Devotionals

Daily Reading 5-2-17
1 Peter 2:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

Scripture teaches we have been given new birth by Christ’s atoning sacrifice for our sins. He has extended mercy and kindness in dying for our sins (the penalty for our sin is death) and our response for this gift of life should be gratitude and surrender. Our new birth means a new beginning and a new way to live; living by the Word of God rather than our feelings and our flesh. Our flesh thrives on doing what makes us feel good; however, that is usually exalting the flesh over the Lord. In order to move beyond infancy, we must be nourished by the Word.


1 Peter 2:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)
2 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Prayer: Lord, I am going to spend time every day in your Word; feed me until I can hold no more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Reading 4-3-17

Acts 20:7-12  New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Do you love going to church and listening to the Word of God being taught?  Are you spiritually hungry to the point that you can’t get enough of Christ’s teaching?  People in the early church were so eager to hear about the work of Christ, they would meet together around the clock in order to hear more of the Good News.   The Apostle Paul never tired of sharing about Christ.  As long as people would listen, he would preach.  

 

Have you ever fallen asleep in church?  In our passage today, we read about a young man who was attending a church service on the third floor of a building. The service went on for hours and hours.  This young man fell asleep while sitting on the window ledge.  This Scripture gives new meaning to the phrase “falling out” in the Spirit!

 

Acts 20:7-12  Paul’s Final Visit to Troas

7 On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper.Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. 8 The upstairs room where we met was lighted with many flickering lamps. 9 As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. 10 Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. “Don’t worry,” he said, “he’s alive!” 11 Then they all went back upstairs, shared in the Lord’s Supper,[b] and ate together. Paul continued talking to them until dawn, and then he left. 12 Meanwhile, the young man was taken home alive and well, and everyone was greatly relieved.

 

Prayer:  Lord, make me hungry for more and more of your Word.  Keep me hungry for more of your presence.  Be blessed by my desire to enjoy you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 3-21-17

1 Corinthians 10:1-7, 12-13

 

I have made many mistakes over the past sixty years.   How about you?  Scripture teaches a wise person learns from his or her past mistakes.  I strongly believe we can learn not only from our own mistakes, but from the mistakes of others around us.  We can evaluate the success or failure of life choices and learn from them; our choices can become wiser.  We can grow more spiritually.  God expects us to learn from mistakes.

 

Our Scripture for today has the Apostle Paul telling the early church in Corinth about the mistakes the Israelites made worshiping other gods.  Why would he dig up the past?  So these new Christians might not make the same mistakes.

 

1 Corinthians 10:1-7, 12-13 Lessons from Israel’s Idolatry

10 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ.  5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

 

6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did.

 

12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 

 

Prayer:  Father, thank you for the lessons I have learned from my mistakes and from watching others.  Continue to teach me wisdom.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 3-13-17

Hebrews 3:1-6 New Living Translation

 

Human identity is a big deal.  As Christ followers, our journey is one of discovering who God created us to be.  Each one of us is unique, so purpose should be lingering in our minds.  We are all called to leave an honorable human legacy, as well as an inspiring mark for God in this world.  Jesus makes a huge difference in our lives for the glory of God.

 

The author(s) of Hebrews reminds us Moses was used mightily by God as people followed him; he left a tremendous legacy and mark for the Jewish people.  But, Jesus came to call all people to follow him for the glory of God. In our text this morning, the supremacy of Christ is recognized so he may draw all of humanity to himself and thereby make a connection to God.  

 

Hebrews 3:1-6 Jesus Is Greater Than Moses

3 And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest. 2 For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.

 

3 But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. 4 For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.

 

5 Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. 6 But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.

 

Prayer:  Father, may my life in Christ be an honorable example of your grace in action and may you receive all the glory for having accomplished it.  Thank you for giving me Jesus and the work of your Spirit to change how I view my life.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 3-9-17

Psalm 121 NLT

 

I don’t know about you, but some days I find myself rather distracted.  I will start something important, face an interruption or two/three/four, and then become so detoured I never make it back to the first thing I was doing.  I might reflect on my day or think about the things I started and form the question, “Why didn’t I finish that, today?”

 

Scripture tells us the Lord never finds Himself distracted or detoured from the very best for our lives.  I find that so reassuring.  I am grateful God does not become distracted and walk away from me while bringing restoration to my soul and renewal to my mind.  He has promised to stand beside me and watch over my soul.  He has promised the same to you.  Let this truth refresh your soul and fill you with gratitude.

 

Psalm 121  A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1 

I look up to the mountains—

    does my help come from there?

2 

My help comes from the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth!

3 

He will not let you stumble;

    the one who watches over you will not slumber.

4 

Indeed, he who watches over Israel

    never slumbers or sleeps.

5 

The Lord himself watches over you!

    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

6 

The sun will not harm you by day,

    nor the moon at night.

7 

The Lord keeps you from all harm

    and watches over your life.

8 

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,

    both now and forever.

