02
Jul '20
Lean into God
02
Jul '20
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
Do you ever feel like there is so much to be done that you can’t possibly do it all?
The demands on your time, finances, and energy can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
There is work, dinner, errands, children’s activities, homework.
Life can be exhausting!
You think you have things under control, caught up and ready to go, only to see them unwind in a matter of moments.
But, God says, “Don’t give up. Don’t grow tired of doing good.”
God knew you will have hard, exhausting days when everything breaks and everyone needs you.
He knows you will have days that feel like they will never end—when all you want is a moment alone.
However, God doesn’t want you to just tread water, He wants you to successfully live each day!
In your own strength you will burn out.
Lean into God.
Rest, find time to read His word and be quiet. In those moments, when you are weak, He is strong. Don’t grow weary in doing good, because when you persevere you will be rewarded!
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I feel many can relate to this. I was reminded of Exodus 15:2, The Lord is my strength and song. I pray you are encouraged to do as today’s devotion says and lean into God. Oh Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
30
Jun '20
Live by His Spirit, and Obey His Word
30
Jun '20
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
It can be so easy for us to see the fault in others.
However, we want and sometimes expect them to only see the good in us.
Our sinful nature easily sways us and leads us astray.
We become critical and selfish when we don’t get our own way.
We can become belligerent or angry when things don’t go as we planned.
However, God tells us that type of behavior only leads to discourse and dissension within the body of Christ.
He desires for each of us to live by His Spirit, and obey His Word.
On your own you are powerless!
However, as you rely on Him, and become sensitive to His leading, your life will produce the fruits of His Spirit.
Just like a well-watered garden overflowing with beauty, your life will be a bountiful blessing to others.
Pray for wisdom, to respond to difficult situations with love and grace. Ask Him to help you respond in kindness with patience when you would naturally be inclined to do otherwise. Ask Jesus to guide your words and actions so that you can be a blessing to others.
What a powerful devotion, full of such truth. I pray you are encouraged to be a blessing to others.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
25
Jun '20
Represent Christ Everywhere
25
Jun '20
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (Luke 6:32)
It might be hard to admit, but we are all being tempted and tried to feel judgement towards each other right now.
Judgment rears its’ evil head when someone does something you would not do.
Jesus implores the people to love beyond what is easy.
He says “so what” if you can love people that you find to be lovable.
The time to represent Christ everywhere we go and in every conversation is now!
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again . . .(Luke 6:35)
After reading this devotion I felt it had to be shared time and again. I honestly don’t know what more I can add. I pray you are encouraged to represent Christ more today than you did yesterday. Be the change you wish to see in the world and what better way than to start by representing Christ everywhere you go and in every conversation.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
23
Jun '20
Are You Fueling Hate or Love?
23
Jun '20
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20)
God is love.
He isn’t just loving. He is love itself.
Hate can only be from one place then.
If God is love, our enemy the devil, is hate.
We don’t like to think about the influence the enemy has, but he is able to influence and fuel hate.
Are we fueling hate or love with our conversations?
Are we praying about what we see or just feeling upset?
I will be part of the solution to the division in our world.
Prayer changes things!
What a powerful devotion for such a time as this. If we would all just choose to be part of the solution to the division by doing as today’s devotion says and fueling hate with love in our conversations and going to God in prayer instead of fueling anger, what a tremendous impact it would make. Today, I choose to be a part of the solution to the division in our world. I will pray and lift up holy hands without anger and quarreling. What will you choose to do?
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
18
Jun '20
Love God First
18
Jun '20
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Galatians 5:14)
Love is such a spectrum – It can flow easily and naturally out of us or it can take deliberate, disciplined work!
Of ourselves we have limits to our love because of life, weariness and disappointment.
We can make a conscious decision to love, but we still have to have something to draw from.
When we love God first, His spirit fills us, spilling out onto those around us.
As I wait in God’s presence, I will gain new strength and renewed power.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
What truth! I pray after reading today’s devotion you ask yourself this one question, is God my first love? Love God first and everything else will fall into proper place.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
16
Jun '20
Worrying
16
Jun '20
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matthew 6:27)
Worrying can be like a comfortable, but toxic relationship.
