Devotionals

March 20, 2019

Luke 13:22-27 The Living Translation

Today is the thirteenth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. As his children, we are constantly going through the refining process as God seeks to free us from impurities in our character and make us spiritually fit in our faith. The Kingdom was not created for the spiritually undisciplined; it was created for those of great faith and mighty in the Spirit. “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God” (Mat 5:8). Do you realize how you respond to God’s refining process for your life determines how spiritually fit you become to handle Kingdom living in a sinful world?

The Lord is the righteous Refiner of our faith. We must be willing to endure the Lord’s discipline and our souls must be willing to pay the price, because refining is not painless. The refining process can strengthen our faith through trials or through self-denial. It is the work of Christ to open the Kingdom door to life. The door is the shape of Jesus; he is the door and we are to be molded in his image (John 10:9). There are not many paths to God or his Kingdom. There is One narrow door; he is the Christ—the Refiner—who brings us to the heart of God.

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart. P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield. May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 19, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:1-11 Good News Translation (GNT)

Today is the twelfth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  God offers his children of faith every spiritual advantage, but we cannot lust after the things of the world; it is spiritual rebellion.  Faith in God’s Word must govern our choices; therefore, we hunger for God’s holiness.  The Word living in us brings a holy alliance with the Lord.  Do you realize every passage we read in Scripture is relevant for our lives because it reveals something about our Holy God, as well as the lessons we can learn from either the faithfulness or faith-failures of his people?

We can learn quite a bit today from the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. They have given us much to ponder.  According to Scripture, in the wilderness the people lusted after false gods and immorality (remember the golden calf).  They tested the Lord and then complained when he disciplined them.  In the book of Numbers, Moses records the complaints of the people, “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!  Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle. Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt” (14:2-4).  The people made a choice to rebel, their faith was positioned as they verbalized their will, and God’s power rested on it.  Therefore, many died according to their own rebellious words.  They put faith to their words in the corrupt system of Egypt (symbolic of the world) and their hope in another leader whom they could control. They preferred bondage over freedom and death over following God.  So, God honored their request.  Do you understand faith, your will, and the power of your words? 

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 18, 2019

Romans 4:1-5 The Message (MSG)

Today is the eleventh day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. Faith is essential in order to please God. He is the Creator of Life and he has decided his children must demonstrate faith in his love and care. If we are going to walk by faith and not by sight, it means we must adjust how we perceive God in our lives. He does not love us and call us to faith, because we are worthy and deserve good things. We are sinful creatures loved by a holy God. He calls us to faith, because he chooses to spill his love over us and faith is the vehicle to get righteous provision to us. Do you realize God invites you to connect to Christ in faith in order to bless you with a meaningful and abundant life he has chosen for you as your Righteous Creator?

The way we enter into God’s plan is to place our lives before him, graciously receive his righteous salvation, choose obedience to the Word, and fearlessly live in the power of the Spirit who promises to direct our paths. Therefore, we must push past every fear the enemy sends our way. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7).  Quite frankly, the enemy puts up a spiritual fight when we are determined to obediently walk by faith in the love and ways of God. Satan knows we are very near the Father’s heart.  

When it comes to real spiritual life, the turning point for each child of God is to learn how to use his or her faith to manifest God’s righteous provision. Believers all have a measure a faith; we must protect our faith and invite God to increase it. We need to start speaking faith-filled words over every aspect of our lives. Faith must be practiced in the natural to manifest the provision of God. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Have you ever thought about how God may use different struggles or conflicts found in your life to grow your faith and trust in him, because he is seeking to get Kingdom supply to you? 

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart. P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield. May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 16, 2019

Matthew 23:37-39 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Today is the tenth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. He wants us near his heart in order to take care of us.  A Kingdom heart develops as we welcome and dwell with the Word in bringing deliverance to our souls (mind, will, and emotions).  Therefore, do you live each day feeding on the Truth of God’s Word, confronting anything in your flesh that tries to keep you in bondage to sin, and asking the Lord to deliver you into the Truth of who you really are as his child?  

