Devotions Archives - Page 36 of 104

Expectations in Relationships

Posted on Aug 13, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: He is my refuge, Psalm 14:2

I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. (Psalm 142:4-5)

In every interaction you have is someone weighted?

What do I mean by this? Do you put expectations on others to act a certain way or say things in a certain manner? Then, when they don’t do what you expected, do you get upset? Do you misinterpret others’ words? Or do you put words into people’s mouths that they didn’t say? Welcome to the broken club my friend.

I can’t believe how broken I still am when I put expectations on interactions! I’m cruising along doing fine, and one misinterpreted interaction brings me back to that lost and abandoned child. Pain comes rushing back, and sorrow sets in.

However, I have learned a few things over the years; one being, most people are selfish. Yes, it’s true. People care about themselves and their own problems. It’s our human nature; so if you’re putting expectations on people, you will be failed. King David experienced this throughout his life and cried out to God in the Psalms.

If you are putting expectations on a person to fill you; you will fail my friend and still find yourself alone and lost. There is only one who will never fail you. There is only one who will never abandon you. You can trust Jesus to listen. You can trust Jesus to hold you when you are broken-hearted. He alone is your refuge!

Father, we acknowledge we are broken and ask for You to fill us with Your presence. Fill us with Your joy! Let us not look to others to fill our void, but only to Jesus, our refuge and portion, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

He alone is your refuge! Wow! I needed that reminder this evening. No matter the day you’ve had, not matter the interactions, rest assured tonight when you lay your head on your pillow, that He alone is your refuge.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Ephesians 2:10

Aug '19

Success in God’s Eyes

Posted on Aug 12, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Proverbs 4:23, Success

Aug '19

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

If someone were to ask you to define “success,” what would you say? No doubt, there would be about as many different answers as the number of people asked. One thing, however, is sure…our culture is obsessed with success.

We are obsessed not only with our own personal success, but we may be even more obsessed with providing our children with the tools they need to become successful. We all do our best, but a lot of times, there’s confusion about what constitutes real success.

There’s a nebulous understanding that success means that our child will one day get a good education, have a good job, a good family and be a good citizen. But that is a very short-sighted view. It’s not very successful if our children grow up to have worldly success for fifty years and then spend eternity in hell. That’s a temporary success, but an eternal failure. So, what’s God’s definition?

In God’s eyes, success means discovering His will for your life and using that purpose for His glory, rather than our own. We must see that big picture when setting our own goals, and especially when guiding our children down the road of life. When a child grows to understand that, then the child has a far greater chance of experiencing real, lasting success. Why? Because they will have found success in God’s eyes as well.

When I read this devotion it blessed me. What a reminder of the true meaning of success in God’s eyes. I pray this encourages you today.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Aug '19

The Importance of a Good Example

Posted on Aug 5, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Example, Titus 2:7-8

Aug '19

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. (Titus 2:7-8)

Paul told Titus how to speak to the different groups of people in the church, and he told Timothy to tell the young men “to be sober-minded” (Titus 2:6). Then Paul explained to Titus the importance of being a good example himself.

This is what Paul wrote: “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works.” Titus had to be more than a teacher, he also had to be an example, a pattern. His guidance to others could not be taken seriously if he himself was not walking after God’s truth. This is a powerful, basic principle that is often neglected. If the preacher or teacher does not live what he teaches, why should anyone else?

This doesn’t mean that leaders in the church must be perfect. Like anyone else, they will have their weaknesses and failings. Leaders can’t be examples of perfection, but they certainly can be examples of humility and repentance.

There’s a specific way that Titus had to be an example: “In doctrine showing integrity.” Titus had to be an example in doctrinal stability and integrity. If he wasn’t comfortably settled in his understanding of the Scriptures, he wasn’t ready to lead.

Titus also had to be an example of reverence, of incorruptibility, and of sound speech. Titus had to teach the older men (Titus 2:2) and the older women (Titus 2:3) to be reverent, but he had to be an example of reverence first. Titus had to teach the older men to be sound in faith (Titus 2:2), but his faith had to be incorruptible.

When God’s leaders live this way, it gives those who oppose God’s work no excuse to accuse and reject the truth. Paul put it this way: “That one who is an opponent may be ashamed.” Of course, Jesus lived this better than anyone. Jesus could say to an angry mob, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” (John 8:46) and no one could say anything.

I’m sure there are people that you really want to see come to faith and a real relationship with Jesus Christ. There are probably many others you know who already love Jesus but need to be taught in some important areas of the Christian life. With both groups, remember that your example means so much.

