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Jun '18
God’s Time
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Jun '18
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2 Peter 3:8)
Time is an amazing concept. We can only understand time by how we experience it and how it applies to our lives. Our lives revolve around a 24 hour day, 7 day week, 4 week month, and 12 month year, give or take a few days. We measure time in increments by celebrating markers such as birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. We discuss time in terms of how fast or how slow it passes. We know that time is moving but we cannot see it, so we watch the sun rise and set, and we keep track of time with our watches and clocks. Our entire life is one constant span of time, uniquely purposed by God for each one of us.
Peter writes to tell us one more truth about time: God’s idea of time is not the same as ours. We understand time as a constant, linear progression but God sees time without boundaries, limits or schedules. Can you imagine one day being as a thousand years, or vice versa? The Lord’s definition of time does not fit into our neat box of calendars, clocks and sunsets..
As Christians, we must learn to live in God’s timeline. We must surrender to His timing in all things. And we must be careful not to think that we have control over time, even our own. 2 Peter 3:10 says it best: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” There is a day coming when this earth will burn and those of us in Christ will be safe with Him. For those not in Christ, they will spend eternity forever separated from Him in a terrible place called Hell. God is waiting even now just for one more person to come to Him, before it is too late. One day could take a thousand years to complete, or a thousand years could be as one day, and then time is up. Is there time for one more person to come to Jesus? Only God knows; and that is why our time here on earth is precious.
Maybe you know someone who needs to come to Jesus. Maybe the Lord has been telling you to share His message with them, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe time is running out and this may be their last chance. Do not let time pass by carelessly. One day the Lord will say to Jesus that time is up for people on earth. Are you ready for that time?
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 3:20-21
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Jun '18
Telling Time
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Jun '18
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16)
“Westerners have watches. Africans have time.” So said Os Guinness, quoting an African proverb in his book Impossible People. That caused me to ponder the times I have responded to a request with, “I don’t have time.” I thought about the tyranny of the urgent and how schedules and deadlines dominate my life.
Moses prayed in Psalm 90, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (v. 12). And Paul wrote, “See then that ye walk circumspectly . . . Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16).
I suspect that Paul and Moses would agree that our wise use of time isn’t just a matter of clock-watching. The situation may call for us to keep a tight schedule—or it may compel us to give someone an extended gift of our time.
We have but a brief moment to make a difference for Christ in our world, and we need to maximize that opportunity. That may mean ignoring our watches and planners for a while as we show Christ’s patient love to those He brings into our lives.
As we live in the strength and grace of the timeless Christ, we impact our time for eternity.
Father, You have given us all the time we need to accomplish what You have given us to do. May we use our time in ways that honor You. Amen.
When I read this it blessed me. So often we miss opportunities God places in our lives because we “don’t have time”. Today, let’s take a moment and maximize an opportunity to make time for someone in need. Time management is not about clock-watching, it’s about making the most of the time we have. I know I needed this reminder today, Thank You Lord!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 1:5
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Jun '18
Love Covers a Multitude of Sin
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Jun '18
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60)
Stephen was a man described as being “full of faith and power, (doing) great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). He had been selected by Peter and the other disciples as one of seven to whom they would entrust certain ministerial duties, while preaching about Jesus. It was not long before Stephen found himself in the center of controversy, standing before the powerful Sanhedrin Council personally to account for his zealous activities for Christ. Today’s verse records the last words that Stephen would speak as he is being stoned to death by the people. Stephen’s prayer is similar to Jesus’ prayer in Luke 23:34 as Jesus said from the cross, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Stephen had a love for the people that only comes from the Father. He was not only filled with faith and power but also with love because he had the Holy Spirit living within him. As the people gathered to stone Stephen, they lay their garments at the feet of a man named Saul. Saul became the Apostle Paul, the one who brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. As Saul stood in agreement to kill Stephen, Stephen asks the Lord to forgive them all (including Saul). Did Stephen have any idea that God would greatly use Saul (who would later become the Apostle Paul)? Not at this point, but his love would cover a multitude of sins and God knew how it would all work out.
As Christians, we know that we are supposed to love and to forgive those who sin against us, but truly doing that in our hearts does not come easy for any one of us. The Holy Spirit is the One who fills us with God’s love and only God’s love can forgive those who hurt or betray us. Instead of waiting until something happens to us personally, we need to be proactive and to ask for the love of Christ to fill us to overflowing. Love is not something to take for granted. Love is something we must pursue. Pursue love today and consciously make it part of your prayers. Ask the Lord to give you a love for Jesus and for His people that surpasses understanding. For Jesus loves us so much that He is still asking the Father to forgive us our sins.
