Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 5-15-18

May 15, 2018

Psalm 115: 1, 9-18 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

In Christ Jesus, we are protected from the unholiness of this world.  Our protection comes when we are united (abiding) in love and affection with the sovereign Lord of the heavens and earth.  We return love and honor to God, because he loves and honors us as his creation. Honor is about value; giving weight to something important. For God, his character is pure and honorable, so the honor he bestows on us is perfect.  For us as his people, we must learn and grow in honor as it is a connective bridge in our future with the sovereign God. Our lives honor God when we live to please him.  As his people, we learn to honor and love the Lord with every aspect of our lives.  We walk with him by faith knowing he is worthy to be praised in all things and he will surely protect us.

Scripture teaches God will protect us as a Shield, so do not give fear any place in your life.  When you start feeling afraid, use your faith and speak words of praise lifting up Christ.  If you are truly abiding or dwelling in him and honoring his utterance/Word, as he is lifted up you will be lifted up. 

In today’s passage, the psalmist encourages Israel or the people of God to love, trust, honor, and praise the Lord.  In Christ, the people of God are those who call on the name of the Lord to be saved. Praise the Lord!

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Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 5-14-18

May 14, 2018

Philippians 1:3-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

If you were allowed to give one message to people you truly cared about, what would that message be? What would you want to place in their thoughts that would last?  In our lesson today, the Apostle Paul wants to get a message to his spiritual family of what really matters in life: to overflow with the love and righteous character of Jesus Christ.  

Jesus is the Answer and Good News for every issue, because he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He is the Way, because he brings new perspective to human thinking.  He is the Truth, because he is Wisdom incarnate.  He is the Life, because he is the Savior who leads us into eternal life in connection to the Father through the Spirit.  Take time today to truly give thanks to the Lord and pray for opportunities to share a message of hope to those in your sphere of influence.  God knows when someone needs to hear the Good News.

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