Devotionals

May 22, 2018

1 Corinthians 12:12-20

In our spiritual lives as Christians, we are baptized into one Spirit, one faith, for one Lord.  Through salvation, Jesus Christ has become the Head of our lives; he must be Lord.  Therefore, everything that comes into our lives must bow to the will of Christ; otherwise, we may find ourselves fighting against the Lord. 

God decides every person’s gifts and graces; He imparts gifts and we are given opportunities to use them. Agreement is essential for the Anointed One to shine.  These gifts are not about talent per se; although they may be perceived as such.  The gifts of the Spirit serve to build up the Body of Christ to spiritual maturity.  In some form or fashion every person should be serving the Lord in their local spiritual family.  Every gift is necessary; to withhold it or minimize it would be an act of fear or selfishness.  

If you are reading this devotion today, I may not be aware of the gifts inside of you, but if you know Jesus then you most certainly have them.  Identify them.  Sometimes the best way to identify your gifts is by trying different things in ministry.  The Body tends to affirm our gifts.  When we release our spiritual gifts to help the Body, it is never about how it makes us feel it’s for the benefit of the whole.  The purpose of using every person’s gift(s) is for the growth it brings the Body when we use it. 

In our lesson today, the Apostle Paul continues to teach us about the unique work of the Holy Spirit and how the Body of Christ is set up for success if we allow the work of the Spirit to direct our lives and purpose.  

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May 21, 2018

Joel 2:28-29 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 New Life Version

Through God’s Old Testament prophet, Joel, the Lord sends a prophetic word that He will pour out His Spirit on his sons and daughters and they will speak God’s Word.  The Spirit brings all kinds of gifts as we welcome Him into our lives; different ways to powerfully share God’s love.  Same Spirit but different gifts because we are different people.  The Spirit is about exalting the Anointed One—Christ the Messiah.  

If we have accepted Christ into our lives and have welcome the work of the Holy Spirit to lead us into righteousness, we are set up for sharing God’s love in Word and deeds.  As we step into God’s righteous plan for our lives and begin using His gifts, the Anointed One is exalted and the lives of others are touched.  The Holy Spirit is a person and it is the work of the Spirit to convict the world of sin, the need for righteousness, and the coming time of judgement.  This judgment has to do with justice and the just shall live by faith.  Place your faith in the work of Christ, connect with the Spirit, and live for the Lord of Righteousness!

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May 16, 2018

1 Corinthians 15:42-49 New Living Translation (NLT)

Scripture teaches us in a variety of ways how valuable sowing and reaping is to God. Even our human bodies are sown into the earth for a season until harvest time.  The Father sowed or planted his Son into the earth, but he was raised in glory at the resurrection. Our natural bodies are perishable, but our spiritual bodies will be eternal.  No more decay, sickness, or weakness.  Christ is the first fruit of the resurrection of the spiritual body; a body not limited by the laws of nature. 

The Apostle Paul teaches the Corinthian church about the resurrection and the believer’s future to be raised as heavenly people.  We have such an exciting future awaiting us! 

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May 16, 2018

John 16:16-24 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

In our passage today, the Apostle John writes about the time just before Jesus is arrested.  Jesus tells the disciples he is going away and lets them know he is aware they will be sad when he leaves. Then, Jesus teaches the disciples about the Holy Spirit. He tells them the Spirit will convict the world of sin, call people to repentance, and guide them toward righteousness. It will be a new relationship between the believer and God.  The Holy Spirit will be a Helper who guides believers into the Truth of the Savior: the Living Word or utterance of God. Upon receiving the Spirit, the disciples will be filled with great happiness and joy.   

It is the work of the Spirit to exalt Christ and teach believers the ways of God; to help us through Grace apply the principles of love to our lives.  Our part is to pray and ask for the Spirit to indwell our lives and be our Helper.  In this new relationship, God will be pleased and believers will be happy and whole.

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May 15, 2018

Psalm 115: 1, 9-18 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

In Christ Jesus, we are protected from the unholiness of this world.  Our protection comes when we are united (abiding) in love and affection with the sovereign Lord of the heavens and earth.  We return love and honor to God, because he loves and honors us as his creation. Honor is about value; giving weight to something important. For God, his character is pure and honorable, so the honor he bestows on us is perfect.  For us as his people, we must learn and grow in honor as it is a connective bridge in our future with the sovereign God. Our lives honor God when we live to please him.  As his people, we learn to honor and love the Lord with every aspect of our lives.  We walk with him by faith knowing he is worthy to be praised in all things and he will surely protect us.

Scripture teaches God will protect us as a Shield, so do not give fear any place in your life.  When you start feeling afraid, use your faith and speak words of praise lifting up Christ.  If you are truly abiding or dwelling in him and honoring his utterance/Word, as he is lifted up you will be lifted up. 

In today’s passage, the psalmist encourages Israel or the people of God to love, trust, honor, and praise the Lord.  In Christ, the people of God are those who call on the name of the Lord to be saved. Praise the Lord!

