Devotions Archives - Page 75 of 104

In Time

Posted on Dec 11, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: His Time, Revelation 1:3

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3)

The key word in today’s verse is the word “time.” When the Lord says, “the time is near,” He is referring to time from His perspective, not from the perspective of time that we have. Our minds cannot comprehend God’s concept of time, which puts us in a place of trusting Him for His perfect timing in all things.

Time seems so finite to us on earth, but in the kingdom of God, time is very different from what we know today. Even setting the clocks back one hour throws our schedules and internal systems off. It takes many of us all week to get adjusted to the time change. How can we begin to even imagine time being eternal? But it will be eternal for our spirits, and the choice of where we will spend it is up to us. For those in Christ, eternity in Heaven awaits us and the concept of time will no longer matter. For those who die without knowing Christ as their Savior, eternity consists of a Hell too terrible to comprehend.

Today, we should value time from the perspective that it is too short and is running out fast. Let’s get out and spread the Good News before time runs out. The book of Revelation is written so that we will know of what is to come and to believe that the “time is near.” We must never become complacent or apathetic regarding the Lord’s prophecies and promises. His words will come to pass…in time.

When I read this I couldn’t help but think, find me ready Lord, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Time is short and we must focus on what truly matters in life. I challenge you this week or even this month, to read Revelation with me. We must equip ourselves with God’s word. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28).

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 23

Dec '17

Unexpected Grace

Posted on Dec 8, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: Acts 9, Forgiveness

Dec '17

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:12)

It was an early Saturday morning in my sophomore year of high school, and I was eager to get to my job at the local bowling lanes. The evening before, I had stayed late to mop the muddy tile floors because the janitor called in sick. I hadn’t bothered to tell the boss about the janitor so I could surprise him. After all, What could go wrong? I thought.

Plenty, as it turns out.

Stepping in the door, I saw inches of standing water, with bowling pins, rolls of toilet paper, and boxes of paper scoresheets bobbing on top. Then I realized what I had done: While doing the floors, I had left a large faucet running overnight! Incredibly, my boss greeted me with a huge hug and a big smile—“for trying,” he said.

Saul was actively punishing and harassing Christians (Acts 9:1–2) when he came face to face with Jesus on the road to Damascus (vv. 3–4). Jesus confronted the soon-to-be-called apostle Paul with his sinful actions. Blinded by the experience, Saul/Paul would need a Christian—Ananias—to restore his sight to him in an act of courage and grace (v. 17).

Both Saul and I received unexpected grace.

Most people know they’ve messed up. Instead of lectures, they need a hope for redemption. Stern faces or sharp words can block their view of that hope. Like Ananias, or even my boss, followers of Jesus must become the face of grace in these life-changing encounters with others.

We have all come face to face with this reality and I’m certain we can all recall the individual who showed us grace and forgiveness in a situation where we know we didn’t deserve it. What an impact we can make in someone’s life by showing grace and forgiveness. Today lets do as this devotion mentions and find someone in our lives that deserves the face of grace. As followers of Christ lets choose to give someone hope for redemption and pray for them and with them instead of throwing out anger, judgement and condemnation. We have all messed up. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). A Christian’s grace-filled actions can smooth someone’s path to the Savior’s presence. Let’s choose today to show love and forgiveness.

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is Acts 9:1-19

Dec '17

Trusting God Even If

Posted on Dec 6, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: always present, Daniel 3:17

Dec '17

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. (Daniel 3:17)

Due to an injury that occurred in 1992, I suffer from chronic pain in my upper back, shoulders, and neck. During the most excruciating and disheartening moments, it’s not always easy to trust or praise the Lord. But when my situation feels unbearable, God’s constant presence comforts me. He strengthens me and reassures me of His unchanging goodness, limitless power, and sustaining grace. And when I’m tempted to doubt my Lord, I’m encouraged by the determined faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They worshiped God and trusted He was with them, even when their situation seemed hopeless.

When King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into a blazing furnace if they didn’t turn away from the true God to worship his golden statue (Dan. 3:13–15), these three men displayed courageous and confident faith. They never doubted the Lord was worthy of their worship (v. 17), “even if” He didn’t rescue them from their current predicament (v. 18). And God didn’t leave them alone in their time of need; He joined and protected them in the furnace (vv. 24–25).

God doesn’t leave us alone either. He remains with us through trials that can feel as destructive as Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace. Even if our suffering doesn’t end on this side of eternity, God is and always will be mighty, trustworthy, and good. We can rely on His constant and loving presence.

