This is the Weekly Devotional Message from

Over 2500 Links!

Hello!

Are you ready for the summer? Well, most people in the United States are ready. Even if you're not ready for summer and even if you're not in the right hemisphere for summer to occur, enjoy reading our super, new and improved, extra lean devotional message!

Right now, I'm in Greeley, Colorado! I'm being trained as a head soccer and athletics coach for Uncharted Waters. UW is a Christian organization that is doing sports camps in 20 of the United States and several other countries. In addition to teaching kids sports, we are sharing the gospel with them, singing songs and doing other fun stuff.

Please pray for this temporary, summer ministry! It's an awesome time and I'm with some great people. I'm really enjoying the time away from the internet, but I'll be back in 2 1/2 weeks and I'm sure I'll be recharged and ready to continue JCSM's far-reaching ministry.

On the airplane to Colorado, I wrote the introduction to my book on internet ministry! It's going to be a super book and the first one of it's kind. If you've ever wanted to know how you could share the truth via email, let millions of people know the gospel and do many other things for God on the web, you'll want to read this book. I'll keep you posted on it's progress.

Kent Hovind's debate with Massimo Pigliucci has been uploaded to MP3.com. This was a great debate on Creation vs. Evolution. You can freely download it at http://hovind1.jcsm.org. MP3.com takes several days to "approve" mp3 files. If it's not up yet, check back in a couple days.

Do you need a good laugh? Have you heard too many bad jokes and need some wholesome humor? Ken Davis spoke at my home church, recently. He's extremely funny and a great, godly guy. You can get his cds and videos from his web site, http://www.kendavis.com.

Father's Day is this Sunday. Don't forget to bless your Dad and Grandfather with something special. If you've lost a Dad or Grandfather, I pray you're comforted on this day.

God bless you as you look to our Lord and Savior for encouragement and sanctification. Let His Word sink deeply into your heart and He will fill you up.

A big congratulations goes to all of the graduating students! I pray God directs your paths as you seek Him for guidance.

Are you getting this message every week? Are you receiving about twelve pages with this message? If this message isn't reaching you consistently or if it's shortened, you can always find these weekly devotions on our web site! Devotional archive: http://www.jcsm.org/devos.htm. Plus, if http://www.jcsm.org isn't working, please try http://www.jcsm.net.

This is your ministry, so please feel free to link to JCSM and forward these devotions to your friends and family. On the JCSM website, there are over 2500 links (pictures, midis, Bible lessons, humor, proverbial stories, links, devotions, poetry, prayer journals and much more!) and it has registered over 75,000 visits!

Would you like to support God's work on the web? If this ministry has touched you in a special way, please pray and consider sending a gift to JCSM. You can join us in our vision to reach people on the web with the good news! Either email me for more information or simply go here: http://donations.jcsm.org.

If you need to email me, please see the address below. Hitting "reply" to this message won't send an email to me. I'm sorry if this is an inconvenience to you, however, rest assured that I will answer all of the emails I receive.

Did you know that JCSM has it's very own forum? If you'd like to read some interesting posts and/or post some messages, please surf to http://forum.jcsm.org.

Welcome to the new recipients of this message! Here are the devotions, challenge, moment of introspection, the Bible word of the week and the quotations for the week. Have a fantastic week and God bless you!

Love in Christ,

Jason J. Gastrich

http://jcsm.org/contact.php

ICQ#: 20731140

The Weekly Devotional Message

Day 1: "Our Future Rest"

Hebrews 3:18 "And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."

Hebrews 4:9-11 "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience."

Hebrews 4:1, 3a "Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For we who have believed do enter that rest."

Insight: Are you ready to rest? Well, God has offered us eternal rest with Him. If we have saving faith in Jesus Christ, then we will join God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the angelic beings and all the saints for eternity.

