Devotionals

Daily Reading 10-9-17

1 Peter 2:4-10 Living Bible (TLB)

 

When I was in Kindergarten, one of my favorite class times was “Show and Tell.”  I was always excited not only to share special things with others, but to see and hear what my fellow classmates would bring to share.  “Show and Tell” was a great way to learn more about others; what they liked and what was important to them.  As well, it helped alleviate the fear of speaking aloud in the classroom; it built confidence and community.

 

As Christians our lives are to be like the classroom activity “Show and Tell.”  A way for people to know the love of Jesus is to show them love in action and to tell them how much Jesus has changed the focus of our lives.  As we allow Jesus to light our life with righteousness, peace, and joy, we can share with others how much Christ has changed our lives.

 

The Apostle Peter reminds his church family they are each a spiritual house built by Christ. Our lives our built on Christ the Solid Cornerstone.  He is trustworthy, merciful, and the reason we can have a relationship with God.  Let’s be bold to “Show and Tell.”

 

1 Peter 2:4-10

4 Come to Christ, who is the living Foundation of Rock upon which God builds; though men have spurned him, he is very precious to God who has chosen him above all others.

 

5 And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ—and offer to God those things that please him. 6 As the Scriptures express it, “See, I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him.”

 

7 Yes, he is very precious to you who believe; and to those who reject him, well—“The same Stone that was rejected by the builders has become the Cornerstone, the most honored and important part of the building.” 8 And the Scriptures also say, “He is the Stone that some will stumble over, and the Rock that will make them fall.” They will stumble because they will not listen to God’s Word nor obey it, and so this punishment must follow—that they will fall.

 

9 But you are not like that, for you have been chosen by God himself—you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own—all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were less than nothing; now you are God’s own. Once you knew very little of God’s kindness; now your very lives have been changed by it.

 

Prayer:  Lord, You have truly brought my life into the light of your love.  Help me to listen to your Word and obey it.  Your Word has shown me your heart and tells me the Truth.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Daily Reading 10-6-17

Psalm 19 Living Bible (TLB)

 

The enemy called “evil” hides in the darkness of the unredeemed human soul (mind, will, emotions); the evidence of it is sin against God and others.  God’s commandments of love were given long ago so we could identify the sin that tempts us to act on evil impulses.  If we love God with all our hearts, minds, strength and our neighbors as we love ourselves, we have the Light to reveal the work of darkness.  We have the authority of the Word and the power of God’s Spirit to correct us and set us on the right path to act in the justice of God.  

 

In our passage today the psalmist sings, “God’s laws are perfect.  They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light.  For they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them” (Psalm 19:7,8,11).  Every person needs the Savior to cleanse evil from his or her soul.  

 

Psalm 19

19 The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. 2 Day and night they keep on telling about God. 3-4 Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it 5 and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom[a] going to his wedding,* or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race! 6 The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat.

 

7-8 God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light. 9 God’s laws are pure, eternal, just.[b] 10 They are more desirable than gold. They are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. 11 For they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them.

 

12 But how can I ever know what sins are lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 And keep me from deliberate wrongs; help me to stop doing them. Only then can I be free of guilt and innocent of some great crime.

 

14 May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Daily Reading 10-5-17

Exodus 23:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

The Word of God is the Truth that brings wholeness.  Biblical justice involves bringing wholeness to others.  Justice flows from God’s heart and character. Therefore, acting in a manner that is contrary to the Word is not acting in the justice God requires of his children.  The Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones (Psalm 37:27-29).  He will reward and bless those who love justice (Isaiah 61:8).  One day, God’s justice will become a light to the nations (Isaiah 51:4).  

 

In our passage this morning, we are reminded about how God views spreading lies so He calls His people back to justice.  The spirit of evil is fed through half-truths and lies.  We must be people who tell the truth when we open our mouths and cast down the lies when we hear them. Gossip destroys family relationships, friendships, work environments, etc.  Gossip is not becoming of a son or daughter of the Most High.  So, when we are tempted to slander another or be silent when we know something someone else is saying is not true, we are responsible before God to act justly.

 

Exodus 23:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)  A Call for Justice

23 “You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand.

 

2 “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice. 3 And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor.

 

Prayer:  Lord, you alone are the just Judge. Please give me discernment to know the Truth.  Holy Spirit bear witness in my spirit regarding what is Truth and help me to bring wholeness to all those whom you bring into my path.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  

 

Daily Reading 7-21-17

Hebrews 6:13-20 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

If you are connected to Christ, you are set up to be blessed.  Are you aware God took an oath and made a promise to bless you in Christ?  He did it a long time ago; and he is bound by that Word.  Since you know the truth, wait patiently for God to bring forth what He has promised.  You can place your confident hope in God and His love for you.  Allow faith to move and position you; God is growing your character while you wait.  Remain obedient in His loving care, because authentic faith lives for God.

 

Hebrews 6:13-20 God’s Promises Bring Hope

13 For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

 

14 

“I will certainly bless you,

    and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.”

 

15 Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

 

16 Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. 17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your oath and promise to bless me. I am so grateful for the love you spill over me each day.  I don’t live for the hope that my circumstances will always please me; rather, I live in the confidence of your presence and the hope that you will always be good to me even beyond what I can see.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 7-19-17

Matthew 13:10-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

When we have a growing relationship with Christ, we hear the Word and it deepens our understanding of God’s heart and multiplies our spiritual fruit.  When we neglect our relationship with Christ, hearing the Word and discerning the meaning and application becomes more difficult.  When we reject a relationship with Christ, the mind becomes deceived and the heart becomes hardened.  

 

In our passage this morning, Jesus teaches his disciples and he teaches us.  If you want a thriving relationship with Christ and you invest time in learning to live the Word, he says to you, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven.”

 

Matthew 13:10-17

10 His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”

 

11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. 

 

13 That is why I use these parables,

For they look, but they don’t really see.

    They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,

‘When you hear what I say,

    you will not understand.

When you see what I do,

    you will not comprehend.

 

15 

For the hearts of these people are hardened,

    and their ears cannot hear,

and they have closed their eyes—

    so their eyes cannot see,

and their ears cannot hear,

    and their hearts cannot understand,

and they cannot turn to me

    and let me heal them.’

 

16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.

 

Prayer:  Lord, I am blessed to see your hand at work in my life and to hear what you want to teach me.  Please continue to teach me the mysteries of the Kingdom.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 7-18-17

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 New Living Translation

 

We are no longer to live according to the demands of our flesh—sinful nature—instead we are to put on the righteousness of Christ and live in the new nature.  The Apostle Paul teaches we are to throw off the old nature (stop lying, stealing, becoming angry, and using our words against others) and instead put on the new nature (be truthful, kind, forgiving, holy, and righteous).  There is a great deal to meditate on this morning in our passage.  We need the help and power of the Spirit if we are going to consistently apply it to our lives.  Let the Word of God minister to you, today.

 

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 Living as Children of Light

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

 

20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

 

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[a] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

 

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

 

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[b] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

 

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 

Living in the Light

5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[c] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

 

Prayer:  Father, help me to remember I am to imitate you in every area of my life; it’s a journey of transformation into the image of Christ. Please continue to transform my thinking; help me to keep my heart pliable.  I realize the more like you I become the brighter the Light in my life becomes.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 7-17-17

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (NIV)

 

The temptation to live for self rather than submit to God is a daily opportunity.  God desires for us to live obedient to his Word and to offer ourselves for the process of sanctification.  Being sanctified or made holy is the process of living the Christian life.  It is how the Holy Spirit works in us to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ.  Let’s not reject God’s instruction, but take it to heart and learn from him.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8  Living to Please God

1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

 

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for this Word on sanctification; I welcome your instruction.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 7-13-17

Romans 2:12-16 The Message (MSG)

 

Every culture and society recognizes some kind of moral law.  Even though that moral law may be viewed differently, there is evidence of what a society perceives as right and wrong.  If we are honest, we will have to admit that we fail to live up to even our own standards of right and wrong.  Knowing what is right and doing what is right must be our constant goal, but understanding that God is the One who actually decides what is right, sets the standard for us, and gives us the power to live it is the greatest truth. 

