Devotionals

Daily Reading 10-12-17

Psalm 23 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Years ago when I went to the Holy Land, I traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land.  Between those places I saw a great deal of wilderness; dry and barren land with scorching temperatures.  The Hebrew word for wilderness is midbar; the root is “speak” or “word.”  We know from Scripture that God speaks to the Israelites in the wilderness; He teaches them He is the Source of all things and they can trust Him.

 

Are you experiencing a time in the wilderness with God?  Are you experiencing trials and challenges that prepare you for bringing honor to His name?

 

The older I get the more I see the whole world as a wilderness; a place where spiritually dry and lifeless choices seem to abound.  Then, the Word of God speaks to my heart and I am reminded that in the midst of that environment I am pursued by the amazing grace and love of God who woos me to seek the kingdom so I may continually drink of living waters and eternal life.  Think about it; God’s goodness, mercy, and unfailing love pursues you in order to Shepherd you to the living water you need to survive the dry and lifeless places in the world and to grow in your dependence upon His provision. 

 

Psalm 23  A psalm of David.

1 

The Lord is my shepherd;

    I have all that I need.

2 

He lets me rest in green meadows;

    he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3 

    He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

    bringing honor to his name.

4 

Even when I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

    for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

    protect and comfort me.

5 

You prepare a feast for me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

    My cup overflows with blessings.

6 

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

    all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

    forever.

 

Prayer:  Lord, I am thirsty for more and more of your living water; please quench my thirst and lead me in the paths of righteousness.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Daily Reading 10-11-17

Deuteronomy 6:10-25 Living Bible (TLB)

 

Moses shares God’s commands for the covenant community of Israel and he tells them to love the Lord their God with all their hearts, souls, and strength.  If they do as God commands, they will enjoy a long life (Deut. 6:2-6).  As I reflect upon our verses today, it is clear God is asking His people to make a wholehearted commitment to Him, because He is making a wholehearted commitment to us.

 

Casual Christianity is never going to liberate us from bondage to sin nor bring us the power of God; only a wholehearted commitment to our relationships with the Lord will bring victory.  If you are struggling to break free from strongholds and condemnation, submit yourself to God and his commands, resist the enemy and he will flee because your obedience brings the Lord’s help to your life.  And “when” the Lord has brought your breakthrough, revived your life, and covered you with His favor, “then” remember to thank and serve him. 

 

Deuteronomy 6:10-25

10-12 “When the Lord your God has brought you into the land he promised your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and when he has given you great cities full of good things—cities you didn’t build, wells you didn’t dig, and vineyards and olive trees you didn’t plant—and when you have eaten until you can hold no more, then beware lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the land of slavery. 13 When you are full, don’t forget to be reverent to him and to serve him and to use his name alone to endorse your promises.

 

14 “You must not worship the gods of the neighboring nations, 15 for Jehovah your God who lives among you is a jealous God, and his anger may rise quickly against you, and wipe you off the face of the earth. 16 You must not provoke him and try his patience as you did when you complained against him at Massah. 17 You must actively obey him in everything he commands. 18 Only then will you be doing what is right and good in the Lord’s eyes. If you obey him, all will go well for you, and you will be able to go in and possess the good land that the Lord promised your ancestors. 19 You will also be able to throw out all the enemies living in your land, as the Lord agreed to help you do.

 

20 “In the years to come when your son asks you, ‘What is the purpose of these laws which the Lord our God has given us?’ 21 you must tell him, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with great power 22 and mighty miracles—with terrible blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. We saw it all with our own eyes. 23 He brought us out of Egypt so that he could give us this land he had promised to our ancestors. 24 And he has commanded us to obey all of these laws and to reverence him so that he can preserve us alive as he has until now. 25 For it always goes well with us when we obey all the laws of the Lord our God.’

 

Prayer:  Lord, You are entirely sold out to love your people; your created human race. You are sold out to love each one of us.  I know my response to you must be obedience.  Thank you for this reminder, today.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Daily Reading 10-10-17

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Living Bible (TLB)

 

 

I went and bought plants today to replace some in a planter that had begun to whither and die.  I tried to nurse them back to health, but some of them just were too far gone.  The plants had been through hurricane Irma and they had taken quite a beating.  These new plants are vibrant and filled with flowering buds; these plants are healthy and producing new life.

