17
Sep '18

Winning the Battle

Posted on Sep 17, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: 

17
Sep '18
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) 
 
Did you know that there is an ongoing battle for your mind? Many of us realize that there is a battle taking place in our minds, but the real battle is for control of our minds. This may sound a little like science fiction and weird but that is just what our enemy wants us to think. We are in a spiritual battle every day for control of our thoughts. For some of us, the intensity of conflicting thoughts can torment us for hours. For others of us, we have learned such mind control that we do whatever it takes to press down those thoughts. Regardless of how we handle them, they are still there. 
 
The only effective weapons that we can use are the ones given to us by God. The weapons of the flesh, such as mental imagery or positive thinking will not bring us the victory that God has for us. Many people use such tools and claim dramatic results, but the deceptions are dangerous. Why? Because the focus and the power are placed completely on us, not on the Lord. The more power we think we have in ourselves, the more power Satan has over us. Scary thought? Let’s go for the real power and learn to bring our thoughts before Christ. 
 
Are you in a battle today over things in your mind? There are two things you must incorporate into your daily routine. First, open your Bible and read at least one verse in the morning. Use a devotional or a Psalm or Proverb, whatever works for you. Second, take what you have read and ask the Lord to put His words into your mind throughout the day. If you will do this every day, in time you will begin to remember God’s words and will think about them because His Spirit will bring them to your thoughts. For those things that you are struggling with in your mind, start talking to the Lord about them. Pray that His words will bring comfort and hope instead of torment and guilt. Let the Lord fight for you by letting Him have the control over your mind instead of trying to handle it yourself. 
 
When I read this devotion an old hymn came to mind, turn your eyes upon Jesus. It goes on but ultimately, no matter what we are roaring with in our minds, we must turn it over to Him, turn our eyes upon Jesus. Just as today’s devotion says, open the Bible and read at least one scripture a day and watch the transformation happen in your mind. You will be blown away at the peace that will be found. Bring your thoughts before Christ today.  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength (Isaiah 40:29). As one of the devotions said last week, God has a way of balancing things in our lives. Trust Him. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 40:29 

14
Sep '18

Choose to Love

Posted on Sep 14, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

14
Sep '18

These things I command you, that ye love one another. (John 15:17) 

 

Love is so important to Jesus that He summed up all Ten Commandments into two: love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. The Apostle Paul says in First Corinthians 13 that nothing we do really matters without love. But in today’s world, we are confused about love. Movies and television lure us into fantasies about “true” love using sex, guilt and manipulation as tools to obtain love. When we are hurt by someone who says they love us, we begin to wonder if love really exists at all. Is love a feeling or is it an attitude or a behavior? Jesus knew exactly why He had to command us to love each other. Because we would not do it based upon our own feelings. We are human and our nature is sinful. 

 

The only way to keep this commandment is to pray. Pray for God’s love to fill your heart. Pray that you will love your enemies as well as your neighbor (the good and bad). Pray that you will love Jesus more everyday. It is only when we stop asking “why” and start asking “how” that we can truly know what love is. 

 

When I read today’s devotion it encouraged me to ask how and it starts today. Even as adults we have a tendency to ask God why and as today’s devotion says we need to start asking Him how, how can I show love to the unloveable, how can I extend mercy and grace, how can I show forgiveness and mean it. When you ask God, He will show you. Go to Him in prayer and He will meet you right where you are with clear direction and strength to overcome the why in your life. 

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is Psalms 73:26 


13
Sep '18

God Has a Way of Balancing Things

Posted on Sep 13, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: , ,

13
Sep '18
And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. (Genesis 29:31) 
 
God has a way of balancing the scales. I have seen it with money, with time and, as this verse says, with love. Leah was “unloved” but Rachel was adored by Jacob. Leah had children and Rachel was barren. Not all things are that cut and dry spiritually, but all things are in the hands of the Lord. He is the One who opens and closes wombs. He is the One who determines the day of our birth and knows the day of our death. Moreover, even though Jacob loved Rachel more than he loved Leah, Leah was married to Jacob years longer and Leah was buried with Jacob.  God does not do these things to punish us or hurt us: but to balance us. 
 
While there are blessings, there are also burdens. That balances us. If life here were perfect, would anyone want to go to heaven? Think about it: we all want to go to heaven but no one wants to die, even though life is hard here.  You may not be getting something you have been praying for—a long time. It might be something that others get so easily, but for you, you are begging God for answers, yet without seeing it. If this is you, look at the circumstances differently. 
 
Instead of begging God for what you do not have, start thanking Him for all you do have. Instead of feeling badly about what you are missing on earth, start asking Him to give you a heart to have many things in heaven. We are only passing through here but heaven is for eternity. God knows what is best to keep you balanced. Start praising Him. Start praying to Him about pleasing His heart instead of asking Him to please yours. He loves you. Try seeking His face instead of His hand, and you will receive His peace that surpasses everything else. 
 
