Devotionals

June 19, 2018

Revelation 21:22-22:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

I love praise time in our worship gatherings each week when collectively God’s people lift their voices to exalt him; to express heartfelt gratitude for his great love and provision. Praise is warfare initiated by lifting up One who is so much greater than he who is in the world.  Scripture teaches God inhabits the praise of his people and I am aware of His presence each time we seek Him with praise.  

In our passage from the Apostle John today, he tells of a time when God pulled back the visual curtain separating the heavenly realm and allowed John to observe the praise room of heaven.  The room was illuminated by God’s glory and the people were able to look upon the face of God.  Can you imagine?  This room has the complete absence of evil and a river flows from the throne of God and the Lamb.  Trees with medical leaves line the river; the leaves heal the individuals as well as the nations under heaven.  Praise is the occupation of everyone there; unrestrained praise of God and the Lamb for the love that is self-emptying. 

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June 15, 2018

Hebrews 11:4-7 Living Bible (TLB)

Scripture teaches true faith is about trusting and pleasing God; we come to God with a seeking heart.  Trust brings the ability to hear from God.  This letter to the Hebrew Christians was to teach them life lessons about what it takes to know and enjoy fellowship with God.  If we are wise, we will allow it to teach us life lessons, as well.  

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June 14, 2018

Hebrews 2:1-12 Living Bible (TLB)

Sometimes I am asked questions like, “Pastor Mary, do you think it is important for people to believe in the work of Jesus on the cross? Do you think he is really the way to salvation?  Do you think Jesus is the only way to know the heart of God?”   Based on the Word of God here is my answer to all three of those questions, “Yes.”  Scripture teaches God put Jesus (Yeshua) in charge of all things.

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June 13, 2018

Luke 11:14-28 New Living Translation (NLT)

We are tempted to fear many things in life, but Scripture teaches we are to, “Fear not.”  In our passage today, Jesus is speaking to the scribes and religious teachers of the Law.  They are accusing Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan.  What is Christ’s response?  He challenges his listeners to think about whether or not they are working with or against God.  

Making sure we are working with God is a very big responsibility.  If we know the Word, we know his heart. Then, Jesus reminds his listeners that only someone stronger than Satan could cast out his demons.  Pause.  Greater is he who is in us, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).  Never forget Christ lives in believers.  So, let’s put on our spiritual armor and guard our lives by putting the Word of God into practice.  We have no one to fear if we choose to live God’s Word in Christ.

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June 12, 2018

1 Samuel 8:1-9 The Message

God made a covenant or promise with Israel to be their God if they would be his people.  But instead of being excited about God as King, Israel wanted to be like other nations who had a human king. Can you imagine telling God “thanks for the offer…but, no thanks?”  

In our reading today, please note how God responds when the people reject His offer to be the King of their lives.  He lets them have their own way; they will taste the fruit of their demands and regret it later.  If we are wise, we will give God his rightful place in our lives and not demand that he do things our way.  

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June 11, 2018

1 Samuel 16:14-23  The Message

The Lord rejected Saul as Israel’s king because he sought to please people more than God.  Because of Saul’s choice to dishonor the Lord, God sent Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse.   The youngest son, David, was God’s choice as Israel’s new king.  God looks at the heart to determine his leaders; David was a worshiper and a man after God’s heart.  Samuel was instructed to anoint David as the new king; in the pouring of the oil the Holy Spirit came upon David in power.

The Holy Spirit then departed from Saul and left him struggling with a tormenting evil spirit. In our passage today, the Lord is starting to prepare David to be king.  The Lord will allow David to witness leadership without the anointing of the Spirit.  David would learn a lot during his time as a musician in Saul’s court.  For our life lesson, we must never forget the work of the Spirit to bring peace and wholeness to our lives.  Our dedication must be to live to please the Lord above all else.

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June 8, 2018

Psalm 130 The Message

Long before Messiah came to earth the Holy Spirit prompted the psalmist to prophesy about the love and redemption God would one day send; first to Israel and then the nations.  Because forgiveness is God’s habit, it was destiny for him to make a way to forgive the sins of the world.  When God forgives our sin, he truly remembers them no more and keeps no record of having been wronged.  We are free to live, move, and having our being in Christ’s love!  Meditate on that Truth, today!

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June 7, 2018

1 Peter 4:7-19 The Message (MSG)

It seems like everywhere I go there are always opportunities to wander from practicing the love of God.  The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, thoughtfulness, faithfulness, and self-control—are being tugged on within me to be released so I may remain in the shalom (wholeness) of God.  Love and self-control are like bookends that bind all the fruit together.  I must reach for love and a greater portion of self-control with each trial or challenge.   When someone is impatient with me, the Spirit tugs on me to release patient love in return.  When someone is unkind to me, the Spirit tugs on me to release kind love in return.  Every day I must choose whether or not I will retaliate.  Can you relate?

In our lesson today, Peter speaks to my heart.  I am reminded God’s family will taste judgment in such a manner.  In order for a judgment to be made and test of character must be experienced.  So whatever you may experience each day, choose to remain in the love of God and be prepared to exercise that spiritual fruit for his glory.  God is watching; He knows what he is doing. It’s preparation.

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June 6, 2018

John 5:1-18 The Voice (VOICE)

During the time of Jesus’ ministry, Bethesda was known as a place full of suffering, impurity, and darkness.  Most people in the vicinity purposely avoided this place, but Jesus walks boldly into it in order to serve people.  Among those plagued with disease and physical challenges, Jesus singles out a lame man who for 38 years has waited patiently for God to heal him.  The man has been looking at his limitations and talking about needing people to help him, but the Lord is going to get him to look Higher for salvation in order to receive the wholeness found in the presence of God.

We are all tempted to focus on our limitations, but we must resist doing so because God is not limited by our weaknesses.  For 38 years the “mat” has been this man’s resting place, but Jesus tells him to pick it up and carry it in new strength.  Pick up your mat—that thing you have been resting on for comfort—ask and expect the Spirit to move you into wholeness leaving weakness behind.  Be bold with your asking and avoid trying to figure out how God will touch you.  Trust, because Jesus is the Healer and we all need him!

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