W. Spencer Perry

 “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Title - “The Patience To Wait for the Vision” Underlines: “Patience is not the same as indifference; patience conveys the idea of someone who is tremendously strong and able to withstand all assaults.” “Having the vision of God is the source of patience…” “A person who has the vision of God is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue – he is devoted to God himself.” “You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it. Things come to you with greatness and add vitality to your life because everything is energized by God.” “It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually.” “Our reach must exceed our grasp.” “ If we have only what we have experienced, we have nothing. But if we have the inspiration of the vision of God, we have more than we can experience.” “...

 “for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Title - “Faith - Not Emotion” Underlines: “None of us would be hidden spiritually if we could help it.” My note - because we want the glory  “A self-assured saint is of no value to God. He is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and completely unlike God. We are here, not as immature angels, but as men and women, to do the work of this world.” “If we continually try to bring back those exceptional moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are becoming obsessed with the moments…” “Never live for those exceptional moments- they are surprises. God will give us His touches of inspiration only when He sees that we are not in danger of being led away by them.” Notes: Paraphrasing the closing line - the moments of inspiration are not the standard, our work by walking in faith is. I have had those mountain top moments. Then been in the valley and wondered where God was. Desiring to get back to th...

 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud…” 1 Corinthians 13:4 Title - “Spontaneous Love” Underlines: “Love is not premeditated – it is spontaneous; that is, it bursts forth in extraordinary ways.” “We don’t deliberately set the statements of Jesus before us as our standard, but when His Spirit is having His way with us, we live according to His standard without even realizing it. And when we look back, we are amazed at how unconcerned we have been over our emotions, which is the very evidence that real spontaneous love was there.” “… fountains from which love flows are in God, not in us…. His love is there only because it ‘has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit…’ (Romans 5:5).” “ If we try to prove to God how much we love Him, it is a sure sign that we really don’t love Him. The evidence of our love for Him is the absolute spontaneity of our love, which flows naturally from His nature within us.” Note: His nature in us means we have to be a...

 “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.” 1 John 3:2 NLT Title - “Gracious Uncertainty” Underlines: “Certainty is the mark of the common sense life – gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life.” “If our certainty is only in our beliefs, we develop a sense of self righteousness, become overly critical, and are limited by the view that our beliefs are complete and settled. But when we have the right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful, uncertainty, and expectancy.” Notes: Eager expectation in what God will reveal.  If we are so certain in our beliefs, but are not submitting to God, then our beliefs are all we are certain of. We become self-righteous, because we are looking at our own value and worth as a bonus for God. The true believer knows that we can add nothing to God. We don’t make Him b...

 “And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭45‬:‭5 ESV Titles - “What Do You Want?”  “What You Will Get” Underlines: “Are you seeking great things for yourself, instead of seeking to be a great person?” “You have become a Christian based on your own terms.” “Ask God for what you want and do not be concerned about asking for the wrong thing, because as you draw ever closer to Him, you will cease asking for things altogether. ‘Your father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him’ (Matthew 6:8).” “If God does not (give you what you pray for), it is because you are not totally surrendered to Him.” I wrote in the margin - your will be done “…ultimate future completeness. He is not concerned about making you blessed and happy right now, but He’s continually working out His ultimate perfecti...

“He personally carried out sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and love for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NLT Title - “The Collision of God and Sin” Underlines: “He made a way for every person to have fellowship with God.” “The Cross was not something that happened to Jesus - He came to die…” “The Cross is the central event in time and eternity, and the answer to all the problems of both.” “The Cross was the place where God and sinful man merged with a tremendous collision and where the way to life was opened. But all the cost and pain was absorbed by the heart of God.” Notes: -fellowship -He came to die -thank you  I wrote a note in my Bible by 1 Peter 2:24 - “Jesus Submitted”. Today was a great reminder that He submitted to this plan long before He was incarnate. He came to die, and bore all the pain and cost of it…

“Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, … ‘Stay here and keep watch with me.’” Matthew 26:36,38 NLT Title - “His Agony and Our Access” Underlines: “Gethsemane and Calvary represent something totally unique - they are the gateway into life for us.” “The agony in Gethsemane was the agony of the Son of God in fulfilling His destiny as the Savior of the world. The veil is pulled back here to reveal all that it cost Him to make it possible for us to become sons of God. His agony was the basis for the simplicity of our salvation. The Cross of Christ…” Notes: -fully God and fully man  He knew His Father’s will and would fulfill it. As the Son of God, He knew this. As a man He struggled with the emotion, or weight, of the pain and suffering He was about to go through.  “His concern here was that He might not get through this struggle as the Son of Man. He was confident of getting through it as the Son of God - Satan could not touch Him there.” Our...

