangerous if you allow it to hinder you.

We read in Luke 9:62, ....No man, having put his hand to the plough, andlooking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

If you spend all your time today thinking about your failures or successesyesterday, then you will ruin your tomorrow. When today looks too long at yesterday,we are borrowing from tomorrow's time.

Yesterday is like a rearview mirror. When you go somewhere in the car, you usea rearview mirror. A rearview mirror shows you what's behind you. You need arearview mirror but you only need it to glance in, not to live in. You don't moveforward by focusing on a rearview mirror; you move forward by focusing on thewindshield. If you live in a rearview mirror, you will hurt somebody. But in front of the


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rearview mirror is a much bigger piece of glass called the windshield. The windshieldshows you where you are going and that's a lot bigger than where you have been.Don't let yesterday mess up today, which will ruin tomorrow.

What to do: Keep your focus on what God wants you to do today!

THINGS THAT HINDER US: WRONG IDENTITY

OCTOBER 29

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-11Key Verse: 3-For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.Key Words: your life is hid with Christ

If you are born again, you are a child of God!! Identify yourself as such.Tony Evans writes: "Who is Michael Jordan? Most would probably say the

greatest basketball player who ever played the game. Who is Sylvester Stallone?Most would probably say a great actor depending on the movie. Who is DianaRoss? Most would probably say one of the greatest singers of this generation. If youwould say Michael Jordan is a basketball player, Sylvester Stallone is an actor, andDiana Ross a singer, you would be absolutely wrong for I would not have justdescribed who they were. I would have only told you what they do. The greatestmistake in the world is to use your performance to give you your identity. Thegreatest mistake in the world is to define yourself by what you do. And yet it is theprimary way that people define themselves.

"When men get together, the first thing we want to do in conversation is ask theother person what they do for a living. We then figure that if they do a big job, with abig title, for big pay, they must be somebody. However, one's self-definition, oridentity, is not to be rooted in your performance because, if so, then you will always,always, always misdefine yourself.

"People go to great lengths to get an identity. They'll buy identities. They go to

plastic surgeons to fix their looks in order to fix their identity. They seek higher-paying jobs or nice business cards to help their identity. They pick their friends sothat their friends can help elevate their identity. People go around asking forautographs so they can show other people whom they know in order to elevate theiridentity.

"Satan knows that if he can keep you from discovering your true identity inChrist, he can keep you from discovering who you are. If in fact you are a Christianby virtue of your relationship with Christ, he can keep you hostage. He can keep you


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from claiming your inheritance. He can keep you from victory because you cannotbe liberated if you don't know who you are."

So who are you?

What to do: Who are you? Your answer should be, "I'm a child of God." Then live

like it.

THINGS THAT HINDER US: LOVE OF MONEY

OCTOBER 30

Bible Reading: I Timothy 6:1-10Key Verse: 10-For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted

after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with manysorrows.

Key Words: for the love of money

We do love money, do we not? I got a kick out of what one member said, "I don't

necessarily love money, but it does quiet'en my nerves."I read in a church bulletin: "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver. He also accepteth

from a grouch."An old, rich man with a cranky, miserable attitude visited a rabbi who lived a

simple life. They werent together very long before the rabbi got a wonderful idea onhow to illustrate to the man that his cranky attitude was wrong. He took him by thehand and led him over to his window and said, Now, look out the window and tellme what you see. As the man stood there, he said, Well, I see some men and

some women and I see a few children. Fine, replied the rabbi and then took himby the hand and led him across the room to a mirror. Now look and tell me what yousee. The man frowned and said, Well, obviously I see myself.

Interesting, replied the rabbi. In the window there is glass, in the mirror thereis glass, but the glass of the mirror is covered with a little bit of silver. And no sooneris the silver added than you cease to see others, only yourself.

Strangely enough, when it comes to money, all most people see are

themselves.

What to do: Let others see Jesus through you. Be a window, not a mirror.


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THINGS THAT HINDER US: OUR UPBRINGING

OCTOBER 31

Bible Reading: II Timothy 3:1-15Key Verse: 15-And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are

able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Key Words: that from a child

A pastor from Tennessee writes: One morning years ago, I took a walking tourof Albany, New York, and finally stopped for lunch on a park bench. As I ate mysandwich, I felt someone staring at me. Turning around, I saw a little fellowwatching me with intense interest. He appeared to be eleven or twelve, his eyeswere big, and his face crinkled with curiosity.

"What's your name?" he finally asked. Then, "What you eatin? Where you from?Tennessee? Where's that? What're you doin here?" To the last question, I told him Ihad come to Albany to preach at a church.

"What does it mean to preach?" he asked."It means to tell others about Jesus," I replied. When I said the word "Jesus," his

eyes widened, and he cupped his hand over his mouth."'Jesus,'" he whispered, "Mister, Don't you know?""Know what?"

That's a cuss word."It dawned on me that the only time this boy had ever heard the name Jesus was

as a profanity in his home and in his neighborhood haunts. Compare that littlefellow's history with the Apostle Paul's description of Timothy's upbringing:And thatfrom a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wiseunto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (II Timothy 3:15).

What to do: We all train our children; it's just a matter of how we train them.


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I deeply appreciate the help of

Cathy FortenberrySandy Lancaster

Glenda Myrick

Mary Parsons

John and Tascha Piatt

Reba Pontbriand

And my lovely wife, Linda

Without God using these people to help

this devotional would not have been possible.

Dr. Mike Rouse

2013 october- things that hinder us

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