Lord, thank You for being with us, no matter what we’re going through. Amen.

When I read this I couldn’t help but be reminded, just because God didn’t remove the situation from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they still went into the furnace, faith believing “even if” they knew He would be with them in the fire. The same goes for you and I, even if God allows us to walk through the fire, even after asking and begging him to remove it from us, don’t loose faith in knowing even if, He is still with you in the fire. He never leaves you, He always gives you a way of escape, even if that means enduring the fire but knowing He is right beside you going through it with you. Your never alone. No matter what your facing, He is right there facing it with you, always present.

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is Daniel 3:13-25

Dec '17

God’s Favor

Posted on Dec 5, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: Daniel 1:9, He is Faithful

Dec '17

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. (Daniel 1:9)

I love the Old Testament stories that illustrate how God brought someone into favor in an unfavorable situation. Daniel was given favor in the king’s palace, even though he was a captive and taken prisoner. Joseph was given favor with the guards as a prisoner in Egypt. And even David, before he was king, was given favor when he sought refuge in enemy territory with the Philistines. Why such favor with these people in these situations? Was it because of what they had done to earn it? No. It was because of who God is.

Even today, we see God’s favor upon us. There are many times that I ask God to give me favor in certain situations or with certain people. Sometimes we hold back from asking for such things because we feel unworthy or undeserving. But the Lord wants us to ask because He loves to answer. I have been given favor in situations where I felt I didn’t deserve it. When we truly embrace God’s grace, then we can begin to understand a snippet of how much He loves us.

God is so good! He always has a way of showing His grace in so many different ways and it’s through devotions like this that I read when I am reminded of just how good God is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. If He brought favor to Daniel, Joseph and David in the most unfavorable situations then He can and will do the very same for you and I. If our lives are in line with God’s word and what He has called us to do, you can guarantee He will find you favor, even in the most uncertain situations. Be merciful, loving and kind, no matter your situation and watch what God will do. Be reading your word, praying, fasting and faithful in your tithes. He is faithful that promised.

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is Proverbs 3

Dec '17

The Last Will Be First

Posted on Dec 4, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: Matthew 23:12, Put others first

Dec '17

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)

Recently I was among the last in line to board a large passenger jet with unassigned seating. I located a middle seat beside the wing, but the only spot for my bag was the overhead compartment by the very last row. This meant I had to wait for everyone to leave before I could go back and retrieve it.

I laughed as I settled into my seat and a thought occurred to me that seemed to be from the Lord: “It really won’t hurt you to wait. It will actually do you good.” So I resolved to enjoy the extra time, helping other passengers lower their luggage after we landed and assisting a flight attendant with cleaning. By the time I was able to retrieve my bag, I laughed again when someone thought I worked for the airline.

That day’s experience made me ponder Jesus’s words to His disciples: “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

I waited because I had to, but in Jesus’s “upside down” kingdom, there’s a place of honor for those who voluntarily set themselves aside to attend to others’ needs.

Jesus came into our hurried, me-first world not “to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). We serve Him best by serving others. The lower we bend, the closer we are to Him.

Loving Lord, help me to follow You into the needs of others and serve You there. Amen.

This blessed me when I read it. We are typically always in a hurry, passing up opportunities to be used by God. Today, slow down, stop and remember, you can make a difference. God has a purpose for every “inconvenience” we may face, we just have to be open and willing to serve others despite our inconveniences in the moment. May we remember what was said in today’s devotion, The lower we bend, the closer we are to Him.

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is Mark 9:33-37

Dec '17

The Holy Spirit in You

Posted on Dec 1, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: Ezekiel 37:14, The Holy Spirit

Dec '17

I shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:14)

I recently read. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we receive His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God and He is a gift from God the Father that allows us to have a relationship with the Lord. The Spirit of God intercedes for us in prayer as He uses words that enter into the throne room of God when we can only moan and groan. He is our Counselor, our Teacher, our Comfort and our Guide. But the most important eternal promise we receive when the Spirit of God is placed in us is the seal of our salvation as we come alive spiritually for eternity. Amazing!

Do you realize the power you have living inside you? That power raised Lazarus from the dead, healed all kinds of diseases and delivered souls from bondage. That same power is found in you through Jesus. Jesus shows us this power through His indwelling peace. When we receive the Spirit of God, we have peace with God, not peace as the world gives, but the peace of God that surpasses understanding. It is peace that “settles” you. No matter where you are or what you are struggling with, God has settled your soul to have peace with Him.

