Devotionals

May 29, 2018

1 Corinthians 2:1-10 New Living Translation (NLT)

From the beginning of Creation, God has desired a relationship with His human creatures. Relationship has been a way to share His glory, wisdom, and love.  God desires for people to live and have fellowship with Him and others; to know and be known.  God longs to equip His children with wisdom and everything we need to overcome the world and be successful.  The mystery of God has been and remains salvation and the redemption of all people.  It was not until Christ rose from the dead that people began to put some pieces together and begin to understand the mystery of God; the love that motivates the Almighty and the plans He has for our “forever!”   

Spend time today thanking God for His great wisdom and secret plan, because He has something in mind for all of His children that will be beyond our ability to mentally process.  We must allow the Spirit to prepare us to receive the mystery and live for His glory.

Read more

May 28, 2018

Revelation 4:1-8 New Living Translation

It is essential for us as God’s children that we learn to recognize his Voice; the Word of God speaks!  In our passage today, we see it is the Spirit who calls the Apostle John to join in heavenly worship. John recognizes the Spirit’s Voice and receives a vision so we, as readers of the Word, can gain a glimpse of the throne room, the glory and holiness of the Lord, and the worship of God from every being present. 

According to John this is the revelation of Christ.  Christ says to those who read the Word of God, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it…” (Rev. 1:3).  The Trinity is the Source of all truth, so we must press in to listen to the Voice of God and learn.  

In the previous three chapters, the Word has spoken to the seven churches in Asia and continues to speak to the universal church today.  To the Church at Ephesus the Word says, “Remember your first Love and Repent.”  To the Church at Smyrna the Word says, “Don’t fear and remain faithful.”  To the Church at Pergamum the Word says, “Repent and stop compromising with evil.”  To the Church at Thyatira the Word says, “Repent of immorality.”  To the Church at Sardis the Word says, “Wake up and repent of superficial faith.”  To the Church at Philadelphia the Word says, “Hold on in spite of trials!”  To the Church at Laodicea the Word says, “Repent and stop being lukewarm in your worship and mission.”  To the universal church, the Lord desires that we learn from all of these examples, because true worship and loyalty in relationship to God is about loving and living in agreement with the Word.

Read more

May 25, 2018

Romans 8:9-11 New Living Translation

Many people have an idea of God; an image or a way to ascribe a respect or “feeling” to God.  That has never been enough for me.  I desire a thriving relationship with God the Creator of all things; I want to commune with the Holy One, learn about Him and myself, and enjoy fellowship.  Belief in the work of Christ on the cross is always the first step if we desire a relationship with God and want to learn how to walk with the Spirit.  The Father sends the Son and the Son sends the Spirit.  When the Holy Spirit descends upon on our hearts, we are endued with the love and power of Christ. Jesus taught us, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12).

We can enjoy every day with God and grow in our understanding of how the power of Christ’s Spirit works within us.  This power of God in human vessels is not pitiful power it is dunamis (Greek) or dynamite (English).   So what are you going to do with the dynamite power within you, today?  May I offer a suggestion?  Seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, use your faith to raise the power within you, and release the dynamite love of God into the lives of others.  Go about your day radiating the love and power of Christ’s presence in you.

In our passage, the Apostle Paul writes to Christ’s followers in Rome and further explains what it means to have new life in the Spirit.

Read more

May 24, 2018

Romans 8:1-18 New Living Translation

To be able to choose every day how we will think or emotionally respond to life’s situations is a very liberating thought. If sin is the rejection of the God-life, righteousness is putting God in the center of our lives and learning not to be controlled by everything we see or experience with our thoughts or natural senses.  As believers, we are human beings on a faith journey with a God who is Spirit.  Our natural inclinations, senses, or mindsets have to be monitored, because our flesh is infected with sin. That monitoring is the work of the Spirit who guides us into all Truth.   I am so grateful Jesus cleared the eternal slate recording my sin and every day is a prayerful new beginning for the Spirit to help me make better decisions.

The decision for how we mentally process things is done at an individual level.  If I am going to focus on the positive things of God vs. negative sinful things the decision begins with me.  Changing certain situations may be impossible, but how you and I approach those things with our thoughts and responses is a free choice of our will.  We must make a decision to be led by the Spirit for the glory of God.  When we find ourselves experiencing more negative consequences in our lives than positive ones, we need to evaluate our choices by getting in the Word to see what the Spirit has to say to our hearts.  A positive life change might be one Spirit-led decision away.  Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Read more

May 23, 2018

John 20:19-23 The Voice (VOICE)

On Sunday, we celebrated the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; the work of righteousness to convict and forgive sin, as well as call us into holy living.  Christ has made his life and power available to every believer.  By the work of the Spirit, we can reveal to others the power of God living in us through our love, testimony, spiritual gifts, and active faith.  

In our passage today from the Gospel of John, Jesus tells the disciples to welcome the Holy Spirit and he breathes life-giving power into them.  They could “feel” the breath of God and the unction of the Holy Spirit to share about the forgiving love and salvation of Almighty God for the sins of the world. 

