Devotionals

Daily Reading 3-6-17

Hebrews 2:10-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Who’s your daddy?  According to the Word of God, because of Jesus our High Priest, we all have the same Abba-Daddy.  Christ restored our broken relationship with God; a relationship broken due to our sin.  Through his obedient sacrifice, Christ broke the power the devil had over us.  That is such an awesome reality isn’t it?  Now, we are set apart for God’s service.  We are brothers and sisters with Christ and all of us should be about our Abba’s business.

 

Hebrews 2:10-18

10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

 

11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.[a] 12 For he said to God,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.

    I will praise you among your assembled people.”[b]

 

13 He also said,

“I will put my trust in him,”

    that is, “I and the children God has given me.”[c]

 

14 Because God’s children are human beings-made of flesh and blood-the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had[d] the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

 

16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters,[e] so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

 

Prayer:  My Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give me this day my daily bread.  Forgive my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me.  And, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil; for yours is the kingdom, power, and glory forever.  Amen.

Daily Reading 2-28-17

Romans 11:1-6 Living Bible (TLB)

 

Kindness is the fruit of the Spirit. I looked up the biblical definition of the word “kindness” and found this: An attribute of God and quality desirable but not consistently found in humans. Kindness and mercy are used interchangeably. That means when we are truly kind and care about the heart and soul of others, we are responding like the Lord. In fact, Scripture teaches God considers extending kindness or mercy to others more important than offering ritual sacrifice to God. As you go through you day, please remember to sow kindness into the lives around you. God will smile.

 

The Apostle Paul taught all the time about the mercy of God, because God extended kindness to him. Once he experienced the fruit of kindness given as a gift by the Spirit, he better understood the heart of God. Paul shared his understanding in a letter of correction to the Christians in Rome who were convinced God no longer loved the Jews. 

 

11 I ask then, has God rejected and deserted his people the Jews? Oh no, not at all. Remember that I myself am a Jew, a descendant of Abraham and a member of Benjamin’s family.

 

2-3 No, God has not discarded his own people whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you remember what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet was complaining to God about the Jews, telling God how they had killed the prophets and torn down God’s altars; Elijah claimed that he was the only one left in all the land who still loved God, and now they were trying to kill him too.

 

4 And do you remember how God replied? God said, “No, you are not the only one left. I have seven thousand others besides you who still love me and have not bowed down to idols!”

 

5 It is the same today. Not all the Jews have turned away from God; there are a few being saved as a result of God’s kindness in choosing them. 6 And if it is by God’s kindness, then it is not by their being good enough. For in that case the free gift would no longer be free-it isn’t free when it is earned.

 

Prayer: Lord, help me to receive in a greater measure the spiritual gift of kindness, today. Then, help me to release it into the lives around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Reading 2-24-17

Hebrews 11:23-27  New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Deception is a very real enemy of faith; it is expressed through people.  Anyone can fall into deception unless he or she guards their heart with the Truth.  I might define the word Truth this way: Jesus is the manifestation of the Truth about God and in him there is no darkness or deception.  Therefore, there is the existence of absolute Truth.  When we give our hearts to Jesus we belong to the Truth.  

 

How does faith enter into truth?  Faith is expressed in believing something to be true (intellectual assent) and trusting it (relying on it as fact) with our lives.  Here’s another way to say it: faith is expressed in believing Christ to be Truth and trusting Him with every aspect of our lives.  When we choose to live by faith and follow the Lord, we gain heavenly eyesight.

 

Hebrews 11:23-27New Living Translation (NLT)

23 It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.

 

24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. 27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the ability to know truth and stand against deception.  You open my eyes so I may see.  You bless me!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 2-23-17

Hebrews 8:1-7New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Sometimes repetition is very helpful; especially when it is something really important we need to grasp.  So, repeat after me, “Christ died for me!”  Let the sound of that sentence resonate in your mind.  Christ died for every person, because we are all guilty of sin and deserve death and eternal separation from God.  By Christ laying down his life as an offering for the sin of the world, humanity can call out for Grace and choose live a “risen” life.  Christ becomes our High Priest—our mediator in the faith.  The risen life woos us to live high above selfish mindsets and self-centered living.   I am so grateful for the second covenant of Grace and to know God is directly involved in my life.

 

Hebrews 8:1-7 Christ Is Our High Priest

8 Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. 2 There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands.

 

3 And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. 4 If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. 5 They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”

 

6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.

 

7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you that your new covenant focuses on the reign of Christ in the hearts of believers.  Christ died for me!  And, I love you for the great love you have extended me.  Let my life worship you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 2-21-17

Hebrews 12:14-16 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

When we read Scripture we cannot help but notice that God desires for humans to have a revelation of his presence and love.  It is not a secret; God wants us to know.  The Bible is like a love letter describing the reality of God and how he interacts in relationship with those whom he loves.  Who does God love?  The answer is all of his creation. Every human being has a birthright to know his or her Creator.  If only we would value that birthright and listen to how He designed us to live….