God is incredible. I pray today He speaks right to your heart through this devotion as He did mine. I am reminded of Colossians 3:2, Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. So often we can become earth minded instead of eternity minded. Just the other day I was wondering why about a situation we have longed for in our life and yet struggled to attain, but God. Thank You Lord for speaking to my heart, I pray many are blessed and inspired to shift there focus on having a heart to have many things in heaven. God does indeed know what is best to keep us balanced. I needed this today. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today Reading is 1 Peter 3:8 

12
Sep '18

A Slow Day

Posted on Sep 12, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

12
Sep '18
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Proverbs 14:29) 
 
Have you ever had one of those days where you started out groggy, as if in slow motion? I woke up tired this morning. As I sat in my chair and began to read my online Bible, I was even more tired. Coffee did not help. I felt like I was swimming against the current. My insides were trying but my reflexes were not responding. I was having a hard time comprehending and focusing on what I was reading. Even my prayers were challenging, as my mind kept wandering. The day seemed to flow with the same kind of beat. Traffic seemed extra slow and congested. Red lights were longer than normal. And my computer…the little hour glass icon next to the cursor became a great nuisance as I tried to double click through files and pages. My irritation and frustration grew at top speed while everything else around me crawled at a snail’s pace. As my day is fast coming to a close, I am still tired and still in slow motion. What does the Lord want me to learn from this kind of day?
 
Several verses in the Bible include the word “slow,” but are often followed by the words “to anger.”  Why? Because we tend to get angry very quickly. Also, when we act on impulse, we usually act foolishly. The more anxious we get at times, the more likely we are to behave rashly. The end result is not good, not to mention who gets hurt in the middle. We must learn the self-control to be “slow to wrath” and slow to anger. We must learn to recognize the triggers in our environment and circumstances that tempt us to lose control and react in the heat of the moment. For me and my day, the Lord reminded me of these lessons. 
 
Since I woke up in slow motion, He meant for me to go with His flow, not mine. Today, God wanted me to slow down, sit longer at lights, and even wait on my computer to respond. Instead of impulsively getting upset, He wanted me to think about Him during those moments, talk to Him and let Him talk back. Instead of talking to the Lord, I was wondering just when that red light was going to turn green. 
 
Today, and any day, when you are sitting in traffic, at a long light or waiting for service somewhere, stop and talk to the Lord. God has set your day in motion for His purposes. It is okay to go slow, especially when circumstances pull at our emotions. If you go with His flow and follow His tempo, you will end your day with peace and joy, instead of regrets and fatigue. 
 
When I read this devotion it reminded me of how important it is that we find opportunity to talk to God throughout our day and not to focus on the negative aspects but to embrace the moments God has placed in front of us, even if it is a red light that seems to last much longer than we would like, use that opportunity to talk to God, as today’s devotion mentions. It’s those moments when we embrace them that makes all the difference. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6). 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:4 

11
Sep '18

To Believe is to Live

Posted on Sep 11, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

11
Sep '18
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:24) 
 
The Pharisees were always trying to catch Jesus off guard. Regardless of what Jesus was teaching, they would test Him. The Pharisees were the religious leaders and teachers of the day. They knew the Scriptures better than anyone and were always ready to tell others how to live by them. They were superior in their righteousness, or so they thought. They enjoyed their status, their power and the honor given to them by man. Jesus however, created problems for them in His teachings. The people wanted to hear more of what Jesus had to say. The Pharisees were threatened as they saw their power diminishing, as more and more people followed Jesus. How sad to realize that the very One whom they had been waiting for their whole lives was in their midst and they did not recognize Him! 
 
The people who denied Jesus would die in their sins because they refused to believe that He is the Son of God. When all is said and done, the verse above sums up the truth. If we do not believe in Jesus, we will die in our sins. Sadly, there are still Pharisees in our world today who think that by knowledge and good works they have the answers. There are those who can recite Scripture to justify any argument or prove any point and are always instructing others on how to live godly lives. Then, there are those who truly try hard to do what is right. They volunteer for ministry services, give freely to others in need and are kind-hearted to everyone. On the outside, both types look very godly and religious. But what about on the inside? 
 
