Daily Inspirations and Helps: With a Daily Clarence-Ism

By Pastor Clarence Deel

These daily readings are selected from messages the Lord has given me through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit over the past forty-plus years of proclaiming the Gospel of “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (I Corinthians 2:2).
Over that time, God has given me short sayings that I would write down, usually in the front of my Bibles. Sometimes, I call them “Clarence-isms,” but if they are of any value then all the credit goes to the Lord, who gives all good things. If there are any that are bad, I’ll take the credit for those!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781664263055

Pastor Clarence Deel

Clarence retired as a welder and millwright from Century Aluminum in Ravenswood, WV after thirty-six years of service. He preached his first message in 1978, and has spent his life proclaiming the Gospel through pastoring and holding revivals ever since. Clarence and his wife, Sandy, make their home in Pinch, WV. They have three grown children, and seven grandchildren.

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01   January

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In the Beginning

Scripture: Genesis 1:1–31 and John 1:1–51

Text Verses: Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

—Genesis 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

—John 1:1

Moses was the author of the first five books of the Bible, with Genesis being the first of the five. The Bible starts off with the words In the beginning. John, the last written of the four Gospels, starts off with In the beginning.

In so many people’s minds around the world, the new year is looked at as a new beginning. It may be a new beginning in our spiritual health or our physical health.

To many people, New Year’s Day is usually the first day of a New Year’s resolution. These can be good things, but the best we can do in our spiritual lives is to focus on doing better and growing stronger every day in the Lord. If it takes a New Year’s Day to highlight our physical weaknesses, then so be it, but we need to be sure and seek to be better Christians every day that God gives us.

Clarence-ism: It is not the keeping power of God that is in question but the staying desire in us!

02   January

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There Is a Man

Scripture: John 5:1–16

Text Verses: John 5:7–9

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

—John 5:7–9

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us not only to love our friends but also to love our enemies (see Matthew 5:43–44). He also states, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45).

We can then see by the mercies of God that those who are lost can live in this world. They seemingly have the good things of life, such as raising families, having good jobs, and living an easier life than many Christians. However, there are some things that only Christians can do, and even then, they cannot do them without help from a man called Jesus. We can never be saved without His grace and mercy, nor can we ever accomplish anything in His name without His help. Remember, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).

Clarence-ism: Since the Bible says that it is easy to love those who love you, why is it hard to love the pastor?

03   January

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A Full Reward

Scripture: Ruth 2:1–12

Text Verse: Ruth 2:12

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

—Ruth 2:12

I will venture to say that some, if not most, have had thoughts of weariness in their labors for the Lord. It may also seem that the more you love, the less you are loved. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, loved like no other has ever loved, and yet He was hated by the religious leaders of His day. No one was ever hated for doing so much good for so many!

Consider the apostle Paul:

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethen; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:24–28)

Before ending here, be sure to look at what happened in chapter 12. All will receive a reward for doing the Lord’s work!

Clarence-ism: Are you willing to give up a weekend for Jesus? He gave up a weekend for you!

04   January

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That Which Keeps Us Running

Scripture: Hebrews 12:13

Text Verse: Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

—Hebrews 12:1

Sometimes our Christian life is described as a race. Philippians 3:13–14 says, 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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Other times, it is described as a walk. In 2 Corinthians 5:7, it says, For we walk by faith, not by sight.

The main point to be learned here is that Christians are heading toward a finish line, and just across that line is a crown of righteousness, not only for Paul. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

The word beset in our text means to attack or entangle. In this life, we eat certain foods and add weight to strengthen the flesh. We stay away from things that will weaken it. The same is true for the spiritual food that strengthens the inner self.

Clarence-ism: Remember, this life is not about a do or a don’t, nor is it about meat and drink, but it is about righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17).

05   January

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Learn to Do Well

Scripture: Isaiah 1:9–26

Text Verse: Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

—Isaiah 1:17

Some things in this life are easy to learn. From the time of their birth, God gave children the ability to cry when they need to be fed, since they have no other means of communication. They also learn very quickly to cry if they want to be held. You may think that they are hungry or sick, but they learn that not only does crying get them fed, but it can also be used to get their way. Adults often learn how to get their way by the use of deception.

There are some things in life that we learn not to do. Everyone knows not to touch a hot stove or wet paint for one reason. We all have done it and have seen the results. At present, if we see a Wet Paint sign, we want to touch it to see if it is true. If someone says something is hot, but we don’t see the fire, we still want to touch it. Maybe that is why we all must continue to learn to do well.

Clarence-ism: Our concern in life should be doing God’s will! The results will then take care of themselves.

