Devotionals

December 12, 2018

Luke 7:18-30 New Living Translation (NLT)

Doing the right thing—the Christ honoring thing—in life does not always bring the results we might expect.  For example, in our passage today, John the Baptist is in jail for doing the right thing—speaking the Truth as the Spirit gives it to him.  But, even though he has followed God’s heart and is the fulfillment of prophecy, he finds himself punished and in jail.  I imagine that is why he begins to questioned whether or not Jesus is the Messiah and sends the disciples to bring back an answer. Jesus indirectly answers John’s questions by proceeding to do many miracles for the disciples to witness and report back to John.

As we continue our Advent journey on the path of peace, may we like John be willing to face our doubts, go to Jesus for reassurance, and continue our move forward into the peace and completeness of God knowing he is in control of his children. We must guard our hearts so we do not fall away from the faith when things do not go as we planned. Jesus is the Savior and he will save every heart that seeks him.  Jesus shines a Light on the Truth of a bigger mission in the world than just one soul, yet he always fulfills his promise to be our personal Savior.  Trust the Lord with your whole heart and remain in peace, today.

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December 11, 2018

2 Peter 1:2-15 New Living Translation (NLT)

I have never minded hard work (effort).  I am grateful, because everything in life worthwhile requires effort and sometimes sacrifice. Any form of work calls for grace (favor of God) and endurance because some work can involve a difficult process.

Our spiritual life requires work, grace, and endurance, too. The process can be difficult and even painful.  However, many people fail to grasp just how essential this form of work or effort is for sharing in the divine nature; such effort is required to lay hold of the eternal promises given by God. So what is this spiritual work?  Our spiritual work is to believe in the One whom God sent to take us on the faith journey.  Our faith, strength, and peace are dependent on the work of Christ on the cross and our willingness to follow him on the path toward the shalom or peace of God’s eternal presence.

As we continue on our Advent journey toward peace, may we allow Christ to shed his Light on the importance of following him even when the work of trusting him in the process is hard.  Shalom!

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December 7, 2018

Philippians 1:20-26 New Living Translation

The world’s definition for peace is freedom from disturbance or tranquility.  It conjures up a more passive picture. Biblical peace based on the Hebrew world, shalom, brings a much broader and active meaning.  God’s peace translates to be sound of mind, complete, or whole.  God’s Word teaches that His peace is not necessarily based on pleasant circumstances.  In fact, we can stay in peace no matter what is going on in our lives if we stay focused on trusting God who is the Source of our shalom or peace.

While the Apostle Paul spent time in prison for sharing his faith in Christ, he held onto his peace and continued to write to the church in Philippi and encourage them to keep spreading the Good News of Jesus.  He prayed for the church family to overflow with love for one another, because that would be a testimony to the presence and power of God operating in their lives.  Then, Paul shares his testimony of how God was working in his life; he found joy in Christ even in prison.  Paul was able to share the Good News with the palace guards and they became believers.  Paul’s witness for Christ in prison gave other believers confidence and courage to share Christ’s message without fear.  Sometimes we forget how God uses our circumstances to touch the lives of others who are watching our lives and listening to our words.  This is why it is so important to remain in God’s love, hold on to our peace, and trust His plan.

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December 6, 2018

Luke 1:68-79 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

I truly enjoy creating environments, sharing the Word, and preparing God’s people for an encounter with the Lord.  I see each opportunity as a great privilege offered by God.  In our passage today infant  John the Baptist is being dedicated; he will be a prophetic voice for God. One day John will take his place in God’s plan and instruct people to turn toward the Light; preparing them to receive salvation from God.  John would bear witness to the Light with his life.

During this Advent season, be a part of preparing others for a visit from Messiah—the eternal Light for the darkened soul.  Light and Life comes to those who welcome Messiah. He delivers us from our enemies: evil and the power of sin.  Please tell people how much God loves them.  Let praise rise on your lips to let others know the healing peace the Savior has brought to you.  Fear is not the reason we serve Christ.  We tell others because Love has called us to a miraculous life of peace with God and our neighbors.

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December 5, 2018

Psalm 90:1-2, 12 The Message (MSG)

I love being home. By home I am talking about a place where I live as part of a family. Sadly, I realize there are some people who cannot make that statement, but for me home is where my heart is free and feels secure. When life is heavy and the stresses of the holiday season press in, I come home and everything get’s put back into perspective. I look around and things are familiar and therefore, liberating. Pictures remind me of the people in my heart who motivate me to press on in love, and suddenly I take a deep breath and am filled with hope and an inner peace that all will be well; that God smiles as I, His daughter, understand the feeling of being home.

