02
Oct '18
That you May Believe
02
Oct '18
And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. (John 19:35)
Over 333 prophecies were fulfilled during the life of Christ. Twenty-eight of those prophecies were fulfilled while Jesus was on the cross. In this Scripture passage, John points out three times that certain events occurred for the Scriptures to be fulfilled, “that ye might believe.”
In the Christian life, our salvation (our faith) is based upon one thing: our belief that Jesus Christ came to earth as the Son of God, fully God and fully man, and that He gave His life as a ransom for us. He was not just a good man or prophet or teacher—He was God incarnate. Jesus began His journey to earth back in the Garden. God told us that her Seed (the woman) would crush his head, the head of Satan. The rest of the Old Testament foretold of His coming and God’s people knew to look for Him. Yet, when Jesus showed up on the scene, many of them did not believe. In the course of three years, He did more miracles than could be recorded. But still, many did not believe.
Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, just as had been told. He died on a cross for the sins of humanity and opened the way for all who look upon Him and believe in Him, to have everlasting life. But, He did not stay dead—He arose on the third day. Jesus conquered death so that we may live. One day the rest of the prophecies will be fulfilled, just as the Bible foretells. One day, Jesus will return and will reign as the King that many of these people were looking for when He came the first time. Until then, we wait and we eagerly look for Him to return. Do you believe?
The Bible was written so that we may believe. The Gospel of John was written by the disciple whom Jesus loved, so that we may believe. Regardless of life’s trials and hardships, do not allow the hardness of this world to weaken your faith. Look up! Look to the Cross and be saved. Sometimes we need to be reminded to look up and see Jesus. He is with us right now—He is with you right now. Just believe.
Lord, I will never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. Help me to never take for granted the forgiveness You have extended to a sinner like me. Help me walk in the freedom You gave to me as a result of Your perfect sacrifice. Amen.
This devotion blessed me so very very much! What a powerful reminder for each and every one of us, no matter what hardships you are facing, look up. Today, ask yourself, Do you believe? Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. He is great, He does miracles so great! That you may believe.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 12:25
01
Oct '18
For Our Friends
01
Oct '18
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
In Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights, a cantankerous man who often quotes the Bible to criticize others is memorably described as “the wearisomest self-righteous Pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake [apply] the promises to himself and fling the curses to his neighbours.”
It’s a funny line; and it may even bring particular people to mind. But aren’t we all a bit like this—prone to condemn others’ failures while excusing our own?
In Scripture some people amazingly did the exact opposite; they were willing to give up God’s promises for them and even be cursed if it would save others. Consider Moses, who said he’d rather be blotted out of God’s book than see the Israelites unforgiven (Exodus 32:32). Or Paul, who said he’d choose to be “accursed from Christ” (Romans 9:3).
As self-righteous as we naturally are, Scripture highlights those who love others more than themselves.
Because ultimately such love points to Jesus. “Greater love hath no man than this,” Jesus taught, than “a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Even before we knew Him, Jesus loved us “to the end” (13:1)—choosing death to give us life.
Now we are invited into the family of God, to love and be loved like this (15:9–12). And as we pour into others Christ’s unimaginable love, the world will catch a glimpse of Him.
Lord, thank You for showing us what it means to love. Help us to love like You. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was reminded, when we love Christ, we love others. Today, let’s take a moment and reflect on the love we show others. Show The Love of Christ.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 145:18
28
Sep '18
The Blessing of Encouragers
28
Sep '18
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27)
The 2010 movie The King’s Speech tells the story of England’s King George VI, who unexpectedly became monarch when his brother abandoned the throne. With the country on the brink of World War II, government officials wanted a well-spoken leader because of the increasingly influential role of radio. King George VI, however, struggled with a stuttering problem.
I was especially drawn to the film’s portrayal of George’s wife, Elizabeth. Throughout his struggle to overcome his speech difficulty, she was his constant source of encouragement. Her steadfast devotion provided the support he needed to overcome his challenge and rule well during the war.
The Bible highlights the stories of encouragers who gave powerful assistance during challenging circumstances. Moses had Aaron and Hur’s support during Israel’s battles (Exodus 17:8–16). Elizabeth encouraged her pregnant relative Mary (Luke 1:42–45).