The peace of God is a promise for you today. Claim it, speak it and live in it. Throw off the distractions of illness, financial loss, negative comments, guilt, and self-condemnation. And let the peace of Christ dwell in you richly. Nothing can interfere with the love Christ has for you and the peace that is yours by knowing Him. All these things on earth will pass away, but your security for eternity is fixed. Fix your eyes on Jesus by reading His Word. Get a verse today that you can claim as a promise and live beyond the struggles. Cast your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you.

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 5:7-11

Nov '17

We’re Never Too Far Gone

Posted on Nov 30, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: 1John 1, He is Faithful

Nov '17

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

When it comes to trusting God, we all have a choice. God’s ultimate heart for each and every person is to embrace His love and forgiveness. That was the entire purpose behind Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection three days later. No matter what we have done or what regrets we carry, when we repent from our sins and cry out for God’s love and forgiveness – we receive it.

That’s what happened when the people of Nineveh turned from their sins and cried out for God’s mercy; the most wicked city at the time was radically redeemed. It’s a story of hope that reflects God’s heart for each and every person. No matter your past, no matter the regrets and shame you carry – God can forgive you. In fact, God is eager to overwhelm you with His grace and mercy if only you’ll acknowledge that you’ve messed up. 1st John chapter 1 says that if we confess our sins and recognize our need for Jesus, we will experience God’s complete purifying forgiveness (My Paraphrase). Nobody is too far from God that they cannot be redeemed and forgiven.

Hey – if the Ninevites could be forgiven, so can that estranged family member, that ex-spouse, or even our nation. All it takes is coming to God with repentant faith and saying, “God, forgive me. I’ve tried doing life my own way, but now I want to walk with you.” If God can forgive Nineveh, He can forgive an ISIS terrorist, a hardened atheist, or simply the person who believes in God but has been living life their own way. Most of all, God can even forgive YOU and me! It’s never too late; you’re never too far gone. Claim God’s love and forgiveness today!

He is faithful! As I’ve read over the past devotions and recalled what God has placed in front of me from day to day, I can’t help but know, He is faithful that promised. You may feel your prayers are not being heard but remember, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 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. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands (Isaiah 55:9-12). He is faithful!

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is 1 John 1

Nov '17

Perfect in Suffering

Posted on Nov 29, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: 1 Peter 5:10, He is Faithful, Trust Him

Nov '17

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:10)

I recently read. The word “suffer” is not a word that brings comfort or peace. When we hear someone is suffering, we feel concern, sympathy and even sadness for that person. The definition for suffering means “to experiencea sensation or impression (usually painful).” The other fact that we as Christians must deal with is that God allows suffering. Nothing on this planet or in the universe happens without God’s approval.

Why does this loving, gracious God allow tragedies that bring such suffering? Why does evil persist, even in homes and families who seek the Lord the most? These and many more questions are asked when we try to make sense of God’s ways. Satan has taken full advantage of these events in our lives; at least he has tried to. Have you ever had thoughts like: “Why should I believe that doing things God’s way brings me any assurance of protection or blessings?” Or, “If God loves me then why is He letting this happen to me?” The same logic applies when we turn those same thoughts to others. People hurt us, so let’s not trust people anymore. Circumstances hurt us, so let’s control everything we possibly can to prevent being hurt (Hurt, by the way, is just another description for suffering.).

The bottom-line answer is that we will never fully understand why God does what He does. We must live as He has told us to live–by faith. We must believe and trust that the Lord has a reason for everything that happens to us. When we dig into His Word and study His teachings, then we will have more peace in those times of confusion and pain. Today’s verse is an example of how we can find peace and hope in times of suffering. We should pray this verse and meditate on it as we are going through those times of suffering. If we can look beyond our pain for the moment and pray to see the bigger picture that God has for us, then we can find hope and even peace in what we are going through. Even in the midst of great tragedies that tempt us to ask God “why,” we can trust that He has a much greater plan than what we see in the short term. The question for us is whether or not we will trust Him or turn from Him.

Take time today to really meditate on the verse above. Take comfort and trust the Lord to “perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you” after you have suffered a while. Only God knows the timing of such things. Pray for the perseverance to endure.

We all need to be reminded of this from time to time. With all the hurt and suffering going on in the world around us and maybe even in our own lives we can’t become discouraged and allow it to over take our hope and joy but we must lift up our heads and remember this scripture. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Trust Him!

