Devotionals

June 3, 2019

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

This last week’s violent mass shooting at Virginia Beach has reminded us again this world is ruled by Satan and evil is expanding its reach for more hearts.  If the heart of humanity is not sold out to Christ, anyone can be a pawn for Satan.  As we look at a world filled with issues, problems, evil, violence, persecution, lawlessness, and selfishness, we must endure in our faith, hang onto God’s love abiding in us, and patiently wait for our Messiah to return.  Our eyes must be fixed upon the promises of God; our hope resting on the Word of Truth.  One day Jesus will rule a new earth where sin and evil no longer exists. For now, the Lord’s grace is sufficient to keep us abiding in his love.  He is faithful and true and he will bring everything he has promised to pass.  May God cover us with his grace each day and may we live ready to meet him at any moment.  Come Lord Jesus and bring lasting peace.

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May 31, 2019

John 1:16-18

The more I get to know some folks the better I like them and the more I value them.  It takes time to really get to know someone, doesn’t it?  When we invest time in people, we gain a truer picture of their character and know them at a deeper level.  Did you know Scripture tells us we need to spend time with Christ—the Living Word—in order to gain a proper understanding of the heart of the Father?   It is Jesus who really interprets God and makes him known to humanity.  If you want to know the loving-kindness and grace of God, spend time in the Word.

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May 30, 2019

Acts 1:6-11 Jesus Is Taken to Heaven

Today is called Ascension Day.  It is the day we celebrate Christ’s ascension into heaven; 40 days after his resurrection from the dead. In our passage, Jesus is sharing his goodbyes to the apostles. They want to know how everything affects Israel, but Jesus redirects their attention to the weightier things of the Kingdom.  Jesus instructs the apostles to focus on three things: 1) Wait and receive the Holy Spirit—don’t try to do things in your own strength; 2) Expect the Holy Spirit to bring the power of God—supernatural provision for every assignment; and 3) Bear witness to what God is doing everywhere you go—share every LIFE lesson.  As Christ’s disciple, these three things are for you, too!

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May 29, 2019

John 1:14 Living Bible (TLB)

How do you view forgiveness?  Is it hard for you to forgive others when they sin against you?  Even though many people struggle to do so, extending loving forgiveness to others is a very holy act. We are given the gift of forgiveness from God that we can actually give to others. When we forgive, we obey and reflect the Word or Voice of God.  Forgiveness is actually liberating for us; we do not have to carry around the weight of hurt and pain.  So, the next time you find yourself needing to forgive someone, please realize as you forgive that person you are actually being kind to yourself.

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May 28,, 2019

Psalm 93 Living Bible (TLB)

In our passage today, the psalmist shares some revealed Truth he has gained in his relationship with God.  This Truth is helpful and relevant for us. So think about it.  The Lord has established his throne over the world.  It may not look like it right now because evil is front and center, but the Lord rules and reigns and will forever.  We will all one day stand before the throne of God and give an account for how we lived our lives; whom did we serve?  Who’s on the throne of our lives?  Will the Lord see himself in us?  If we are wise, we will establish our lives under his rule right now.  To do so, we must respond to God with a desire for his holy character.  As we conform to the things of God, we are gathered into the will of God.  That’s why there is such a battle for your worship…your lifestyle.  Satan, does not want you to be devoted to God, because he knows it is a place of peace and blessing under God’s rule.

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May 27, 2019

John 15:13 Living Bible (TLB)

When I think about love the first thing that comes to my mind is the word, “commitment.”  I realize not everyone feels this way.  Our culture is inclined to see love as more about pleasure and less about a lasting commitment.  But, in everything that God’s Word teaches us about love, we find the evidence of commitment and sacrifice associated with it. “God so loved the world (was so committed to love his creation) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:16-17). Jesus laid down his life for the world.

Today, we remember those in our military who have served and loved their country to the extent that they laid down their lives to maintain our freedom.  Again, this is real love; real commitment. May we treasure this freedom by living under the authority of Almighty God; one nation under God is where true liberty is found.