Prayer: "Thank you for promising us that we will be able to rest in Heaven! Thank you for giving us work to do, now. Help us to both work hard and envision or eternal rest with You. Praise You for touching us and helping us live this life. Thank you for giving everyone things to do. Help us to appreciate your awesome plan. Thank you for being larger than our small-minded plans. Praise You for being all-knowing and all-powerful! In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 2: "Extra-Marital and Pre-Marital Sex"

Deuteronomy 22:22 "If a man is found lying with a woman married to a husband, then both of them shall die--the man that lay with the woman, and the woman; so you shall put away the evil from Israel."

1 Corinthians 6:13 "Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body."

1 Corinthians 6:18 "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body."

1 Thessalonians 4:3 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;"

Insight: God takes sin very seriously. Having sex outside marriage is a sin with serious consequences. If you've sinned in this area, make sure to confess it and repent. If you haven't, pray that you never do. Many of the people's problems can be traced back to a failure in this area.

Prayer: "Thank you for helping us by giving us your awesome Word! Help us to read it, understand it and never forget it. Thank you for having patience on us. Praise You for loving us so much. There's no other God like You, Lord. Thank you for helping us have self-control by your Holy Spirit. Fill us up and show us how we can overcome sin. Thank you for overcoming the world and giving us hope to do the same. Forgive us for having a bad attitude. Let people see how your Word is right and disobeying it will cause big problems. We love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 3: "Let's Be Humble, Again"

1 Peter 5:6, 7 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

Isaiah 66:1, 2 "Thus says the LORD: Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist, Says the LORD. But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word."

Psalm 131:1, 2 "LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me."

Isaiah 57:15 "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

Psalm 51:15-17 "O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise."

Insight: One quality of God that we sometimes forget is humility. Humility is when we think others are more important than ourselves. Try giving others preference by praying for them, putting them first and sincerely caring about their needs before your own desires.

Prayer: "Thank you for the beautiful, humble people in this world! Thank you for the ones who know that You are much larger than them. Bless us all, Lord. Make us like You. Give us all of your qualities; even the ones that seem less desirable. Let us understand how we need every part of You, every minute of the day. There's never a time when we don't need You, Lord. Give us more humility. Help us to humble ourselves on our own, so You don't have to humble us. Thank you for Jesus' humility. Let us learn from His perfect example. Thank you that we have a standard and an example to follow. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 4: "Our Awesome God"Isaiah 55:8, 9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Psalm 33:11 "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations."

Jeremiah 10:12-13 "He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion. When He utters His voice, There is a multitude of waters in the heavens: And He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, He brings the wind out of His treasuries."

Psalm 33:4, 5 "For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD."

Insight: Have you praised God for His awesomeness, lately? If you ever have trouble defining God's unparalleled character, read His Word. It will remind you how there is no other God like Him.

Prayer: "Praise You for being such an awesome God! There is no other God like You. Thank you for making everything we see. Thank you for keeping the multi-verse running and moving perfectly. Help us understand how there is incredible order to the multi-verse, our bodies and all creation. Forgive the ones who swear everything happened by chance and God had nothing to do with anything. Open the eyes of the ones who mock You, Lord. Let them become saved through Jesus Christ. Thank you for dying for everybody. Let us not give up hoping for the lost ones. Meanwhile, praise You for being the greatest God! You are above all, so we praise You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 5: "God Gives Guidance and Understanding"Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye."

Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

Proverbs 8:33-35 "Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD;"

Psalm 73:24 "You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory."

Psalm 19:7, 8 "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;"

Insight: God is the best counselor. He made wisdom, knowledge and truth. When you seek counsel, don't forget to sit and listen at the feet who made everything (including you).

Prayer: "Thank you for teaching us, Lord. Thank you for your guidance and understanding, Lord. We need to see and know You better. Thank you for taking the time to listen to and touch humankind. Praise You for loving your creation, even though people routinely don't do what You want them to do. Let us understand how You are on the throne, but You also give us free will. Thank you for making us much smarter and wiser than we could ever be without You. Thank you for teaching us things that we could have never found on our own. Let us be eternally thankful to You. Praise You for being the greatest teacher ever. Help us to be still, listen and learn from You. Thank you for always knowing exactly what to say. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 6: "God Is Trustworthy"

Jeremiah 17:7, 8 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit."

