13
May '21
Search for Him
13
May '21
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psalm 91:15-16)
In times of trouble, search for Him, and you will surely find Him.
Whatever you may be going through, the Lord is beside you right now, waiting for you to call out to Him.
Do not let doubt and confusion cloud your trust in Him, for He has promised to be forever faithful.
Do not underestimate your time in prayer, for it is a sacred time of communing with your Father. He longs to soothe away the trouble of the world.
As you cry out to Him, He will turn His face to you and come to your rescue.
Allow Him to destroy the walls you have put up, embrace you with His wrap-around presence, and wash away all anxiety. When you hear Him knocking on the door of your heart, let Him in! For He has come to give you a feast. Since you are His chosen beloved, He offers you to drink from His cup of joy, satisfying you with full life and salvation, never to lack.
What a powerful devotion. I pray you are just as encouraged by this as I was.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
06
May '21
The Love of God
06
May '21
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)
Out of all creation in the world, you are still His chosen treasure. One thing that can make us feel far away from God is forgetting that He is God! Even the sparrows of the sky and the waves of the ocean know His name, because He cares for them as their Creator.
If the God of the universe won’t abandon the little sparrow, how could He abandon you?
The love of God chases after you every day, refusing to leave you alone… even for a moment.
His love is not passive, but active.
His loving presence leaps into your life, desiring to walk with you every second.
He knows every detail about you and every thought before you even think it. He knows your likes, dislikes, heart’s desires, quirks, mannerisms, and the number of hairs on your head!
He knows the problems you face as well as the solutions.
He has completely memorized you.
Why? Because you are His beloved. Knowing this, how could He ever forget about you?
Your worth is immeasurable, because it is found in Christ.
There is no earthly currency or metric system to measure your worth to God.
In His eyes, you are priceless.
Your worth to Him is greater than the deepest ocean and magnitude of the universe itself. He purchased you with the heavenly currency of His blood!
Rejoice! For you are more valuable to Him than anything else in the world!
What truth! When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray you are uplifted and encouraged by every word spoken.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
04
May '21
Praise, Even Through The Tears
04
May '21
For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. (Psalm 71:5-6)
There is always hope with God.
Things may not play out the way you planned or imagined, but Jesus is our hope and He is always there.
Praise Him in a new way. Allow praise to come out of you through all of the tears. Praise, even through the tears, will keep you going in any season.
Praise will fight off the hopelessness like the last warrior defending the stronghold, and in time you will stop feeling like all hope is lost.
Start seeing other areas of your life that are joy-filled and blessings from God.
If you’re struggling to hold on to hope, I implore you today to PRAISE. You ALWAYS have hope in Christ. The end result may look different than what you pictured, but you won’t be alone when you get there.
Hallelujah! This devotion blessed me so much. PRAISE HIM! Even with tear filled eyes, PRAISE HIM through it! I pray someone is just as encouraged and uplifted by this devotion today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
29
Apr '21
Praising Through Guilt
29
Apr '21
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:4-5)
I remember in my teen years getting into trouble once for missing curfew on a Friday night.
I didn’t miss it by a few minutes, but by a couple of hours.
In fact, my parents were supposed to be away for the weekend and my dad had to drive back home to check on me because I was not where I was supposed to be. There is more to the story, but that’s for another time. The part that I remember most is that Saturday.
My dad had left again to be with my mom at their weekend away as planned. I’d been briefly chastised, but woke up Saturday to an empty house and a deep sense of dread.
I knew I had messed up big time, and that my sentencing would come down Sunday night when they returned.
I spent the rest of that weekend alone in our home cleaning every nook and cranny I could. It was guilt cleaning. I felt so bad for what I had done, and was so worried about the consequences, I let my guilt drive my actions.
Many of us function this way with God. We mess up in our hearts, minds and actions and then we begin to operate out of guilt, trying to “work off” our sin, even though we know it doesn’t work that way.
Can I propose something new? Let’s praise Him through our guilt instead.
- Let’s Praise God for being merciful and gracious.