If we fail to be good examples of the Christian life, what we teach others is of little effect. If we fail to be good examples of the Christian life, we give others the opportunity to excuse their unbelief.

We can humbly ask Jesus to forgive us for all the times we have failed in being good examples, and then ask Him for the ongoing strength to represent God and His people by our good example.

I searched out this devotion on the importance of being a good example. We are all leaders in one form or another in our lives and it’s so important that we strive each and every day to set a good and loving example to follow for those who are watching our every move, our every action. Be the change you want to see in The world and pray.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 119:130

Aug '19

One Life at a Time

Posted on Aug 2, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Acts 9:41, One life

Aug '19

And he gave her hishand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. (Acts 9:41)

Today’s story in Scripture provides a glimpse into the Spirit of God’s work through the apostle Peter. The book of Acts tells of big moments like Pentecost, but it also highlights how individuals’ lives are changed by the ministry of Jesus’ disciples.

A man who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years hears Peter say, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up…” His life was changed, and many people in the local area turned to Jesus.

Another person whose life was changed was Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. She became sick and died, and many people mourned. When Peter arrived, many widows showed him the clothing Dorcas had made for them. Peter prayed to the Lord, and God brought her back to life again. Mourning turned into dancing, and more people came to believe in Jesus as Lord.

Are these merely good stories of a distant time in the life of the church, or are they something more? God is still at work in this world. The news media may not pay attention, but we know that the church of Jesus is still called to touch the lives of others—one life at a time. We can come alongside people who are hurting and point them to the healing and hope that come through Jesus.

God of healing and hope, empower us to enter into the lives of others so we may weep with those who weep and also wipe away tears as we witness to your love, hope, and healing in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I was encouraged by this devotion today. I pray you are also encouraged to touch the lives of others, one life at a time. Little it much when God is in it. Luke 15:10 says, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. One life at a time. Amen! Don’t allow discouragement to detour you from what God has called you to do, touch lives through Christ, one life at a time.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is James 1:22

Aug '19

Lincoln’s Pockets

Posted on Aug 1, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Encourage, Romans 15:2

Aug '19

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. (Romans 15:2)

The night US president Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theater in 1865, his pockets contained the following: two spectacles, a lens polisher, a pocketknife, a watch fob, a handkerchief, a leather wallet containing a five-dollar Confederate bill, and eight newspaper clippings, including several that praised him and his policies.

I wonder what the Confederate money was doing in the president’s pocket, but I have little doubt about the glowing news stories. Everyone needs encouragement, even a great leader like Lincoln! Can you see him, in the moments before the fateful play, perhaps reading them to his wife?

Who do you know who needs encouragement? Everyone! Look around you. There isn’t one person in your line of vision who is as confident as they seem. We’re all one failure, snide comment, or bad hair day away from self-doubt.

What if we all obeyed God’s command to “please his neighbour for his good to edification”? (Romans 15:2). What if we determined only to speak “pleasant words” that are “as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones”? (Proverbs 16:24). What if we wrote these words down, so friends could reread and savor them? Then we’d all have notes in our pockets (or on our phones!). And we’d be more like Jesus, who “pleased not himself” but lived for others (Romans 15:3).

Whose words have most encouraged you? Who might need encouragement that you’ve been overlooking?

When I read this devotion it blessed me so very much! I needed to be reminded of this today. So often we can be so quick to judge someone, not knowing what they are truly going through. Maybe they just need an encouraging word. I pray today God will show me someone I’ve overlooked that might need encouragement. I pray today we can all be better at being swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

Loving God, help me to encourage others with my words, actions, and presence. Amen

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 119:114

Jul '19

Just One More Look Behind, God?

Posted on Jul 31, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Isaiah 43:18-19, Looking back

Jul '19

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

I am captivated by the biblical account of Lot and his God-ordained rescue from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah found in Genesis 19. As a child, I was most interested in the behavior of Mrs. Lot and her rebellion against God’s command to not look back.

By the time I was about 10 years old, I decided that Mrs. Lot was clearly an ungrateful, rebellious woman who probably deserved to be turned to salt. From my perspective, firmly situated in my summer-camp, family-holiday good life, I judged Mrs. Lot for making the fatal error of looking back.

As I find myself in a new season in life, grieving the loss of the familiar, I’m reminded of this ancient woman’s rebellion and her long, last look at the life she was leaving behind.

Now I get it.

I get why Mrs. Lot looked back: It was familiar — and despite Sodom and Gomorrah’s spiritual darkness, I imagine there were pleasant things there, too. Perhaps you’ve been there, and can identify with Mrs. Lot?

