Devotionals

Hebrews 11:6

When standing on the turn of day two of 2020, may we—as believers—remember two things about our future. First, Almighty God—the unseen Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth—exists, controls all things, and does not depend upon us for support. We put our confidence in this Ruler. Our obedient actions and behaviors reflect our trust in God even when we don’t understand His ways. Two, this unseen Ruler is all-loving and full of grace to those who seek him in Truth—Christ. Therefore, we commit to a purposeful and practical faith; we seek to practice the loving character of God. We don’t use our limited understanding and try to make God in our own image; rather, we place our trust in His design for our transformation. We trust Christ the Savior to make good on His promises to lead us into abundant living.

Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him.

Prayer: Father, I place my confident trust in your promise to teach me every day how to walk by faith and practice your character. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 The Message (MSG)

The phrase “for auld lang syne” can essentially be summed up with the words “for the sake of old times.” The song calls for the protection of our oldest and beloved friendships; to extend kindness and appreciation to the people who surround us. Getting together on New Year’s Eve can be a way to reminisce about the good times, as well as acknowledge the hard times. Life is full of both.

In our passage today, Solomon reminds his readers that life presents many times and seasons, but all of them are best lived in fellowship with God. So, for this New Year of 2020, please treasure your family and friends, give of yourself to the people around you, and live closer to God than you have ever lived before. Happy New Year!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8There’s a Right Time for Everything
3 There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:
2-8 
A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.

Prayer: Lord, may this New Year be the best one yet; may my devotion to you grow exponentially. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 8:12-19 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Has God’s Word of Love ever stopped you in your tracks? Caused you to scratch your head in wonder? Sometimes, if we are honest, because we do not understand the context or circumstances that form the setting of Scripture we can find ourselves hesitant to receive it as Truth. Perhaps we may even find ourselves shrinking away from the Truth of God’s Word, because the Light reveals something about ourselves we would rather not acknowledge. The Word is to bring Light or revelation in our daily walk of faith in order to live in a way that pleases Almighty God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One in understanding. Therefore, we need to sync to divine understanding in order to apply the Truth to our lives. The Spirit helps us “walk” the Word.

In our passage today, Jesus offends the religious leaders with a declaration of himself. He knows who he is and can boldly speak the Truth. But those listening think he is merely “full of himself.” Actually, they do not realize he is righteous Love wrapped in sinless human flesh; the Perfect Light for all humanity to follow in order to bring glory to God. If you know Jesus, you are connect to Truth. So, allow Jesus to Light your path as you walk the Word, today.

John 8:12-19 Jesus, the Light of the World
12 Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.”

13 The Pharisees were immediately offended and said, “You’re just boasting about yourself! Since we only have your word on this, it makes your testimony invalid!”

14 Jesus responded, “Just because I am the one making these claims doesn’t mean they’re invalid. For I absolutely know who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going. But you Pharisees have no idea about what I’m saying. 15 For you’ve set yourselves up as judges of others based on outward appearances, but I certainly never judge others in that way. 16 For I discern the truth. And I am not alone in my judgments, for my Father and I have the same understanding in all things, and he has sent me to you.

17 “Isn’t it written in the law of Moses that the testimony of two men is trustworthy? 18 Then what I say about who I am is true, for I am not alone in my testimony—my Father is the other witness, and we testify together of the truth.”

19 Then they asked, “Just who is this ‘Father’ of yours? Where is he?”
Jesus answered, “You wouldn’t ask that question if you knew who I am, or my Father. For if you knew me, you would recognize my Father too.”

Prayer: Lord, I desire for my life to testify to the Truth of your redeeming love. Help me to walk the Word, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 30, 2019
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Life presents many challenges and some days we may feel like we are at the end of our so-called ‘rope.’ You know what I mean; we have no further patience, resources, abilities, or energy left to cope with a situation any longer. Yet, that is the very time we need to refocus our thinking; time to ask the Spirit to help us meet this life-challenge with eternal resources and abilities.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul encourages us to know that when we find ourselves at the end of our rope, that is the very time the Holy Spirit wants to come and be the inner strength we need. We can deny we feel the way we do, but that is not faith nor will it bring supernatural help. Rather, we need to come boldly before God’s throne of Grace and ask for the Spirit to bring the inner strength we need to sustain us. That is faith…and faith stirs our hope and brings answers. Hang on!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day. 17 We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, 18 because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the encouragement of your Word. Life can truly be challenging. I feel it all the time as I share in life with others. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being my strength. Thank you for strengthening the people I love and keeping us all moving forward. I know an eternal reward awaits us so we hope on…In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 27,2019
1 John 5:1-12 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Spiritual truths can be a challenge for people to understand, because the things of God are not innate to our minds. The wisdom that comes from God is spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). The only One who knows the mind of God is the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:12). Therefore, God gave the Spirit of Truth to help us connect the “faith” dots. Our faith is what brings us into victory and we need help bringing things together—to gain understanding—within our natural minds. If we do not understand what God is saying in his Word, then we cannot “do” what we “hear.” We are called to be “doers” of the Word and not “hearers” only (James 1:22). The Word of God renews our minds; it is an ongoing process (Eph. 4:23). Obeying or “doing” the Word is how we plant Truth in our hearts and minds and it is the Word of Truth that saves our souls (mind/will/emotions) from sin and error (James 1:23).

In our passage today, the Apostle John teaches Truth about spiritual children and how they are identified. This Truth helps the children connect the “faith” dots. If we believe Jesus is the Son of God, then we have been spiritually “fathered” by Almighty God who is Love. We have been impregnated by the Spirit of Truth. Now, that Seed—Christ—is ready to grow spiritual Life within us which brings ongoing understanding. As we grow spiritually, we look more and more like Jesus—the firstborn Son of God.