 

Hebrews 12:14-16 A Call to Listen to God

14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 16 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.

 

Prayer:  Lord, I want to see you, so help me to live according to your Word.  Open my eyes that I may see.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 2-13-17
James 1:2-8 New Living Translation (NLT)

In our physical fitness training, the goal is to increase our endurance for activity. In our faith training, the goal is to allow endurance to grow our faith from the measure God gave us originally to what it can be with the work of the Spirit. Faith and endurance must grow. “Troubles” or perhaps another word would be “struggles” is what makes our endurance level grow. If we never faced a “struggle” our faith would not be necessary; it would never be stretched to grow. Most of the time we want to fight the struggle rather than use our endurance and faith to get beyond it, but God is faithful to call us to wisely stay the course and grow up in our faith and trust that God loves us and will make a way for us. If you are facing a struggle, today, allow endurance to do what God intends. Hold fast to your trust in His love for you!

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Daily Reading 2-8-17

John 8:12-19 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Darkness is terribly unsettling at times.  Especially, when you are looking to focus on something in order to find your way.  During those times, any source of light is helpful to give perspective or guidance.  When the children of Israel were wandering through the dark wilderness, God provided a pillar of light to guide them.  Get that Old Testament picture into your thoughts.  

 

Let’s move to the New Testament and our passage for today.  Jesus was at the Temple  teaching during the Festival of Booths; a time to remember when Israel wandered through the wilderness and how God provided for them.   As we read today’s passage we understand the Light to guide God’s people through the wilderness was a picture of Jesus and his work to save.  Today, Jesus is still available to be the Light that safely guides our lives in a dark world, but we must follow the Word.

 

John 8:12-19  Jesus, the Light of the World

12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

 

13 The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”

 

14 Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. 15 You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. 16 And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father[a] who sent me is with me. 17 Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact.[b] 18 I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”

 

19 “Where is your father?” they asked.

 

Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.”

 

Prayer:  Father, thank you for connecting the testaments of your provision and salvation to a dark world.  Jesus is my Light and my salvation.  I am so grateful for His brightness to guide.  Bless this day.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 2-7-17

2 Corinthians 4:1-12New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Living the Christian life in the power of the Spirit is a wonderful gift from God.  As we live in that power, people respond to Christ in us.   The Word of God is essential to that power.  The Good News is the creative word of God that brings spiritual life and understanding.  When we choose to love and apply that word to our lives it becomes extremely powerful in and through us.  Humility is necessary because we can never forget we are fragile human creatures occupied by a holy all-powerful God.  As you go through your day, please do not forget, if you know Jesus—the Son of God—you are the dwelling place of His loving presence. 

 

In our reading today, the Apostle Paul tells the church at Corinth about a holy God in clay jars.

 

2 Corinthians 4:1-12  Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars

4 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

 

3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

 

5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

 

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.

 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the work of Jesus and the privilege of being filled with your spiritual presence.  Help me to submit to your Word and to apply it to my life, so I may be a powerful witness of what you accomplish through me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 2-6-17

Romans 11:2-10 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Happy Monday to you all!  Thank you so much for a wonderful birthday brunch at the church today; it was a delight sharing my celebration with all of you.  You blessed me.

 

Over the years I have listened to people talk about whether or not God was done with the Jews.  Has the church replaced the Jews as God’s chosen people?  Let’s turn to Scripture to answer that question…

 

Romans 11:2-10

2 No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

4 And do you remember God’s reply? He said, “No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!”

 

5 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

 

7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. 8 As the Scriptures say,

 

“God has put them into a deep sleep.

To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see,

    and closed their ears so they do not hear.”

 

Prayer:  Father, your Word teaches you have brought a spiritual blindness to the Jews until the full number of Gentiles (non-Jews) have responded to the gospel.  Thank you for loving the Jews and for loving the rest of us, too.  Glory be to you, O Lord!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 2-3-17

James 3:13-18New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Scripture teaches God has united us with Christ and for our benefit made Christ to be wisdom itself (1 Corinthians 1:30).  Wisdom is associated with righteous motives; it is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and merciful.  Simply put, wisdom is the spirit of Christ revealed in humble people through effective practice of God’s ways.  

 

Pride on the other hand stirs anger and contention, is puffed up, self-exalting, and demands its own way.  Simply put, pride is the spirit of fallen humanity operating in human understanding apart from God; it is foolishness and manifests in arrogant destructive competitiveness.  

 

James 3:13-18 True Wisdom Comes from God

13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

 

17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

 

Prayer:  I pray for my heart to be right before you, Lord.  Bring to my understanding any prideful attitudes or motives that need sanctification and healing.  Help me to be a great citizen of this country by practicing wisdom in my own life.  I pray for peace and wisdom to rule in this country.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.