After his conversion, Paul needed the support of Barnabas, whose name literally means “son of encouragement.” When the disciples were fearful of Paul, Barnabas, at the risk of his own reputation, vouched for him (Acts 9:27). His endorsement was essential to Paul being welcomed by the Christian community. Barnabas later served as Paul’s traveling and preaching companion (Acts 14). Despite the dangers, they worked together to proclaim the gospel.
Believers in Jesus are still called to “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). May we be eager to offer encouragement to help support others, especially as they face difficult circumstances.
After reading this devotion I am reminded of the many times throughout the Bible where God uses encouragers to support and lift one another up. My prayer today is, God use me to to be a friend of encouragement, use me to lift someone up today and every day because just the encouragement of a friend can make all the difference. May we be someone’s Aaron and Hur, someone’s Elizabeth, Barnabas, the list goes on, these are just a few examples throughout the Bible. Let’s be an encouragement in someone’s life today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 John 1:7
27
Sep '18
When We’re Weary
27
Sep '18
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
Sometimes trying to do the right thing can be exhausting. We may wonder, Do my well-intentioned words and actions make any difference at all? I wondered this recently when I sent a prayerfully thought-out email meant to encourage a friend, only to have it met with an angry response. My immediate reaction was a mixture of hurt and anger. How could I be so misunderstood?
Before I responded out of anger, I remembered that we won’t always see the results (or the results we desire) when we tell someone about how Jesus loves them. When we do good things for others hoping to draw them to Him, they may spurn us. Our gentle efforts to prompt someone to right action may be ignored.
Galatians 6 is a good place to turn when we’re discouraged by someone’s response to our sincere efforts. Here the apostle Paul encourages us to consider our motives—to “test our actions”—for what we say and do (vv. 1–4). When we have done so, he encourages us to persevere: “let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (vv. 9–10).
God wants us to continue living for Him, which includes praying for and telling others about Him—“doing good.” He will see to the results.
Dear God, thank You for the encouragement we receive from Your Word. Help us to persevere in doing good. Amen
This devotion blessed me so very much. It can be summed up in six simple but so powerful words, He will see to the results. We can leave the results of our lives in God’s hands. Trust Him and do good unto all men.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 1:3
26
Sep '18
It’s Not About the Fish
26
Sep '18
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. (Jonah 3:10)
The Bible tells us about a “huge fish” so rare that God had provided it especially to swallow a runaway prophet (Jonah 1:17). Most know the story. God told Jonah to take a message of judgment to Nineveh. But Jonah wanted nothing to do with the Ninevites, who had a reputation for cruelty to just about everyone—including the Hebrews. So he fled. Things went badly. From inside the fish, Jonah repented. Eventually he preached to the Ninevites, and they repented too (3:5–10).
Great story, right? Except it doesn’t end there. While Nineveh repented, Jonah pouted. “O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? ” he prayed. “I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness” (4:2). Having been rescued from certain death, Jonah’s sinful anger grew until even his prayer became suicidal (v. 3).
The story of Jonah isn’t about the fish. It’s about our human nature and the nature of the God who pursues us. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God offers His love to brutal Ninevites, pouting prophets, and you and me.
Father, we tend to look at what others “deserve” and forget we need Your love just as much. Help us live in Your love and tell others about it. Amen.
When I read this devotion today it reminded me of just how good God is. Despite our failures and weaknesses He still loves us. Today’s Reading goes right in line with today’s devotion, I love when God does that, Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Live in His love today and remember just how much He loves you no matter what your going through. Our love has limits; God’s love is limitless.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 2:8-9
25
Sep '18
Many Beautiful Things
25
Sep '18
And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. (Mark 14:6)
Just before her death, artist and missionary Lilias Trotter looked out a window and saw a vision of a heavenly chariot. According to her biographer, a friend asked, “Are you seeing many beautiful things?” She answered, “Yes, many, many beautiful things.”
Trotter’s final words reflect God’s work in her life. Not only in death, but throughout her life, He revealed much beauty to her and through her. Although a talented artist, she chose to serve Jesus as a missionary in Algeria. John Ruskin, a famous painter who tutored her, is said to have commented, “What a waste,” when she chose the mission field over a career in art.
