Devotionals

Daily Reading 12-1-16

Psalm 72:18-19 New Living Translation (NLT)

When I was a child I looked with great anticipation to the Christmas celebrations with family.  We always went to my maternal grandparents for Christmas Eve; we gathered with the whole extended family. Everyone brought an abundance of joy to share.  We always had such a wonderful time and It remains one of my favorite memories.  

Scripture teaches the Lord—Jesus Christ—and his Kingdom will cover the earth with his glory.  Joy will erupt from every corner of the earth.  The Christ will release his fullness of joy for believers.  We know that will take place when Christ returns to reign forever.  In the mean time, we lift praise for Christ’s first advent and patiently wait in hope and anticipation for his second advent.  It is going to be a wonderful time!

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Daily Reading 11-28-16

Romans 6:1-11  New Living Translation (NLT)

Sin is serious to God, yet he forgives and extends grace.  Grace is the unmerited favor extended by God to break the power sin has over His children.  We don’t have to live in bondage to sin; fulfilling the dictates of our flesh.   We can break free because of Christ.   We can choose obedience to the Word.  Understanding this truth should bring us a greater measure of motivation to follow Christ into freedom from sin.

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Daily Reading 11-24-16

Psalm 100 New Living Translation (NLT)

Be filled with joy and thanksgiving, today, because the Lord is Good!  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

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Daily Reading 11-22-16
Psalm 24 New Living Translation (NLT)

Human beings are stewards of God’s world. Some people may not see it that way or even believe it, but that does not change the truth. We are to love God, love people, and take care of God’s creation. Let me repeat that same sentence but elaborate: We are to love God with surrendered lives as worshipers who follow His Word, love people by sharing Christ’s love and message of repentance and salvation, and take care of God’s world by respecting and maintaining his order as well as standing in God’s strength against evil.

This psalm of David’s not only points to the King of Glory-Jesus Christ-and his first coming to set humans free from the power of sin (cross); it also points to Christ’s future entry into the New Jerusalem-his second coming when he will reign and rule God’s world exactly as the Father commanded. The work of Christ is to clean us up and renew a right relationship with God, so we can share in the blessing and rule with him!

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Daily Reading 11-21-16

Revelation 21:5-7, 22-27  New Living Translation (NLT)

Scripture begins with God creating the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1) and it ends with God creating a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21).  One day following God’s judgment, He will create a new eternal earth.  God will live among his people in the New Jerusalem.   The inheritance of blessings we will enjoy is the fulfillment of all God’s promises; he will bring everything to pass.

In today’s passage from the Book of Revelation, we should note that God has truly provided for the future of His children.  There is no need to fear; be filled with hope because your God has a plan for eternity.

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Daily Reading 11-17-16

Luke 1:68-75 New Living Translation (NLT)

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied the coming of the Messiah.  Can you imagine the joy Zechariah would feel as he realized the Messiah would come to fulfill prophecy in his lifetime?  God had another honor in store for Zechariah, as well. God would call Zechariah’s son to prepare the way for Messiah.    

We must allow the Spirit to prepare us for the Messiah.  Perhaps Christ’s second coming will happen in our lifetime; we have every reason to be filled with that hope.  The very thought puts a smile on my face how about you? 

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Daily Reading 11-18-16

Acts 24:10-16 New Living Translation (NLT)

Did you know that when you are faced with adversity it becomes an opportunity for you to witness for Christ?

The Apostle Paul was able to use every opportunity that came his way to witness for Christ.  Paul was falsely accused; the religious leaders hoped Felix would execute the apostle based on their testimony.  The Apostle Paul was accused by the religious leaders of being a troublemaker, leading an unrecognized religious cult, and trying to desecrate the temple.  Paul defended himself against these accusations by simply admitting that he followed the Way; presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Daily Reading 11-16-16

Ephesians 5:1-2 The Message (MSG)

Good morning!  I want to thank you for your prayers.  I am home from the hospital, but still need to rest.  I have missed these devotional times, so I am going to try to post them each morning.  I need my time with the Lord and so do you.

God calls his children to imitate him in how he loves.  The world’s love is shallow and selective, but not God’s love.  God may not love everything we do, but he always loves us and wants fellowship with us.  We may not love everything others do, but we are still called to love them.

Our passage this morning is based on a letter from the Apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus.  He reminds the family of God how to love.

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Daily Reading 11-7-16

2 Peter 1:16-21 New Life Version (NLV)

How do you view Scripture? Is it a historical document, a theological story, a good book of virtues, or is it the inspired Word and revelation of God to humanity about Himself and His will?   Your perception will likely determine the measure of authority the Bible is given over your life.   

Scripture is filled with times of human interaction with God.  In our passage, today, Peter shares the importance of Scripture.  Remember, he had the privilege of witnessing the glorification of Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration.  Nothing would ever be able to rob him of knowing the truth of that encounter with God or sharing it with others; Peter knows Christ is the enteral Son of God.  It is a documented story in the Bible.  Peter tells us to trust the Scriptures.

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Daily Reading 11-3-16

Psalm 145:1-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

Do you know what can turn a tough day around?  Praise.  It’s true.  When we lift up the name of Jesus and praise him for his amazing grace, it lifts our focus off from ourselves and onto the Savior.  Our spirits gain strength and our souls—mind, will, emotions—turn toward joy.  God inhabits the praise of his people, so we can experience more of God when we declare his goodness.  Try it!

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