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Psalm 34:8 "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

Proverbs 3:5, 6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

Insight: God has kept His promises for thousands of years. When you're looking for someone to trust, turn to Him. Eventually, all people will let you down, but God will always be trustworthy and righteous.

Prayer: "Thank you for earning our trust, Lord. Help us to always remember the numerous times You have been trustworthy. Thank you for being a changeless God who can't change His character into an evil or different being. You are God and You are right. You have given us promises that are still true because they'll always be true. Help godless people to see and understand how and what is awesome and true about You. Thank you for being trustworthy in the big and little things. Help us to be trustworthy, too. Thank you for being an incredible God who does things that defy our imagination. Thank you for being the best possible person to trust. Let us see You how You are and trust in You, fully. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 7: "Never Lose Hope"

Hebrews 6:11, 12 "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Psalm 38:15 "For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God."

Psalm 43:5 "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God."

Romans 5:5 "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

1 Peter 1:3, 4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you."

1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

Insight: What greater hope is there than the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ? God offers us so much. We're never going to find another religion or path with the life-changing, eternal truths that are in God's Word. Read them, know them and cling to them in hope; and don't stop hoping.

Prayer: "Thank you for giving us incredible things we can hope for. Thank you for the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ! Thank you for all the promises in the Bible that we can hope on. Increase our faith and our love. Forgive us for being impatient and just foolish. Thank you for loving us so much, Lord. Thank you for even hoping in us. Let us understand your hopes for us. Thank you for investing more into our lives than anyone else ever could or would. Help us to continually thank You for your presence and love. To You be all the glory, honor and praise, forever and ever. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Challenge

Bless a child! The child could be yours or another's. Find a way to either give this child a gift, take them out, talk to them about God or do something else that is considered loving and helping.

If you want to donate to a child, Compassion International and World Vision can help you. However, you could also pray for children. Children are awesome and they will be the ministers and teachers of the future. Don't forget to invest in them.

God bless you as you meet this week's challenge!

A Moment of Introspection

The things that are really good for you and/or really good for others are the things that the Devil tries vehemently to disrupt. Have you ever noticed or realized this?

For instance, if a Christian wasn't doing anything for God's kingdom, why would the Devil try and destroy them? The Devil would have one of his weakest fallen angels tempt a weak, unfaithful Christian.

The things that you plan to do that are going to further God's kingdom are things that the Devil definitely wants to stop. Be prepared for battle. You will face trials and temptations. I guarantee you. Set your mind on the truth of God and don't budge from His side. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.

The Greek Bible Word of the Week

porneo: fornication (KJV) or sexual immorality (NKJV), illicit sexual intercourse

The Quotations of the Week

Can you tell by the light in a person's eyes that they are Spirit-filled?

When you're sharing the gospel, you're giving people Christ's living water.

You can't give people living water if you haven't been to the well.

God is the only undefeated individual.

Victory is not dependent on the length of the battle.

Jesus used miracles to teach, show God's glory, help others and show His divinity.

The touch of Jesus brings victory and life.

God accepts bullet and panic prayers.

There are no roaming charges or off-peak hours when talking to God.

Remember that we are seekers of God.

Only the quiet spirit can hear God's quiet voice.

Discover the value of reading something twice.

In an age where people sleep outside for days to get tickets to a concert or new movie, where are your priorities?

Relinquishment of burdens and fears begins where adoration and worship of God fills the soul.

Cherish time alone with God.

When you come to the Lord, learn to have a quiet mind, cease from any self-effort. In this way, God Himself can act all alone.

Listening from the heart puts us in a hushed place in which waves of love and adoration wash over us.

Fix the eyes of your soul on the greatness of God.