 

In our spiritual formation we can run into times when the storms of life really take their toll on us.  When we are weary, we can slide into sloppy living and lose our zeal and passion for Christ’s work.  But unlike the plants, we are connected to the Vine of Life.  When we are in need of restoration, Christ is there to bring it.  He restores our souls, imparts the courage to keep going, and lifts our heads with faith.  The life of Christ pulsing through our being, is always there to respond to our cry for healing and regeneration.  When we said, “yes” to Christ, we said “yes” to abundant and eternal life for our souls.  If you are weary in well-doing and need the Healer, cry out to Him today.  As He rises up to touch and restore our souls, we have a testimony of the power of His goodness.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

17 When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!

 

18 All these new things are from God who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did. And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him. 19 For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men’s sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. 20 We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you—be reconciled to God. 21 For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us!

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the continual regeneration you bring to my soul.  I am alive in you!  Thank you!  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Daily Reading 10-9-17

1 Peter 2:4-10 Living Bible (TLB)

 

When I was in Kindergarten, one of my favorite class times was “Show and Tell.”  I was always excited not only to share special things with others, but to see and hear what my fellow classmates would bring to share.  “Show and Tell” was a great way to learn more about others; what they liked and what was important to them.  As well, it helped alleviate the fear of speaking aloud in the classroom; it built confidence and community.

 

As Christians our lives are to be like the classroom activity “Show and Tell.”  A way for people to know the love of Jesus is to show them love in action and to tell them how much Jesus has changed the focus of our lives.  As we allow Jesus to light our life with righteousness, peace, and joy, we can share with others how much Christ has changed our lives.

 

The Apostle Peter reminds his church family they are each a spiritual house built by Christ. Our lives our built on Christ the Solid Cornerstone.  He is trustworthy, merciful, and the reason we can have a relationship with God.  Let’s be bold to “Show and Tell.”

 

1 Peter 2:4-10

4 Come to Christ, who is the living Foundation of Rock upon which God builds; though men have spurned him, he is very precious to God who has chosen him above all others.

 

5 And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ—and offer to God those things that please him. 6 As the Scriptures express it, “See, I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him.”

 

7 Yes, he is very precious to you who believe; and to those who reject him, well—“The same Stone that was rejected by the builders has become the Cornerstone, the most honored and important part of the building.” 8 And the Scriptures also say, “He is the Stone that some will stumble over, and the Rock that will make them fall.” They will stumble because they will not listen to God’s Word nor obey it, and so this punishment must follow—that they will fall.

 

9 But you are not like that, for you have been chosen by God himself—you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own—all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were less than nothing; now you are God’s own. Once you knew very little of God’s kindness; now your very lives have been changed by it.

 

Prayer:  Lord, You have truly brought my life into the light of your love.  Help me to listen to your Word and obey it.  Your Word has shown me your heart and tells me the Truth.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Daily Reading 10-6-17

Psalm 19 Living Bible (TLB)

 

The enemy called “evil” hides in the darkness of the unredeemed human soul (mind, will, emotions); the evidence of it is sin against God and others.  God’s commandments of love were given long ago so we could identify the sin that tempts us to act on evil impulses.  If we love God with all our hearts, minds, strength and our neighbors as we love ourselves, we have the Light to reveal the work of darkness.  We have the authority of the Word and the power of God’s Spirit to correct us and set us on the right path to act in the justice of God.  

 

In our passage today the psalmist sings, “God’s laws are perfect.  They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light.  For they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them” (Psalm 19:7,8,11).  Every person needs the Savior to cleanse evil from his or her soul.  

 

Psalm 19

19 The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. 2 Day and night they keep on telling about God. 3-4 Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it 5 and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom[a] going to his wedding,* or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race! 6 The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat.

 

7-8 God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light. 9 God’s laws are pure, eternal, just.[b] 10 They are more desirable than gold. They are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. 11 For they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them.

 

12 But how can I ever know what sins are lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 And keep me from deliberate wrongs; help me to stop doing them. Only then can I be free of guilt and innocent of some great crime.

 

14 May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Daily Reading 10-5-17

Exodus 23:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

The Word of God is the Truth that brings wholeness.  Biblical justice involves bringing wholeness to others.  Justice flows from God’s heart and character. Therefore, acting in a manner that is contrary to the Word is not acting in the justice God requires of his children.  The Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones (Psalm 37:27-29).  He will reward and bless those who love justice (Isaiah 61:8).  One day, God’s justice will become a light to the nations (Isaiah 51:4).  

