Plain Talk From the Word of God: Devotional 31 day

By Pastor Bill Bracken

‘Plain Talk from the Word of God’ is a 400 word devotional that follows three aspects of Biblical understanding; Observation, Interpretation and most importantly Application. Be prepared to reach for your Bible to see that which you had just read is so.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 6, 2025
• ISBN: 9798385045754

Pastor Bill Bracken

The Author, was involved in Christianity from birth and always had a desire to be as the Biblical reference to the church in Berea and would seek the scriptures to see if that which was told were so.  As the years progressed and the search for truth grew, the author was drawn to the Bible Teaching of Pastor Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel through the radio program, ‘To Every Man an Answer’. There was one response to a question that stuck with theAuthor from Pastor Chuck, ‘I don’t know, but every time I read God’s word His Truth is revealed a little more’. As a result the 50 mile drive to the nearest Calvary Chapel brought about the enrollment in Calvary Chapel Bible College, who would eventually teach at the same. Out of this association came these 400 word devotionals that were broadcast over Christian Radio. Pastor Bill resides with his wife on a small farm where he raises sheep and continues to serve Jesus Christ.

Book preview

ALL HAVE SINNED

(Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,) Such the simple statement of the fallen condition of the flesh. Yes, we can all agree that everyone who has ever lived except for Jesus has at some time in their lives sinned. Notice that the word is past tense as there had been thoughts or actions that could be considered sin, meaning an offense causing separation from God. From the beginning God said that when original sin entered the world so would death. God does not tell us how or when but due to the temptation of the flesh along with human logic in determining that which is good or evil death entered in. The book of Romans contains that which is commonly called the ‘Roman Road to Salvation’ of which admitting to oneself and God that we have sinned in the past is the starting point on the road leading to the supernatural transformative essence of God’s mercy and grace. Yes, all have willfully sinned in the past with no remorse or desire to admit wrong or the need to be set free from the guilt, anger, lust, jealousy or greed that is brought about when guided by the ‘lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life’. God has made a way to separate the soul within this vessel of flesh from the condemnation of sin, and that is the ability to be ‘Born again’. To be born again is to be separated from the spiritual attitude of self-justification. I can best describe this conversion with the lyrics from an old hymn, ‘I surrender all’ all to Jesus I surrender’. When we open our heart and dispel the humanistic sense of logical thinking to God, we then can be born again by the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus, so that times of refreshing may follow. Jesus accomplished some amazing things during his time on this side of eternity of which physical healing was one, yes Jesus healed many physical infirmities. One example is the man who had been crippled for 38 years by the pool of Bethesda. After the healing Jesus met him in the Temple and said, See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you. Our past is forgotten now go and sin no