Messiah sends believers into the world to share about this forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit to groom us in righteousness.  We must tell the world that Jesus lives and the Spirit compels us to share this Good News of God’s love everywhere we go.  If we do not tell others, they may never know they could receive forgiveness too.  May God make us bold in our witness and powerful in our love!

Read more

May 22, 2018

1 Corinthians 12:12-20

In our spiritual lives as Christians, we are baptized into one Spirit, one faith, for one Lord.  Through salvation, Jesus Christ has become the Head of our lives; he must be Lord.  Therefore, everything that comes into our lives must bow to the will of Christ; otherwise, we may find ourselves fighting against the Lord. 

God decides every person’s gifts and graces; He imparts gifts and we are given opportunities to use them. Agreement is essential for the Anointed One to shine.  These gifts are not about talent per se; although they may be perceived as such.  The gifts of the Spirit serve to build up the Body of Christ to spiritual maturity.  In some form or fashion every person should be serving the Lord in their local spiritual family.  Every gift is necessary; to withhold it or minimize it would be an act of fear or selfishness.  

If you are reading this devotion today, I may not be aware of the gifts inside of you, but if you know Jesus then you most certainly have them.  Identify them.  Sometimes the best way to identify your gifts is by trying different things in ministry.  The Body tends to affirm our gifts.  When we release our spiritual gifts to help the Body, it is never about how it makes us feel it’s for the benefit of the whole.  The purpose of using every person’s gift(s) is for the growth it brings the Body when we use it. 

In our lesson today, the Apostle Paul continues to teach us about the unique work of the Holy Spirit and how the Body of Christ is set up for success if we allow the work of the Spirit to direct our lives and purpose.  

Read more

May 21, 2018

Joel 2:28-29 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 New Life Version

Through God’s Old Testament prophet, Joel, the Lord sends a prophetic word that He will pour out His Spirit on his sons and daughters and they will speak God’s Word.  The Spirit brings all kinds of gifts as we welcome Him into our lives; different ways to powerfully share God’s love.  Same Spirit but different gifts because we are different people.  The Spirit is about exalting the Anointed One—Christ the Messiah.  

If we have accepted Christ into our lives and have welcome the work of the Holy Spirit to lead us into righteousness, we are set up for sharing God’s love in Word and deeds.  As we step into God’s righteous plan for our lives and begin using His gifts, the Anointed One is exalted and the lives of others are touched.  The Holy Spirit is a person and it is the work of the Spirit to convict the world of sin, the need for righteousness, and the coming time of judgement.  This judgment has to do with justice and the just shall live by faith.  Place your faith in the work of Christ, connect with the Spirit, and live for the Lord of Righteousness!

Read more

May 16, 2018

1 Corinthians 15:42-49 New Living Translation (NLT)

Scripture teaches us in a variety of ways how valuable sowing and reaping is to God. Even our human bodies are sown into the earth for a season until harvest time.  The Father sowed or planted his Son into the earth, but he was raised in glory at the resurrection. Our natural bodies are perishable, but our spiritual bodies will be eternal.  No more decay, sickness, or weakness.  Christ is the first fruit of the resurrection of the spiritual body; a body not limited by the laws of nature. 

The Apostle Paul teaches the Corinthian church about the resurrection and the believer’s future to be raised as heavenly people.  We have such an exciting future awaiting us! 

Read more

May 16, 2018

John 16:16-24 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

In our passage today, the Apostle John writes about the time just before Jesus is arrested.  Jesus tells the disciples he is going away and lets them know he is aware they will be sad when he leaves. Then, Jesus teaches the disciples about the Holy Spirit. He tells them the Spirit will convict the world of sin, call people to repentance, and guide them toward righteousness. It will be a new relationship between the believer and God.  The Holy Spirit will be a Helper who guides believers into the Truth of the Savior: the Living Word or utterance of God. Upon receiving the Spirit, the disciples will be filled with great happiness and joy.   

It is the work of the Spirit to exalt Christ and teach believers the ways of God; to help us through Grace apply the principles of love to our lives.  Our part is to pray and ask for the Spirit to indwell our lives and be our Helper.  In this new relationship, God will be pleased and believers will be happy and whole.

Read more

May 15, 2018

Psalm 115: 1, 9-18 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

In Christ Jesus, we are protected from the unholiness of this world.  Our protection comes when we are united (abiding) in love and affection with the sovereign Lord of the heavens and earth.  We return love and honor to God, because he loves and honors us as his creation. Honor is about value; giving weight to something important. For God, his character is pure and honorable, so the honor he bestows on us is perfect.  For us as his people, we must learn and grow in honor as it is a connective bridge in our future with the sovereign God. Our lives honor God when we live to please him.  As his people, we learn to honor and love the Lord with every aspect of our lives.  We walk with him by faith knowing he is worthy to be praised in all things and he will surely protect us.

Scripture teaches God will protect us as a Shield, so do not give fear any place in your life.  When you start feeling afraid, use your faith and speak words of praise lifting up Christ.  If you are truly abiding or dwelling in him and honoring his utterance/Word, as he is lifted up you will be lifted up. 

In today’s passage, the psalmist encourages Israel or the people of God to love, trust, honor, and praise the Lord.  In Christ, the people of God are those who call on the name of the Lord to be saved. Praise the Lord!

Read more