Devotions Archives - Page 42 of 104

Fearless Love

Posted on May 6, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: 1 John 4:19, Love

We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

For years I wore a shield of fear to protect my heart. It became an excuse to avoid trying new things, following my dreams, and obeying God. But fear of loss, heartache, and rejection hindered me from developing loving relationships with God and others. Fear made me an insecure, anxious, and jealous wife, and an overprotective, worrying mother. As I continue learning how much God loves me, however, He’s changing the way I relate to Him and to others. Because I know God will care for me, I feel more secure and willing to place the needs of others before mine.

God is love (1 John 4:7–8). Christ’s death on the cross—the ultimate demonstration of love—displays the depth of His passion for us (vv. 9–10). Because God loves us and lives in us, we can love others based on who He is and what He’s done (vv. 11–12).

When we receive Jesus as our Savior, He gives us His Holy Spirit (vv. 13–15). As the Spirit helps us know and rely on God’s love, He makes us more like Jesus (vv. 16–17). Growing in trust and faith can gradually eliminate fear, simply because we know without a doubt that God loves us deeply and completely (vv. 18–19).

As we experience God’s personal and unconditional love for us, we grow and can risk relating to Him and others with fearless love.

What fears are found in your heart? As you ponder God’s great love for you, how does this help alleviate them?

Lord, thank You for pouring limitless love into us so we can love You and others without fear. Amen.

This devotion blessed me. I pray it encourages someone in need of fearless love. Remember today, He first loved you and His love for you is unwavering His love is all you need but be willing and open to love others without fear because no matter what, He loves you with a limitless love.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is James 5:16

Apr '19

My Redeemer Lives

Posted on Apr 29, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: believe, Job 19:25

Apr '19

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. (Job 19:25)

What a thrill to KNOW that my Redeemer lives! Jesus Christ is just as alive today as He was right after the resurrection. In fact, He is just as much alive today as He was before the crucifixion, and even before He came to earth and was laid in the manger.

What difference does it make whether we serve a living God or one made of stone? Isn’t it just a practice we believe in? Is it a crutch to help us along our way? No! Absolutely not!

A living God knows right where you are day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. He sees your every need, hears your every cry, and longs to hold you close to Himself. He is present to walk with you through the valley. He provides a song in the night. He takes your feet from the muck and mire and plants them on a rock. He blesses you with hope and gives joy for Life’s journey. A god with no life is unable to do these things. He cannot see, or hear, or reach, or touch, or provide. He simply cannot.

But my God is alive! The joy and the assurance that we celebrate on Easter doesn’t end when the holiday is over and the decorations are all packed away. Why? Because Christ is alive. So rejoice, my friend, and live each day with the hope and joy that Easter brings. Walk with Christ. Talk with Him, and allow His joy to penetrate your heart and fill your soul. Don’t live in defeat and agony as if Christ is still on in cross, or in the tomb. HE is alive! He IS alive! He is ALIVE!

Lord, I praise and worship You because You are alive and because You share Your magnificent self with me as Your child. Thank You for the constant day by day fellowship I have with You. Thank You for being alive! Amen.

How blessed we are. When I read this devotion I was reminded of what Jesus said to Thomas, blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see. He saved me! My redeemer lives!

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Job 19:25

Apr '19

Always Listening

Posted on Apr 26, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Listening, Psalm 145:18

Apr '19

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)

Dad was a man of few words. He had hearing damage due to years of military duty and wore hearing aids. One afternoon when Mom and I were talking a little longer than he thought necessary, he responded playfully, “Whenever I want peace and quiet, all I have to do is this.” Lifting both hands in a single motion, he turned off both hearing aids, folded his hands behind his head and closed his eyes in a serene smile.

We laughed. As far as he was concerned, the conversation was over!