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 5:6-11

Nov '17

Submitting to God

Posted on Nov 28, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: Acts 10:14-15, Just say yes

Nov '17

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. (Acts 10:14-15)

Do you feel comfortable saying “no” to God? We might not have the ability to admit it but we each say “no” to God in some way. Sometimes we say “no” by choosing to not witness. Sometimes we say “no” by refusing to volunteer. Sometimes we say “no” by ignoring the prompting of our heart. But most of the time we say “no” because we refuse to accept His will for our lives.

In Matthew 16:13, Jesusasked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” The disciples answered His question by stating what others think about Him. “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter is the only one who answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus acknowledges to Peter that God, Himself, has revealed this to him. A few passages later, Jesus begins explaining that He will have to suffer. Peter again is the only one who speaks up as he disagrees with God’s plan, taking the liberty to rebuke the Lord. Matthew 16:22-23 says, “Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Peter has gone from a place of esteem to a place of rebuke. In Acts 10, we find Peter disagreeing with God again as he says, “Not so, Lord.”

We are flesh and our natural born nature rebels against the Lord at times. God can handle whatever position we take and He wants to reason with us on our position. Talk to Him and be honest. The problem comes when we place our thoughts and desires over God’s, to a point of rebuking the Lord. We may not have the boldness to tell Him we think He is wrong, but our actions show the thoughts and intents of our hearts as we choose not to submit or yield or even listen to what He is trying to say. God’s ways do not make sense to us and His thoughts are not our thoughts.. Peter was a man who had an honest relationship with God. His rebukes may not seem respectful but he kept himself in a position to keep listening until his will lined up with God’s will.

What is the Lord trying to tell you today? Are you going through a set of circumstances that you refuse to acknowledge is God’s will for your life? Are you fighting or submitting? Are you willing to listen or are you running? Let us all pray that we are on God’s side. When it comes down to it, He is going to win. Don’t you want to be on His team?

When I first started reading this I initially thought, I would never say no to God but as I continued reading it challenged me to reflect on the times past when I have rejected the prompting in my heart or when God said give and I chose not to, when God said go and I stayed put. In those moments I realized I was telling God “no” and yet He was patiently waiting for me to heed to his correction and direction and once I did He didn’t scold me, He didn’t make me earn His love, He just loved me and continues to do so because that’s what a loving father does. When we come back to God with a repentive spirit, when we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Stop fighting and start submitting. He is waiting. Just say YES LORD!

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is Proverbs 3:5-6

Resist the devil

Posted on Nov 27, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: James 4:7, The Word

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

As believers, we face so many obstacles that can take us away from serving the Lord. We have thoughts that control us, wants that consume us and feelings that move us. Because none of us were born understanding God’s ways, our natural inclinations work against living out a Spirit-filled life. Coming to Christ means that we lay aside our natural inclinations and ask the Lord to fill us with His wisdom instead. That process is known as submitting. To submit means to be under obedience. So we take what we want to do, what we feel is right to do and what we think is best and tell the Lord that we want His Will instead. Waiting on God and trusting Him begins.

To resist the devil means that, after we have submitted to God, we go to the Word of God to counteract our thoughts, feelings and wants. The devil is fully aware of who we are and how we think. As a result, he uses our desires to entice us to keep from submitting. We start questioning the love of God and His motivation. We begin to fear and hold on to our thoughts, feelings and wants, instead of trusting and letting go. We have to realize that the devil is alive and well. His desire is to use your fleshly desires against you so that you sin against God.

Jesus resisted the devil by the Word of God. Now, if the Living Word, Jesus, needed to speak forth the written Word, the Bible, to resist the devil and have him flee, how much more do we need to submit to God in this pattern also? Trust Him; in faith speak forth and pray the Word of God. Believe Him, submit to Him and the devil will flee from you. It is a promise–God’s promise!

When I read this it blessed me, we must always remember, The One and only Truth, The Bible, is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We must never add to nor take away from it. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;). Look to God for all things, trust Him completely and remind the enemy of his failures, he was already defeated long ago, he is now grasping for whatever and whoever he can take down with him, don’t give him the power that has already been taken from him. You are strong in Christ, you are an overcomer. Equip yourself by prayer, fasting and reading The Word and remember, he who kneels most, stands best.

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is 2 Timothy 3:16-17,

Joshua 1:8