Devotionals

James 5:9-12 The Voice

Integrity is a big deal with God and we see an excellent example in our reading today from the Apostle James. The example is simple and practical, yet so many people struggle with honoring this discipline of truth. When we say “yes” and agree to a commitment, then do we stay the course or do we look for reasons to bail at the last minute? You know the scenario; your heart was not in it from the beginning, but you agreed to do it, anyway. Your commitment was heard by God, so don’t be surprised if the Lord watches and weighs your integrity as a test. Integrity is built on truth and your word means a great deal as a son or daughter of God who is Truth. Some times things come up last minute—emergencies—but God knows whether we actually have an emergency or we are just making excuses to get out of the commitment we should have never made in the first place.

James 5:9-12
9 Brothers and sisters, don’t waste your breath complaining about one another. If you judge others, you will be judged yourself. Be very careful! You will face the one true Judge who is right outside the door. 10 The prophets who declared the word of the Lord are your role models, my brothers and sisters, for what it means to live patiently in the face of suffering. 11 Look, we bless and honor the memory of those who persevered under hardship. Remember how Job endured and how the Lord orchestrated the triumph of his final circumstances as a grand display of His mercy and compassion.
12 It is even more important, my brothers and sisters, that you remember not to make a vow by the heavens or the earth or by anything. When you say “yes,” it should always mean “yes,” and “no” should always mean “no.” If you can keep your word, you will avoid judgment.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me see integrity in practical ways. Help me to carefully choose and make my commitments, as well as keep them as a way to honor you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

The words justice and righteousness share some similarities; they describe the character of God. Justice and righteousness are to be revealed in our relationship with God and others. The fear or respect of the Lord is essential if we are going to experience both of these attributes. When we have a proper attitude about God and the gifts he pours within his children, then we realize we cannot take credit for any of it. So, if we are tempted to brag about our wisdom, strength, or wealth, then we need to share with others these things are imparted or gifted to us by the God we worship and adore.

In our passage today, the prophet Jeremiah shares what the Lord wants to see in his people. Since you are the equipment God desires to use to tell his story, how well do you reflect his kindness, justice, and mercy to those around you?

Jeremiah 9:23-24 What the Lord Likes Best
23 The Lord says:
Don’t brag about your wisdom
or strength or wealth.
24
If you feel you must brag,
then have enough sense
to brag about worshiping me,
the Lord.
What I like best
is showing kindness,
justice, and mercy
to everyone on earth.

Prayer: Lord, please continue to teach me about justice and how that is connected to my respect for you and the love I manifest for my neighbor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 119:97-104 The Message (MSG)

In our passage today, the psalmist is praising God in song for giving him great wisdom that brought change into his life. Applying God’s Word has helped this child of Light take authority—gain an edge—over his enemies rather than his enemies taking dominion over him. As he applies and “absorbs” the Word, he finds himself insightful beyond human knowledge. In response to God’s direction, the psalmist uses obedience and self-control to avoid the traps of evil. Therefore, true life was laid before him and he could tell the difference when the lies of the enemy came calling. Spend time in the Word of God, because it will prepare you for life.

Psalm 119: 97-104
Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed;
I reverently ponder it all the day long.
Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
they never become obsolete.
I’ve even become smarter than my teachers
since I’ve pondered and absorbed your counsel.
I’ve become wiser than the wise old sages
simply by doing what you tell me.
I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
I never make detours from the route you laid out;
you gave me such good directions.
Your words are so choice, so tasty;
I prefer them to the best home cooking.
With your instruction, I understand life;
that’s why I hate false propaganda.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this beautiful psalm that helps me remember the value of allowing you to bring change into my life. As I obey, I feel the change in so many positive ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 17:22-34 The Message (MSG)

I love home-cooked food or to use a common idiom “stuff made from scratch.” Not that I don’t enjoy going out to dinner occasionally, but there is just something about planning, making something from basic ingredients, and eating food at home with loved ones. Mother used to say, “Mary, good smells coming from the kitchen make a house a home.” However, here is a thought to ponder: if we are going to make food completely from scratch, we are going to have to first create the heavens and the earth. I can’t do it, but feel free to give it a try.