During your quiet times, try seeking nothing from God except to love and please Him.

Solitude is not turning your back on the world; it's turning your face toward God.

We should not look for a "method" or "system", but cultivate an "attitude" and "outlook": faith, openness, attention, reverence, expectation, supplication, trust and joy.

The point of prayer is not to get answers from God, but to have oneness with Him.

God wills that we should push into His presence and live our whole life there.

These quotes came from God, me, the Inspirational Study Bible (with Max Lucado), Madame Guyon, T. Merton, Oswald Chambers, A.W. Tozer, Jan Johnson and Francis Roberts.

These quotes can be used for sanctification and fun. Most of them are directly based on scripture and scriptural principles. Some of my quotes are humorous or rhetorical. Some are written from sermons and Bible studies. Others are lyrics from songs. If you'd like me to go into more detail on any of them, please email me.

Like most verses in the Bible, they can be debated. To use what I've written in the most beneficial way, try and trace them back to the scriptures and apply the true principles to your life in a meaningful way! Please don't sell my quotes or publish them for profit. If English is not your first language, you may not understand some of the quotes. I'm sorry, but some of them are English metaphors and deal with multiple word meanings. God bless you all!

Please make a commitment to pray for this ministry. As every believer is tempted and tried, this ministry faces trials also. God has blessed me, JCSM and the people who have been reached! Unfortunately, the enemy knows this and spiritual warfare is the result. Please at least pray that the devotions continue to be sent religiously, the web pages stay on the www and the subscribers are blessed, sanctified and protected from evil. Thank you very much in advance!

Do you want to help people receive the good news? We share the gospel over 2.5 million times each year! Please join us in the great commission. We're reaching new people every day with God's awesome Word! If God has blessed you and you wish to send a love offering to me and my ministry, please email me and I'll give you our mailing address.

You can join our vision and help this ministry! Your donations will keep these ministries running and further our visions for evangelism. Hundreds of web pages have been created to lead people to the Lord. Frequently, we make new ones and they are used to bring more and more people into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. We're certain there will be more ways to reach people in the future.

Along with getting support, we also give support! JCSM regularly gives to churches and needy people. Another function of this ministry is to do counseling. We are always answering questions about life, the Lord and everything in between. Lastly, we do a lot of research on religious topics on the internet and library. You will definitely see the results of our hard work and your loving support, in the web pages, and in the weekly devotions!

For more about me and my service history, go to http://www.jcsm.org/misc/Resume.htm. For what I do, my ministries and giving, go to http://www.jcsm.org/Give2.htm.

If you need to buy a book, some software, a game or a variety of other things, Amazon.com will have it! If you go to Amazon.com through the following link and buy one of those things, JCSM will receive between 5-15% of the total price! Plus, you get the same discounts and great prices Amazon.com offers all of their customers! If you're interested, here's the link: http://amazon.jcsm.org.

Have you signed our guest book? If not, please go here: http://guestbook.jcsm.org. Did you know that we have some great, original, Christian music on MP3.com? Click here to freely listen to some encouraging tunes: http://jcsm.org/MP3.htm.

If you have received these devotions from someone other than JCSM, please email us and we will send them to you, personally, each week. Don't worry. We don't send forwards or any other junk mail. Plus, we refrain from giving your name to anyone.

The devotions are sent on Mondays, our Bible lesson is sent on Fridays, the gospel is sent in the middle of every month and the monthly newsletter is sent on the 1^st. These are the only messages we send, however, please email me us you wish to be removed from this list.

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please email me! I would love to share the gospel with you. The Bible is very straightforward when it speaks about Heaven, Hell and eternal life. If there is any doubt that you are going to Heaven when you die, please let me know today! If you'd like to discover the biblical doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ, please go here: Audio Gospel Message - http://www.jcsm.org/godsplan/TheGospel.mp3. or the Textual Gospel Message - http://www.jcsm.org/GodsPlan/TheGospel.htm.