Similarly, in the New Testament, when a woman came to Simon the Leper’s house with an alabaster jar and poured perfume on Jesus’s head, those present saw it as a waste. This expensive perfume was worth a year’s common wages, so some of the people present thought it could have been used to help the poor. However, commending this woman’s deep devotion to Him, Jesus said, “She hath wrought a good work on me” (Mark 14:6).
Every day we can choose to let Christ’s life shine in our lives and display His beauty to the world. To some, it may seem a waste, but let us have willing hearts to serve Him. May Jesus say we have done many beautiful things for Him.
Dear Father, help me express my love to You in beautiful ways. Amen.
This devotion blessed me today because it is full of such truth and encouragement. No matter what those around you are saying based on what they see, remember this devotion, to some it may seem a waste but have a willing heart to serve Him faithfully and you will quickly realize it was never a waste but opportunity for God to do great and mighty things through you to further His kingdom. We are just passing through, make the most of every day and may our lives display the beauty of God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 11:1
24
Sep '18
Are You So Foolish?
24
Sep '18
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:3)
There are times that we all get discouraged when we try so hard in our homes and in our work. We want to do the best we can. We want to be giving and loving in our efforts. We want to know that we are pleasing the Lord. We equate blessings with God’s favor, thinking that it is our motives and actions that are being rewarded. So when things don’t go well, we wonder what we are doing wrong. It is a common misconception, but God doesn’t work like that. His grace is not gained by our good behavior. Because we are under the covenant of grace, we are called into rest. That is why it is so important to hold on to His promises. He is always working in us and with us. His plan is that we almost become passive in the process. We get tired of trying as we get caught in the middle between His promises and our efforts. Our hearts long to spend time with the Lord but there are always too many other factors competing for our attention. These factors take away our energy, and at times, make us feel like we can’t do it all or we didn’t do a good job anyway.
If God has given you promises, then He is the One who is responsible to fulfill them. God does not need our help or efforts. What He has started in the Spirit will not ever get accomplished in our flesh. It is the enemy who tries to discourage you. Satan will put thoughts in your mind of doubt and self defeat. Out loud, tell those evil forces that God has a plan regardless of your abilities. You choose to rest in His promises instead of worrying and doubting God by looking at yourself. Tell the Lord that you are choosing to focus your eyes on Him. And then, get into His Word and claim those promises. His Word puts you on the Rock, and our only responsibility is to stand firm on that Rock.
I feel the biggest thing to walk away with from this devotion is to focus your eyes on Him, dig into the word and claim those promises. I am reminded of Isaiah 55:11, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Stand firm on The Rock today! God has a plan!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 59:16
21
Sep '18
How to Stand Firm
21
Sep '18
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. (Jude 1:24)
It was a cold, icy winter’s day, and my mind was focused on getting from my warm vehicle to a warm building. The next thing I knew I was on the ground, my knees turned inward and my lower legs turned outward. Nothing was broken, but I was in pain. The pain would get worse as time went by and it would be weeks before I was whole again.
Who among us hasn’t taken a spill of some sort? Wouldn’t it be nice to have something or someone to keep us on our feet all the time? While there are no guarantees of surefootedness in the physical sense, there is One who stands ready to assist us in our quest to honor Christ in this life and prepare us to stand joyfully before Him in the next.
Every day we face temptations (and even false teachings) that seek to divert us, confuse us, and entangle us. Yet, it’s not ultimately through our own efforts that we remain on our feet as we walk in this world. How assuring to know that when we hold our peace when tempted to speak angrily, to opt for honesty over deceit, to choose love over hate, or to select truth over error—we experience God’s power to keep us standing (Jude 1:24). And when we appear approved before God when Christ returns, the praise that we offer now for His sustaining grace will echo throughout eternity (v. 25).
Father, thank You for Your constant care for our souls. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was uplifted and encouraged. What a mighty God we serve, an ever present help in the time of trouble. Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. God is so good. I have shared this quote many times but I feel in my spirit it needs to be shared once again today for someone struggling to understand the why. When GOD leads you to the edge of a cliff, trust Him fully. Only two things can happen; either He will catch you when you fall or He will teach you how to fly.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Galatians 6:9
19
Sep '18
Don’t Worry About It!
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Sep '18
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (Matthew 6:25)
Do you worry? Some of us worry about paying the monthly rent or mortgage. Some of us worry about the choices our children are making. Others of us are anxious about big decisions we must make about our future. With all the concerns in life, can Jesus really be serious when he tells us not to worry?