Well, God made the heavens and earth and all things in it completely from scratch for the purpose of creating a home to inhabit. In the beginning, he made the earth hospitable for his human children to enjoy, provided food for eternal life, and looked forward to sharing it with each one of his loved ones. Where are all his human worshipers—his loved ones—who should be filled with gratitude at his amazing gesture of extravagant love? Some are ignorant, lost, and refuse to seek the Creator; the god they do not know and a home they do not believe exists. Many who know better still reject their Creator and worship worldly idols rather than obediently bowing to God and his design for life that promises one an eternal home. The wise are seeking his face, receiving his merciful salvation, and growing spiritually stronger by grace through faith waiting for the call to come home (2 Tim 2:1). Worship the God who created you and knows you; who made you from scratch or from the beginning. Be determined to find him, as well as know him and his heart for your life. It is the way to life eternal—home.

Acts 17:22-31
22-23 So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. “It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you’re dealing with.

24-29 “The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn’t live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn’t take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don’t make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near. We live and move in him, can’t get away from him! One of your poets said it well: ‘We’re the God-created.’ Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?

30-31 “God overlooks it as long as you don’t know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he’s calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creating the human race and this amazingly beautiful world from scratch. I seek you, want to know you, and long for you to inhabit my heart as your home. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 10:5-10 The Message (MSG)

We certainly have become a culture built on “technology.” When you think of ministry, does technology play a roll? It does for me. Technology helps us carry the news of the Kingdom; we can connect to an extended group of people beyond the gathered congregation. Our teaching can spread the Word and grow disciples through our videos and devotionals. With that being said, I see technology as an asset, but every Christian is really the most valuable piece of equipment to be used by God. If you are led by the Spirit, you carry the anointing of Christ and no technology can take your place. Technology may serve to draw a person’s attention to spiritual things and even feed them, but a vibrant Christ-filled disciple moves in the anointing to bring a harvest heart and hands to the work of the Kingdom. We are to be “doers of the Word” not just “hearers” (James 1:22).

In our passage today, Jesus sends out his apostles to extend harvest hands in their local community. They are to walk by faith and trust God to work through them. Christ has promised the Spirit will make them—the equipment—powerful to heal the sick, raise the dead, touch the infected, and take authority over evil spirits. It’s the anointing of Christ and no technology can duplicate it. Be the equipment God uses, today.

Matthew 10:5-15
5-8 Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

9-10 “Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me the equipment you wish to use for your anointing, today, in my realm of influence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-18 The Message (MSG)

When I was quite young, my family used to go to my grandfather’s cottage on a freshwater lake in Michigan. Dad would take the boat out away from the shore—away from the leeches—so we could swim. I was frightened because the water was deep and way over my head, but I would resist the help of a life preserver. I would bounce like a bobber trying to keep my head above water. Sometimes life feels like we are treading water; we can’t stop because we are in way over our heads, right?

Well, Jesus knows we are in over our heads in a fight against the things the Devil throws at us. We cannot handle the circumstances in our own strength; we need the life Preserver—Jesus. He supplies the help and weapons we need: Truth, righteousness, peace, and faith are all part of your salvation in Christ. Never let the enemy have your weapons.

Ephesians 6:10-18 A Fight to the Finish
10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Prayer: Lord, help me hold onto truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and the joy of my salvation. Then, I will outlast the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 66:1-3 The Message (MSG)

Every now and then we can all feel overwhelmed by the tenacity of evil and the immense burden of sin influencing our world. Justice—the ways of God—is under attack all the time. Issues and temptations can rise up to confront our lives at any moment and we must be ready to respond in the love of Christ. In those times, we must grab a hold of our courage and confidence in Christ and invite God to occupy the issues facing us.

We need to receive wisdom in our time of need; so we ask God for wisdom. God is always merciful and ready to help when we call upon his name for salvation. In Christ, you have access to God every day and any time you need him. Always remember, God’s character is perfect, you can trust him, and he will faithfully conquer his enemies. Since God has enemies, don’t be surprised you do, too. Rather than focus on the work of the enemy, keep your gaze upon Jesus and the work of Truth.

