That you May Believe
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, “so that you may 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!
As I reflected on this devotion it blessed me more and more. What powerful truth, what a reminder!! Just believe. May we never take for granted the forgiveness He extended to all sinners, if we would only believe and trust Him!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 5:1-16
Writing Letters
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. (2 Corinthians 3:2)
My mother and her sisters engage in what is increasingly becoming a lost art form—writing letters. Each week they pen personal words to each other with such consistency that one of their mail-carriers worries when he doesn’t have something to deliver! Their letters brim with the stuff of life, the joys and heartaches along with the daily happenings of friends and family.
I love to reflect on this weekly exercise of the women in my family. It helps me appreciate even more the apostle Paul’s words that those who follow Jesus are “a letter from Christ,” who were “written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God” (2 Cor. 3:3). In response to false teachers who wanted to discredit his message (see 2 Cor. 11), Paul encouraged the church in Corinth to keep on following the true and living God as he had previously taught. In doing so, he memorably described the believers as Christ’s letter, with their transformed lives a more powerful witness to the Spirit working through Paul’s ministry than any written letter could be.
How wonderful that God’s Spirit in us writes a story of grace and redemption! For as meaningful as written words can be, it is our lives that are the best witness to the truth of the gospel, for they speak volumes through our compassion, service, gratitude, and joy. Through our words and actions, the Lord spreads His life-giving love. What message might you send today?
Lord God, write the story of my life so that I might reflect Your love and goodness to those I encounter today. Amen.
When I read this one simple thought came to mind. You may be the only bible some people read. What message are you sending today to those watching?
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 3:1-6
Clothes for the Climate
While removing the price tag from an item of winter clothing I had purchased, I smiled at these words on the back: “WARNING: This innovative product will make you want to go outdoors and stay there.” When properly clothed for the climate, a person can survive and even thrive in harsh and changing weather conditions.
The same principle is true in our spiritual lives. As followers of Jesus, our all-weather spiritual wardrobe has been prescribed by the Lord in His Word, the Bible. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Col. 3:12–13).
These garments that God provides—such as kindness, humility, and gentleness—allow us to meet hostility and criticism with patience, forgiveness, and love. They give us staying power in the storms of life.
When we face adverse conditions at home, school, or work, the “clothing” God tells us to wear protects us and enables us to make a positive difference. “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (v. 14).
Dressing according to God’s guidelines doesn’t change the weather—it equips the wearer.
Heavenly Father, help me to put on Your garment of love so that I am prepared for whatever life brings me today. Amen.
May each and every one of us have staying power in the storms of this life, knowing that in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Equip us this day Lord to weather the storm. We would never remove our jacket during a storm, let us not remove our spiritual wardrobe when the storm is at it’s worse but be equipped and ready to face whatever life’s storms throw at us with love and strength. He is our strength! This devotion blessed me so much today. Dressing according to God’s guidelines doesn’t change the weather—it equips the wearer. Amen!! Remember this today.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:8-17
Do Not Give Up
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
Are you feeling “weary” these days? Do you ever feel as if “doing good” really gets you nowhere? I bet that if we were honest, most of us would admit to these feelings or thoughts at some points in our Christian life. If you spend much time at all reading Paul’s letters in the New Testament, you hear him telling us to persevere, to run the race with endurance, and to not lose heart. The Apostle Paul understood the trials of suffering and how hard it can be just to keep going, day in and day out. Today’s verse has a promise at the end, one that we can all claim in victory. If we do not grow weary and give up, there will be a time of reaping, a season of harvest.
The enemy will use every scheme he can against us to discourage us from moving forward. I wonder how many times we give up at the last minute. What would happen if we never gave up? When the Lord calls you to step out, you must go. Once you make that decision, you will be tested. You will be tempted to quit, especially in your thoughts. To combat the temptations to quit, we must stay in the Word of God to renew our minds and to surrender to His will over our natural-born desires. Through the Holy Spirit, we can overcome and live a life pleasing to God. Praise God, for He wants for you to overcome and live a life pleasing Him.
God is leading you, you must follow Him, step by step. Know that there will be times when you will feel weary and your heart wants to sink, but that is when you turn to the Lord for strength and encouragement. Do not give up! The victory may be a day away.