06   January

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Healed and Hungry

Scripture: Mark 5:21–43

Text Verse: Mark 5:43

And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

—Mark 5:43

We read of many miracles that are recorded in God’s Word. Everything we read about in the Bible concerning what God has done is believed by faith. I believe all the accounts as if I had seen every one with my own eyes. I have no doubt whatsoever that God created the world a little more than six thousand years ago by speaking His mighty words.

I truly believe that Jesus is before all things, and by Him, all things exist! So why wouldn’t I want to be hungry for His Word? After all, He raised me from the dead when He saved me and set me on a spiritual journey. My thankfulness and hunger for His Word have never weakened!

Clarence-ism: Continue to fight the good fight of faith, and you will continue to be blessed.

07   January

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Growth—Who Needs It?

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1–18

Text Verse: 2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

—2 Peter 3:18

I overheard a lady talking about her husband and his friends concerning the topic of growing a garden. She said that they sit around all winter and talk about plowing, planting, and tending a garden, but when spring planting time comes, they are so worn out that they never get around to planting one!

It is good to talk about things, and it is good to try to develop a good plan. There comes a time when we must put the talk and plans into action.

In church, there are times when we may be guilty of just talking about spiritual growth instead of putting growth in place by practice and demonstration.

It seems that we are always willing to talk about getting stronger as Christians, but are we willing to actually try it?

When we grow in God’s grace, our desire to serve and to worship Him will also grow. We will be more steadfast if we grow in the knowledge of His truth. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Clarence-ism: The more we work for the Lord, the more our souls will feel at rest.

08   January

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Recognize Where You Are

Scripture: Matthew 13:1–18

Text Verse: Matthew 13:16

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

—Matthew 13:16

If your home in heaven is built with the materials you send up there by the way that you live, what would your home look like? Would it look like a mansion or a makeshift shelter? We would never expect a builder to build us a house if we only supplied a handful of materials every now and then; and yet we believe, In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).

To build a nation, a church, or a Christian life, one must have the help of the Lord. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (Psalm 127:1).

The world has a lot of things that have become a hindrance to God’s people. Has your joy and delight in your service unto the Lord grown weaker, stronger, or neither? (See Revelation 3:16.)

Clarence-ism: Boldness is not about yelling out the name of Jesus. Boldness is living and honoring the name of Jesus!

09   January

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We Faint Not

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1–6, 16–18

Text Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

—2 Corinthians 4:1, 16

For all that labor in the work of the Lord or walking the walk of a Christian, there is always a time you have to face weariness. You may win against it, but you will know you have been in a battle.

We know that the apostle Paul was a giant of a man in the work of the Lord, and we also know that he spoke these words: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6–9). If Paul had never fought weariness, he would not have written that statement.

Speaking of some of the troubles he faced in his Christian journey, Paul also wrote, In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:27–28).

Clarence-ism: What we do for the Lord is more important than what we are capable of doing.

10   January

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If Ye Be Willing and Obedient

Scripture: Isaiah 1:19

Text Verse: Isaiah 1:19

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.

—Isaiah 1:19

Our Bible is made up of many examples of those who, when faced with troubled national or worship leaders, stood for the biblical truth and always came out winners for God.

I think one of the greatest examples of this in all the scriptures is given in Acts 4:19–20. It states, But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Every one of us has seen the wonderful handiwork of God all around us. We all have experienced His power and blessings if we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior and live daily for Him (see Colossians 3:4).

Clarence-ism: All problems with God start with not serving Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength. All of this begins when God’s Word is not always being preached or obeyed.

11   January

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A Time for Cleansing

Scripture: Matthew 21:12–17

Text Verse: Matthew 21:13

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

—Matthew 21:13

We must always remember to keep the church separate from the world. The main purpose for church is to worship Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit and to thank God for sending His Son so that we could be saved. Church is not about the size of the congregation. It is about the size and desire of the hearts that are present to worship, praise, and thank God for His goodness.

Some would say, I don’t need to go to church. I say, "Why would a Christian not want to attend church?"

To want to attend and not to be physically able is one thing, but when someone has the opportunity and won’t attend church, that is another thing. Considering the condition that the world is in today, we especially need to be in fellowship with other Christians more than ever before. Why would some think that Paul needed to attend church and they don’t? Are they stronger in faith than Paul? Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).

Clarence-ism: The outward desire to go to church can come from many places, but the inward desire can only come from the Lord. So, whatever you do as a church, make sure it leads to an inner desire.

12   January

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Before the Fire

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12–19

Text Verse: 1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.