Jesus is not impressed with our “good” works. Our best intentions mean nothing in the kingdom of God. We are born of sin, live sinful lives and will die in our sins, unless we do one thing—believe in Jesus. It is not the kind of belief that acknowledges His existence or His role. James 2:19 tells us that, “the devils also believe, and tremble.” The word “believe” means to adhere to, rely on, trust in, and depend upon. Do you believe in Jesus Christ according to His definition of the word? Do you absolutely depend upon Him for your salvation? Do you know that there is nothing you can add to your salvation and that there is no good work that you can do for eternal security? The only requirement is faith. The only One who can cleanse us from our sins is Jesus Christ, and the only way we can be cleansed is by believing in Him alone. Today, you can know Him. Dear Lord, I want to know Your Son Jesus. I know that I am a sinner who cannot do enough good works to earn my salvation. I am lost without You. I want You to be my Lord and Savior forever more. 
 
After reading today’s devotion it reminded me of the severity of our salvation, it’s time we take a good hard look on the inside. Time is short, we must depend upon Him for our salvation and Him alone. Take time today and evaluate what’s on the inside because in the end when you stand before God, that’s what will matter most, be sure everything you say and do is for His glory not your own. Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 16:11

10
Sep '18

Aroma of Christ

Posted on Sep 10, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: , ,

10
Sep '18

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:13-14)

 

 

Isn’t it interesting that Paul uses words that relate to our sense of smell to describe how we should be seen by others (or smelled by others)? Most of us notice when a person passes by wearing cologne or perfume, especially when it is a strong scent. There are certain fragrances that evoke memories in us. The smell of spices and evergreen are most common at Christmas. Floral smells hint of springtime. And even someone’s scent (good or bad) stirs emotions within us if we relate that fragrance to a particular time or event in our lives.

 

As Christians, Paul is saying that we, too, have a scent about us —”the aroma of Christ.” The origin of the word “aroma” brings us back to Old Testament times when the sacrificial offerings of burning animal flesh were common. Our lives as Christians are offered as that living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). As we live for Christ (and are willing to die to ourselves), we become a sweet-smelling aroma to God. Not by our good works, but because of the offerings and sacrifices we are willing to make in our daily lives. But we live in a world of indulgence to self, not sacrifice. How can we be the fragrance of Christ in the world today?

 

The first step is in being aware of who you are in Christ. As a believer, you represent Him wherever you go and whatever you do. What does that look like in real life? Maybe by forgiving someone who has hurt you. Maybe by giving up something you want just to bless someone else. The root of sacrifice and unselfishness goes back to love. It is the love of Christ in us and through us that leaves that sweet aroma on others.

 

Take time today and think about the fragrance you are wearing. Put it in the perspective of being an offering and a sacrifice unto the Lord for the sake of others. What better role model for us than the apostle Paul? Of course, the ultimate sacrifice was given through God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, and it is now up to us to make that sacrifice known to the world. Ask the Lord today to help you be the aroma of Christ everywhere you go. May you leave a scent of love on everyone that you pass.
 
After reading today’s devotion it provoked me to stop and ask myself that very question and my hope is that you will take a moment today and evaluate your spiritual scent. I realize this may sound silly but it’s truth. What fragrance have you chose to wear today? It’s a choice each and every day, choose wisely. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
 
Todays Reading is Psalms 16:8 
 
 

07
Sep '18

Unchanging Love

Posted on Sep 7, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

07
Sep '18

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17) 

 

When I was in high school I played on the varsity tennis team. I spent many hours of my teenage years trying to improve my skills on four concrete courts located just two blocks from my home. 

 

The last time I visited that city, one of the first things I did was drive to the tennis courts, hoping to watch others play and reminisce for a moment. But the old courts, so familiar to my memory, were nowhere to be seen. In their place was a vacant field, inhabited only by an occasional weed waving silently in the breeze. 

 

That afternoon remains in my mind as a stark reminder of the brevity of life. One of the places where I expended some of my best youthful strength no longer existed! Reflecting on that experience later brought me to this truth, expressed by an aging King David: “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;” (Psalm 103:15–17). 

 

We grow older and the world around us may change, but God’s love doesn’t. He can always be trusted to take care of those who turn to Him. 

 

Faithful Father, thank You for Your love that never changes! Help me to love You by serving You faithfully today. Amen. 

 

This devotion blessed me. I am encouraged in knowing His love for me never changes, may we serve Him ever so faithfully today and every day. He is faithful. Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them (Psalm 89:9). 

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 3:11 


06
Sep '18

Serve Humbly in Love

Posted on Sep 6, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

06
Sep '18
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Galatians 5:13-14) 
 
Servitude is not a glamorous concept. Who in their right mind would sign up for a life of servitude? And yet that is what God has in mind for his people. God knows how service to others will bless us as well as the community around us. 
 
Service is a great way to put aside our self-centeredness and notice how we are connected, even indebted, to others. When we start seeing the genuine needs of others, it deters our own sense of entitlement. None of us became the people we are alone, but by the sacrifice and investment of many others from our earliest years. And that doesn’t take into account what Christ has done for us. 
 