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of Luke 6:28, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. You never know what God has in store for those that curse you or despitefully use you so pray for them just as Stephen did for Saul who later was spiritually transformed into the Apostle Paul who then went on to change the course of history for eternity by bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. We must pursue Love because Love does cover a multitude of sin. Never underestimate what God can do.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 5:8-9
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Jun '18
Fellowship with Jesus
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Jun '18
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. (Philippians 3:8)
I’ll never forget the time I had the privilege of sitting next to Billy Graham at a dinner. I was honored but also somewhat nervous about what would be appropriate to say. I thought it would be an interesting conversation starter to ask what he loved most about his years of ministry. Then I awkwardly started to suggest possible answers. Was it knowing presidents, kings, and queens? Or preaching the gospel to millions of people around the world?
Before I had finished offering suggestions, Rev. Graham stopped me. Without hesitation he said, “It has been my fellowship with Jesus. To sense His presence, to glean His wisdom, to have Him guide and direct me—that has been my greatest joy.” I was instantly convicted and challenged. Convicted because I’m not sure that his answer would have been my answer, and challenged because I wanted it to be.
That’s what Paul had in mind when he counted his greatest achievements to be of no worth compared to the “excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Think of how rich life would be if Jesus and our fellowship with Him was our highest pursuit.
Lord, forgive me for chasing after things that matter far less than my fellowship with You. Thank You that You stand ready to enrich my life with Your presence and power. Amen.
I was blessed and challenged by today’s devotion. I wanted to share it in hopes it would provoke others to stop and think about this. Is Jesus and your fellowship with Him your highest pursuit? To remain faithful where God has placed you, give Christ first place in your heart.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 119:114
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Jun '18
Hearing The Word of God
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Jun '18
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
The Bible is clear in its teachings on faith. Faith is essential to our salvation. If we do not have faith to believe in Jesus Christ, then we cannot receive Him as Savior. It takes faith to believe in God. Believing in God through our faith is the victory that has overcome the world (1 John 5:4). Jesus says in Matthew 17:20 that with faith we can move mountains and that nothing will be impossible for us. The power of God’s Holy Spirit lives within each believer; but do we live as if we believe it? Not without faith.
How do we get more faith? First of all, faith is given to each of us as a gift. Everyone has faith. But we can have more faith in the things of the world than in the things of God. We have faith that the sun will rise and set each day, even though we have no way of controlling its movements; we just trust that it will continue to work the way it always has. But we need to grow in trusting the One who makes the sun rise and set, the One who put it there in the first place. Therefore, our first step in gaining more faith is by getting to know more about our God, our Lord, our Creator. And the way to obtain knowledge of God is by getting into His word.
I love today’s verse because it tells us to hear the word of God. Did you know that when you start reading His Word, you will start hearing His voice? When you start hearing His voice through His Word, then you will see His intervention in all areas of your life. You will pray in accordance with His will because you will know where He is leading you. You will see God answer your prayers. And the end result: more faith! Take a moment to ask the Lord to help you in your faith by helping you hear His Word. Ask for more of Him, more of His Word in your life–more faith.
When I read this devotion I couldn’t help but think, less of me and more of you Lord! Start reading His word today, start with a scripture, an entire chapter, whatever you are able to commit to, start today and you will find yourself reading more and more and hearing His voice more and more. Big achievements come one step at a time, one day at a time. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . .(Colossians 3:15). The peace of God comes when you start digging in and reading His word. Start today!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6:33
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Jun '18
True Love
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Jun '18
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6)
A few years ago as I attended a church retreat, I sat at lunch with ladies I did not know. The woman in charge opened with prayer and then introduced an icebreaker to share around the tables. The question was: “What do you think true love is?” Six out of the eight of us at my table said that love is unconditional acceptance. Their definition included the ability to accept people right where they are, no matter what they look like or what they do. The seventh woman said that she thought love was telling people the truth about sin and where sin leads them. I heard the others snicker at her answer. However, according to Paul’s statement in First Corinthians 5:6, only one in seven got the right answer.