Psalm 66:1-3
1-4 All together now—applause for God!
Sing songs to the tune of his glory,
set glory to the rhythms of his praise.
Say of God, “We’ve never seen anything like him!”
When your enemies see you in action,
they slink off like scolded dogs.

Prayer: Father, I praise you for your goodness and seek to live for your glory. Thank you for keeping me strong to deal with every enemy that tries to rise up and steal my peace and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 111 Amplified Bible (AMP)

When is the right time to praise the Lord? Is it when everything in our lives is going well and we are soaring above turbulent moments? Is it when we are in desperate need of divine help on the verge of weariness? Or, do you have the revelation that no matter what is going on in a day, God is good, ready to bring justice and help, and worthy to be praised every moment?

How we view God in our lives, will be revealed in our praise life. When praise remains on our lips, gratitude, grace, and mercy fills our hearts. May God’s children lift up a mighty shout of praise, today, because he is good all the time!

Psalm 111 The Lord Praised for His Goodness.
1 Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart,
In the company of the upright and in the congregation.

2 Great are the works of the Lord,
Studied by all those who delight in them.

3 Splendid and majestic is His work,
And His righteousness endures forever.

4 He has made His wonderful acts to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and merciful and full of loving compassion.

5 He has given food to those who fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence];
He will remember His covenant forever.

6 He has declared and made known to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are truth and [absolute] justice;
All His precepts are sure (established, reliable, trustworthy).

8 They are upheld forever and ever;
They are done in [absolute] truth and uprightness.

9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has ordained His covenant forever;
Holy and awesome is His name—[inspiring reverence and godly fear].

10 The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom;

A good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord;
His praise endures forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your goodness! I love and respect you and your wisdom! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:8-11, 13-14 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Holy Spirit has entrusted you with a priceless Gift; a hidden treasure in your heart. This is a treasure the father of lies—Satan—hates and hopes we will be careless to guard. In fact, Jesus warns us Satan wants to rob, steal, and destroy the Truth in us. He wants to hinder us from living in spiritual abundance (John 10:10). My friends, guard the Truth in your hearts diligently; God trusts you to guard the Truth and live out his message of love.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is giving his spiritual son, Timothy, some essential instruction to live in the power of God. Let’s take it to heart, as well.

2 Timothy 1:8-11, 13-14
Never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for entrusting me with the indwelling Truth. Continue to lead me in the paths of righteousness and bear the fruit that exalts the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 11:12-14, 20-24 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Most of us work hard at taking care of our outward appearances; we represent the Lord so it is right to be clean and neat. However, we are wise if we remember that God looks at the inward motives of our hearts; he is looking deep in our souls for fertile ground and the evidence of budding fruit. He knows if we are ever going to bear the fruit of righteousness outwardly as a testimony of salvation to the world, we are going to need a healthy root system. We need to be rooted in Christ if we are going to bear fruit.

In our lesson today, Jesus sees a fig tree off in the distance and he is hungry, so he goes over to the tree to look for the first fruit of the harvest. You see a fig tree produces some figs before it produces leaves. This fig tree has lots of leaves, but is barren of fruit. The tree looks good on the outside, but will feed no one. Much the same way Christian lives can go through the religious motions, but be absent of producing the fruit of the Spirit that will spiritually feed others.

Our lives, as followers of Christ, are to bring glory to God. We were created to live for God’s glory. Jesus said, “I am the Vine and you are the branches. When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. For apart from me you can do nothing. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:5, 8). When you pray to ask the Spirit to produce much fruit in your life, you are praying by faith for the will of God and it will be given to you.

Mark 11:12-14, 20-24
12 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He was hungry. 13 Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if He would find anything on it. But He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it, “No one will ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening [to what He said].

20 In the morning, as they were passing by, the disciples saw that the fig tree had withered away from the roots up. 21 And remembering, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi (Master), look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered!” 22 Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly]. 23 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and [a]does not doubt in his heart [in God’s unlimited power], but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him [in accordance with God’s will]. 24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power to bear fruit as I remain in you. Heavenly Father, may my life bring you glory as I yield to the work of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.