- Let’s praise Him for new mercies every morning.
- Let’s praise Him for letting us bring our confessions right to Him.
Don’t work your guilt off, praise through your guilt and let that praise get your heart and mind back on the path God has laid out for you.
Spend time today praising God for forgiving you for something specific you have said or done this week.
I pray you are just as encouraged by this devotion as I was. Remember to Praise Him through all things.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
27
Apr '21
Praising in The Tunnel
27
Apr '21
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13:5-6)
Have you ever been with a young child driving through a tunnel? They have the mix of fear and fascination on their little face as they drive through the enclosed space. Some are completely terrified, while others seem to somewhat enjoy the journey. However, all are looking forward with an eagerness to see the light that marks the tunnel coming to an end.
There are so many seasons of life that feel like a long tunnel, and we are often leaning forward desperately trying to see the light.
Whether you’re waiting for spouse, waiting for new job, waiting for child, or waiting for change of circumstances, it is not our natural inclination in that tunnel season to praise.
However, there is great power in praising God while you are in that tunnel and can’t yet see the light at the end.
There is power in praising through the waiting and the unknown. Your praise in the tunnel builds your faith while you wait and having a deeper trust in God’s faithfulness will lead and serve you well in future challenging times.
When you’re in the tunnel, and can’t see the light ahead, think back on what He’s already done and let that be your source for praise.
What past blessings can you praise God for again today?
When I read this devotion it blessed me so much. I pray you are encouraged to think back on what He’s already done. Praise Him even in the tunnel.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
22
Apr '21
Fruit of The Spirit
22
Apr '21
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Our Lord Jesus calls those blessed who hunger and thirst after righteousness. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?
It means to desire, above all things, to be wholly conformed to the mind of God.
Have you ever looked at what the fruit of the Spirit produces in us— really looked at it?
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
God’s Spirit in us is cultivating and producing “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness…” The Spirit is producing in us the very character of God. The Spirit of God is wholly conforming us to the mind and will of God.
Is it any wonder then that “smart,” “important,” “comfortable,” and “successful” didn’t make the fruit of the Spirit?
The things we spend most of our time, effort, and treasures pursuing, are not on the list.
We thirst for importance. We hunger for success. We strive to be comfortable. We want to feel and be seen as intelligent. And yet, none of these things will satisfy us. None of these things will bring us closer to God. None of these things will conform us to the mind and will of God.
Those who thirst and hunger for righteousness want to be “holy as God is holy.” Our Lord says “blessed” are these people. They thirst and hunger now, but one day they will have enough; they will “wake up after God’s likeness and be satisfied” (Psalm 17:15).
What are you thirsting for today? Where is your hunger leading you?
Your prayer today, “Lord conform me to your image. Quench my thirst with love, joy, peace, forbearance, and kindness…quiet my hunger with goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray you are encouraged to seek God to quench your thirst and quiet your hunger.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
20
Apr '21
The Meek
20
Apr '21
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Our Lord Jesus calls those blessed who are meek. He means those who are of a patient and kind spirit. Those who are willing to suffer much on this earth and do so with little honor or fanfare.
They suffer offense without going on the offensive.
They bear injuries without resentment.
Their finances, families, friends, and life may fail them, but they do not lose heart. They are never losers in the long run. One day they shall “reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).
In a word, the meek are people willing to be called fools for Christ. When the Bible speaks of the word fool, it speaks in one of three types.
The first type is the fool-proper. This fool says in his heart, “there is no God” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). This type of fool rejects God and rejects all godly wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7).
The second type of fool is the fool-bearer. This is someone willing to be called a fool for the sake of Christ (1 Cor. 4:10). Much like the apostles who were shamed as fools in Acts 5:41. The Bible tells us that “they left the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be shamed for the name.”
Men like Paul, who said in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For the sake of Christ, I am content with insults… The same Paul who was beaten with rods, thrown in jail, and at midnight he and Silas start singing (Acts 16)! The guards must have thought that they were crazy— fools for Christ!
