Devotionals

Psalm 2:1-5 The Voice (VOICE)

Truth is revealed by the will and purpose of God. He uses many unusual unveiling methods in unlikely people to display his wisdom and the reality of his righteous Kingdom. ”God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful” (1 Cor. 1:27). God calls his children to assume a humble posture before his holy throne. He is Lord of all and we are wise to exalt him and bow to his rule of love.

In our passage today, the psalmist writes to national leaders who think they are wise. However, instead of walking in wisdom these leaders are going to find themselves at odds with God. Actually, it reminds me of our present political realities.

Psalm 2:1-5
1
You are wondering: What has provoked the nations to embrace anger and chaos?[rage]
Why are the people making plans to pursue their own vacant and empty greatness?
2
Leaders of nations stand united;
rulers put their heads together,
plotting against the Eternal One and His Anointed King, trying to figure out
3
How they can throw off the gentle reign of God’s love,
step out from under the restrictions of His claims to advance their own schemes.
4
At first, the Power of heaven laughs at their silliness.
The Eternal mocks their ignorant selfishness.
5
But His laughter turns to rage, and He rebukes them.
As God displays His righteous anger, they begin to know the meaning of fear.

Prayer: Lord, may I never diminish your rule and reign in my life by seeking to advance my own selfish agendas. I want you to be my first Love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hebrews 8:1-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

As believers, we are blessed beyond our ability to comprehend, because God, in Christ, cut a new covenant to fulfill the old covenant made with Israel—the people of God. It was God’s intention for earthly things to be an expression of heavenly realities, but the old covenant was only a shadow of the promise God was actually making to those who would turn to worship Him.

The sacrificial system performed by the high priest under the old covenant required a blood sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the people—the Day of Atonement. Under the new covenant, Christ offered himself for our sins once and for all. Think about it; Christ died to make atonement for our sins. He is our Anointed High Priest. Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we practice self-sacrifice revealing Christ as the Lord of our lives. This is the reality of heavenly worship. As we bow in this place of self-sacrifice, the riches of heaven are made available to us—we may apprehend limitless promises in Christ. As we soon approach our spiritual season of Lenten reflection, let us remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us and be willing to engage in self-sacrifice in order to enjoy a whole new level of his holiness. This is our call to worship.

Hebrews 8:1-7 Christ Is Our High Priest
1 Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. 2 There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle,[tent] the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands.
3 And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. 4 If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. 5 They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”
6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for interceding for me and covering my sin each day. Please continue to provide me the power to practice self-sacrifice, so you may be lifted and exalted in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 2:1-5 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Yesterday, I made a decision to really break-in my new bicycle—my birthday present from John. So, my house was the starting point and from there I traveled a total of fifteen strenuous miles. During my trip, I experienced frustrating road construction with disconnected cross walk signs, detours, and lots of traffic, but I also experienced the companionship of a great friend, the beauty of God’s creation, and the quietness of less travels roads as Laura and I peddled throughout Millennial Park. The entire experience in the park was a treasure and respite for my soul, but it was a challenge getting there.

In our passage today, we experience the wisdom writings of Solomon who reminds us to travel the pathway of wisdom. Keep in mind wisdom’s pathway is strenuous and littered with challenges. True wisdom is from God, so the Lord is our starting point as seen in his revealed Word. God has extended humanity an amazing gift; a relationship with a flawlessly faithful Friend who never leaves us or forsakes us. Because God’s wisdom is hidden from the foolish, we must be willing to press beyond the obvious things that try to drive our emotions. As we stay on wisdom’s path, we discover more about life with God. In time, we see beyond the frustration and the difficulties, because we are seeking God’s advice and willing to listen. We know he is guiding our path, because like a precious gem, God brings beautiful rewards for those who diligently seek him. We all need divine wisdom, so ask God to generously give you wisdom and then get on your spiritual bike and ride. God has good things in store for you.

Proverbs 2:1-5
2 My child, will you treasure my wisdom?
Then, and only then, will you acquire it.
And only if you accept my advice
and hide it within will you succeed.
2 
So train your heart to listen when I speak
and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment—
then pass it on to your sons and daughters.
3 
Yes, cry out for comprehension and intercede for insight.
4 
For if you keep seeking it like a man would seek for sterling silver,
searching in hidden places for cherished treasure,
5 
then you will discover the fear of the Lord
and find the true knowledge of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing divine wisdom for me and for rewarding me as I remain faithful to your leadership over my life. I love you! You are Good! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 New Living Translation (NLT)
What is your first reaction when someone voluntarily tells you he or she will do something and then does not fulfill it? Is your first reaction to get angry? Is it to ask questions as to why he or she did not fulfill the commitment? Or, do you just simply give it to God without prompting further discussion? We may utilize any one of these responses based on how significantly the commitment failure impacted us, right? As children of God and followers of Christ, our word is a big deal. God listens and holds us accountable. So, be careful with what you promise to do.