“‘But the time is coming - indeed it’s here now - when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone.’”  John 16:32 NLT Underlines: “…scattered to their own concerns…” “We will be scattered, not into service but into the emptiness of our lives…” “…no matter where God may place us or what inner emptiness we experience, we can praise God that all is well.” “Dark times are allowed and come to us through the sovereignty of God. Are we prepared to let God do what He wants with us?” “Until Jesus Christ is truly our Lord, we each have goals of our own which we serve.” “…we will see God pointing out that we have been interested only in His blessings, instead of God Himself.” Notes: -are you friendly because of something somebody can do for you? Is it that way with God? -who/what do you serve -do you want God or His blessings? -being scattered means being separated and disconnected from God. 

“‘How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.’” Luke 19:42 NLT Title - “If You Had Known!” Underlines: “What is it that blinds you to the peace of God…? Do you have a strange god…that controls your life?” “If you had known…” “God holds us accountable for what we refuse to see or are unable to see because of our sin.” “Never be afraid when God brings back your past….It is a minister of God…” Notes: -we must yield our nature to Him -let go of the strange gods: pride, arrogance, greed, control, fear, worry, etc … What emotions are you letting control your life? Emotions are not truth. Feelings are not gospel. In perfect harmony with Jesus, feelings and emotions will have less control over us. Peace will prevail.  Jesus knew what was to come as He speaks this. He is in tears, as it says in verse 41 “He began to weep.” It’s like trying to advise your kids on how to behave or the right course of ac...

“‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 9:17 NLT Title - “The Glory That’s Unsurpassed” Underlines: “When Paul received his sight, he also received spiritual insight into the Person or Jesus Christ.” “…maintain a strong degree of character in our lives…” “The lasting characteristic of a spiritual man is the ability to understand correctly the meaning of the Lord Jesus Christ in his life, and the ability to explain the purposes of God to others.” “Never allow anything to divert you from your insight into Jesus Christ. It is the true test of whether you are spiritual or not. To be unspiritual means that other things have a growing fascination for you.” Notes: -are your spiritual or unspiritual -fascinated with Christ, or other things  -after God’s own heart or your own desires  We must be seeking the mind of Christ constantly. All else will fade away. His Glory is ...

“It is Christ…who also makes intercession for us…the Spirit…makes intercession for the saints…” Romans 8:34, 27 Title - “Helpful or Heartless Toward Others?” Underlines: “…a look at our current circumstances. Do crises which affect us or others in our home, business, country, or elsewhere, seem to be crushing in on us?” “Beware of getting ahead of God by your very desire to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities becoming so burdened with people and problems that we don’t worship God, and fail to intercede.” “…unless we are worshipping God the natural tendency is to be heartless toward them (people we have no interest in). We give them a quick verse of Scripture, like jabbing then with a spear, or leave them with a hurried, uncaring word of counsel before we go.” Notes: -COVID-19 (wrote that in margin in 2020 next to line talking about current circumstance, crises) -we have to be worshipping God to be in tune with Hin and to truly have His heart for people The...

“If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life.” 1 John 5:16 NLT Title - “Heedfulness or Hypocrisy in Ourselves?” Underlines: “If we are not heedful and pay no attention to the way the spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites.” “Be careful that you don’t become a hypocrite by spending all your time trying to get others right with God before you worship Him yourself.” “…burden of discernment concerning others…” Notes: -discernment: to form the mind of Christ in us -intercession must be done wholeheartedly  My biggest takeaway is regarding discernment. In order to understand how to pray for a person, or even a situation, we must first worship and connect with Christ. When we are connected to Him, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us Christ’s mind about the person. That is when we have discernment on how to pray or what to say.  When I have thought about discernment, I always have ...

“He was amazed to see that no one intervened…” Isaiah 59:16 NLT Title - “Holiness or Hardness Toward God?” Underlines: “The reason many of us stop praying and become hard toward God is that we only have an emotional interest in prayer.” “Worship and intercession must go together.” “Instead of worshiping God, we recite speeches to God about how prayer is supposed to work.” “Are we worshipping God in a way that will raise us up to where we can take hold of Him, having such intimate contact with Him that we know His mind about the Obed for whom we pray? Are we living in a holy relationship with God, or have we become hard and dogmatic?” “Preaching the gospel has its share of pitfalls, but intercessory prayer has none whatsoever.” Notes: -pray earnestly and sincerely for others, seeking the mind of Christ  We all have the ability to encourage others and to pray for others. Asking God to intervene, to intercede, and to help someone is a form of worship. Prayer can be spontaneous and org...