It feels safe, it feels familiar, and most importantly worry gives us the illusion of control.
Worry tells us we can foresee outcomes and steer them in the right direction.
Worry tells you if you “let up” and relax something bad will happen…and it will be your fault.
Strangely enough, worry can be an addictive, comforting process, that we hate and feel we need… all at the same time.
The foundation of worry is believing that you are alone.
Worry can only survive in the presence of fears that are indulged and utterly believed.
Father, I have no control of outcomes, but I will celebrate that you do! You know the beginning and the end of all things and I release them to you! Amen.
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. (Proverbs 12:25)
I’ve never seen worry from this point of view but how true it is. When I read this devotion I was reminded of a quote I’ve heard time and again, Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles; it takes away today’s peace. I pray you are encouraged to release all things to Him. Worry is assuming responsibility for things that are out of your control, don’t worry about everything; instead, pray about everything.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
11
Jun '20
Not Rendering Evil for Evil
11
Jun '20
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)
Even the most peaceable among us has been upset by what we are hearing, seeing and watching.
It’s hard to not feel heartbroken and angry.
But, when you became a believer you laid down your right to carry anger or hatred.
When you live in a world that says, “I have the right to be angry!” It’s hard to hang on to Kingdom thinking.
Hate is a subtle and comforting lover that begins with blindness… only to progress to slavery and abuse. None of us have the right to hate!
God infuse me with peace that passes all understanding. (Phil 4)
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:8)
When I read this devotion it jumped off the screen at me. I was reminded of Ephesians 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. I love the point todays devotion is driving home for each and every one of us. May our deepest desire be just this, God infuse me with peace that passes all understanding. None of us have the right to carry anger or hatred. Amen!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
09
Jun '20
I Am Who God Says I Am
09
Jun '20
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle . . . (1 Corinthians 15:9)
Thank goodness God isn’t limited by how we see ourselves!
Paul had ravaged Christians, but God saw the forerunner in Him, the Apostle and Superintendent of all the early churches.
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? (1 Chronicles 17:16)
King David was sent to the fields while his brothers went to war.
In David’s family he was an unimportant shepherd.
But, in the family of Christ, David was a King – related to the King of Kings.
Let me remember God sees what I am here to do and has given me all I need to do it. I am not how others see me and I am not how I see myself. I am who God says I am!
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
When I read this devotion it made me stop and think who does God say I am. Here are just a few to remind you and I. I am the apple of God’s eye. I am loved by God, cherished by God, and highly valued by God. I am a child of The King. I am redeemed, forgiven and sanctified. I am a friend of God. I am because He is.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
04
Jun '20
Value to Our Suffering
04
Jun '20
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:5)
Is there any value to our suffering?
We identify with Christ in all ways, namely experiencing the heartache of this world.
But Jesus experienced the comfort of God and we will, also!
Jesus experienced victory over the enemy and we will.
Jesus conquered death, and we will.
So let us comfort those who are afflicted from the overflow of our comfort.
Let all that we experience in this life, good and bad, be so that we would know Him more!
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I know for some it may be hard to understand. Why would God allow certain things to happen, why, why, why, we ask so many times but if we would stop and see it through a different lens we would see just what today’s devotion is saying. God allows things to happen for a reason. Circumstances will either direct you, correct you or perfect you. John 13:7, Jesus said, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Trust Him in and through all things.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
02
Jun '20
Weight of Worldliness
02
Jun '20
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
Paul had such wisdom!
There are many things that are not sin but are they right for us?
Food, money, words; these things don’t separate us from the love of God, but what if they stop our growth?
What if the things you are praying about have the weight of “worldliness” delaying them.
Can I inspire or influence the world if I am not really different?
May my life make others want to know you!
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
When I read this devotion it blessed me and I pray it inspires you to take a look at your life and ask yourself, is my life causing others to want to know God? It reminded me of a quote I heard when I was young and I often reminded myself of it to this day, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is now always right”. Is there something in your life stopping your growth?
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!