In our passage today from the OT, the Lord reminds his children of the integrity that should occupy our commitments; every promise involves the Lord. We are to be reflections to the world of God’s integrity. In the NT, Jesus reminds those listening to be careful before making a promise or commitment, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t’” (Matt 3:37). Be honest and live in the integrity of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23
21 “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin. 22 However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow. 23 But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be a person of my word, so help me to weigh every commitment I make so I may honor your will with integrity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 1:2-8 The Voice (VOICE)

If I have a difficult task ahead of me I always find comfort when I don’t have to go it alone. The spiritual life is like that for me. I may face some difficulties in life, but I do not have to endure them alone; I have a spiritual family who is always there for me. In fact, I don’t have to rely on my own wisdom to navigate through the difficult times. God has offered to give me his wisdom and strength so I can make it to the finish line; spiritual maturity. I just need to ask God for help and remain single-minded in my commitment to him. Are you going through some hardships? This passage is for you!

James 1:2-8
2-4 Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. 5 If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking.

6 The key is that your request be anchored by your single-minded commitment to God. Those who depend only on their own judgment are like those lost on the seas, carried away by any wave or picked up by any wind. 7 Those adrift on their own wisdom shouldn’t assume the Lord will rescue them or bring them anything. 8 The splinter of divided loyalty shatters your compass and leaves you dizzy and confused.

Prayer: Lord, for everyone who is going through difficult times, may you use that pressure to make every person strong. Keep me patient as I ask for help with my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 John 2:7-17 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Today, many people will recognize Valentine’s Day; a day to celebrate love and romance. This is an old tradition and expression of love. Yesterday, two of my friends sent me a Happy Galentine’s Day message; evidently it is also a day to celebrate gal friends. This is a new expression for me. However, I do love my gal friends—all my sisters in Christ—a lot, so I may choose to observe this new expression of love. These may be human celebrations of love, but at the most pure level possible, real love is sacred and believers are carriers.

Scripture teaches God is love and nothing can separate believers from him. Humans were created to love God. We were also created to love one another—especially believers in Christ. In our passage today, the Apostle John reminds his readers that believers now embrace the values of the Kingdom of God; we love each other the way God loves us. We become a human expression of his love. Although the enemy is always trying to pervert love and get believers to turn on one another, we need to stay in the light of God’s pure agape (sacrificial) love. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through ever circumstance” (1 Cor. 13:4-7). That is the way God loves us. That is how we are to love one another.

1 John 2:7-17
7 Beloved, I’m not writing a new commandment to you, but an old one that you had from the beginning, and you’ve already heard it. 8 Yet, in a sense, it is a new commandment, as its truth is made manifest both in Christ and in you, because the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already blazing.

9 Anyone who says, “I am in the light,” while holding hatred in his heart toward a fellow believer is still in the darkness. 10 But the one who truly loves a fellow believer lives in the light, and there is nothing in him that will cause someone else to stumble. 11 But whoever hates a fellow believer lives in the darkness—stumbling around in the dark with no clue where he is going, for he is blinded by the darkness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for imparting to me your pure and sacred love; for loving me s perfectly. Help me to love as you love; to genuinely love my brothers and sisters in Christ as you have loved me. I pray for my heart to love even those who are difficult to love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 1:12-16 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Do you make decisions based on how you feel? People who are led by their feelings, tend to do so as the foundation for evaluation. In other words, “I feel this way; therefore, this is what I should do.” Psychologists remind us feelings and desires are closely linked; desires emerge from our feelings. What comes to your mind when you think about the word “desire?” Desires may cover a wide range of human wants, emotions, and cravings. It might be a desire for God, but it can also be a desire for lust, greed, or the fulfillment of our flesh. God created human beings and knows our desires, but does God generate all desires? Is it possible that some of our desires actually flow from our unredeemed flesh?

Our desires have to be wisely discerned, because we do not want to ascribe something to God that is far from His heart and plan for our lives. If we are honest, we must accept the fact that our desires are not all holy. In fact, that is the very reason we are not to be led by our feelings; instead, we are to walk by faith in the Word of God. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit who brings us into unity with God’s Word. As believers who walk by faith, therefore, we need to take a good look at our desires. If our desires are completely self-centered and opposed to God’s Word, chances are our flesh is generating that longing (1 Cor. 13:5). If our greatest desire is living in the will of God and standing on the foundation of God’s Word, then that is a desire that flows from the Spirit. Personal responsibility is a big deal with God; so, use the Word of God as your plumb line and honestly and wisely evaluate your feelings and desires.