When I read this I was blessed by this devotion today, the victory may be a day away, wow, what truth!! It’s okay to admit weariness and discouragement, it’s what we do after that makes the difference. We must persevere, run the race with endurance, and not lose heart. Don’t allow the enemy to plant seeds of doubt in your mind, read your word and pray every day, stay close to God and watch His plan unfold in your life. In His time you will reap the harvest. Don’t give up on God, He has never given up on you. He loves you so much He sent His son to die for you. What love!! Be not weary, do not give up.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Galatians 6:9
Take Time to Stop
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)
“Be still” is a phrase often commanded by parents. Children have an abundance of energy that seems to have no limits at times, regardless of where they may be. The command to “be still” usually comes when either the energy level has reached a fevered pitch or when the environment is not conducive to an overabundance of activity, such as riding in a car or sitting in church. However, getting a child to be still from just speaking the words is most often a futile attempt at best; sometimes, more serious action is required.
As children of God, we are not so different. We tend to lead overactive lives filled with busyness and activities that seem to have few boundaries themselves. The difference is that, as adults, we have no one telling us to “be still” and slow down. We think the busier we are, the better we are for us and for those around us. Most of us even feel better just by staying active and over stimulated. Our society not only endorses this behavior but also has, for the most part, created the standards for it. How many of us would like to be known as weak, feeble, or slack? We most likely would be insulted by such words. But God says that we are to “be still,” which is defined in Hebrew with such words. God is the One who tells us not to put anything above or before Him in our lives, even our energy levels and activities.
Just as with a child, sometimes our attention must be captured by God using more drastic actions. I heard the Lord telling me to slow down but it took physical changes in my life before I began to listen and obey. All God wants is more of us. He wants to be with us and He wants our undivided attention when we are with Him. It is a command to “be still,” to be weak and to be at rest, before our God. Take time today to stop and be still before the Lord. Pray that you can “know” that He is your Lord and Savior and that you can be with Him in stillness and peace. If you hear Him telling you to be still, then listen and obey and do not wait: start today.
When I read this I couldn’t help but recognize it can be extremely difficult for some to “be still” and I don’t believe God wants us to turn our backs on our responsibilities. He wants us to be still and make time for Him in and throughout our days. As hard for some as it may be, setting your alarm even a half hour earlier so you can wake and spend time in prayer and in your word before the day demands your attention is a great way to be still. Let’s start making Him a priority today.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 46
Put Down Your Burdens
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
A man driving his pickup truck on a country track saw a woman carrying a heavy load, so he stopped and offered her a lift. The woman expressed her gratitude and climbed into the back of the truck.
A moment later, the man noticed a strange thing: the woman was still holding onto her heavy load despite sitting in the vehicle! Astonished, he pleaded, “Please, Madam, put down your load and take your rest. My truck can carry you and your stuff. Just relax.”
What do we do with the load of fear, worry, and anxiety we often carry as we go through life’s many challenges? Instead of relaxing in the Lord, I sometimes behave like that woman. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28), yet I’ve caught myself carrying burdens I should offload onto Jesus.
We put down our burdens when we bring them to the Lord in prayer. The apostle Peter says, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Because He cares for us, we can rest and relax as we learn to trust Him. Instead of carrying the burdens that weigh us down and weary us, we can give them to the Lord and let Him carry them.
I’m tired, Lord. I bring You my burdens today. Please keep them and carry them for me. Amen.
When we truly let go and let God it’s a beautiful thing, it’s a freedom beyond what your mind can even fathom, can even explain. It’s a weight that lifts that you can’t even explain. It’s a God thing that can’t be denied. When I read this I felt someone needed to be reminded of this, let go and let God! When you do you will experience a freedom that can’t be expressed with words. I don’t know who you are but God does and I am praying with you and for you. Today is your day to put down your burdens!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 11:25-30
His Everlasting Love
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3)
God is love. You cannot separate Him from love and He works in our lives because of His love. Many of us know that God is love, but how many of us live like we believe it? Fear, doubt, guilt and thoughts of self-condemnation are all factors that wage against the love of God. So each time that we worry, we are not resting in the love of God. Each time we feel fearful regarding our finances or health, we are not resting in the love of God.
God loves you so much that you cannot do anything to separate yourself from His love. He understands your struggles and limitations. But through it all, He wants you to find rest as you accept His love and love Him back. After all, 1 John 4:19 says, “We Love Him, because He first loved us.”