“‘You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Like 12:40 NLT Title - “Our Lord’s Surprise Visits” Underlines: “A Christian worker’s greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn.” “…the need is the face HIM.” “He appears where we least expect Him…” “This readiness will not be brought about by service, but through intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn.” “…expectation will give our life the attitude of childlike wonder…” “…we have to stop being religious. In other words, we must stop using religion as if it were some kind of a lofty lifestyle - we must be spiritually real.” “You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ.” Notes: -expect Hin to show up -like hunting with expectancy. I am always filled with excitement and wonder, never surprise when something shows up We must be spiritually real. Any idea of how good you are at being a...

“But his disciples objected, ‘Rabbi,’ the said, ‘only a a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you, are you going there again?’” John 11:8 NLT Title “Isn’t There Some Misunderstanding?” Underlines: “I have no right to determine that He must be mistaken.” “I know when instructions have come from God because of their quiet persistence.” “Faith however, is not intelectual understanding; faith is a deliberate commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can’t see the way ahead.” “…take a step of faith…or…wait until you can clearly see…” “Simply obey…” “Are you faithful to Jesus, or faithful to your ideas about Him?” Notes: -questioning Him?! -we must move ahead in obedience, even when we can’t see the way The disciples were physically with Jesus, yet they still questioned Him. How much more so in our faith do we question Him? Don’t wait for a sign or some clear revelation. Listen to the persistent, small voice and just move on His direction. Clarity come after bei...

“Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place…”  Revelation 4:1 Title - “Spiritual Vision Through Personal Character” Underlines: “A higher state of mind and spiritual vision can only be achieved through the higher practice of personal character.” “When God elevated you by His grace into heavenly places, you find a vast plateau where you can move about with ease.” “God has to hide from is what He does, until, due to growth of our personal character, we get to the level where He is then able to reveal it.” Notes: -freedom -growth of character - spiritual maturity We cannot expect God to reveal what/why He does something until we are ready to see it. The devotional talks about spiritual warfare. Because Satan too wants to elevate you through temptation. Satan dangles the carrot of an idea or thought that you might believe will bring you closer to God or make you more holy. Then work and striving and struggle begin to try to attain this goal. When this happens, Chamb...

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 NLT Title - “Spiritual Vision Through Personal Purity” Underlines: “Purity is not innocence… Purity is the result of continued spiritual harmony with God.” “…spiritual vision depends on our character - it is the ‘pure in heart’ who ‘see God.’” “If we want to maintain personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, it will mean refusing to do or even think certain things.” “…see them as God does.” Notes: -see others as God does - perfect in Christ -so do we avoid people who can tarnish our purity? I don’t think so, Christ didn’t seem to avoid them -we are never going to be perfect or in innocent, so we must strive to maintain our character I have always thought of, or understood “character” as how you would act or behave even if nobody was looking. So that purity, on the inside, trying to have the character of Christ, can make us pure in heart and keep us intimate with Him. As Chambers says, you have to be inten...

“…the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows.” John 3:29 NLT Title - “Maintaining the Proper Relationship” Underlines: “Goodness and purity should never be traits that draw attention to themselves, but… to Jesus Christ.” “…maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ…” “Only occasionally it is a matter of obedience.” “At those times when a crisis arises, we have to find out what God’s will is. Yet most of our life is not spent in trying to be consciously obedient, but in maintaining this relationship - being the ‘friend of the bridegroom.’” Notes: -maintain a relationship with Him - utmost importance. Him more, me less -be a true friend, a best man.  It is an honor to be asked to be a best man in someone’s wedding. It is also very clear that you are there in a support role and not the center of attention. Is your relationship with Christ like that? Or are you wanting a little of the glory?

“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 NLT Title - “Decreasing for His Purpose” Underlines: “If you become a necessity to someone else’s life, you are out of God’s will.” “…pray that his difficulty will grow even ten times stronger, until no power on earth or in hell could hold him away from Jesus Christ.” “…we try to be amateur providences…” “Listen intently…Bridegroom’s voice…” “You may often have to watch Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it.” Notes: -let Him work, don’t get in the way  -listen for His voice in others  We are not sanctified so that we can go save others. We are sanctified as we draw closer to Him so that we can live in His will and point others to Him for help and salvation. When we see a person spiraling - don’t ask God why… pray that the person will seek Him. 

“You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?” 1 Corinthians 3:3 NLT Title - “Am I Carnally Minded” Underlines: “Are you quarrelsome and easily upset over small things?” “He doesn’t ask you to make it right; He only ask you to accept the light of truth, and then He will make it right.” “… a child of light. Confess your wrongdoing…” “… try to vindicate… prove yourself… a child of darkness.” “What is the proof that carnality has gone?” “The proof is in a very practical test. You will find yourself saying, ‘If this had happened before, I would have had the spirit of________!’” Carnal means in the flesh. Are we living in the Spirit or in the flesh. Living with a mind on Heaven, or our mind on the world. Think about the fruit of the spirit and what they produce - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness gentleness, self control. Early in the chapter of Galatians wher...