Because of their meek spirit, these men and women suffered much for the cause of Christ. Their reward? They will inherit the earth. The very world that humiliated and shamed them, they will rule!
The fool-bearers will rule because of Jesus Christ, the fool-maker. Christ is the third type of fool, He is a fool-maker. He is the one that, in the end, makes everyone else foolish.
The Christ who said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Who is fooling now?
The Christ who said, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!” Who is fooling now?
The Christ who they thought to be just a man, but He claimed to be God (John 10:33)… who is fooling now?
When Jesus rose from the grave and went to sit a the right hand of the Father, anyone, anywhere, at any time who has ever doubted him, He made them a fool.
As fool-bearers, we follow the Fool-maker. And it is our meekness that keeps us. A meek spirit that allows us to suffer much for the One who suffered most. A meek spirit that enables us to receive shame and humiliation with joy! A meek spirit that is shaping us, forming us, helping us get ready for our inheritance. For the meek shall inherit the earth!
Your prayer today, “Lord, allow me to be counted a fool for you. When humiliation and shame come my way, give me meekness Lord, that I would patiently endure for you.”
When I read this devotion I was reminded of Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Patiently and proudly endure for Christ.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
15
Apr '21
More Than Just Being Happy
15
Apr '21
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
What comes to mind when you think of being blessed? Is it a peaceful existence? Perhaps it is financial gain.
Whatever comes to mind, you might be surprised to learn that being blessed is more than just being happy.
It is experiencing hope and joy despite your circumstances.
So many times in the Bible, we are given promises that contradict the world’s standards. By earthly terms, we typically think of being blessed as having something, someone, or some measure.
But the Bible tells us it is having joy in Christ and following His ways—despite our circumstances.
As we seek God’s ways, our hearts and minds are transformed to be more like Him and less like the world. Today ask God to direct your heart to Him.
Therein lies true peace of mind!
When I read this devotion one word came to mind, hallelujah! I pray you are filled with hope and joy today. Seek Him and you will find Him every single time.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
13
Apr '21
Perfectly Just
13
Apr '21
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (Psalm 103:13)
Did you know that God’s love is based on His character? He is holy, just, merciful, and compassionate all at the same time. His characteristics are too many to name.
Because He is perfectly just, the Psalms tell us that He does get angry over our sin.
However, He lets go of it when He forgives us. And He forgets the sin!
God is merciful, and He withholds judgment. He is not passive-aggressive because He relates to us in love.
As far as the East is from the West, we are told that we are separated from our sin. How is this possible?
Because when we ask for God’s forgiveness, He sees us through the sacrifice His Son made for us. This should never be an excuse to sin, but instead, should prompt us to want to do what is right—out of gratitude for Jesus’ incredible sacrifice.
Thank you Jesus for your incredible sacrifice for me today. Renew my spirit and create in me a clean heart. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me, I pray it blesses you too.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
08
Apr '21
When We Praise God
08
Apr '21
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Psalm 19:1)
Praise is defined as the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something.
What’s something in your life that you have praised recently? Maybe a song you heard, an outfit you saw, a show you watched, or a friend’s actions you admired.
When we share that praise with others we have a purpose. Maybe not a life goal, but there is a reason we are sharing it.
“Did you see that new movie? It’s so great! You guys have to see it.”
“Have you heard her new song? It’s amazing, you need to stream it now.”
“Did you see how he helped that family? Don’t you just admire him more than ever?”
In each case, the person giving praise has a purpose. He wants you to go see that movie or listen to that song. She wants you to see the goodness of that generous person.
We don’t praise to entertain or pass the time, we praise to bring attention to something worthy of that attention.
When we praise God, we bring the attention of the world to the Creator who is indeed worthy of ALL of our attention. We prompt those who may not know Christ at all to take notice of Him.
Can you think of a time when someone else’s praise drew your attention to God?
When I read this devotion it blessed me. He is worthy of ALL our praise and attention. I am reminded of Luke 19:40, And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!