15
Oct '20
Royalty Who Looks Like Us?
15
Oct '20
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7)
Recently, I read a story told by an older British man.
When he was a little boy after WWII, he saw a picture of some people walking around a bombed out street in a city. Bricks and timber were strewn across the cobblestone. The houses and buildings were totally destroyed.
However, there was something more to the picture. On the photo, there was a small arrow pointing to one of the men in the group. He looked just like the others, wearing the plain clothes of an average person.
But the arrow revealed a secret. That plain-clothed man was King George VI, walking among the debris. He looked so much like the other figures that he was indistinguishable from them.
This story perfectly sets off our verse today:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:7
Jesus became exactly like us.
The King of all the universe threw aside his coronation clothes and took on the rags of humanity.
This is the ultimate act of humility. Jesus, our great King, doesn’t shoo us away from himself or make us approach him from a distance…
…instead, Jesus is the King who steps down from his throne to walk alongside his people and make them his siblings (Rom. 8:17).
This kind of love and humility marks the heart of God. And therefore is the aim of every disciple.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. It gave an incredible visual of Jesus and true humility. The King of all Kings chose to live among us and be like us. I pray today you are reminded that Jesus chose to live among us so we might see God’s great love for us.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
13
Oct '20
Respectful Obedience
13
Oct '20
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)
As believers, we are to take off our old ways, almost as if we were changing our dirty clothes.
We are to deal drastically with sin, putting it to death so that whatever the Lord has called us to do, we can do wholeheartedly.
When your heart or mind is divided or torn, it is impossible to fully focus on what God has for you to do each day.
Colossians tells us that we are God’s chosen oneself.
How amazing and life-changing is that?
The Creator of the entire universe chose you
And He wants you to be an extension of His love, offering others His compassion and kindness so that they too might know Him.
None of us is perfect, but as we choose to follow the Lord, those around us will notice the changes.
As you put on your clothes for the day, imagine putting on kindness and love. Ask God to help you follow after Him wholeheartedly, in respectful obedience.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray after reading this devotion you are reminded to keep your head up and keep your heart strong, and remember, you have been chosen by The Creator of the entire universe. Remember this, Your life as a Christian should make non believers question their disbelief in God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
08
Oct '20
Trust in The Lord
08
Oct '20
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
Trust is part of any healthy relationship.
However, past hurts or life experiences can make it hard to trust.
You might even find yourself questioning who is reliable, truthful, or able to support you emotionally.
Yet, Proverbs says to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
That is because our hearts and minds can lead us astray.
When we set out on our own without God’s input, we can get lost or off track—like taking a hike without a map or compass.
However, as we lean into God’s Word and His wisdom, we are promised that He will make our path straight.
He will guide us and show us which way to go.
Take a moment to reflect on your day. Are there any areas of your life you struggling to give the Lord? Is there anything that is weighing heavily on your heart? Allow God’s peace and wisdom to penetrate the deepest fears and biggest concerns of your life. He will guide and protect you!!
When I read this devotion I was reminded of the very scripture God placed on my heart the past couple of days, Proverbs 2:25-26, Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Faith does not mean trusting God to stop the storm, but trusting Him to strengthen us as we walk through the storm.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
06
Oct '20
Anxiety
06
Oct '20
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Have you ever seen an octopus and how it grabs hold of its prey?
Each of its tentacles has tiny suction cups that grip.
It constricts and tightens around what it catches.
Some octopuses can even paralyze, weaken, and kill with poisonous venom.
Anxiety is like that octopus.
It slips into the tiny cracks in our confidence, poisoning our thoughts and sucking the life out of us.
It constricts our actions and paralyzes our ability to think, rest, and enjoy life.
It doesn’t always make sense.
Sometimes, it can hit us like a freight train.
Other times, we can pinpoint the source of it.
Whether it comes from fear of the unknown, what others think of us, or how a situation will turn out, anxiety is disabling.
But God’s Word tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.
God cares for you so much that He wants to take your fears, concerns, and worries onto His shoulders.
Peter tells us to cast our anxieties on God, which means to throw forcibly!
Ask God to take your stress and give you His peace as you wait on Him to work. Amen.
What a way to look at fear, after reading this devotion I won’t look at an octopus the same way ever again. I never put the two together but what a powerful point of view. I pray today after reading this devotion you are enlightened and encouraged to cast your anxieties on God, or as today’s devotion says, throw forcibly.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
01
Oct '20
Hope in Christ
01
Oct '20
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
We live in a world wrought with pain and suffering.
Disease, divorce, death, and loss happen every day.
And many times, when something tough happens, it is totally out of our control.
So, how do you rejoice, much less, give thanks in every situation?
As an heir and child of God, your hope isn’t in the things of this earth.
Your hope is in Christ and the eternal life you have with Him!
Your pain and suffering are momentaryin light of what is awaiting you in eternity. We are to fix our eyes on Jesus.
He knows and understands every hurt.
He aches with you, and the Holy Spirit groans and intercedes for you.
God promises you that He will give you the grace you need to handle every situation.
Even though you may not understand why something is happening, you can trust the Lord.