When I read this it blessed me. It is short but powerful. What a mighty God we serve. Today, rest in the love of God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 10:12, Galatians 1
A Heart of Compassion
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)
Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.
As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.
Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light—as people who need the gentle touch of grace. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Col. 3:12). He also suggests that we “forbear one another, and forgive one another” (v. 13).
As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us.
Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others. Amen.
I must admit, I needed this reminder today. We all need to set a Christ like example. Even in the moments when we feel our actions are justified, stop and think, how would Christ handle this situation or individual. He continues to show love and compassion. Let us stop and think before we speak or react to people or situations in our path today. Help us Lord to show compassion to others. Help us be a reflection of your light and love.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:12-17
The Best Portion of All
“His piece is bigger than mine!”
When I was a boy my brothers and I would sometimes bicker about the size of the piece of homemade pie mom served us. One day Dad observed our antics with a lifted eyebrow, and smiled at Mom as he lifted his plate: “Please just give me a piece as big as your heart.” My brothers and I watched in stunned silence as Mom laughed and offered him the largest portion of all.
If we focus on others’ possessions, jealousy too often results. Yet God’s Word lifts our eyes to something of far greater worth than earthly possessions. The psalmist writes, “Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word” (Ps. 119:57–58). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the writer conveyed the truth that nothing matters more than closeness to God.
What better portion could we have than our loving and limitless Creator? Nothing on earth can compare with Him, and nothing can take Him away from us. Human longing is an expansive void; one may have “everything” in the world and still be miserable. But when God is our source of happiness, we are truly content. There’s a space within us only God can fill. He alone can give us the peace that matches our hearts.
Loving Lord, thank You that nothing and no one can meet my every need like You can. Amen.
When I read this it blessed me. What a perspective, He and He alone can give us the peace that matches our hearts. True contentment only comes when you willingly give it all over to Him and choose God as your source of happiness. Scripture says, Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Can you even imagine how big His heart is? So just imagine with me if we were to ask God to give us a piece as big as His heart, wow, that’s unimaginably and in my mind overwhelmingly big and He wants to share a piece with us that’s just as big as His heart. He loves us and would that we would prosper and be in health. The thing is, He won’t force any pieces on us, we have to be willing and submit all our ways to Him. He won’t force Himself upon us. What a God we serve. So today, let’s go to Him and ask Him for a piece as big as His heart and see what He gives you in return. If you don’t receive the piece instantly, that’s okay, trust Him for your portion, in His time and don’t look to your left or to your right but trust His timing for in His timing it is beautiful, it is delicious and it is well worth the wait.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 73:21-28, Isaiah 40:28-31
Things That Matter
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
It seems that time is passing so fast; birthdays come faster and even the holiday season comes sooner every year. But in reality, time is set at a fixed and constant rate and does not change. So I am not getting older faster than I used to, and holidays do not come sooner than they used to, but rather, time is passing at a constant speed. Why does time seem to be passing too fast?
The author of the book of Ecclesiastes had come to the point in his life in which he understood just how little time we really have. In the first chapter, the author identifies himself as David’s son, the king of Jerusalem. He also calls himself the Preacher and he spends twelve chapters preaching on the meaning of life–the meaningless of life. His main point centers on how much time we spend on things that are “vanity.” The word vanity means emptiness, unsatisfactory, and vapor. Too often, the things we chase after in life are done in vain, and end in emptiness. How many of us look back on things we chased in life and see the worthlessness of the time wasted and the end result? How many of us would love the chance to go back and do certain things over again? Let us go forward with a new mind, set on the things that matter.
Today, take time to stop, slow down and find the real meaning in your life. Our Savior was born to give the only gift that matters. A gift that is not bought, earned or labored for; it is totally free. Jesus has given the gift of everlasting life to all who believe in Him. In this gift, however, there is so much more than just what awaits us in eternity. Our gift starts today. Jesus promised that He would not leave us alone. He has given us His Holy Spirit who lives within us; and because of Him, we have love, joy and peace. Take the time to worship and praise Him for all that He has given you.
When I read this I couldn’t help but think of a small portion of a song I hear from time to time. “He is refining in his timing, He’s making diamonds out of us”. Don’t loose hope, joy or peace. Trust Him. He loves you beyond measure and if you just turn your focus on the things that truly matter, your true beauty will shine through. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (Philippians 3:13).
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 1 and 2 Corinthians 11:16-33