Maybe you’re facing an unwanted season of change, and you find yourself stuck between where you’ve been and where you’re going. It seems overwhelming and devastating, and sometimes in the devastation we look back or maybe even glorify what’s been lost. We’re drawn to reminisce and hash over the past in our minds and hearts. This seems to be an age-old problem, so it’s by grand design that this important story is included in Scripture.

We know God is present-future focused, not present-past focused. He calls us in the key verse — and throughout His Word — to focus on Him, to let Him work in and through us: “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

God wants us to allow Him to lead us out of things not meant for us, toward Him. Sometimes this is terrifying, and our human instinct is to let our thoughts rush back to the familiar, but our present-future focused God wants our attention on Him. Eyes up, heart open, moving forward in His plan.

God is not surprised with your current situation, and He’s intimately invested in every thought you have and every turn in the road you take. When we allow Him to heal us from the past, and we focus on Him and His great plan for us, He makes a way for beauty, joy and new life to flow back in.

He’s doing a new thing in you and me. Rest in the sturdy hands of our Father, listen for His voice and trust His timing. What lies behind us pales in comparison to what He has in store.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You that You are a God who stands with me right where I am. Thank You for being a present-future focused God and for reminding me today that You call me to keep my eyes on You and trust the plans You have for me. Forgive me, Lord, for looking back at a life You’ve helped me leave behind. I trust You, Jesus, and I believe in Your perfect plan for me. Please help me remember to turn all my anxieties and fears over to You and lean into Your Word and Your promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What a powerful devotion. I pray it touches your heart and life in such a way that you see, as today’s devotions says, what lies behind you pales in comparison to what He has in store for you. He is faithful.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is John 1:12-13

Jul '19

Finding Rest Amidst the Stress

Posted on Jul 30, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Matthew 11:29, Rest, Stress

Jul '19

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

How do you find the possibility of freedom and peace in a world where there seems to be no rest? The idea that the pace of life seems to continually increase stress and worry is a universal concept. There seems to be no end to the demands on our time and energy. Are you tired of the constant busyness that seems to consume our lives? I know I am!

There is a solution: It isn’t one that offers escape from the demands of life, but one that guarantees rest in the midst of the rat race and the fast pace of life. Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus offers us rest amidst the stress.

Christ doesn’t always take us out of life’s demanding situations. Instead, He asks us to let HIM show us how to handle life’s demands. Jesus wants us to face each day and each challenge with HIM. Walk with Jesus Christ daily and trust Him for guidance and wisdom to handle whatever comes next. In this way, you’ll finally experience true rest amidst the stress of life.

When I read this devotion it blessed me and I pray it encourages you to find rest in the midst of life’s demands. I would hope to encourage you to let go today and let God, He is bigger than anything you are facing and He desires to face life’s demands with you.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Matthew 5:16

Jul '19

Waiting on God is Tough

Posted on Jul 29, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Psalm 37:7, Waiting

Jul '19

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him . . . (Psalm 37:7)

I don’t know about you, but I hate to wait. From doctor appointments that run way too long, to rush hour traffic, waiting often feels like a waste of time. Thankfully, when it comes to waiting, God’s timing is always just on time! We need to trust that God sees the full picture and be willing to do His will, in His timing, not our own. Because, the right action at the right time equals the right result.

So, what does it really mean to “wait on the Lord?” I’ll tell you one thing, it doesn’t mean just standing still and doing nothing; that’s not the idea. It might be how we wait around at a restaurant or in line at the DMV – we stand still, quietly waiting and not doing anything – but it shouldn’t be how we approach waiting on God.

The word “wait” in the original Hebrew means, “to be bound like a rope or twisted or bonded together.” So, to wait on the Lord means that you trust Him, that you humble yourself and rely on His strength. It means that you obey His Word and commands. It conveys all those meanings.

Sometimes it’s very difficult to wait on the Lord for things to happen or for things to take place, but if we will do those things, if we will trust the Lord and if we will humble ourselves under His mighty hand and make sure we obey His will, then we will be blessed. Waiting on God can be tough, but God’s timing is always the best thing for us.

When I read this devotion I was reminded of a quote I once read, it said, Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. When you begin to get frustrated I would encourage you to remember what today’s devotion says, the right action at the right time equals the right result and remember, if it doesn’t open, it’s not your door. Trust Him for His timing truly is always the best thing for us. Give God your weakness today and He will give you His strength. It’s truly that simple. Waiting on God is tough but don’t get discouraged.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 119:93

Jul '19

The Blessings Found in the Fire

Posted on Jul 25, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Fire, Malachi 3:3

Jul '19

And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:3)

Do you ever get tired of the constant battles in your life?

Let me be the first to say I understand.

