Devotionals

March 28, 2018

John 13:21-32 New Living Translation

In our passage today, we read about the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.  Betrayal will always be an ongoing issue in life.  Betrayal has to do with a violation of trust.  The Bible describes betrayal as an enemy masquerading as a friend.  An common example of this definition would be someone saying nice things to your face to gain your favor, but verbally criticizing you when he or she is with others in order to make himself or herself look better.  People do it all the time and think nothing of it, but Scripture teaches it is sin. It is similar to the sin of gossip but leaves deeper wounds and it is built on the foundation of arrogance/pride.  Maybe you have tasted betrayal; if so, be comforted because Jesus understands.  

How does Jesus treat his betrayer?  Jesus loves him.  It can only be done by submitting to the grace and power of God Almighty.  Jesus stays focus on his mission, forgives Judas, and keeps seeking to please the Father.  He did not let this single betrayer taint him from loving and trusting his other friends.  And, God was glorified.

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March 27, 2018

John 12:20-36 New Living Translation

In our passage today, Jesus sets out to explain to those listening—both Jews and Greeks—that he must die.  This is not the picture of Messiah people have been wanting and hoping would come as God’s Promise of salvation.  When Jesus did not meet the expectations of people, he was rejected.  It was true then and it remains true.  

Jesus is the light we need to navigate the dark places in life. He is the Savior who brings us grace for each moment and delivers us from evil.   He has offered to be the light for us and then he calls us to be the light for others.  Is the light of Christ shining brightly in your life?

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March 26, 2018

John 12:1-11 New Living Translation

I love our reading for today. Jesus’ dear friends are focused on bringing glory to God. Lazarus is given new resurrected life and cannot stop talking about it with everyone he meets.  Martha is back in the kitchen serving others; using her gift of hospitality.  Mary is extravagantly worshiping at the feet of Jesus.  

However, at the very same time Satan is also focused on defeating Jesus.  Judas is planning to betray the Messiah.  Seekers are trying to decide if they believe the story about Lazarus.  And, the chief priests are planning to kill Lazarus.

The Kingdom is advancing and increasing, but Satan still tries to hinder it.  As you and I make progress in our relationship with Christ, we must expect some opposition.  Stay strong in the power of His might.  Stay the course and hold on to His righteousness.  No weapon Satan forms against you can prosper; submit yourself to God, resist Satan, and he will flee.

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March 23, 2018

Philippians 2:12-18 New Living Translation

The results of our salvation should be an abundance of joy radiating like beams of light from our being.  Salvation is such a gift; the revelation of the depths of God’s love and favor extended to us should completely overwhelm us with joy.  Are you overwhelmed with the revelation of God’s love for you?  Here is what you need to remember: even if you were the only person in the world, he still would have gone to the cross so you might live knowing his love for you.  So, shine brightly and give God the glory.

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March 20, 2018

Psalm 119:9-16 Living Bible (TLB)

John and I are presently in the midst of remodeling my mother’s condo; it was in need of quite a bit of work.  There’s one problem, the inside of the condo is covered with drywall dust and debris of every kind.  Sometimes I stop by and try to get some things done after being at the church during the day.  Every time I go to the condo to do anything I get dirty…really dirty.  How does one keep clean in a filthy environment?  

The psalmist asks a similar question, how can we keep our hearts clean and pursue the presence of God when the world we occupy is a filthy environment?  The answer is to stay in God’s Word, follow God’s instructions, and allow ourselves to surrender to the power of the Spirit.

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March 19, 2018

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

We have been given the power to live in Christ now.  Satan has no power over us unless we give him power.  God made the decision to save us and leave us here in this world; he also gave us the freedom to choose how we will live as his children while here.  Out of gratitude we should live in obedience to God’s Word.  We have been given new life and the grace to live it for God’s glory.  Let’s not waste the gift of grace; let’s do the good things God has planned for us. 

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March 13, 2018

1 Corinthians 10:6-13 New Living Translation (NLT)

In our passage today from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he uses Israel’s exodus out of bondage, journey across the Red Sea, and into the wilderness as an example of spiritual immaturity.  God had performed miraculous things for Israel, yet they struggled with idolatry and arrogance.  We can always learn from history, because life brings temptation to everyone.  Let’s pay attention to our passage and allow Wisdom to teach us, today.

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March 1, 2018

1 Peter 2:4-8 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Scripture tells us how to build our lives and live in fellowship with the Lord.  We begin with a solid foundation; the Rock of Ages—Christ the Cornerstone—because he is Truth and entirely trustworthy.  We do not need to fear the future, because Christ is with us and able to deliver us into peace.  Choose to live by faith in the One who shines light and displaces darkness.  He is the Precious One everyone needs; the only One who can save us and give us worth and value.

1 Peter 2:4-8

4 Come to Jesus Christ. He is the living stone that people have rejected, but which God has chosen and highly honored. 5 And now you are living stones that are being used to build a spiritual house. You are also a group of holy priests, and with the help of Jesus Christ you will offer sacrifices that please God. 6 It is just as God says in the Scriptures,

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February 28, 2018

John 12:36-43 New Living Translation (NLT)

From the beginning of time, despite the amazing and magnificent miracles of the Lord, people did not want to believe or submit to God.  Jesus did one healing after another as people witnessed the “praise of God” or power resting on Messiah.  Many were astounded, but did not believe or put their trust in Messiah even then.  

God is still moving in miraculous ways in our world, but many struggle to confess belief because loving Jesus and believing in the Living Word causes offense to others.  That is why Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are not offended by me” (Matthew 11:6).  Why would Jesus respond that way?  Because in Christ we have the invitation to allow the “praise of God” to rest on us as we live in fellowship with the Father.   But as we will see in our passage today, people sometimes desire human praise rather than the “praise of God.”   Allow the Word to do its work in your heart, mind, will, and emotions, and enjoy the “praise of God” abiding in your life.  It is SWEET!

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February 27, 2018

Hebrews 11:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

It is our faith that rises like a sweet smelling fragrance before the Lord; our faith pleases the heart of God because it acknowledges the Lord as Source.  When we come to God with faith believing that he desires to bless us as his children; he is a proud Abba.  We all think we know what will make us happy or fulfilled as we pray and petition God, but sometimes we are looking at things from a very shallow perspective and unable to see the greater options.  That is why we come by faith to the throne of God.  He knows us and He knows our needs.  God knows your needs, today.

One thing we must all keep in mind, the rewards and treasures God imparts to us may not always be what we are looking for in the beginning nor recognize as such when they arrive.  Those spiritual blessings will, however, be the very things we are the most grateful for as time goes on.  God knows how to give good gifts to his children; they are always eternally connected to the inheritance of Christ the Anointed One. Put your faith out for the Lord and expect him to bless you because of Jesus!  Be an example of great faith by believing for God to meet every need in your life.

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