Serving others not only reveals the bonds between us; it reflects the love of God. When we notice service to us, and when we serve others, we experience God’s grace. It points people to Christ. Jesus modeled grace that goes way beyond our understanding. He emptied himself for us, though we deserved nothing. His example calls us to “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:21). In our “me-first” culture, God calls us to put others first. What a challenge! 
 
Are we looking out for others the way we look out for ourselves? Can we put their needs ahead of our own? How are you serving in your community? 
 
Lord, teach us how to serve one another. Help us to put the needs of others first, as you did for us. Show us ways to use our gifts to bless others. In Jesus name, Amen. 
 
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of Ephesians 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. May our lives always reflect Christ.
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is 2 Thessalonians 3:5 
 

05
Sep '18

Genuine Faith

Posted on Sep 5, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

05
Sep '18
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:2-3) 
 
Jesus was very popular early on in His ministry, especially after performing His most popular miracle to date: the feeding of the five thousand. Now we’re talking—a guy who gives us free lunch! This is awesome! The crowds swelled. Huge multitudes followed Him. So Jesus turned to them and challenged them, and the result was that many turned away. They weren’t following Jesus for the right reasons. 
 
Some people say they are Christians, but then, when a little hardship comes their way, they say they don’t believe anymore. They claim to have lost their faith. Their faith was worthless in that case, because the faith that can’t be tested is the faith that can’t be trusted. 
 
If you were to tell me that you’ve lost your faith because of a hardship or difficulty, then I would tell you that I’m glad you lost that faith—because it wasn’t real faith at all. If you have real faith in God, then it won’t be weakened by calamity; it will be strengthened by it. If you have real faith, then it will grow through hardship. That is what the Bible teaches.
 
Tragedy, hardship, and trials don’t produce faith as much as they reveal it. If your faith is really in Jesus, then you will get through the storms of life. If you tell me that you turned away from God because of something that happened in your life, then my question is do you even have faith? Maybe it’s time to get some. 
 
Jesus thinned out the ranks of His so-called followers. Gideon did the same when God called him into battle against the Midianites. Why? Because God can do more with three hundred committed people than with ten thousand halfhearted people. And He is still looking for committed people today. 
 
When I first read this devotion it struck a cord in my spirit and I felt this message needed to be shared. I was honestly hesitant to share it despite the truth behind it but it’s our responsibility as children of God to share the truth in love. How committed are you, do you have real faith? If you have real faith, then it will grow through hardship. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
 
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 17:24 

04
Sep '18

Admit Your Fears

Posted on Sep 4, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

04
Sep '18
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. (Psalm 56:3) 
 
Is it hard for you to admit that you are afraid or fearful of something? Think of the circumstances and people that occupy your mind during the day. Are your thoughts filled with peace or fear? It is difficult to admit as Christians that we are fearful. For some reason we believe that the presence of fear disqualifies the strength of our faith. But it is foolish to believe that Christians are not fearful. Every stage we enter in our walk with the Lord has to shake our faith in order for us to understand the seriousness of the choices at hand. I love the Word of God, the Lord allows us to be honest about our fears and then helps us work through them as we learn from the examples of others as described in His Word. 
 
When reading Psalm 56, we learn that David wrote this Psalm. From what we know about David, we know a boy who could slay a lion and a bear to protect his sheep. Then we know him as a man who was a mighty warrior and wise king. And yet, God allows us to see into this man’s heart and we find that David was a lot like us, struggling with fears at times. But what makes David, “a man after God’s own heart,” was that he knew what to do about his fears. Those fears did not separate him from the Lord or hinder his faith. David had faith amidst the fears. How? 
 
First, David made a conscious effort in prayer to admit to God that he was fearful. As believers, we often tend to not include the Lord in our fears, knowing that we shouldn’t be “fearing” anything but Him. Not David, he understood that the Lord sees and knows all things about us. We can’t hide from the Lord, so why pretend He doesn’t know how we are feeling? 
 
Next, David confidently told the Lord that he chose to trust in Him about those fearful things. So now, think of those things again that are fear inducing in your life. Talk to the Lord about them. Tell Him everything you are thinking. Now, tell the Lord that you choose to trust Him with those very things. You might have to tell Him over and over, but in time, you will train yourself to be like David…a man after God’s own heart. 
 
I was so uplifted and encouraged by today’s devotion. So often I feel we try to internalize our fears and hide them from everyone around us but we don’t have to hide from God. He said in His word, before He formed me, He knew me. It’s okay to fear, it’s what you do with those fears that matter most. Take them to The Lord in prayer. Admit your fears to God, He will never stop loving you or caring for you. He will take your hand and walk you to other side of your fears, victoriously. I am reminded of a saying and I want to leave you with it to ponder, during your trials and testings, when you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is 2 Timothy 1:13-14 

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