1 John 5:1-2 The Proof of Love and the Victory of Faith
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah is God’s spiritual child and has been fathered by God himself. And everyone who loves Father God loves his children as well. 2 This is how we can be sure that we love the children of God: by having a passionate love for God and by obedience to his commands.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always having victory laid out before me. I know I can overcome the world as I feed on the Word and obey it. I want to live like Jesus, so I reflect your true character. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 26, 2019
Matthew 18:1-14 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Watching a child experience Christmas morning is captivating; they enjoy with great enthusiasm the wonder of giving and receiving. Less we forget, Father God is the ultimate Giver and we are to be the joyful receivers who learn from Him. In fact, when we are jubilant in our receiving from the Father, we have capture the heart of Kingdom living.

In our passage today, Jesus reminds the disciples of the importance of this child-like attitude of receiving from the Father. Note the posture of the receiver: accepting, teachable, and humble.

Matthew 18:1-14 Who Is the Greatest in the Kingdom Realm?
18 At that time the disciples came to ask Jesus, “Who is considered to be the greatest in heaven’s kingdom realm?”

2 Jesus called a little one to his side and said to them, 3 “Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, and learn about heaven’s kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in. 4 Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this gentle child is the greatest one in heaven’s kingdom realm.

Prayer: Father, I open myself up to learn from you. Continue to teach me your Kingdom ways. You are my Lord and Master. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 25, 2019
Luke 2:14 The Voice (VOICE)

The Gift of the Christ—Messiah—is God’s greatest act of love for humanity. “For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life (John 3:16). Take this Truth into your soul (mind, will, emotions); in Christ, God has brought redemption into the world! Christ—God wrapped in human flesh—is our Creator AND our Redeemer. Redemption is the promise of God to save and deliver us from the power and presence of sin. The redemption of humanity is what brings the glory that is truly due to God!

It is Christmas, and your Gift awaits your response. Think about each day as a way to open the Perfect Gift and share Him with others. Live your life as a way to radiate God’s glory! Join with the heavenly choir this morning as we sing, “Glory to God in the highest!”

Luke 2:14
14 
Heavenly Choir: To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God!
    And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the greatest Gift—Jesus—I could ever receive. May my life bring you the glory you are truly due. I can only live in a way that pleases you through Messiah, so I choose to follow my Redeemer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Titus 3:4-7 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

I love the Christmas season; each year it captures my heart and takes me on a journey filled with joyful memories of worship celebrations and meaningful family get togethers. Our family gatherings have changed a great deal over the past ten years; many of our family members are already with Jesus. Others have moved away. Yet, Christmas remains my favorite holiday to celebrate. God’s gracious gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love still fill me with praise. The Christmas journey is a heart journey that is focused on the goodness of God and the Perfect Gift of his Son.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul calls us to remember the goodness and kindness of Almighty God. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the Christ—the Messiah. It is also a time to celebrate the new birth—yours and mine—in the Spirit who invites us to grow into the likeness of Christ. We start as a spiritual babe and, as we trust the work of the Spirit, we mature in grace and wisdom. The gift and work of the Spirit is to prepare us for eternal life. Merry Christmas!

Titus 3:4-7

4

God our Savior showed us

how good and kind he is.

5

He saved us because

of his mercy,

and not because

of any good things

that we have done.

God washed us by the power

of the Holy Spirit.

He gave us new birth

and a fresh beginning.

6

God sent Jesus Christ

our Savior

to give us his Spirit.

7

Jesus treated us much better

than we deserve.

He made us acceptable to God

and gave us the hope

of eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, today is Christmas Eve. Thank you for making my heart the manger for the Savior—the Spirit of Christ. Please continue to help me mature in grace and wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 23, 2019
Luke 1:46-55 New Living Translation (NLT)

Every day I praise the Lord, because I see just how blessed I am by God. He is good and his favor rests upon me to keep me encouraged and fulfilled as I seek to lovingly lead his people. I am surrounded by devoted followers of Christ and I have the privilege of sharing life with them. My life is not always easy, but I am always blessed. Many people think about the word “blessed” and connect it to a life of comfort, but in our passage today, Mary calls herself blessed and nothing about her situation is comfortable.

Many times our blessings come in the shape of a cross; we must bear the burden in the strength of God. But in that connection with God, we can trust and know the divine presence and gain a greater understanding of his perspective of love and life. Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, please let Mary’s song of praise encourage you. Take time to look for the blessings in your life and praise God for them.

Luke 1:46-55The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
46 Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
47 
    How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
48 
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
    and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 
For the Mighty One is holy,
    and he has done great things for me.
50 
He shows mercy from generation to generation
    to all who fear him.
51 
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
    He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
52 
He has brought down princes from their thrones
    and exalted the humble.
53 
He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away with empty hands.
54 
He has helped his servant Israel
    and remembered to be merciful.
55 
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and his children forever.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for taking notice of my heart and blessing me. I praise you for your goodness; I thank you for your mercy and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Galatians 4:4-7 CEV

Today, I found the need to run errands and throughout my journey I spent quite a bit of time waiting. I waited to make left turns. I waited for appointments. I waited in lines to purchase supplies. Wait, wait, wait…it seems to go with the season.

Long ago, people walked in the darkness waiting for the Light of the world to arrive. At the appointed time—when the time was right—God sent his Son. Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the arrival of Immanuel—God with us! Now, we no longer have to live in the darkness; we can live in the Light that leads to abundant Life with Father. Blessings for your weekend.

Galatians 4:4-7
4 But when the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him. His Son obeyed the Law, 5 so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God’s children. 6 Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father. 7 You are no longer slaves. You are God’s children, and you will be given what he has promised.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the life you bring each day; a beautiful reminder of your perfect timing. Thank you for being with me, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.