When we first come to Christ, we confess we need a Savior; a Deliverer from sin and death.  Christ brings us freedom and eternal life; our bodies become the Temple of God.  Now, we are free to live out our salvation each day being led by the Spirit whose job it is to keep us living the Word or Truth.  Let’s do some reflection.  Do you recognize as a human being living in a world tainted by sin you have an inclination in your flesh to live wayward to the Word of God, because Satan uses people and systems to oppose God? We need to live in close fellowship with God, because he is the Truth that delivers us, on an ongoing basis, from the intent of evil.

In our passage today, Jesus prophesies the future while sharing about the heart of the Father.  At this time, the Temple in Jerusalem is considered the earthly dwelling place of God. The religious leaders and systems are to be examples of the Truth; reminding God’s people about how the Deliverer came to take them from slavery in a system corrupted by evil and delivering them into a realm of freedom to live the Truth. It is the stubbornness of the people and systems that will cause them to face God’s judgment. The Temple will lie in ruins and the people will be exiled back into slavery.  But, where is the Deliverer?  Waiting for the Truth to be welcomed.

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March 15, 2019

Philippians 3:17-20 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Today is the ninth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart develops when we recognize and trust the Author of our Faith—Christ the Anointed One—to finish the work he began in us (Heb 12:2).

Every believer struggles in life; no one is exempt from trials and testing. God helps us disconnect from the world’s influence; a struggle is the outflowing result.  Have you ever thought about how God may use different struggles or conflict found in your life to help you grow in the humble character of Christ? It is a blessing, but it doesn’t feel like one at the time.  Sometimes our struggles are connected to the discipline of God in our lives.  God’s discipline flows out of his love for us and his desire to make us holy.  We may struggle and suffer in order to learn obedience. God may use our disobedience to his Word in order to draw us back to himself. Scripture teaches God disciplines those whom he loves. God is the Father of our spirits, so we should submit quickly to his discipline to draw us to himself and away from sin. 

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is sharing with those in the early church in Philippi; they must govern their lives by a different standard than the world.  As their pastor, Paul weeps for those who have chosen to return to the ways of the world; they rejected the discipline of God and the leading of the Spirit toward self-sacrificial living. Keep this in your thoughts today, if you know Jesus, you are a citizen of his Kingdom and he is making you a proper representation by maturing your faith.  Imitate Christ’s Kingdom heart.

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 14, 2019

Philippians 3:7-12 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Today is the eighth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart knows the only way to live is found in the resurrecting power of the LORD.  According to Scripture, daily God sets before us life and prosperity, as well as death and disaster. Then, he calls us to make a choice between the two.  If we choose life, he commands us to love the LORD our God, walk in his ways, keep his commandments, so we can increase and enjoy his blessings (Due 30:15-16). So, if we know the Lord is our resurrection and he brings a life with priceless spiritual blessings, why are we slow to choose real life over a lifeless existence pursuing worthless worldly pleasures and treasures?  I believe the answer lies in the struggle. 

The enemy of your soul is Satan and his spirit of sin that is found in the world and human flesh. Sin struggles against Christ’s righteousness. Sin leads a war that tries to keep you from the throne of God and the restoration Christ alone can bring. Jesus conquered sin, but now you and I need to overcome sin by surrendering to the work of the resurrected Christ. Many people exist, but how many are actually walking in the ways of God and enjoying the abundant life Christ offers? I don’t know about the hearts of others, but I am responsible for my heart and will answer for my choices about life.  Believers in Christ are destined for heaven, and resurrection power is given by the Holy Spirit so we can identify and face the struggle, throw off sin in Christ’s authority, and turn to wear the blessings of God that leads to love and Kingdom life.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul teaches about this life Christ offers.  If you want a Kingdom heart, the love of Christ must take ahold of you and be the life you choose.  Don’t hate the struggle. Use your faith, run toward the goal, and make the choice, today.  

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 13, 2019

Luke 21:34-36 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the seventh day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. A Kingdom heart motivates us to focus on the authority of Christ; the One to whom we will one day give an account for how we have chosen to live our lives.

In our passage today, Jesus has been teaching the disciples about the future; what to look for and what will signal his Second Coming. He begins with a warning; they are to guard their hearts against apathy—lack of interest or concern for their spiritual state. They are not to allow their flesh to rule them. They must remain vibrant in their faith and loyal in their devotion to God if they are going to escape the events that precede Christ’s return. 

