H. B. “Sunny” Mooney, III is pastor of the DaytonAvenueBaptistChurch in Peoria, Illinois.
Have you checked out your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and treats lately? You can find some guidelines on the “SWOT” page at www.edhandkinsministries.com .
November 18 What’s in a Name?
Our help is in the name of the LORD. Psalms 124:8 NKJV
Today’s Readings: Psalms 124
2 Corinthians 11, 12, 13
We prayerfully gave our two sons names that would direct their spiritual development as well as ignite their imaginations. Our firstborn’s name is Garrett Rockwood, which means “spiritual warrior.” Our second son’s name is Grant Alexander, which means “great leader.”
Bedtime stories about two native lads possessing similar names reinforced our desires. Garrett’s counterpart was a brave-hearted warrior named “Good-with-a-Spear.” “Good-with-a-Spear” always fought the good fight. Grant’s equal was a tender hearted “Leader-of-Men” who wisely commanded others. Time will tell whether or not our sons will live up to their names.
Court is in regarding our Heavenly Father’s name. His titles reveal His divine nature, redemptive character and holy ways. His eternal names demand our glorification as well as deserve our gratitude. The Lord’s Prayer admonishes us to “hallow His name.” We also thank Him because we discover redemption and renewal in the name of the Lord our God.
When the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin I called upon the name of the Lord Jesus and was saved (Romans 10:13). Now when I am spiritually sapped or emotionally empty I find my help in the name of the Lord my God. He is my Rock, my Refuge, my Fortress, my Shield, and my Defender. The list goes on and on. His help is always available to those whose confidence is in the One whose name is above every name.
Prayer: Ask God to help you live up to the name “Christian.”
H. B. “Sunny” Mooney, III
November 19 Could God Use Someone like Me?
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham … Matthew 1:1 NKJV
Today’s Readings: Matthew 1, 2, 3, 4
“Could God use someone like me?” and other questions echoed within my mind as I sought to discern God’s will regarding His call in my life. I argued with God:
“Lord, Paul was wrong. I am the worse of all sinners. Father, You couldn’t use me. Could You?”
“Lord, Peter could hold his head up high. I rejected You many sinful days and nights. Jesus, You wouldn’t use me. Would you?”
Then His grace blanketed me through a friend’s words. Rocky W. reminded me that my sin was thoroughly forgiven and truly forgotten. God saved me. He made the old man new in Christ. I was no longer a slave to sin but a child of God. I was now able to serve a holy God. Yes, such a merciful God could and would call someone like me – a recipient of His gracious salvation – to be a minister of such Good News.
Examine Jesus’ genealogy. It lists people from questionable backgrounds. Some were liars, deceivers, idolaters, and adulterers. Some weren’t even Jewish. Yet God covered their imperfections with His grace and used them to make possible the birth of His only begotten Son. If God used them, can’t He use us? Yes, He can. But we must avail ourselves to doing His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Payer: Make a list of all the possible areas you think God desires to use you. Take the time to narrow that ministry list to a short one. Pray for His direction. Make sure that the Holy Spirit has enabled you with the right spiritual gifts. Ask others if they see you serving in that ministry area. If God opens all the doors, then exercise the intestinal fortitude to walk right in and serve the Lord with gladness. See what God can do with someone like you! H. B. “Sunny” Mooney, III
November 20 Why Do I Do What I Do?
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NKJV
Today’s Readings: Matthew 5, 6, 7
Coach John was a wonderful baseball coach for young boys entering “Little League.” He had a knack of encouraging players with diverse skills to do their best on and off the field. I remember working so hard at laying down the perfect bunt just to hear his praise after beating out the throw to first base. Coach John acknowledged every team member’s contribution to our winning ways.
I’ve learned that good leaders recognize their team’s every success. In fact, expressing sincere appreciation in a job evaluation is just as important as a merited pay increase. Gratitude often motivates people to do their best.
What about believers? Shouldn’t we encourage one another to do our best, especially when we consider Jesus’ immediate return? Yes, but should mutual encouragement be our primary motivation for doing the things that we do? Is there a higher inspiration for believers to consider?
Jesus charges us to “let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.” His words often cause me to evaluate my motivation for everything that I say and do. “Why do I do what I do?” Yes, encouraging words are much appreciated. But what would I do if no one cheered me on? Would I continue for His glory alone?
Friend, remember that there is a cloud of witnesses cheering us on. They are shouting encouragement: “Don’t give up! Overcome life’s temptations! Daily live as serving the Lord and He will receive the glory!” Remember the hope that we possess as we await to hear Him say: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Prayer: Saint, His promised accolades should motivate us for all eternity. Forever is a long time to imagine. So begin this day by dedicating it to the Lord. One day given to the Lord will soon add up to weeks, months, and years sanctified to Him. When this present reality ceases God will keep His promise to recognize our glorifying efforts.
H. B. “Sunny” Mooney, III
November 21 Lord, Grow my Faith!
Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Matthew 8:26 - NKJV
Today’s Readings: Matthew 8, 9, 10
Have you ever had moments when you felt like your faith was too small? You’re not alone!
Today’s Scripture reading illustrates people of varying levels of faith. The religious zealots and skeptics were ‘faithless.’ They scorned the Savior’s miraculous works. They accused Him of being aligned with Satan. They called Him a friend of sinners.
