Devotionals

June 12, 2018

1 Samuel 8:1-9 The Message

God made a covenant or promise with Israel to be their God if they would be his people.  But instead of being excited about God as King, Israel wanted to be like other nations who had a human king. Can you imagine telling God “thanks for the offer…but, no thanks?”  

In our reading today, please note how God responds when the people reject His offer to be the King of their lives.  He lets them have their own way; they will taste the fruit of their demands and regret it later.  If we are wise, we will give God his rightful place in our lives and not demand that he do things our way.  

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June 11, 2018

1 Samuel 16:14-23  The Message

The Lord rejected Saul as Israel’s king because he sought to please people more than God.  Because of Saul’s choice to dishonor the Lord, God sent Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse.   The youngest son, David, was God’s choice as Israel’s new king.  God looks at the heart to determine his leaders; David was a worshiper and a man after God’s heart.  Samuel was instructed to anoint David as the new king; in the pouring of the oil the Holy Spirit came upon David in power.

The Holy Spirit then departed from Saul and left him struggling with a tormenting evil spirit. In our passage today, the Lord is starting to prepare David to be king.  The Lord will allow David to witness leadership without the anointing of the Spirit.  David would learn a lot during his time as a musician in Saul’s court.  For our life lesson, we must never forget the work of the Spirit to bring peace and wholeness to our lives.  Our dedication must be to live to please the Lord above all else.

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June 8, 2018

Psalm 130 The Message

Long before Messiah came to earth the Holy Spirit prompted the psalmist to prophesy about the love and redemption God would one day send; first to Israel and then the nations.  Because forgiveness is God’s habit, it was destiny for him to make a way to forgive the sins of the world.  When God forgives our sin, he truly remembers them no more and keeps no record of having been wronged.  We are free to live, move, and having our being in Christ’s love!  Meditate on that Truth, today!

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June 7, 2018

1 Peter 4:7-19 The Message (MSG)

It seems like everywhere I go there are always opportunities to wander from practicing the love of God.  The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, thoughtfulness, faithfulness, and self-control—are being tugged on within me to be released so I may remain in the shalom (wholeness) of God.  Love and self-control are like bookends that bind all the fruit together.  I must reach for love and a greater portion of self-control with each trial or challenge.   When someone is impatient with me, the Spirit tugs on me to release patient love in return.  When someone is unkind to me, the Spirit tugs on me to release kind love in return.  Every day I must choose whether or not I will retaliate.  Can you relate?

In our lesson today, Peter speaks to my heart.  I am reminded God’s family will taste judgment in such a manner.  In order for a judgment to be made and test of character must be experienced.  So whatever you may experience each day, choose to remain in the love of God and be prepared to exercise that spiritual fruit for his glory.  God is watching; He knows what he is doing. It’s preparation.

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June 6, 2018

John 5:1-18 The Voice (VOICE)

During the time of Jesus’ ministry, Bethesda was known as a place full of suffering, impurity, and darkness.  Most people in the vicinity purposely avoided this place, but Jesus walks boldly into it in order to serve people.  Among those plagued with disease and physical challenges, Jesus singles out a lame man who for 38 years has waited patiently for God to heal him.  The man has been looking at his limitations and talking about needing people to help him, but the Lord is going to get him to look Higher for salvation in order to receive the wholeness found in the presence of God.

We are all tempted to focus on our limitations, but we must resist doing so because God is not limited by our weaknesses.  For 38 years the “mat” has been this man’s resting place, but Jesus tells him to pick it up and carry it in new strength.  Pick up your mat—that thing you have been resting on for comfort—ask and expect the Spirit to move you into wholeness leaving weakness behind.  Be bold with your asking and avoid trying to figure out how God will touch you.  Trust, because Jesus is the Healer and we all need him!

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June 5, 2018

Psalm 78:1-4 New Living Translation (NLT)

God has been so very good to each of us; life in Christ is a beautiful gift.  At Connect2Christ Church we are starting a new children’s music ministry, today.  This will be a time of praise and creativity; a time to pass along to the next generation our stories about the love and goodness of God.  Please be praying for Corbi, as well as the worship team as they bring leadership to this ministry.  Our children are the future when it comes to the work of the Kingdom; we must groom them for the faith that will be required in their lifetime.

In our passage today, the Psalmist teaches about the importance of sharing spiritual truths and life lessons with the next generation.  We are in agreement with the Word and looking for the work of the Spirit to multiply the seeds we are devoted to plant in the lives of those whom God brings.

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June 4, 2018

Romans 9:19-29 New Living Translation (NLT)

Potter God fashioned you as a jar of clay to reflect His glory.  He has done that with every child of Promise. Since He is the Potter and we are the clay, He can form our shape any way He chooses.  You are a unique work of His hands; find joy in your differentness.  Glorify God with your unique life.

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June 1, 2018

Romans 8:31-39 The Message (MSG)

The love of God pursues all people, but swaddles those who by faith welcome Him.  If you have accepted the work of Messiah on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins, you are swaddled in the pure love of God and nothing can penetrate or tear you away from Him.  You are snug and secure in his loving care.  

If we are honest, sometimes it does not feel like we are swaddled in God’s love, because we look at our circumstances to determine the love of God for us.  That is a wrong way to view life in Messiah.  We must “know” that nothing comes into our lives that hasn’t first gone through the cross of Jesus Christ.  When you think of it, there is nothing more than the cross he could possibly do to demonstrate his perfect love…but he continues to love us and bless us anyway!  Focus on this love of God for you, today.  View your fleeting circumstances as you stand at the foot of the cross gazing on God’s love for you and don’t let life rob you of Truth.  Messiah loves you; He embraces you so you can’t lose!  

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May 31, 2018

Acts 25:1-7 The Message (MSG)

As Christians, our reputation as law-abiding, peace-promoting, and honest-living people matters; we are to reflect our Master’s integrity and love.

In our lesson today, Paul’s reputation is under attack, but he knows he is innocent of the charges the high priests are trying to bring against him.  He has done nothing to harm the Jewish religion, the Temple, nor Caesar’s empire. Paul’s conscience is clear and his reputation as one who walks with God stands.   He is not bowing down to the accusations of others.  He knows if he were guilty of these things, the Spirit would convict him.

Sometimes we may be tempted to think how we live our lives does not matter to God, but those are lies the enemy tries to get us to believe.  Cast down the temptation to compromise and seek to reflect the reputation of God.  The Spirit will guide you.

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May 30, 2018

Mark 4:21-25 New Living Translation (NLT)

When I was younger, I had what my kids would call “turbo hearing.”  lol…Probably, because what was in secret came out into the open.  Honestly, I find the older I get the more closely I must listen to what people are trying to tell me.  I have always desired to be fully present and paying attention, but now I need to really focus because background noise and conversations can mess with my hearing and understanding. Sometimes, I need to move to a quieter place in order to really listen.

In our passage today, Jesus is speaking to his disciples.  He tells them they need to really pay attention and listen closely.  The disciples’ understanding is based on how closely they listen.  In fact, if they will press in to really pay attention, listen, and do what he says, Jesus promises they will be given even greater understanding…greater Light.  So, listen to the Word, allow it to teach you truth, and let the Light of Christ shine understanding in you, today.

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