—1 Peter 4:12

Christians must go through the fire. Life has some bad times and some good times. We try to learn from the bad times and to focus on the good. The prodigal son had two choices when he came back home. One choice was to focus on his failures, and the other choice was to focus on the love his father showed him. If he chose the first option, he could stay depressed. If he chose the second option, he could stay blessed!

Sometimes we bring the fire to us, and sometimes God brings us to the fire. What we do before the fire is important!

Clarence-ism: No matter what the road conditions of life consist of, many Christians tend to drive the same. When this happens, they often wreck!

13   January

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Seek to Find

Scripture: Psalm 118:9–16

Text Verse: Psalm 118:10

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

—Psalm 118:10

We as Christians are to seek out God with our whole heart. Why would we not seek the Lord when we have heard of His goodness? Why would the lost not seek Christ when they have heard that He died on the cross for their sins? Why would Christians not seek Him when they know that He can calm the troubled seas or heal our bodies? Almost all of Psalm 119 is addressed directly to the Lord, except verses 1–3 and 115.

There can hardly be any question as to the major topic of Psalm 119 since His Holy Word is mentioned in all but three verses (84, 121, and 122).

Clarence-ism: You cannot give praise to God continually if you only think of Him occasionally!

14   January

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Possessing Jesus

Scripture: Luke 12:13–34

Text Verse: Luke 12:15

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

—Luke 12:15

This is a get ahead and have all you can world. We are teaching the next generation that life is about what we possess. Whenever we go away from God’s Word, failure comes to a person or a nation. The world concerns itself with this life and its material aspects. Christ warns against this attitude that always involves covetousness (see Hebrews 13:5).

Scripture does not teach that wealth in itself is evil, nor does the scripture require us not to possess anything. It is when wealth becomes our end desire that we may begin to fall from the steadfastness in the Lord (see 1 Timothy 6:10).

Clarence-ism: If the devil can’t make it to church, he will try to send someone to represent him. Be sure to come only on business for the Lord.

15   January

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It’s about God’s Strength

Scripture: Galatians 6:1–10

Text Verse: Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

—Galatians 6:9

For the lost to be saved, they must see their need. They must know that they are lost and that it is only God who can save them. They must humble their hearts and minds and ask for forgiveness, believing that Christ has heard their prayer and has saved them (see Hebrews 11:6).

After we become saved, we must still know that we have no power except through Christ. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13). This same person, apostle Paul, spoke of his own weakness in 1 Corinthians 2:1–5.

Clarence-ism: Faith does not mean that we can move mountains. Faith is believing that God will move our mountains!

16   January

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Overcoming Fear

Scripture: Psalm 34:1–22

Text Verse: Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

—Psalm 34:4

As long as we live in this world and in this body, we will not be perfect. We will have fears and doubts to battle, but the more we rely on God, the faster these will fade away.

When Jesus was walking on the earth, He subjected Himself to hunger, temptation, pain, and death. The greatest suffering was when He became sin for us on the cross of Calvary. He was separated from His Father during the three hours of darkness when He cried out, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Mark 15:34).

Although we have the promises of God, we are sometimes limited in our faith. Therefore, we have fears that must be overcome. We can only overcome these fears through Jesus Christ.

Clarence-ism: I don’t want to let anything stand between me and God’s blessings.

17   January

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Where Did Our Peace Go?

Scripture: James 3:13–18

Text Verse: James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

—James 3:18

When Christians talk of peace, we are not talking about the absence of trouble. We are talking about the presence of God. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1) (see also Romans 5:2–11).

When we see what Christ went through to obtain our peace, it is a sad and terrible thing that we would not accept it! Christ wants you to have inner peace. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).

The story of Asa in 1 Chronicles, chapters 14, 15, and 16, is a good example of the importance of inner peace. The chapters describe the peace and victory that God had given him and the loss he suffered when he didn’t depend on God. Has anyone stolen your peace?

Clarence-ism: A lot of Christians want full-time benefits with only part-time service!

18   January

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Helping One Another through Prayer

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1–11

Text Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:11

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

—2 Corinthians 1:11

It would seem that since all Christians are headed to heaven, we would all be in one accord on this journey. It is OK to have a different opinion, but it is not OK to have a different spirit. We must believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We must believe that it is by Christ’s blood that we can and must be born again!

We must walk in the newness of life and worship Him from our hearts and not just our lips. Our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (see Matthew 5:20).

It is OK to gather together in different churches, but remember that we all have the common goal, to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and to lead others to Him.

Clarence-ism: I don’t pray that the church will shout. I pray that we will do God’s will by continually studying His Holy Word. If we do, blessings will flow.

19   January

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Fear Not—I Will Help Thee

Scripture: Isaiah 41:8–13

Text Verse: Isaiah 41:13

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy