Devotionals

Daily Reading 11-3-17

Psalm 43:5 Good News Translation (GNT)

 

Human emotions are fickle; they can run high and then low without much warning.  As well, they can be difficult to tame and bring under the authority of the Lord.  When our emotions run low and we find ourselves sad or discouraged, we should not just “sit in our sadness.”  Instead, we need to open the Word of God and receive wisdom from the many heroes of the faith.  What did they do when they felt this way?  They meditated on the goodness of the Lord. 

Read more

Daily Reading 11-1-17

Matthew 5:1-12 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Over the past three days the Lord has been drawing my attention to the word, “Blessed or Blessing.”  In the Greek, the word “blessed” is translated using many different descriptive words that are all interconnected.  In today’s passage, I will use brackets to highlight a greater understanding of the word “blessed,” as well as the response of God on behalf of those pursuing the “blessing.”  Enjoy the teaching for today from the Word of God; you who are blessed of the Lord.

Read more

Daily Reading 10-30-17

James 2:8-13 Living Bible

 

Mercy is defined as not getting what you deserve; punishment is withheld.  We have all broken God’s Laws in some way; all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  We deserve the punishment for sin; eternal separation from God.  But because of God’s mercy (loving kindness) and grace we are forgiven.  God withholds the punishment we deserve, because Jesus paid the price and died for our sin. He took our place.  Extravagant gratitude is the proper response for such a Gift.

Read more

Daily Reading 10-27-17

John 5:39-47 Living Bible

 

It is possible to read all of Scripture in order to seek God, but miss the evidence of the Anointed Lord—Messiah—within it’s pages.   In our passage today, the Lord rebukes the religious leaders for hanging their hopes for eternal life on the Laws of Moses; because Moses wrote about Love incarnate (Messiah) and they weren’t living it.  Only the Lord brings eternal life and causes us to honor the Father of Righteousness.  

 

In order to know the righteousness of God, we must know the correcting and sanctifying work of the Lord.  Jesus Messiah is the One who teaches Truth about what honors Father God.  So, please listen to the Word of the Lord and choose to grow in righteousness—the character of Messiah.  

Read more

Daily Reading 10-26-17

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Any absence of godly leaders does not mean the absence of God or his love.  He alone is our dwelling place; our eternal Home and our Hope.  We must never forget it is by faith, as finite beings, we enjoy the eternal refuge of our Creator and Father.  We will go through times of pain and trouble, but God is still with us.  He is not bound by time for He is the Creator of time.  He does not lack power for He is sovereign and everlasting.  Even if all our circumstances aligned with our will, we would not be satisfied unless we were enjoying fellowship with the Lord.  It is the Lord who makes the difference in human existence.  

Read more

Daily Reading 10-25-17

Matthew 17:24-27 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

In our passage today, Jesus’s critics are once again criticizing Him to His disciples about taxes. The temple tax was prescribed in Exodus 30:13. This passage is not about paying taxes to the civil government, it is about fulfilling a worship obligation to God.  

The point Jesus makes is that the Christ and His disciples enjoy a relationship with God that frees them from the obligations imposed upon “others.”  Kings and their family did not pay taxes.  Jesus, the King, owed no taxes; however, He chose to comply with the Law’s requirements to avoid offending others.  

Read more

Daily Reading 10-24-17

Daniel 3:19-30 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

As followers of the Most High God, we are to have no other gods—nothing more important in our lives.  The world will always seek to woo us from our complete devotion to God; many false gods—idolatry—will seek to own us. The enemy knows if we remain committed to the abiding presence of God, we have power over the things of this world.  God is the creator of the heavens and the earth, so nothing is beyond His reach, love, or power.

Read more

Daily Reading 10-20-17

1 Peter 5:1-5 The Message (MSG)

 

I have the great privilege of working and serving with some amazing leaders; gifted people who love God and His family.  They volunteer their time and work for the advancement of the Kingdom.  The right motive must drive all leaders called of God.  Our main concern must be pleasing God; our focus should not be on ourselves.  We serve not for what we get out of it—what benefits us or even brings us personal satisfaction—but for the honor of bringing glory to the very holy substance of our love—Jesus Christ.    

 

Godly leaders model integrity.  One should extend respect to those older and shaped by Truth, listen to those younger who come with fresh ideas to reach others, and be willing to learn from both.  Peter shares this wisdom not just for people who work in church, but for all of God children who are led by integrity.   Do you respect those with greater experience than you?  Do you listen to those we see things differently?  Are you willing to learn from both? 

 

1 Peter 5:1-5

1-3 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.

 

4-5 When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—

God has had it with the proud,

But takes delight in just plain people.

 

Prayer:  Father, help me to lead and love your family in integrity and truth, because I want to please you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 10-19-17

Psalm 96:1-9 Living Bible (TLB)

 

The other day Mother and I were meeting with her oncologist and he asked, “Ida, how are you doing?”  My mother is an eternal optimist, so I looked her in the eye before she could answer and said, “Confession is good for the soul, Mom!”  We laughed because we knew how hard the past few weeks had been on her physically, but in the midst of all of it God remained faithful to get us the help she needed.  The doctor laughed, because he was overwhelmed with the joy we expressed in that moment.   Then the doctor shared with us that Mom’s recent MRI and CT scan showed no new cancer growth, Praise God!

 

We are to live each day by praying without ceasing—putting our needs before the Lord—and praising God for the provision and strength to press on.  We overcome by the blood of the Lamb—Christ—and the words of our testimony (Rev. 12:11).  Mom clings to Jesus Christ who is the true Life and she finds joy in the midst of the “mess!”  

 

Many people can praise God when life is going smoothly and emotions are running high and positive.  But, we are to be overcomers when it comes to this life; we overcome by bringing a sacrifice of praise.  I don’t know what you are facing, today, but grab ahold of your confession and make it count for God’s glory.  Holy joy—spiritual fruit—will fill you!

 

Psalm 96:1-9 Living Bible (TLB)

96 Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing it everywhere around the world! 2 Sing out his praises! Bless his name. Each day tell someone that he saves.

 

3 Publish his glorious acts throughout the earth. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. 4 For the Lord is great beyond description and greatly to be praised. Worship only him among the gods! 5 For the gods of other nations are merely idols, but our God made the heavens! 6 Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty are in his Temple.

 

7 O nations of the world, confess that God alone is glorious and strong. 8 Give him the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship him. 9 Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives. Let the earth tremble before him.

 

Prayer:  Lord, if I am willing you always find a way to turn my attention toward your goodness and provision.  Thank you for capturing my heart and my attention with your love.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Daily Reading 10-18-17

John 6:27-38 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

How important is loving and believing in Christ?  Jesus tells us in our passage, today, believing in him is the “only” work God wants from us.  In other words, we cannot trust in our own efforts to gain salvation, because we can never perform at a level to earn it.  However, we can trust the love of God found in Jesus Christ as Messiah to pay the debt for our sin and receive salvation as a gift.  I am fully convinced “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9).  Believing in the work of Christ brings eternal life, but that connection brings love and nourishment we cannot even imagine!

 

John 6:27-38 The Bread of Life

27 Jesus said, “Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

 

28 They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”

 

29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

 

30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? 31 After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

 

32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. 33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

 

34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

 

35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

 

Prayer:  Lord, I believe you are the Bread of Life that nourishes every aspect of my life.  Thank you for your great love and provision.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.