My father’s actions that day remind me how different God is from us. He always wants to hear His children. This is underscored by one of the shortest prayers in the Bible. One day Nehemiah, a servant to King Artaxerxes of Persia, was visibly sad in the king’s presence. Fearful when the king asked him why, Nehemiah confessed it was because Jerusalem, the conquered city of his ancestors, lay in ruins. Nehemiah recounts, “The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king…” (Neh. 2:4–5, italics added).

Nehemiah’s prayer lasted only a moment, but God heard it. It set in motion God’s merciful response to the many prayers Nehemiah had already offered for Jerusalem. In that moment, Artaxerxes granted Nehemiah’s request to rebuild the city.

Isn’t it comforting to know that God cares enough to listen to all of our prayers—from the shortest to the longest?

Thank You, loving Father, for blessing me with the beautiful privilege and opportunity of prayer. Amen.

I needed to be reminded of this today. Our God is big enough to hear the smallest prayer. You never know what it will set in motion because you chose to go to Him in prayer. No matter how big or small, pray. He is always listening.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Hebrews 7:25

Apr '19

After You

Posted on Apr 25, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Genesis 13:9, Trust Him

Apr '19

Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. (Genesis 13:9)

In some cultures a younger person is expected to permit his elder to enter a room first. In others, the most important or highest ranking individual enters first. No matter what our traditions, there are times when we find it difficult to allow someone to choose first on important matters, especially when that privilege rightfully belongs to us.

Abram (later called Abraham) and his nephew Lot had so many flocks, herds, and tents that the land could not support both of them as they traveled together. To avoid conflict, Abram suggested they part company and generously gave Lot first choice of the land. His nephew took the fertile Jordan Valley, leaving Abram with the less desirable land.

Abram did not insist on his rights as the elder in this situation but trusted his future to God. “And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left” (Gen. 13:8–9). Lot’s choice eventually led to dire consequences for his entire family (see Gen. 19).

Today, as we face choices of many kinds, we can trust our Father to guide us in His way. He has promised to care for us. He will always give us what we need.

Father, Your unfailing love and faithfulness guide us in every choice we make. May our lives speak well of You and honor You today. Amen.

After reading this devotion I pray you are encouraged in knowing and being reminded that God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 2:9

Apr '19

Through the Cross

Posted on Apr 24, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Romans 8:39, The Cross

Apr '19

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39)

My coworker Tom keeps an 8″ by 12″ glass cross on his desk. His friend Phil, who like Tom is a cancer survivor, gave it to him to help him look at everything “through the cross.” The glass cross is a constant reminder of God’s love and good purposes for him.

That’s a challenging idea for all believers in Jesus, especially during difficult times. It’s much easier to focus on our problems than on God’s love.

The apostle Paul’s life was certainly an example of having a cross-shaped perspective. He described himself in times of suffering as being “persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:9). He believed that in the hard times, God is at work, “achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” (vv. 17–18).

To “fix our eyes . . . on what is unseen” doesn’t mean we minimize the problems. Paul Barnett, in his commentary on this passage, explains, “There is to be confidence, based on the certainty of God’s purposes for [us] . . . . On the other hand, there is the sober recognition that we groan with hope mingled with pain.”

Jesus gave His life for us. His love is deep and sacrificial. As we look at life “through the cross,” we see His love and faithfulness. And our trust in Him grows.

Father, teach us who You are. Increase our trust in You. Fill our minds with Your perspective. Amen.

When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray this devotion encourages you today to look at everything through the cross.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 John 4:4

Apr '19

See Yourself With HIS Eyes

Posted on Apr 23, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: 1 John 4:4, His eyes

Apr '19

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Whatever you’re facing in life, or whatever is coming in your future, God has already given you the faith for it. It may not look like it, and you may not feel like you have what it takes to overcome, but faith in God isn’t based on our circumstances or how we feel.

The enemy would like for you to believe that you don’t have a chance in life, that you’re too weak, too poor, too whatever. But God has a different view of you. God sees you through the eyes of love. He sees not what you can be, but what He has invested in you, not what you or others may see.

Seeing yourself the way God sees you leads to a life of overwhelming victory.

But it takes faith. You can’t just hear that God loves you and sees you as His child, you have to believe it. It takes faith to move forward and overcome the challenges of life. And faith does you no good if you don’t know how to release it. You have to release your faith in order for it to work.

We release faith through our words, actions and, of course, through prayer. It’s up to us to act.

1 John 4:4 is a scripture we quote a lot, and almost anytime I say this verse in a church or meeting, everybody claps and cheers. But how many people really believe that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world?”

The truth is, the One in you is greater and He loves you. So stretch your faith today and see yourself the way God sees you. It doesn’t matter what the enemy wants you to see or how things might look. Our faith overcomes through the One who lives in us!

Dear Lord, When feelings of inferiority, insecurity and self doubt creep into my heart, help me to see myself the way you do. Amen.

I pray this devotion blessed you as much as it has blessed me. So often we can become overwhelmed by life and the things we face but if we would just stop for a moment and see ourselves the way God sees us, as today’s devotion encourages, we would quickly realize in ALL these things we are more than a conqueror through Him who loves us. See yourself with HIS eyes.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 47:1

Apr '19

In Progress or Completed?

Posted on Apr 22, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Completed, Hebrews 10:14

Apr '19

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)

It’s satisfying to finish a job. Each month, for instance, one of my job responsibilities gets moved from one category to another, from “In Progress” to “Completed.” I love clicking that “Completed” button. But last month when I clicked it, I thought, If only I could overcome rough spots in my faith so easily! It can seem like the Christian life is always in progress, never completed.

Then I remembered Hebrews 10:14. It describes how Christ’s sacrifice redeems us totally. So in one important sense, that “completed button” has been pressed for us. Jesus’s death did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves: He made us acceptable in God’s eyes when we place our faith in Him. It is finished, as Jesus Himself said (John 19:30). Paradoxically, even though His sacrifice is complete and total, we spend the rest of our lives living into that spiritual reality—“being made holy,” as Hebrews’ author writes.

The fact that Jesus has finished something that’s still being worked out in our lives is hard to understand. When I’m struggling spiritually, it’s encouraging to remember that Jesus’s sacrifice for me—and for you—is complete . . . even if our living it out in this life is still a work in progress. Nothing can stop His intended end from being achieved eventually: being transformed into His likeness (see 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for us. Help us trust You as we grow into followers whose lives look more and more like Yours, knowing that You are the one who makes us complete. Amen.

Today’s devotion blessed me. It reminded me that God is at work to make us who He intends us to be. Trust Him along the way and be obedient as He leads, guides and instructs you. He is indeed The One who makes us complete, I love that.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Romans 1:20

Apr '19

Looking For Direction In Life?

Posted on Apr 18, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: His Word, Psalm 119:205

Apr '19

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Looking for direction in life? Confused about the next step? Concerned about which path to take and which one not to take? If you answered “yes” God has a Word for you on this morning.

LOOK NO FURTHER!

The “Word of God” is our compass in life. It is also our guide, our helper, our deliverer, our peace, our joy, our redemption and our everlasting promise.

The Psalmist of this text declares that the “Word of God” is a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path.

The light of God’s Word makes things clear and visible so that we will not trip and fall into the traps and snares of the enemy.

When God’s Word becomes a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, He leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

The Word of God is the Christian life support, our sustaining power, our oxygen tank, our feeding tube, our guiding light and our eternal hope of glory.

As Christians, we must daily search the Word of God, study it, believe it and obey it for indeed it is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

Without the light of God’s Word we will continue to stumble in the dark. We will never make it to our destination because we will not be able to see our way out of where we are. It is the light of God’s Word that illuminates our path.

How are you keeping your lamps burning? I can only hope and pray that it is by the leading of God’s Word alone.

To walk in the light we must enter the small gate and stay on the narrow path. Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”.