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May 14, 2018

Philippians 1:3-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

If you were allowed to give one message to people you truly cared about, what would that message be? What would you want to place in their thoughts that would last?  In our lesson today, the Apostle Paul wants to get a message to his spiritual family of what really matters in life: to overflow with the love and righteous character of Jesus Christ.  

Jesus is the Answer and Good News for every issue, because he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He is the Way, because he brings new perspective to human thinking.  He is the Truth, because he is Wisdom incarnate.  He is the Life, because he is the Savior who leads us into eternal life in connection to the Father through the Spirit.  Take time today to truly give thanks to the Lord and pray for opportunities to share a message of hope to those in your sphere of influence.  God knows when someone needs to hear the Good News.

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May 11, 2018

Revelation 1:9-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Christ has set us free from the death penalty of sin by his death on the cross; his blood has atoned for our sin and set us free to live eternally.  We can now share the good news of God’s love with others.  Every person who believes in Christ’s work on the cross is called to administer the Father’s love; in Christ we have the anointing and the power to endure every trial that may come when we by faith choose to share the Word with others.

Our passage today is written by the Apostle John.  He is exiled to Patmos for preaching the Gospel, but God uses that time to bring great revelation to John.  As you read, enjoy his description of the Son of Man; the First and the Last…the Beginning and the End.  Glory to the Living Lord!

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May 10, 2018

Luke 24:44-53 Tree of Life Version (TLV)

Yesterday, we went to the Gospel of Mark to read about Jesus’ last day on earth before his ascension to heaven.  He commissioned his disciples to teach repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sin, and new life in Christ by their witness.  Their experience with Christ was of great importance and they were to remember it.  In his Spirit-led humanity, he fulfilled everything mentioned in the Scriptures or Word of God: Torah, Prophets, Psalms.  But, the disciples needed one more thing before they began the work of Christ…the person and power of the Holy Spirit.

In our passage today, from the Gospel of Luke, after Jesus had commissioned his disciples, he told them to wait in Jerusalem until they had received power from on high. Fulfilling Christ’s mission to redeem the world was never anything to be done in human strength or power.  God’s redemption of humanity and the world would be accomplished by the fulfillment of another prophetic Old Testament Scripture, “I am the LORD all-Powerful.  So don’t depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6 CEV). 

According to Scripture, Christ is coming back for his Body of believers.  Something God has impressed upon my heart has to do with the “building” or “grooming” of the Temple or the Body of Christ. Before the ascension or rapture of believers, the Spirit will be poured out over all flesh and true power from on high will be experienced in those who have made themselves ready. You can be made ready by repentance (turning to Christ), forgiveness of sin (asking to be covered by the blood of Christ), and allowing the work of the Spirit (cleansing us or reshaping our lives) to bring us into agreement with the Word—Jesus Christ—the Head of the Body.  Walking by faith and allowing the renewing of our thoughts is the grooming process. Allow the Spirit to use the Word to renew your mind or thinking.  Deception is the work of Satan and the way to protect ourselves against it is the renewing of our minds.  Christ the Head is returning and he will be looking for the Body of believers made in his image.

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May 9, 2018

Mark 16:19-20 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Our passage today follows the resurrection of Jesus and his multiple appearances to some of his followers.  After these appearances, there were still some of the eleven original disciples who did not believe the witness of others and their encounters with the risen Lord. Interestingly, for this reason Jesus rebukes his eleven disciples for their lack of faith.  Did they believe Jesus would only reveal himself to them?  Are they thinking Jesus is not interested in saving others? Perhaps they thought of themselves as more spiritual than others.  No matter the reason, their response caused Jesus to rebuke them in order to refocus them on their mission.  Isn’t it interesting how off-task we can be as Christ’s followers when we make faith and salvation about ourselves and not for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom? 

Following his rebuke, Jesus gives the disciples what we call the Great Commission.  “Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. 16 Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned. 17 Everyone who believes me will be able to do wonderful things. By using my name they will force out demons, and they will speak new languages. 18 They will handle snakes and will drink poison and not be hurt. They will also heal sick people by placing their hands on them” (Mark 16:15-18).

By using the name of Jesus and calling people to believe, we, too, can walk in the Great Commission for the good news of Christ.  In fact, it is not an option.  It’s a required mission.

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May 8, 2018

1 Timothy 6:13-16 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Today’s passage is again a continuation of the Apostle Paul’s charge to his spiritual son, Timothy.  Paul asks Timothy to remain in integrity with God and his human connections even when he comes under fire.  Why would Paul ask Timothy to make such a promise?  Because when Christ’s followers compromise their integrity it dilutes the Gospel.  As well, it grieves the Spirit who desires to bring pure power for transformation.  It hinders our witness and sends the message the Spirit’s power is insufficient to change our lives.  We need the boldness the Spirit brings, so we can inspire others to embrace faith in Christ and live in the Light of His Love.

Live each day with an awareness of God’s presence with you.  If we stay focused on our understanding that God sees every action and is aware of every thought, it will be easier to stay in a place of integrity (unity of inner and outer life).  Don’t compromise your testimony; tells others about the saving grace of our sovereign King and Lord, Jesus Christ.   

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