James 1:12-16
12 If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!

13 When you are tempted don’t ever say, “God is tempting me,” for God is incapable of being tempted by evil and he is never the source of temptation. 14 Instead it is each person’s own desires and thoughts that drag them into evil and lure [hooked by the bait of evil from their own desires] them away into darkness. 15 Evil desires give birth to evil actions. And when sin is fully mature it can murder you! 16 So my friends, don’t be fooled by your own desires!

Prayer: Father, thank you for knowing me and understanding my personality, desires, and feelings. I will remain faithful to your Word; help me to walk by faith in your ways. As I do so, please keep my relationships healthy and holy, because that is where most of my desires and feelings are expressed; the proving grounds of my faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 6:16-21 Amplified Bible

Solomon was a young boy when he took over the throne of his father, King David. It was an overwhelming task for one so young. The Lord invited Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted and He would give it to him. So, Solomon prayed and asked God for wisdom—to discern and know right from wrong according to Almighty God. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, so God imparted to him divine wisdom. When you pray, what do you desire most? Is it your desire to discern God’s heart regarding right and wrong?

Solomon wrote in the wisdom book of Proverbs the life lessons God had revealed to him over the years; things that were important to God and represented him as a Light in the darkness. In our passage today, God continues to share wisdom—Truth in actions—with Solomon. There are things God hates; things he detests and are wrong in His sight. We need to ask ourselves, “What is my stand on these things God detests?” As believers, we are responsible to run from these foolish actions; learning to live in a way that pleases God must become our way of life. May we never practice or put a stamp of approval on the very actions God claims to hate.

Proverbs 6:16-21
16 These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.

20 My son, keep your father’s [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you].

21 Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck.

22 When you go, they [the words of your parents’ God] shall lead you; when you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you waken, they shall talk with you.

23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life…

Prayer: Lord, I want that which is right in your sight to become my way of living. Continue to teach me and help me to learn from your wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (TPT)

Life can bring many pressures that are difficult to bear even for the strongest. Life is going to happen; not everything in life is pleasant or comfortable. Jesus told us about such trials and sorrows (John 16:33). Life can squeeze us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Sometimes we may entertain the thoughts of quitting; yet, we cannot always be relieved of responsibility or the sorrows of human life. Let’s never forget the encouraging words of Christ, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill (sacrifice) and destroy. My purpose is to give them (believers) a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).
The Apostle Paul wants us to know it is during those pressures, we have the greatest opportunity to shine forth the glory of God; for the life of Christ to be revealed from the core of our being. Is life bringing you pressures that are difficult? If so, may God bring you eternal strength and grace. Invite Jesus into those pressures and ask him to give you the strength you need from his Kingdom resources, so you may shine with his glory in the midst of life.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 Treasure in Clay Jars
7 We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that the extraordinary overflow of power will be seen as God’s, not ours.[h] 8 Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. 9 We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out. 10 We continually share in the death of Jesus in our own bodies[j] so that the resurrection life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity. 11 We consider living to mean that we are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that the life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity. 12 So, then, death is at work in us but it releases life in you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being at the core of this clay jar named Mary. I know you are always there for me and you will make sure my life is sustained and satisfied by your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 119:105-108, 112 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth…you are the light of the world…don’t hide your light…let it shine brightly for others” (Matt. 5:13-16). When we are committed to living with the Word of God shining through our actions, we can truly represent the heart of God for his creation and experience the divine perspective. Our lives can take on the flavor of God’s righteous love, because Jesus makes righteousness available to us.

In our passage today, the psalmist reminds us to remain faithful to the Word—the Truth. If we are willing to embrace the Truth and allow the Spirit to bring the necessary adjustments to the way we live, we will grow in our faith and understanding of the ways of God. However, we must remain teachable or willing to receive ongoing instruction. Are you teachable? If so, the life of the Spirit will continuously manifest through you, because you have pleased the heart of God with your spiritual hunger and obedience.

Truth’s Shining Light
105 
Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions;
the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear.
106 
To live my life by your righteous rules
has been my holy and lifelong commitment.
107 
I’m bruised and broken, overwhelmed by it all;
breathe life into me again by your living word.
108 
Lord, receive my grateful thanks
and teach me more of how to please you.
112 
I have determined in my heart to obey whatever you say,
fully and forever!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me to abide with your Spirit and enjoy the divine perspective as you release it. May my obedience bless and please you Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.