 

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for never losing tract of finishing your work in me.  I trust your timing and your way.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Reading 3-8-17

Matthew 18:10-14 NLT

 

It makes us feel good when people are concerned about our well-being; we feel loved and valued.  We should care about one another.  As well, we should recognize how very much God loves us. Sometimes we forget how very much Messiah is concerned when we wander off the righteous path.  

 

In our passage today, Jesus teaches his disciples about the depth of the Father’s concern and care.  I pray you enjoy our reading for today.

 

Matthew 18:10-14 The Parable of the Wandering Sheep

10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

 

12 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! 14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for always being concerned about me; you know where I am at all times.  If I should wander away, please come and get me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 3-7-17

Hebrews 4:14-16 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

If we place our hope in anything getting us to heaven other than Jesus, we have become terrible confused as to what it takes to have fellowship with God.  I am so grateful for the work of Jesus and his righteousness to cover my sin so I can enjoy the presence of my Abba—Father!  Jesus gets me; he knows me—my weaknesses—and chooses to extend me mercy and cover me with grace, anyway.  It is why I can pray boldly and ask my Father for healing, restoration, and wholeness for myself and my loved ones.  Thank you, Jesus!

 

Hebrews 4:14-16 Christ Is Our High Priest

14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

 

Prayer:  Abba, thank you for Jesus.  Jesus, thank you for your merciful heart and extravagant grace.  Holy Spirit, I love living life with you guiding the way!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Daily Reading 3-6-17

Hebrews 2:10-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Who’s your daddy?  According to the Word of God, because of Jesus our High Priest, we all have the same Abba-Daddy.  Christ restored our broken relationship with God; a relationship broken due to our sin.  Through his obedient sacrifice, Christ broke the power the devil had over us.  That is such an awesome reality isn’t it?  Now, we are set apart for God’s service.  We are brothers and sisters with Christ and all of us should be about our Abba’s business.

 

Hebrews 2:10-18

10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

 

11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.[a] 12 For he said to God,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.

    I will praise you among your assembled people.”[b]

 

13 He also said,

“I will put my trust in him,”

    that is, “I and the children God has given me.”[c]

 

14 Because God’s children are human beings-made of flesh and blood-the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had[d] the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

 

16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters,[e] so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

 

Prayer:  My Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give me this day my daily bread.  Forgive my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me.  And, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil; for yours is the kingdom, power, and glory forever.  Amen.

Daily Reading 2-28-17

Romans 11:1-6 Living Bible (TLB)

 

Kindness is the fruit of the Spirit. I looked up the biblical definition of the word “kindness” and found this: An attribute of God and quality desirable but not consistently found in humans. Kindness and mercy are used interchangeably. That means when we are truly kind and care about the heart and soul of others, we are responding like the Lord. In fact, Scripture teaches God considers extending kindness or mercy to others more important than offering ritual sacrifice to God. As you go through you day, please remember to sow kindness into the lives around you. God will smile.

 

The Apostle Paul taught all the time about the mercy of God, because God extended kindness to him. Once he experienced the fruit of kindness given as a gift by the Spirit, he better understood the heart of God. Paul shared his understanding in a letter of correction to the Christians in Rome who were convinced God no longer loved the Jews. 

 

11 I ask then, has God rejected and deserted his people the Jews? Oh no, not at all. Remember that I myself am a Jew, a descendant of Abraham and a member of Benjamin’s family.

 

2-3 No, God has not discarded his own people whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you remember what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet was complaining to God about the Jews, telling God how they had killed the prophets and torn down God’s altars; Elijah claimed that he was the only one left in all the land who still loved God, and now they were trying to kill him too.

 

4 And do you remember how God replied? God said, “No, you are not the only one left. I have seven thousand others besides you who still love me and have not bowed down to idols!”

 

5 It is the same today. Not all the Jews have turned away from God; there are a few being saved as a result of God’s kindness in choosing them. 6 And if it is by God’s kindness, then it is not by their being good enough. For in that case the free gift would no longer be free-it isn’t free when it is earned.

 

Prayer: Lord, help me to receive in a greater measure the spiritual gift of kindness, today. Then, help me to release it into the lives around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Reading 2-24-17

Hebrews 11:23-27  New Living Translation (NLT)

 

Deception is a very real enemy of faith; it is expressed through people.  Anyone can fall into deception unless he or she guards their heart with the Truth.  I might define the word Truth this way: Jesus is the manifestation of the Truth about God and in him there is no darkness or deception.  Therefore, there is the existence of absolute Truth.  When we give our hearts to Jesus we belong to the Truth.  

 

How does faith enter into truth?  Faith is expressed in believing something to be true (intellectual assent) and trusting it (relying on it as fact) with our lives.  Here’s another way to say it: faith is expressed in believing Christ to be Truth and trusting Him with every aspect of our lives.  When we choose to live by faith and follow the Lord, we gain heavenly eyesight.

 

Hebrews 11:23-27New Living Translation (NLT)

23 It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.

 

24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. 27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the ability to know truth and stand against deception.  You open my eyes so I may see.  You bless me!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.