There are times it feels like I hardly get one issue resolved when another seems to pop up. Not that I go looking for problems; they just seem to be incredibly adept at finding me.

I’m learning, though, to view my troubles in life as “growth opportunities.” They give me a chance to recognize God shaping and molding me to fit the calling He’s given me. They remind me God is interested in my character, not my comfort.

Which brings us to a passage of Scripture I’d love for us to look at closely together today. In Malachi 3, God wants His people to know they have some character issues that need to be addressed.

The Lord declares through the prophet Malachi: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:1-3)

The messenger in this passage actually refers to John the Baptist. (Matthew 11:10-14) He went before Jesus to ready the people’s hearts for Jesus’ first coming. Now we are the messengers God has called to prepare people for Jesus’ second coming. But that means our own hearts need to be purified so we’re prepared and mature for our calling.

Malachi 3:3 reveals that the Lord comes both “like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.” The “fullers’ soap” (or alkali) was a strong soap used in the ancient Near East to whiten clothing.

And the refiner’s fire? This is a method of purifying precious metals with intense heat. Impurities rise to the top where they can be skimmed off and discarded. The way a refiner knows that the process of purification is complete is by looking into the open furnace and checking the reflection. He knows the dross has all burnt away when he can see his reflection clearly.

This is what we were made to do — to clearly reflect the image of our Maker. Genesis 1:27tells us God created us in His likeness and image. But when sin entered the world, we were “marred” by sin. We were left spiritually disfigured and defiled. The purification process removes that sin and disfigurement and restores our ability to reflect the goodness of God Himself.

Another name for this refining work is sanctification. It’s the Lord’s continual process of making us holy and wholly set apart for Him. And today’s passage reminds us that sometimes the sanctification process involves suffering.

I saw such a vivid depiction of this when I took my children to a silversmith’s workshop when they were younger. We saw firsthand how the magnificently beautiful pieces in the showroom had to undergo a grueling process in the workroom. There was pounding, turning, heating and then even more pounding before the polishing. For the silversmith to put his name on a piece, the silver had to submit to treatment we might say is harsh and cruel. But every painful blow the silver endures … every scorching second it sits in the fire … each moment has great purpose. And the results are truly stunning.

Oh, how I pray this will stir our hearts to trust God in the midst of our troubles. Our God is not a cruel God. He allows the heating and shaping, the abrasive rubs and polishing in our lives for a reason. They are purifying and smoothing us so we will reflect Him.

Is it always an easy process? No. It’s not.

But is beautifully reflecting our Creator and having lives that point hearts toward Him worth the discomfort? I truly believe so.

How grateful I am to know that nothing God allows us to go through is pointless. Even in the midst of hurt, He will work things for our good and His glory.

Lord, I’m so thankful that I can trust You, even in the most difficult and refining seasons of my life. Shape me. Purify me. Make me look more and more like You. I want to reflect You in all I say and do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Wow! I myself was blessed by this devotion today and I pray you are as well. Remember today, nothing God allows us to go through is pointless. I needed to read this today. Thank You Lord, for you are always faithful, always there to lead, guide and protect. Even in the fire there are blessings to be found. May we never forget this and trust Him in the midst of our troubles.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 119:60

Jul '19

Out of the Valley

Posted on Jul 24, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Psalm 34:18, Valley

Jul '19

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

Life is beautiful, but it can also be painful. In reality, we are all either hurting, healing, or somewhere in between. So when—not if—you find yourself in a valley, what do you do?

Here are three methods of dealing with emotional pain.

First, it’s okay to feel the way you do, but don’t let it become your identity. Your feelings are not bigger than who God created you to be. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Second, focus on what you know. In no way should we compare our struggles with Christ’s suffering on the cross, but do you think he could have willingly put himself through that kind of humiliation and torture if he was focused on his feelings? No, Christ knew God’s plan, and it was his singular focus until his last breath. We must strive to have the same mentality. “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” (Psalm 73:26)

And third, remember what you’ve already overcome! It’s not healthy to live in the past, but we can certainly learn from it and remind ourselves how God has already helped us persevere. He has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and when we learn to rely on Him in every aspect of life, we can accomplish anything (Philippians 4:13). “But he said to 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.Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Cor 12:9-10)

Healing is a process, but when we refuse to let it define us, focus on God’s plan for our lives, and learn to rely on his love, grace, and mercy, in all things, he will bring us out of the valley.

This devotion blessed me today. I pray it gives you spiritual guidance when dealing with emotional pain. I love how God’s word has all the answers when life is beautiful and when life is painful. He will always bring you out of the valley. Isaiah 40:29 says, He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. He is faithful.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 112:5