Avoiding darkness involves the daily choices of choosing to walk in the light of God’s Word.

Walking in the light means disconnecting from the darkness of situations, people, places and things that hinders clear vision.

It is the Word of God that has the power unto salvation.

It is the Word of God that has lead all of us who are saved, out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.

The Word of God is a guiding light! Are you being lead by it? Or, are you still walking in darkness?

Thank you Lord for your guiding light, for indeed it is a light unto my path.

Still looking for direction in life? Look no further!

I pray this opens your heart to understanding God’s direction for your life. Although you may not understand everything you read in the Bible, if you put aside your biases and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and understanding, God’s Word will speak clearly to your heart. Then give thanks for his Word and put it into practice to please and serve him, today and every day.

Thank you, Lord, for your clear and excellent Word. By your Holy Spirit, guide my understanding as I read and listen so that I will find light for my path today. Amen.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Hebrews 7:25

Apr '19

God Is Our Fortress

Posted on Apr 17, 2019 in Devotions |

Apr '19

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (Psalm 91:1-2)

Throughout the Psalms (praise songs) David refers to God as his fortress, refuge, and strength.

He faced many physical and spiritual battles throughout his life and saw firsthand how God provides a strong fortress regardless of what attacks us.

In the ancient world the fortress was often walled off from the rest of the city, supplied with food, water, and ammunition where the people could be protected and the city could be defended.

David knew that he did not need to fear, because in God he found a fortress stronger than any attack this world could muster.

We all have our own fortresses that we run to when we face overwhelming circumstances.

These fortresses can take the shape of people or relationships.

They can also be material things in our lives that we think will bring happiness and take our minds off of our problems. Like David, we should realize that the one true fortress we have is with the one true God.

This fortress will always protect and never let down.

After reading this devotion I was reminded of that old hymn we still sing in our church, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. What a beautiful reminder. When we turn our eyes upon Jesus the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. Is God your fortress? I challenge you today to run into His open arms.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalms 90:17

Apr '19

God’s Eternal Promise

Posted on Apr 16, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: Blessed, Genesis 9:13-15

Apr '19

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. (Genesis 9:13–15)

I was taught as a child that the rainbow symbolized God’s promise that He would never again destroy the earth with water. Every time it rained, I looked for the rainbow and I remembered God’s promise. Since moving to Southern California, I have seen fewer rainbows, mainly because it seldom rains here. But as the winter brings seasonal rains, I find myself once again searching the skies for that rainbow. What a joy to see that beautiful arc of colors when the sun breaks through the clouds!

As beautiful as the rainbow is, there is still nothing as beautiful as another symbol that Christians look toward. The symbol of a cross representing the cross of Christ. Just as the rainbow is a sign of God’s promise to not destroy the earth with water, the cross is a sign of God’s eternal promise of salvation. As Jesus, Son of God, died on a cross, the cross would forevermore represent God’s covenant of grace and love. The cross is a symbol reminding us that Jesus died for our sins. For those who believe in Jesus, the cross represents a covenant of everlasting life with God in heaven.

Rainbows and crosses are just two ways that God reminds us of His covenants, or promises, to us. What other ways does God remind you of His promises for your life? Be encouraged and hopeful because the Lord will never let you down, He will keep every promise. Sit down with His word and ask Him to show you His promises for you today. You might be surprised at the reminders that He will give you. And never let a rainbow or a cross go unnoticed…take a moment when you see them and give God praise for keeping His promises.

I am encouraged and hopeful today. Why? Because I am reminded through today’s devotion that The Lord will never let me down, ever. He keeps every promise. It may not turn out the way I thought it would but when I take each step in faith believing and trusting Him, I won’t be disappointed because He reminds me daily just how blessed I am. Weather it be be through a rainbow, a cross, my spouse, my children, my health or my family and the list goes on, I am blessed. Remember today, He deserves our praise.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 2 Peter 3:9