His Voice

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. (Ephesians 4:14)
 
Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus to guard themselves against the widely changing interpretations of doctrine.
 
He warned them to not get tossed around emotionally by people who spoke into their lives.
 
Let us Seek Christ first before we go to people, regardless of who they are.
 
Mentors and accountability groups cannot take the place of the Holy Spirit.
 
Pastors and bible study teachers are still human…growing and learning just as you are.
 
(You)have one Lord, …one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] God, all in all.
 
If I am confused, let me go to my prayer room first… not my phone! God sends us mature believers so can become mature too; but His voice must remain first in all we do.
 
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 1 Timothy 4:6  
 
When I read this devotion I had to take a moment and reflect on what was being said. I think often times we are quick to seek guidance, opinion and approval from man, when in reality, we need to first go to God, seek Him and follow His leading. I love when it said, “His voice must remain first in all we do”. Simplicity at its best.
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!


Be Kind One to Another

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32) 
 
Kindness is manifested in small, simple gestures. 
 
From a smile to a thoughtful word, a loving act can turn someone’s day around!   

Jesus tells us that we are to be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving one another. 
 
Now more than ever, we need tenderness.
 
God, in His great mercy, freely offers forgiveness to us.
 
The more our hearts draw near to Him and His ways, the more we want to be like Him.
 
Having received forgiveness, we will pass it on to others.
 
Just as children imitate their mothers and fathers, we are to be imitators of Christ.
 
How might you show sacrificial love to those in your life?
 
As I encounter difficulties and irritations, I will freely forgive, showing kindness and grace to all those I interact with and meet! Amen.
 
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I felt showing forgiveness, kindness and grace is something we all need to do just a bit more these days. Many have become easily irritated with the state our world is in, being told what to do and what not to do, passing judgment on one another, speaking in anger. I pray in those moments when it would be so easy to lash out and voice your opinion that you would stop and think, how would Christ handle this, how can I imitate Christ and show forgiveness, kindness and grace? Ephesians 5:1, Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!


Quiet Time With God

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:14) 
 
As much as we might hate to admit it, God doesn’t need or want us to tell Him what He should do. He wants to hear from us, absolutely, but what brings the Lord happiness is our devotion to His plan. That means prayer; creating open lines of communication with God that serve as a dialogue. It means both speaking and listening. We can pray anytime, anywhere. It’s a huge blessing to know that we can speak to God at any moment in our lives…the good and the bad moments. Prayer knows no rules so just pray. Pure, unplugged, heart-tuned-in communication with your best friend is all you need.
 
This devotion is right in line with our Sunday Devotion. We were challenged to say The Lords Prayer and Psalm 23 every single day for 21 days. Prayer is our lifeline to God, our spiritual breath. Make time today to communicate with God. Never doubt the power of prayer. 
 
MATTHEW 6:9-13, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

PSALM 23, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!


Prayer

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:18)
 
God wants to be the center of your life: the center of your conversation, the center of your entertainment, and the center of your relationships. Prayer keeps Him in the center of all you do. We must equip ourselves every single day by spending time in prayer. When we turn to God in prayer, we discover that God is faithful in unexpected ways!
 
You may be thinking, how do I pray, the bible gives instruction, pray ye, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
Start your day out with The Lords Prayer, it takes seconds to say The Lords Prayer and it will change your day and your life forever if you will choose to make time to meet the master. He is waiting. 
 
Heavenly Father, time spent in prayer is never wasted may we find that to be true as we draw closer to you. Help us to see that prayer is the best armor against all trials, prayer changes everything. Amen.
 
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:4-7
 
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!