There were also those who were ‘faithful.’ A leper, a Roman centurion, four friends, a paralytic, a synagogue ruler, an unclean woman, two blind men and many friends of the infirmed and demons possessed knew Jesus was able to relieve their ailments. Their ‘faithfulness’ gave them the courage to seek His willingness to heal various spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
Stuck in the middle of faith’s spectrum were ‘hand-picked’ disciples. Jesus described the 12 apostles as men of ‘little faith.’ They feared for their lives in the storm while the One who exercised power over death, demons and disease peacefully slept in their presence. They possessed faith, but it needed to grow!
It’s good to know that these men eventually possessed ‘great faith.’ But what did it take to grow their faith? They had to witness Calvary’s cross. They had to see their Teacher raised alive from death. They had to receive the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. These fearful followers spiritually soon matured into fearless followers of Jesus Christ. Life’s storms could not discourage them.
When you’re tempted to give up remember Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians believers. He said:
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 – NKJV
Prayer: Persevere! Our heavenly Father is faithful to provide a way of escape. Wait on His guidance when life’s storms seem overwhelming.
H. B. “Sunny” Mooney, III
November 22 Mustard Seed Discipleship
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed … Matthew 13:31 - NKJV
Today’s Readings: Matthew 11, 12, 13
Robert P. Wadlow’s grave is located in Alton’s UpperCemetery. He died at the age of 22 on July 15, 1940. Robert was born February 22, 1918. He only weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces and was average height at his birth. He was no different that you and I. Yet Robert’s life changed when he was four years old. He started growing at an uncommon pace - averaging 4 inches per year. A tumor within his pituitary gland caused this abnormal growth rate.
Robert was 8 feet 11.1 inches tall and weighed 440 pounds at his death. His giant stature demanded the aid of leg braces. An ill-fitting pair rubbed blisters on Robert’s legs. These sores developed into a blood infection and complications which prematurely took the life of Alton’s “Gentle Giant.”
Jesus shared a parable about abnormal growth within the Kingdom of God. A mustard seed grew larger than normal sized garden herbs. This common green mutated beyond the Creator’s design into a tree-like structure. It no longer fed the hungry with its sinewy leaves. It nested birds.
Is Jesus’ parable an analogy of “Mustard Seed Discipleship”?
Jesus calls us to die to self, take up our crosses daily and follow Him. Why do we do our own thing and ask Him to bless our activity?
He demands our selfless love for God and others. Why do we look for church families and worship services that serve our needs rather than for places to serve Him? Why do our check books often reveal more monies spent on recreation and entertainment than on tithes and benevolence?
He expects our devotion to personal holiness. Why can’t most people tell the difference between our Christian lifestyle and worldly living? Why do as many Christian marriages end in divorce as everyone else?
Christ’s disciples are called to increasingly resemble Him with each new day. The Apostle Paul urges us to “not be conformed to this world, but be trans-formed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 – NKJV).
Prayer: So in this age of ‘Christian consumerism’ we must ask ourselves a pointed question. “Am I looking more and more like Jesus? Or am I looking like a mutated mustard seed?” I pray that people see Jesus in you! H. B. “Sunny” Mooney, III
November 23 Surrender Everything!
If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24 NKJV
Today’s Readings: Matthew 14, 15, 16
Twenty years ago my precious wife, Cindy and I wrestled with God’s call upon our lives. We were a young Christian couple. We were satisfied with serving the Lord within our home church. We were ready for children. We were comfortable with every aspect of our lives. But we soon learned that God doesn’t call us to be comfortable.
I remember that our prayers were filled with arguments and debates with the Lord. We offered Him every reasonable excuse. He patiently dealt with our objections. Then one weekend the Lord spoke to us in separate but concurrent conversations. After a long battle with our issues over His sovereign lordship we answered His call to vocational ministry. We soon discovered that our Lord is truly good in all things when we lovingly pursue His call.
Is it your passion to be the disciple that He desires? You must be willing to give up your earthly desires! You must be willing to lay down your life for another’s wellbeing! You must be willing to follow Him in complete obedience to His Word and His ways! If you are willing, I’ve discovered that He graciously provides the way to best glorify Him.
Prayer: I pray that wrestling with Him brings you completely into His good, pleasing and perfect will for your life.
H. B. “Sunny” Mooney, III
November 24 Child Citizens
Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14 NKJV
Today’s Readings: Matthew 17, 18, 19
Art Linkletter wasn’t too far from the truth when he said, “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” I am a believer. Some times I don’t know what to expect when I ask questions during the Children’s Sermon. One Mother’s Day I asked what they were getting their moms when one child answered: “We’re getting her something from Victoria’s Secret!”
Our worship service wouldn’t be the same without the Children’s Sermon. More often than not our older children give knowledgeable answers concerning the salvation process. What if we didn’t provide ministries so that children would hear the Gospel? What if we were more concerned about our facilities rather than a young person’s faith in Christ?
Jesus rebuked those who willingly refused children fellowship with Himself. You may not directly forbid children to encounter Christ. But are there children’s ministries within your church that you’re not prayerfully supporting with your talent, time or tithes? If we don’t attempt to reach them when they’re children, then the odds are against their conversion as young adults. If Jesus invites children to come to Him, then we must do everything possible to ensure that they hear that Gospel invitation.
Prayer: Ask God to show you how to minister to a child today.
H. B. “Sunny” Mooney, III