So here is the picture according to Luke 21: 25-28. Jesus tells his disciples to look for a future bringing strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. The tides will be affected. All of nature will be pulled into a place of turmoil. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. It is a sign the Kingdom of God is near. Then, everyone will look up and see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and glory; he is coming to take his place of authority over creation. For those who have lived carelessly and failed to prepare to meet Christ, they will see gloom and destruction. For God’s children who are watching and have allowed grace to cover them and the Spirit to prepare them, they will experience justice and restoration. Examine your heart today. Are you vibrant in faith and prepared to meet Christ? Have you allowed the Word to have authority over your life?  If you have questions about what the Word teaches on certain topics, then do some research.  Invest in your spiritual life; it is the real you.

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March 12, 2019

2 Peter 2:4-10, 19b-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the sixth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart develops and flourishes as we recognize any sin in our lives—which is rebellion against God’s loving character and authority—and invite the Lord to rescue us from it.

Sin is always present in this fallen world. We must live with an awareness of God’s presence with us and turn from those things God condemns.  Do you believe God condemns certain actions because he is trying to control you or keep you from enjoying life?  Or, do you believe God sees the power certain actions have to control or enslave you, so he is trying to help you maintain the freedom and loving fellowship in Christ he has provided?

Knowing God in fellowship brings amazing discernment and wisdom to each individual.  We can know the heart of God and discern when the enemy is trying to rob us.  Trials and temptations will come, but if we understand the heart of God behind his instructions, we can trust and obey him.  In our passage today, Peter teaches us about God’s consistent response when it comes to sin.

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 11, 2019

1 John 2:1-6 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the fifth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart grows through obedience to God’s Word and by following Christ’s way of living.  

Salvation is for the world, but each individual must, by faith, accept the work of grace. The Father desires a relationship with every follower of Christ; he connects in order to have fellowship and bring salvation to human hearts.  In our passage, today, the Apostle John teaches who God is and how he expects his children to live.  He cautions those listening to run from anything that would break fellowship with God. The Apostle John speaks as a loving teacher to his disciples.  He encourages them not to sin. Truth:  We have a way to stay in right fellowship with the Father.

Christ calls us to live in the truth and be obedient to follow him, but sometimes our steps are wayward.  John comes along to tell these Christ followers they cannot lose their fellowship or salvation with God, because they have an Advocate who intercedes for them with the Father. Sin hinders us, but Jesus has made a way for us to regain that fellowship through repentance of sin.  As we are forgiven we must grow from that place to overcome the sin that previously so easily hindered us.  Mature love for God manifests in obedience. Obedience measures our faithfulness and the truly faithful bear the Kingdom fruit of righteousness.  The mature, obedient, and faithful to the will of God are the ones who “know” God.  If we are going to “know” God, it means we have to take up our cross and follow Jesus.  Truth:  We must reflect on and examine our level of obedience.  Love for God and his rule over our attitudes and actions, as well as love for others will mark our lives.

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 9, 2019

John 12:27-36 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the fourth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart is fashioned by a deep respect and gratitude for our Creator.  God is Light and in him is no darkness. Christ is the Light we all need to fulfill the Father’s purpose; so we must connect to Christ.  God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of his Son (Colossians 1:13).  Therefore, we must also follow Christ.  Be aware, we do not habitually practice what the Word calls sin; otherwise, we are living in the dominion of darkness.

If we are truly following Christ, we are living a life of continual confession of sin; even as children of the Light we still sin and need forgiveness.  Selfishness and worldliness can gain the upper hand if we open the door with our flesh.  Walking in the Light is walking in fellowship with God and loving others especially fellow believers. The Spirit of Truth convicts us when we have failed to love as God requires and our response should be repentance.  If we confess our sin, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  True Christianity is about partaking of the ongoing cleansing blood of Jesus, as we recenter our hearts before him according to his Word. 

In our passage, Jesus accepts the pain God allows to his flesh in order to fulfill the Father’s purpose.  Many days we just want to handle the next task, seek fleshly pleasure, and certainly avoid pain to our flesh at all costs.  When God cleanses us—does sin surgery—it is painful for a while, but it leaves room for Kingdom rewards.  Therefore, the question before us today in light of this Word… “Will we invite the Light of the World to shine Truth upon any sin in our flesh, repent, and allow God to cleanse us, so we can continue our journey to become authentic children of Light?  

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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