While we will never know a life without concerns, Jesus assures us we can know a life without worry. He points out that worry—any manner of pace-the-floor, can’t-sleep-at-night fretting—is not helpful because it changes nothing. Worry doesn’t add a single hour to life; it doesn’t solve a single problem. And worry isn’t helpful because life is more than our worries make it out to be! Followers of Jesus are called to live for so much more than the fleeting things we worry about.
Jesus reminds us that worry isn’t necessary for a child of God. Your heavenly Father knows precisely what you need, when you need it. And your heavenly Father is good. The same God who paints the flowers of the field and tends the birds of the air holds every part of your life in his nail-pierced hands. The same God who loved you so much that he went through the hell of Calvary for you, loves you too much to leave your life to chance.
Don’t worry! God is in control!
Creator God, you hold the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of the smallest molecules in your hands. Help us to trust in your perfect care for us, so that we may be free to build our lives on you. Amen.
I pray this devotion blessed you today. I myself needed this reminder. No matter what we are facing today, don’t worry about it, GOD IS in control. Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matthew 6:34). GOD IS in control.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in a The Lord!
Todays Reading is Ephesians 4:29
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Sep '18
The Cure to Worry
18
Sep '18
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)
There is nothing more prevalent in the age in which we live than the increasing problem of worry. Worry is a powerful force to disintegrate the human personality, leaving us frustrated, puzzled, baffled and bewildered by life. Sometimes you hear the expression: “sick with worry”, and anyone who has experienced it knows it is no empty expression. You can be literally sick with worry. Paul’s answer to this is a blunt, “Do not be anxious about anything.” The entire Word of God is a constant exhortation to believers to stop worrying. It is everywhere forbidden to those who believe in Jesus Christ, and I think one of the most serious areas of unbelief is our failure as Christians to face the problem of worry as sin. Because that is what it is. Worry is not just something everyone does and therefore it must be all right. It is definitely labeled a sin in the scriptures, and the exhortation is everywhere: stop it!
Well you say, this is all very well to say don’t worry, but how do you stop it? Every time I try to stop worrying I worry all the more. You can’t stop it just by the exercise of will power. Again, that’s the secret of running the race — here it is: “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
I love those words “in every situation.” That means there is nothing too small to bring to him. Someone asked, “Is it alright to bring small things before the Lord? Is he concerned about the small things in our lives?” The answer is: is there anything that looks big to God? Everything is small to him, so take everything to him in prayer. Prayer is the expression of our dependence upon his promises. It isn’t necessarily on your knees, or in the closet, but it can be simply that quiet, “arrow prayer” of the heart, in continual recognition that you need to lean back upon his grace and strength in everything, constantly relating to that indwelling life of God the Son in you.
“Petition” means, keep it up, over and over again. Whenever problems develop lean back again in prayer to the one who is able and competent within you through his indwelling life. Thanksgiving is that forward look of faith that thanks God for the answer before you see it. Knowing his character, you know something — the right thing, the perfect thing — will be done.
God is not saying we should ask for everything we want. Instead, we’re to ask for everything we need. Frequently we find ourselves praying for things he never promises. For instance, if you are up against some kind of trial, or some catastrophe strikes in your life, our perfectly understandable, natural human reaction is to say, “Lord, take this away.” But God never said he would do that. He does not always want us to have it taken away. Sometimes he will, sometimes not. That kind of prayer must always have appended to it what our Lord prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.”
But there are things for which we can immediately ask, and know that we will receive. His grace, his strength, insight, wisdom, patience, love and compassion. And as we lean back upon him in that inner dependence of faith which is prayer, we can also begin to give thanks that the answer has come, and in our thanksgiving we discover the experience of it as well. So, as in everything where we let our requests be made known to God, the result is peace. The peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I confess, Lord, that I so often prefer worry over prayer. Thank you that you invite me to cast all my cares upon you. I pray that I may learn to do that with a heart of continual thanksgiving. Amen.
Today’s devotion is a bit lengthy but I felt every aspect of it was so very relevant to our lives today and I needed this reminder myself. My prayer is someone, somewhere, also needed to hear this and is blessed and inspired by it. Let your requests be known to God and the result is peace, Amen! PUSH, pray until something happens, FEAR, false evidence appearing real. Pray!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 2:3-4