Devotionals

Daily Reading: 8-2-16

Colossians 4:2-6  The Message (MSG)

Let’s spiritually examine our thoughts and attitudes for a minute; it’s how we listen for truth and grow in all relationships.  When you are talking to others, is it your goal to bring out the best in others during those conversations?  To set a platform for ongoing dialogue, rather than stopping at a stiff exchange of information? 

When it comes to sharing the gospel, we are to pray for God to open doors of opportunity and communication in our every day lives.  We are to step into those times filled with Grace, because we are to follow our leader, Jesus.  Scripture teaches Jesus always stepped into gospel-sharing moments in humility, gentleness, meekness, and lowliness in order to be welcomed into ongoing dialogue.  The only time we see something different in Jesus’ character is when he is communicating with the Pharisees who are simply trying to further their religious agenda by controlling others.  

In our passage, today, the Apostle Paul is in jail for speaking about Jesus, but he is still praying for the Lord to open doors of communication so he can share the abundant gospel of salvation.  No matter where Paul finds himself, it is a place that needs a Word from the Lord.

Read more

Daily Reading: 8-1-16

Colossians 3:18-21 The Message (MSG)

Scripture seems to always reveal something about relationships. It is Christ who brings us wisdom and the measure of love we need to be victorious in all relationships.  In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is addressing marriage and parenting in Christ.  

Mutual submission is essential for a vibrant marriage.  We must truly desire God’s highest and best for one another and be willing to work through all the challenges that come against that covenant of love.  Marriages that have Christ at the center have the greatest opportunity for happiness and lasting joy.  

Children require great love and discipline; they are a blessing from God.  However, children need to be taught to love and respect the Lord’s authority over their lives.  They learn by watching their parents.  In so doing, they will learn to respect and value others as well as themselves. 

Read more

Daily Reading: 7-28-16

Romans 11:33-36 Living Bible (TLB)

Many people are content with living their faith at a surface level; having a form of godliness but denying the deeper power.  Christ died so we might actually explore the depths of God’s love and the wisdom He desires to extend; tools for living.  Scripture teaches that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways, so God definitely has insight I need (Isaiah 55:8).  I don’t think God will be asking me for advice any time soon.  I do, however, need His guidance and wisdom so I will go deeper in His Word every day.

Read more

Daily Reading: 7-27-16

Matthew 5:43:-48 The Voice (VOICE)

In our present culture, we are witnessing an intense level of daily discord.  Satan is hard at work trying to cause division everywhere (family, friendships, work, etc.).  Division makes us weaker by forcing isolation.  

Jesus is teaching the disciples about loving even those we see as enemies.  We are to unselfishly seek the best or higher good for them and pray for them.  And get this: when we respond this way to those who mistreat us we are revealing ourselves as God’s authentic children.   When we reflect our Father, we are living the Higher Life.

It is easy to love those who love us back, but Jesus has called us to love our enemies and pray for them.  Why would he say that?  Because it is the character of God.  He even loves those who hate Him.  God knows it is a hard thing to desire good things for hateful people, so Jesus provided the Spirit who helps us. 

Read more

Daily Reading: 7-26-16

Romans 9:30-10:4 Common English Bible (CEB)

Jews and non-Jews can experience the truth of the gospel; God desires to make all people His people.   Life in the Spirit—faith in Christ—helps us to understand God’s tremendous love for us all.  For many, the gospel is just too simple and too amazing, so we trip over the Rock of Ages trying to make it difficult!   We cannot earn God’s favor or forgiveness; it’s a gift of Grace.  We must trust the righteousness of God found in Christ that has been extended to humanity.  Our hands come to God empty.   Remember, God will hold us accountable to remain obedient in Christ.  Christ is the complete revelation of God.

Read more

Daily Reading: 7-25-16

Colossians 2:16-3:1Common English Bible (CEB)

The Apostle Paul teaches about how easily people can be led astray from the Law of Grace if Christ is not given his rightful place.   Christ is the Head of the Church; therefore, a connection to Christ is essential for proper spiritual growth.  Christ has set us free to be led by the Spirit through faith in him alone; we are not to be led by the opinions of others, self-made religions or human traditions.  If we have a relationship with Christ, we have the understanding available to us (Spirit) so we can please God.  As we grow up and reach for maturity in Christ, our lifestyles will be based on continual change. We can trust Christ to make us anew, so stay focused on Jesus.

Read more

Daily Reading: 7-22-16

Acts 2:22-36 Living Bible (TLB)

The Holy Spirit is the One through whom all things spiritually come alive.  Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and went about with the power to perform live-giving miracles, wonders, and signs as the Father directed.  It is the Spirit who imparts the blessing to those who trust in the Lord and seek to know the ways of life eternal.  Blessings and favor await every Christ’s follower.

Peter proclaimed Jesus to be the Anointed Messiah the Jews had been waiting for and he used Scripture to prove his point. God’s plan had been in motion since the beginning of time and was prophesied through David, as well as others.

Read more

Daily Reading: 7-21-16

Psalm 138 Living Bible (TLB)

From heaven the Creator is orchestrating the story of redemption. The Lord has promised to provide salvation and he does so by calling each of us to embrace a lifestyle of worship and an attitude of service to our neighbors.   As well, the Lord provides a plan for our individual lives so we can participate in the story.  Even when we face difficulties, the Lord is working His good plan out for our lives.  We need to remember it is essential to connect our plans with God’s plans, because He is Good.  Let’s praise Him!

Read more

Daily Reading: 7-20-16

John 6:41-51 Amplified Bible

It is Father God who deposits the desire in human hearts to know and follow Christ.  We do not generate that desire. We have no ability to believe in Christ apart from the work of God to call us.  The Father plants the Seed in human hearts and we choose to activate our faith in the work of Christ (the Bread of Life) and follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  It’s called Grace and salvation is entirely provided by God; that’s what makes it the greatest of all miracles.

In our passage today, the Jews are having trouble seeing the divinity of Jesus; after all, in the natural he is the carpenter’s son.  Yet, no one could deny the power of his teaching or how his Word was changing lives.  Jesus calls for their obedience to the Word, but for the most part he only receives criticism.  Since they did not like the message, they condemned the messenger.  

We connect to Christ by believing in his death and resurrection, as well as by devoting ourselves to living as he requires.  The Spirit teaches us and provides the power to fulfill our choice.

Read more

Daily Reading: 7-19-16

1 John 2:1-6 The Voice (VOICE)

I am going to set a word out for you today that most people are afraid to use because it sounds judgmental.  The word is “sin” or that which is evil, immoral, and transgresses against God’s Word.  Jesus is the Living Word, so when we follow the Word we are following Christ.  For the Christ follower who is seeking to know the Father and gain understanding, the word “sin” is familiar.  It is not a judgmental word; rather, it is an honest assessment of our human behavior and sincere recognition of our need for a Savior.  Jesus died for the sins of the whole world; in other words everyone sins.  

We are to avoid judging the sins of others and focus on our own journey; remember Jesus saying, “Why is it that you see the dust in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but you can’t see the wooden plank in your own eye? (Matt. 7:3-4).  Christ’s followers realize sin is our natural condition and, without the supernatural work of the Living Word, sin separates us from our perfect God.  Knowing God means learning to follow His holy ways; we grow closer to God (intimacy) when we confess our sins to Him and choose to allow the Spirit to bring the necessary change into our lives that causes us to align our ongoing choices with God’s Word.

In our passage this morning, the Apostle John is writing a letter and urging Christ’s followers to avoid the inevitable pain and guilt that comes when we practice sin.  There are always consequences to practicing sin.

Read more