The Corinthian church was accepting sinful behavior from a church couple and glorying in their ability to do so. Paul is saying that this is not good; this is not love and they should not be proud of themselves for accepting this couple’s behavior. Often we get confused of what love really is when judging others’ sins. We do not want to judge others because we ourselves want to be accepted for our imperfections. So we say that acceptance of sin is love. Jesus says in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The truth is that sin destroys. The truth is that the wages of sin is death. If we truly love others, we do not want to see them destroyed by choices that the Bible calls sin. Paul then takes it a step further by saying that the consequences of accepting this sin of sexual immorality will permeate the whole church and will destroy the whole fellowship of believers. Why? Because this acceptance allows people to sin instead of helping them to overcome it. It demonstrates the wrong standards of love, sin and the ways of God.
Our choices and behaviors really do impact others, just as a little bit of leaven makes the whole lump rise. We have to know the Word of God so we can love others according to God’s standards. True love speaks out with kindness and compassion, not allowing others to destroy themselves.
What truth today! The key to this devotion is true love speaks out but what’s so important is how love speaks out, with kindness and compassion. To often we try to impact people and situations without kindness and compassion. We must dig deep into the Word of God as today’s devotion says so we can love others according to God’s standards. With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love (Ephesians 4:2). Is there someone in your life today that can use some truth in love about sin and where that sin is leading them? Eternity awaits all of us and once we die, the judgement, there’s no turning back, no changing our mind once we are standing before Him, wouldn’t you much rather lead those in love now while you have the opportunity? Look to God to guide you with kindness, compassion and honesty because that’s what True Love is.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 4:16
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Jun '18
A Great Power
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Jun '18
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33)
When the disciples were left alone as Jesus ascended into heaven, a new beginning was just around the corner. Jesus told them to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Promise. That Promise came on the day of Pentecost, a day that would change their lives forever. God’s Holy Spirit came upon them with sounds of a mighty wind that came from heaven, a demonstration of supernatural power. Tongues of fire were then dispersed on (“sat upon”) each person (Acts 2:1-4). This event made it very clear that something amazing and indescribable was taking place amongst these people. In the days that followed, this small group of believers came together in one accord, knowing that they had been given gifts from the Lord, and that they had been called to witness to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The first gift given involved “great power” as the apostles zealously told of their knowledge and personal experience of who Jesus Christ was and what He had done. The second gift, however, is one we sometimes take for granted but it is extremely crucial to the first one: “great grace.” They were not only granted power but also they were given great grace. Without grace, they could not go forth and do what they were called to do. The same is true for us today. We may have gifts, callings, knowledge, experience and all of the right answers, but without grace, we will not get very far in our service or our usefulness to God. Why? Because we will be taken out by our own thoughts and behaviors as human beings. We become too aware of our weaknesses and we try to overcome them in our own strength. We cannot control condemning thoughts of the enemy who tells us we are not worthy. We lose faith, hope and the eternal perspective because our focus shifts to ourselves. Grace, however, steps in and says that the Lord has granted us unmerited favor in His sight. He chose us. He loved us first. He called us to do His work. He gifted us for His purposes. Not of us, but of Him, by His grace.
Grace must accompany power in your life today. Grace must be connected to your faith. Take time today and look up verses on “grace.” Use your Bible concordance and spend some time reading about grace. Make a study of it and take your time, even over several days. Let the Lord minister to you through His Word. If you are suffering or struggling, you need to approach His throne of grace with boldness and receive His mercy today (Hebrews 4:16). And even though we are not worthy, the Lord still uses us by giving us the gifts and grace to minister for Him and by Him and in Him. You will be blessed!
I needed to be reminded of this today, so when I read this I wanted to share it in hopes that someone out there could be just as blessed by it as I was. I fail to remember at times how important it truly is for grace to accompany power in my own life, I deliberately try to offer grace to those around me from day to day and I do falter at times but I must admit I’ve failed to offer it up to myself day to day. Instead we are so quick to judge and criticize ourselves so harshly, when all God wants is for us to bring our faults and failures to Him with a humble heart and give it over to Him so we can then go forth and do as today’s devotion said, minister for Him and by Him and in Him.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 40:31
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Jun '18
Blessing in the Mess
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Jun '18
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
I got myself into this mess, so I’d better get myself out, I sometimes find myself thinking. Although I believe in a God of grace, I’m still prone to act as if His help is available only when I deserve it.
God’s first encounter with Jacob is a beautiful illustration of how untrue this is.