God is our true home, and if our earthly homes can make us feel secure and peaceful then in some small way we have managed to place God, our living Hope, in the middle of that family dwelling. I can only imagine the peace we will experience when Christ returns and sets up his kingdom to remake our earthly home. During this season of Advent, focus on your living Hope, as well as making where you live a place that is peaceful, free, and feels secure in the love of God. Where you call home, work, or live out each day is your mission field. You have the presence and the power of God to make your home…God’s home because God lives in you. You can live out the hope and the peace of God in your workplace; spill into the lives around you. Wisdom teaches us that is what living wisely is all about; living in Christ the Hope of our salvation and our Prince of Peace. In our passage today, Moses understands home. Make room in your heart and home for more of the Lord.

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December 4, 2018

Revelation 22:12-16 New Living Translation (NLT)

Each week as I share the Word of God, I encourage people to embrace the Truth the Spirit bears witness to in their hearts because we are accountable for living in the Truth once it has been revealed.  In our passage today, the Apostle John shares a Word from the Lord reiterating the importance of keeping our lives free from the influence of evil; to wash our robes is to walk away from sinful living. To do so requires us to invite the Spirit to break the chains of any bondage that seeks to hold us captive so we can embrace the Light of Truth and the Way of Righteousness. Because of this Word, live in a “Lighter” place today than you did yesterday.

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December 3, 2018

2 Peter 3 New Living Translation 

Every now and then I forget something for which I was certain was locked into my memory. I think, “Where did it go?”  I am always surprised when I forget certain things, because the reason I wanted to remember it was because it was so important to me. I may lose track of a few things, but I am not going to forget the nearness of the Lord’s coming.  The Holy Spirit has etched it on my heart and fills me with amazing anticipation.  In our passage today, the Apostle Peter calls us to live with faith in the promise of the Lord’s coming.  While we wait, let’s abide in peace and grow in love and grace.

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November 30, 2018

Psalm 25

In our passage today, King David is singing a song to the Lord thanking God for helping him conquer the enemies of his soul; asking the Lord to guide him onto the righteous path.  If we are going to join Jesus on the righteous path, we are going to need to confess that sometimes we need a change in direction.  In fact, Scripture teaches there is a way that seems right, but it ends in destruction (Prov. 14:12).  So, it is best not to lean on our own understanding, but acknowledge the Lord in all things and look for his guidance to get us on the path of righteousness.

Do you consider yourself a teachable person?  Are you someone who welcomes new ideas, new experiences, and new thoughts?  If so, you will enjoy your journey with Jesus.  He is all about teaching us what it means to live in Christ…live in the Anointed One.  There is no other experience or journey like it.  Have a blessed weekend…

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November 29, 2018

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 The Message (MSG)

Have you ever found yourself sleepwalking?  I remember a movie I saw years ago that depicted the hilarious antics of a sleepwalker who remembered nothing about his night adventures the next morning.  I know very little about sleepwalking or the medical reasons for it, but I did read it usually takes place during the first third of the night when a person is in his or her deepest sleep pattern.  At that time, the brainwaves are slow, relaxed, and peaceful, but the body is still active tossing and turning or moving around.  

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds us we are to be alert and spiritually awake for Christ’s second advent or coming.  We are warned against a false sense of peace.  We are to guard against sleepwalking through life; being oblivious to our actions or how we are living.  Let’s keep our minds fixed on Jesus and his work of redemption; focus on eternal life and stay vibrant in the righteousness of the Lord.  Fight the temptation to be preoccupied with only earthly activities.  Choose to spend time allowing the Word to transform your mind and grow you up into Christ who speaks hope into the lives of others getting them ready, as well.

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November 28, 2018

John 16:25-33 New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus has brought so many gifts to believers, but the greatest gift of all is the ability to have a new relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Before Jesus it was impossible to approach God on a personal level; people could only connect with God through priests.  After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whosoever will believe in Christ can connect with Almighty God and enjoy fellowship.  We can talk directly with Father—the Creator.  So, whatever is going on in your life—blessings as well as challenges—enjoy a conversation with Father, today.  He waits for your visits and will always leave you feeling comforted and valued.

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