Devotionals

June 27, 2018

Mark 6:45-52 Living Bible (TLB)

Jesus is constantly directing us to trust His Word imparted to our hearts; He is Truth and he cannot lie.  If Jesus (Living Word) imparts it, He will make sure that Word is accomplished in our lives.   In birthing terms, we become spiritually pregnant with the Word and we will deliver or manifest the Word in the appointed time.  It’s a promise.  With that in mind, we must remember, in the midst of the promise, Satan comes to catch us off guard and get us to be filled with fear or doubt and halt the Word.  We must “want” to believe and press on in faith.  May the Word today minister to your heart and make you spiritually stronger.

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June 26, 2018

Acts 27:39-44 Living Bible (TLB)

Today, we continue our reading from yesterday with the Apostle Paul, a raging storm,  and the plight of the ship transporting him and other prisoners to Rome.  Even though Paul told the pilot and crew the ship would go down, they still did not believe.  They lowered the rudders like one digging in his or her heels.  We are a stubborn creation and we are sure we can save ourselves.  They thought they saw a clear way—between the rocks—of escaping the shipwreck prophesied, but they never counted on the sandbar which they could not see.

God has perfect vision and we need to trust him.  Life will carry us into unfamiliar places; things we have never before faced.   We must be comforted that God knows exactly where we are and how to bring salvation.  We need to fall on our knees and ask for God’s help when we are facing the storms of life.   He will bring us into a safe place.  

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June 25, 2018

Acts 27:13-38 Living Bible (TLB)

What begins as a perfect day, does not always end as a perfect day.  In our lesson from the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul is a prisoner; falsely accused.  As a Roman citizen, he uses his right to appeal to Caesar.  His appeal is granted and plans are made to have him transported to Rome by way of a sailing vessel. Paul encourages the pilot and crew to abort their plans of sailing.  But the ship’s owner does not want to stay in this location for the winter. They set sail anyway.

At first the wind seems favorable for sailing, but in a very sort time a deadly storm arrises. Paul begins to pray for wisdom and guidance.   Satan does not want Paul to reach his destination so he sends a storm; Paul will speak truth to too many influential people if he is able to reach Rome. But Paul is led by the Spirit of God and the Spirit tells Paul he is going to reach Rome and stand before Caesar; he is not to allow fear to overtake him.  God is in charge of this journey; this is the Lord’s battle.  Enough said; Paul believes the word of the Lord.

If you are facing difficulties because you are serving the purposes of Christ, stay strong in the Lord.  Live for Christ and hold fast to His Word.  This spiritual battle you are encountering belongs to the Lord.  He will fulfill his Word to your heart.

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June 22, 2018

Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

Today is a Fantastic Friday; we are loved and valued by a liberating God so we should rejoice!  

Throughout Scripture, God is the Deliverer of His people; he liberates and saves us from our spiritual enemies: The world, our human flesh, and Satan.  The human exalting world has not willingly placed itself under God’s authority, so it will reject the Word and we will feel the spiritual battle outwardly if we choose to pursue life in Christ.  Our spirits have been redeemed in Christ, but our flesh (which prefers sin) must learn how to live under God’s authority; we will feel the spiritual battle on the inside as the Spirit calls us to surrender to God’s holy will for our lives.  Lastly, Satan and his demons are on a mission to defeat those who have accepted God’s salvation in Christ; his purpose is to hinder the growth of our faith by causing us to quit and give up our quest for the truth; we will feel the spiritual battle waged against our minds.

The world, our flesh, and Satan all desire for us to live as if this life is all that matters.  But God has delivered us from the power of all of these things, so we may live for his eternal purpose.  You are more than a conqueror in Christ; stay the course and hold onto your joy!

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June 21, 2018

Job 29:1-6

In our Wednesday LIFE Lessons study, we have been reading the Book of Job.  Job lived a very abundant life before Satan secretly began robbing him of the things he valued.  God was still watching over Job, but with Satan actively attacking him it no longer felt the same.  Have you ever looked back at life and said, “I miss the old days?” Job did.

What can we learn from this short passage of Job’s recollection?  It is very important to never lose track of the many blessings God brings into our lives. But let’s not confuse blessing with an easy road or path in life.   Blessings can come through laughter, success, failure, and even tears if it bring us closer to God.  The goal of the Christian life is to live and remain in the wisdom of God.  Wisdom comes when we apply God’s Word to our lives; wisdom is applied Truth.  Whatever teaches us wisdom is a blessing.

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June 20, 2018
Luke 6:43-45 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

The Bible serves to teach us and the Spirit makes divine connections for us regarding the spiritual life. We know in this world we can find the presence of both good and evil. People are free to choose to share words and deeds of goodness or words and deeds of evil acts. 

In our passage today, we notice the heart and the mouth are connected to spiritual production: it’s called fruit bearing. What comes out of our mouths is connected to what we have stored in our hearts. That is why it is so important to forgive and extend mercy to others, because if we hold onto unforgiveness and judgment in our hearts, it is just a matter of time before our mouths are going to speak evil and our hands reach to manifest it. Choose to be a tree of righteousness; allow righteousness to fill your heart and your mouth will speak the heart of God.

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June 19, 2018

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

I love praise time in our worship gatherings each week when collectively God’s people lift their voices to exalt him; to express heartfelt gratitude for his great love and provision. Praise is warfare initiated by lifting up One who is so much greater than he who is in the world.  Scripture teaches God inhabits the praise of his people and I am aware of His presence each time we seek Him with praise.  

In our passage from the Apostle John today, he tells of a time when God pulled back the visual curtain separating the heavenly realm and allowed John to observe the praise room of heaven.  The room was illuminated by God’s glory and the people were able to look upon the face of God.  Can you imagine?  This room has the complete absence of evil and a river flows from the throne of God and the Lamb.  Trees with medical leaves line the river; the leaves heal the individuals as well as the nations under heaven.  Praise is the occupation of everyone there; unrestrained praise of God and the Lamb for the love that is self-emptying. 

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June 15, 2018

Hebrews 11:4-7 Living Bible (TLB)

Scripture teaches true faith is about trusting and pleasing God; we come to God with a seeking heart.  Trust brings the ability to hear from God.  This letter to the Hebrew Christians was to teach them life lessons about what it takes to know and enjoy fellowship with God.  If we are wise, we will allow it to teach us life lessons, as well.  

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June 14, 2018

Hebrews 2:1-12 Living Bible (TLB)

Sometimes I am asked questions like, “Pastor Mary, do you think it is important for people to believe in the work of Jesus on the cross? Do you think he is really the way to salvation?  Do you think Jesus is the only way to know the heart of God?”   Based on the Word of God here is my answer to all three of those questions, “Yes.”  Scripture teaches God put Jesus (Yeshua) in charge of all things.

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