 

In our passage this morning, we are reminded about how God views spreading lies so He calls His people back to justice.  The spirit of evil is fed through half-truths and lies.  We must be people who tell the truth when we open our mouths and cast down the lies when we hear them. Gossip destroys family relationships, friendships, work environments, etc.  Gossip is not becoming of a son or daughter of the Most High.  So, when we are tempted to slander another or be silent when we know something someone else is saying is not true, we are responsible before God to act justly.

 

Exodus 23:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)  A Call for Justice

23 “You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand.

 

2 “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice. 3 And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor.

 

Prayer:  Lord, you alone are the just Judge. Please give me discernment to know the Truth.  Holy Spirit bear witness in my spirit regarding what is Truth and help me to bring wholeness to all those whom you bring into my path.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  

 

Daily Reading 7-21-17

Hebrews 6:13-20 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

If you are connected to Christ, you are set up to be blessed.  Are you aware God took an oath and made a promise to bless you in Christ?  He did it a long time ago; and he is bound by that Word.  Since you know the truth, wait patiently for God to bring forth what He has promised.  You can place your confident hope in God and His love for you.  Allow faith to move and position you; God is growing your character while you wait.  Remain obedient in His loving care, because authentic faith lives for God.

 

Hebrews 6:13-20 God’s Promises Bring Hope

13 For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

 

14 

“I will certainly bless you,

    and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.”

 

15 Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

 

16 Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. 17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your oath and promise to bless me. I am so grateful for the love you spill over me each day.  I don’t live for the hope that my circumstances will always please me; rather, I live in the confidence of your presence and the hope that you will always be good to me even beyond what I can see.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 7-19-17

Matthew 13:10-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

When we have a growing relationship with Christ, we hear the Word and it deepens our understanding of God’s heart and multiplies our spiritual fruit.  When we neglect our relationship with Christ, hearing the Word and discerning the meaning and application becomes more difficult.  When we reject a relationship with Christ, the mind becomes deceived and the heart becomes hardened.  

 

In our passage this morning, Jesus teaches his disciples and he teaches us.  If you want a thriving relationship with Christ and you invest time in learning to live the Word, he says to you, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven.”

 

Matthew 13:10-17

10 His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”

 

11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. 

 

13 That is why I use these parables,

For they look, but they don’t really see.

    They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,

‘When you hear what I say,

    you will not understand.

When you see what I do,

    you will not comprehend.

 

15 

For the hearts of these people are hardened,

    and their ears cannot hear,

and they have closed their eyes—

    so their eyes cannot see,

and their ears cannot hear,

    and their hearts cannot understand,

and they cannot turn to me

    and let me heal them.’

 

16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.

 

Prayer:  Lord, I am blessed to see your hand at work in my life and to hear what you want to teach me.  Please continue to teach me the mysteries of the Kingdom.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 7-18-17

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 New Living Translation

 

We are no longer to live according to the demands of our flesh—sinful nature—instead we are to put on the righteousness of Christ and live in the new nature.  The Apostle Paul teaches we are to throw off the old nature (stop lying, stealing, becoming angry, and using our words against others) and instead put on the new nature (be truthful, kind, forgiving, holy, and righteous).  There is a great deal to meditate on this morning in our passage.  We need the help and power of the Spirit if we are going to consistently apply it to our lives.  Let the Word of God minister to you, today.

 

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 Living as Children of Light

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

 

20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

 

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[a] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

 

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

 

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[b] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

 

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 

Living in the Light

5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[c] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

 

Prayer:  Father, help me to remember I am to imitate you in every area of my life; it’s a journey of transformation into the image of Christ. Please continue to transform my thinking; help me to keep my heart pliable.  I realize the more like you I become the brighter the Light in my life becomes.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 7-17-17

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (NIV)

 

The temptation to live for self rather than submit to God is a daily opportunity.  God desires for us to live obedient to his Word and to offer ourselves for the process of sanctification.  Being sanctified or made holy is the process of living the Christian life.  It is how the Holy Spirit works in us to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ.  Let’s not reject God’s instruction, but take it to heart and learn from him.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8  Living to Please God

1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

 

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for this Word on sanctification; I welcome your instruction.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.