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May 24, 2019

Proverbs 2:6-8 New Life Version (NLV)

Do you like idioms?  An idiom is a group of words that is given meaning, but really has nothing to do with the definition of each individual word. An example might be:  I’m all ears” which means I am  paying attention. Sometimes when I am reading things, idioms come to mind…such as today. 

In our passage, the author is still sharing about the benefits of wisdom.  The Lord imparts wisdom that can successfully navigate our lives toward the righteous path. The Lord covers us and keeps us on that narrow path, because we belong to him.  The Lord is our “safe-covering.” Bingo!  He covers us!  That reminds me of the idiom “I’ve got you covered.”  Just think about it, the Lord is wisdom and He covers us.  In other words, the Lord is with you, has got you, will back you up, and is providing for you through His amazing wisdom.  So when worry, stress, sickness, disappointment, sorrow, etc. tries to cover you, throw it off! Pray and give anything to God that should not cover you and get yourself back under His care. Let wisdom in the Lord cover you instead. Blessings for your weekend.

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May 23, 2019

Proverbs 2:1-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

Lately, I find myself speaking a great deal about wisdom; it is such a beautiful treasure from God.  Therefore, I also find myself studying and praying a great deal about wisdom.  Multiple times every week I hear, “Pastor Mary, ______ is going on in my life and I need to know what to do?”  My response every time is “Let’s pray for wisdom, because God gives it generously to those who ask” (James 1:5).  Contrary to what many people may think, wisdom is very practical.  We need to gather knowledge, but we also need wisdom if we are going to understand what to do with that knowledge in a way that pleases God.  We want the blessing of God, so we must listen to the voice of wisdom.  The Apostle Paul teaches, “God has brought you into connection with Christ Jesus, and God has made Christ to be our wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30).  We need the work of Christ and the leading of the Spirit to bring answers we understand. Those who are led by the Spirit understand the essential work of wisdom.  God encompasses all things; God wants to love and share Himself with us. 

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and humbly hearing and seeking to do God’s will as revealed in Scripture and in the issues of life.  How can you have wisdom?  You must make Jesus your Lord, desire wisdom above all things, seek to live in harmony with God’s Word, live with eternity as your focus (rather than just the temporal things of the world), and pray for the Spirit to guide you. Wisdom is an inseparable companion to the Word; so be in the Word of God every day if you want the impartation of wisdom.  In these days that form a challenge for us, let us never forget the benefits of wisdom.

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May 22, 2019

Luke 10:25-28 New Living Translation (NLT)

Since cell phone texting has come along, it has made some quick informative or directive communications easier, hasn’t it?  Most of the time, I find texting helpful in my relationships and as a leader to deliver some quick information.  Short and brief, direct and to the point, bottom line response and all people have to do is read it and/or do it.  But, better add a few emojis if you make it too short, so you can show the emotional tone of the text!  

The leaders of religious law did not have to deal with cell phone texting, but many of them came to hear Jesus with a preconceived idea about devotion to God based on the text of the Torah. It was the job of these lawyers to interpret the law in the life of the people. In our passage today, an expert in religious law asks a question to test Jesus’ message; it is not necessarily adversarial in nature, but he wants clarification.  It is all right to have questions; Jesus can handle them.  Many times we know pretty much how Jesus may answer based on God’s Word, a bigger issue is whether or not we are willing to do what he says? In our passage, Jesus chooses to keep things short and brief in the biblical text.  He spins the question back to the leader who quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.  So, I imagine if Jesus had a cell phone to end the communication he would have texted, “Right! Do it!” ?

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May 21, 2019

Psalm 133 New Living Translation

God is Good and I am truly blessed! God opens my eyes to see His goodness, every day.  He opens my ears to hear His love.  He opens my soul (mind/will/emotions) to receive His grace.  Just think about the goodness of God and the opportunity each of us have to stand together in harmony or agreement and proclaim His goodness to the world.  As we stand in that place together, we are connected in perfect Truth.  As we stand in that place together, we are connected in divine Love.  As we stand in that place together, we are connected in One powerful and restorative mission. As we stand in that place together, we share in the Life of God. Let that soak in for a minute! In the goodness of God found in Jesus Christ, we have some big things in common, don’t we? Stand there! David new all about the power of harmony, so he called God’s people to focus on it in our psalm reading, today. 

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