I wrote a 30 day devotional book on an in-depth biblical look at mercy being the heart of Christ.
This
book is not meant as a lesson from me to you. Rather, because I struggle with
many of the issues found in this book, no one should believe I 'have it all
figured out. The truth is,
I believe God has spoken to me about what to write. Most of what I have written
was very much out of a desire to discipline myself. I would simply like to
share the fruit of my labor with you so together we can learn and grow ever so
close to God’s heart.
Following my graduation from Pure Life Ministries, I
began earnestly searching for a very in-depth devotional on the biblical
meaning of mercy. Although there may be some out there, I was unable to find
one. So, out of frustration to have this need met, I felt the Lord saying, “Why
not start one of your own?”
What I discovered
while writing this devotional, was that I had to do a lot of research into the
depth of God's heart
which I feel is mercy. This research, I belive, has me growing in the wisdom of
knowing Christ’s heart more than if I were to pull a book off the shelf and
begin studying someone else’s thoughts and convictions. Although there is
certainly nothing wrong with that, I felt the Lord wanted me to dig for what I
truly desired.
So, It is with my utmost desire that this devotional
will help you in your relationship with Christ as you journey toward greater
intimacy with the warm and compassionate heart of God. To become a Christian is an experience of inexpressible joy, but a
friend once told me that the Christian walk all comes down to one question: How
much of Jesus do you want?
In other words, God will give you as much of Himself
as you desire, but this gift will require you to empty more and more of
yourself to receive more and more of Him. That means being mindful of and
willing to surrender your own will and the things of this world so He can fill
up in you what really matters. . .Himself and His will.
The Lord desires to have intimacy with you even more
than you long for intimacy with Him. With that said, have faith that He will
meet you and keep you as you hunger for more and more of Him.
Each day, set aside time to spend with Jesus,
preferably in the morning before the ways of this world creep in. Be open to
when and how He wants to have quiet time with you. He may want to spend it with
you singing to Him. He may want to speak to you through books of the faith. He
may want to walk with you out in nature away from the hustle and bustle of
life. He will also want to speak to you through His Holy Word.
Finally, be open to the Holy Spirit as He convicts
you concerning different areas of your life. Remember, He is after your heart!
In fact, I believe that is the main reason this book is in your hands right
now. Rather than believing in accidents or coincedences, I know our sweet Lord
has everything in control. He has appointed this book to you for a very special
reason and purpose: He wants to exchange your heart for His.
As you start this book, pray continually that God
would reveal His heart and His will for you. Please, my friend, take your time
with each reading and truly meditate on the related scriptures. It’s time for
you to decide: how much of Jesus do you want?
If you would like to purchase a copy of my book for only $7.00, email me at…
Email: thoc.mcgowan@gmail.com
or you can call me at 219-263-6633
Thank you and God Bless you.
- Doug McGowan
do you think gays should have the right to be married?
ReplyDeleteHello Joseph! How are you doing brother? I assume your asking NOT of my own opinion of gay marriage but of God's will for it because my opinion doesn't matter one bit. So, I want to thank you for you taking the time to find out what God's Holy Word has to say about gay marriage.
DeleteFirst of all I would like to say when finding what God has to say about certain things in the Bible, it is vital to not just read the scripture but the scripture leading up to the particular scripture as well as after it to get the whole picture of what is being said so we can interpret it correctly if we truly want to know.
The last thing I want to do is to offend you to the point of refusing to look at scripture for your own life. However, the most important thing is for truth to be reviled, which is what I would like to do.
I'm going to give you some scriptures out of the Old Testament as well as the New Testament to show what God has to say about it. However, before reading these, you have to know that the Lord Jesus loves those who live a lifestyle of homosexuality. It is your heart He is after. He loves them with inexpressible love that we cannot comprehend.
"If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them."
Leviticus 20:13
"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination."
Leviticus 18:22
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,"
1 Corinthians 6:9
Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
1 Corinthians 7:2
Now, I also would like you to know I have lived a life of both sex with women as well with men, and truthfully temptation still arises once in a while to have either one. But, because of God's unending grace, He has freed me from that lifestyle where it does not have a grip on me anymore. My testimony is found in the tab on my blog labeled "My Testimony".
I have known very many men that have live HARD CORE lifestyles of homosexuality and is now living according to God's will.
Please Joseph, I hope this is not the end of our conversation. I would love to talk with you even more if you would like. Like Christ, I love those who struggle or choose this lifestyle, however I would love to see them living right.
I have read your struggles with gambling and know I am praying for you brother!!!
God bless you!
Doug McGowan