Jacob had spent a lifetime trying to alter his destiny. He’d been born second at a time when firstborn sons typically received their father’s blessing—believed to guarantee future prosperity.
So Jacob decided to do whatever it would take to get his father’s blessing anyway. Eventually, he succeeded—through deceit—obtaining the blessing intended for his brother (Genesis 27:19–29).
But the price was a divided family, as Jacob fled from his furious brother (vv. 41–43). As night descended (28:11), Jacob must have felt as far from a life of blessing as ever.
But it was there, leaving behind a trail of deception, that Jacob met God. God showed him he didn’t need desperate schemes to be blessed; he already was. His destiny—a purpose far greater than material prosperity (v. 14)—was held securely by the One who would never leave him (v. 15).
It was a lesson Jacob would spend his whole life learning.
And so will we. No matter how many regrets we carry or how distant God seems, He is still there—gently guiding us out of our mess into His blessing.
Lord, so often we feel trapped by our mistakes, thinking there’s no future left for us. Remind us that you are the God of Jacob, the God who will never give up on Your purposes for us. Amen.
When I read this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. So often we allow the enemy to plant seeds of doubt and self defeat within us and we stay surrounded by the darkness but that’s not God’s plan for our lives, no matter who you are or what you have done, there is hope, there is light and you are never to far from God’s reach. 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 (Ephesians 2:8-9). God’s Grace is immeasurable, His Mercy is inexhaustible, His Peace is inexpressible. Always remember, In God’s garden of grace, even a broken tree can bear fruit. God never gives up on His love and purpose for our lives.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 41:10
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Jun '18
Interrupted Fellowship
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Jun '18
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
The loud, sorrowful cry pierced the dark afternoon air. I imagine it drowning out the sound of mourning from friends and loved ones gathered at Jesus’s feet. It must have overwhelmed the moans of the dying criminals who flanked Jesus on both sides. And surely startled all who heard it.
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” Jesus cried out in agony and in utter despondency as He hung on that cross of shame on Golgotha (Matthew 27:45–46).
“My God,” He said, “my God, why have you forsaken me?”
I cannot think of more heart-wrenching words. Since eternity, Jesus had been in perfect fellowship with God the Father. Together they had created the universe, had fashioned mankind in their image, and planned salvation. Never in the eons past had they not been in total fellowship with each other.
And now, as the anguish of the cross continued to bring devastating pain on Jesus—He for the first time lost the awareness of God’s presence as He carried the burden of the sins of the world.
It was the only way. Only through this time of interrupted fellowship could our salvation be provided for. And it was only because Jesus was willing to experience this sense of being forsaken on the cross that we humans can gain fellowship with God.
Thank You, Jesus, for experiencing such pain so we could be forgiven.
Jesus, we again stand in awe at Your sacrifice. We kneel in Your presence and with gratitude acknowledge what You did for us on the cross. Thank You for making it possible to have fellowship with the Father forever.
When I read this devotion it touched a cord deep down in my spirit. It caused me to reflect on all He sacrificed for you and I because He loves us more than we can even imagine. Willing to sacrifice perfect fellowship with The Father to provide salivation for you and I. What love! How great is our God!! But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 32:17
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Jun '18
The Secret of Peace
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Jun '18
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Grace is a very special lady. One word comes to mind when I think of her: peace. The quiet and restful expression on her face has seldom changed in the six months I have known her, even though her husband was diagnosed with a rare disease and then hospitalized.
When I asked Grace the secret of her peace, she said, “It’s not a secret, it’s a person. It’s Jesus in me. There is no other way I can explain the quietness I feel in the midst of this storm.”
The secret of peace is our relationship to Jesus Christ. He is our peace. When Jesus is our Savior and Lord, and as we become more like Him, peace becomes real. Things like sickness, financial difficulties, or danger may be present, but peace reassures us that God holds our lives in His hands (Daniel 5:23), and we can trust that things will work together for good.
Have we experienced this peace that goes beyond logic and understanding? Do we have the inner confidence that God is in control? My wish for all of us today echoes the words of the apostle Paul: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace” And may we feel this peace “always by all means” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
Dear Lord, please give us Your peace at all times and in every situation. Amen.
My prayer today is no matter what you may be facing, you can find the secret to true peace, just as Grace did, Jesus in you. After reading today’s devotion I feel it is with utmost importance we apply 2 Thessalonians 3:16 to our lives every single day. Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ. To trust in Jesus is peace. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 1:17