There is a song by Babbie Mason that says, “When you don’t see His plan. When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”
Remember that what Jesus did on the cross is real, and His Word is true, let nothing steal your joy!
When I read this devotion it blessed me. Remember this today, To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust Him in the dark, that is faith. He sees the things you can’t.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
29
Sep '20
My Shepherd
29
Sep '20
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
Sheep are vulnerable animals.
Their defense mechanism is to run.
Unfortunately, they are also prone to wander away from the herd.
Apart from the flock, they are especially susceptible to attack.
So…the role of the shepherd can mean the difference in life and death for them.
So…the role of the shepherd can mean the difference in life and death for them.
Likewise, the Lord is our Shepherd.
In many of the same ways that the shepherd cares for his sheep, the Lord cares for us.
He lovingly guides, protects, and provides for us.
When we step away from Him and His Word, we are vulnerable to our enemy’s attacks.
However, by staying close to the Lord, we find peace and have confidence in His care.
However, by staying close to the Lord, we find peace and have confidence in His care.
When the verse tells us we shall not want, it means that we shall not lack for what we need.
Ask the Lord, your Shepherd, to provide for all your needs. Like the vulnerable sheep rely on their shepherd’s care, draw close to Jesus, trusting Him to provide. Come near to Him with joy and thankfulness, acknowledging that He knows what you need and is more than able to come through for you!
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray after reading this you are encouraged to stay even closer to The Shepherd. Every day God thinks of you Psalm 68:19, Every hour God looks after you 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Every minute God cares for you 1 Peter 5:7, because every second He loves you Jeremiah 31:3.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
24
Sep '20
Remain Faithful and Obedient
24
Sep '20
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. (Hebrews 5:8-9)
It’s hard to see any benefit to suffering.
Jesus suffered while he was on earth and He didn’t even have sin.
“The crush” of earth life brought him into great love…how did He do it?
He remained faithful and obedient to God.
If suffering is met with conscious spiritual resilience there is always growth that releases holiness.
May all that I experience in this life lead to a deeper construction of my spiritual self.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Today’s devotion blessed me. I pray we all have a deeper desire to follow the example Christ left for us in His word. Remain faithful and obedient to God. When I read this devotion I was reminded of this quote, Looking back I am filled with gratitude. Looking forward I am filled with vision. Looking upward I am filled with strength. When Christ is truly the center of your focus, all else will come into proper perspective.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
22
Sep '20
He is Our Friend and Redeemer
22
Sep '20
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 4:14)
Jesus is sympathetic. He was made flesh to walk the earth and to “walk in our shoes”.
Jesus knew loneliness, betrayal, fear and anger.
He experienced what we experience and looked to The Father when he needed strength or comfort.
Jesus came to die for you, He came to release His Holy Spirit to you and He is our friend and redeemer!
* Jesus is not the judge, He was the sacrifice.
* He is not the critical parent, he is the brother you never had.
Jesus, Thank you for your friendship, your compassion over me and your desire to “do” life with me. Let me delight in you as you have chosen and delighted in me!
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. (Hebrews 2:11)
When I read today’s devotion it blessed me. He desires to “do” life with you. He chose you, He delights in you. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. What a friend we have in Jesus. Remember today, your strength lies in your intimacy with God and His son.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
17
Sep '20
The Blame Game
17
Sep '20
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (James 1:14)
When questioned by God in the garden, Adam demonstrated a common response to sin: he redirected the sin (Genesis 3:12). He tried to say that Eve was responsible for his act of rebellion. How often we will employ this tactic today — accusing others instead of admitting our need for The Lord’s forgiveness.
At the root of this, of course, is our guilt over our wrongdoings and desire to protect ourselves from punishment. In desperation we attempt to blame whoever is readily accessible. But this only keeps us imprisoned in our transgressions.
Friend, you cannot be forced to sin — and you cannot fool God. Yes, another person may create the circumstances that make it easier for you to stray, but ultimately, how you react is your responsibility. As Jesus did, you can always choose to respond in a godly manner because His Holy Spirit dwells within you.
So today, instead of playing the blame game, confess your sins to Him. He stands ready to forgive you and will lead you to freedom when you admit your need.
Lord, thank you for not condemning me, but leading me to truth and freedom, amen.
When I read this devotion it jumped off the page at me and I knew it had to be shared. I pray it speaks into you, blesses you and causes you to reevaluate how you react to admitting your need for The Lord’s forgiveness.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
15
Sep '20
Don’t Stop at Your Limits
15
Sep '20
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. (Philemon 1:22)
Paul asks them to prepare a guest room for him…surely their prayers will cause his release from prison.
He not only speaks positively of leaving prison, but writes in hopes that he can raise their spirits.
He expressed faith that their prayers were moving his chains and he looked ahead…not down at his shackles.
The present moment can often be like Paul’s shackles, clear evidence that we cannot change our situation.
Don’t stop at your limits, but look to God, who is limitless!!
I will do what I can, and God does what I can’!
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. (Philemon 1:21)
When I read this devotion I felt it was full of so much truth and power. I pray today you are encouraged with confidence to do the very best you can in all things great and small and watch God do what you can’t. Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness. Cling to hope and continue putting one foot in front of the other.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!