 

In our passage this morning, the Apostle Paul explains how knowing and doing is connected to the Living Torah (Law)-Jesus!  Has Jesus written the Law of God’s love on your heart? If so, you know what is right according to God.

 

Romans 2:12-16

12-13 If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely. Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.

 

14-16 When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for making your standard and way known to my heart. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 7-12-17

John 13:1-17  Living Bible (TLB)

 

Do you agree Christ’s way is the humble way?  You know there is a difference between believing in the humble way and actually living it, right?  We are not better than our Master; so, if Jesus humbled himself, took on a servant’s role, and washed the feet of the disciples, then we should find ways to serve others in a way that glorifies God.  How do you treat the people around you?  Are you waiting for them to serve you?  Or, do you actively look for ways to serve them?  If we are willing to take on a servant’s role and serve others, then clearly Christ has washed us and we have become his partners.  Our passage today, reminds us to know the truth and do it is the path of blessing!  So, I am praying blessing for you today!

 

John 13:1-17

13 1-3 Jesus knew on the evening of Passover Day that it would be his last night on earth before returning to his Father. During supper the devil had already suggested to Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that this was the night to carry out his plan to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. And how he loved his disciples! 4 So he got up from the supper table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his loins, 5 poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he had around him.

6 When he came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Master, you shouldn’t be washing our feet like this!”

 

7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now why I am doing it; some day you will.”

 

8 “No,” Peter protested, “you shall never wash my feet!”

“But if I don’t, you can’t be my partner,” Jesus replied.

 

9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well—not just my feet!”

10 Jesus replied, “One who has bathed all over needs only to have his feet washed to be entirely clean. Now you are clean—but that isn’t true of everyone here.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

 

12 After washing their feet he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Master’ and ‘Lord,’ and you do well to say it, for it is true. 14 And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow: do as I have done to you. 16 How true it is that a servant is not greater than his master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends him. 17 You know these things—now do them! That is the path of blessing.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the reminder that we are to serve you by serving others; we are partners in your mission.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Reading 7-11-17

Romans 3:1-8  Living Bible (TLB)

 

There are some things in life that should be overlooked, but sin is not one of them.  Do you think God overlooks your sin?  In his epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul reminds his listeners that everyone sins and stands guilty before a holy God.  With that in mind, the best way to handle the truth of that statement is repentance; a turning from sin in order to live for God.  

 

People love to make excuses for why certain sins are all right and others are not, but in reality sin is sin and God hates sin; he will judge it.  God sent the Holy Spirit so we could be delivered from sin and instead live in his righteousness.  God is good and will always be righteous, but we are his children who are to be growing into the image of Christ.  If we are not growing in righteousness, more than likely we are making excuses for the sin we want to practice.

 

Romans 3:1-8

3 Then what’s the use of being a Jew? Are there any special benefits for them from God? Is there any value in the Jewish circumcision ceremony? 2 Yes, being a Jew has many advantages.

 

First of all, God trusted them with his laws so that they could know and do his will.[a] 3 True, some of them were unfaithful, but just because they broke their promises to God, does that mean God will break his promises? 4 Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is not. Do you remember what the book of Psalms says about this?[b] That God’s words will always prove true and right, no matter who questions them.

 

5 “But,” some say, “our breaking faith with God is good, our sins serve a good purpose, for people will notice how good God is when they see how bad we are. Is it fair, then, for him to punish us when our sins are helping him?” (That is the way some people talk.) 6 God forbid! Then what kind of God would he be, to overlook sin? How could he ever condemn anyone? 7 For he could not judge and condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty brought him glory by pointing up his honesty in contrast to my lies. 8 If you follow through with that idea you come to this: the worse we are, the better God likes it! But the damnation of those who say such things is just. Yet some claim that this is what I preach!

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for guiding me toward righteous living; I need your help and power.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.