Devotionals

Daily Reading 12-8-16

Galatians 3:23-29  New Living Translation (NLT)

The way of faith is the Way of Christ.  Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law.  As we put our faith in the work of Christ, we are made right with God.  The Apostle Paul’s analogy that putting on Christ is like putting on new clothes is priceless.  We are no longer separated by our differences; rather, we are all dressed alike.  We are united by our Oneness in Christ.  Now, we can all make a journey as we follow Christ into the holiness of God.  Joy Supreme!

Read more

Daily Reading 12-7-16

Matthew 12:33-37 New Living Translation (NLT)

How important are the words of our mouths?  Let’s go to Scripture to read about the connection between our words and our hearts.

The religious leaders accused Jesus of working for Satan; in so doing they sinned against the Holy Spirit.  The very leaders who were supposed to encourage God’s people of the coming Messiah, totally sinned against him when he came. Sometimes people just don’t want to recognize the power of God in and through the work of Jesus Christ—the Living Word of God.  The Word can offend hardened hearts.  

Jesus was always going about doing good; his heart was in sync with the Father and the Spirit.  Therefore, his words were truth and his actions righteous.  The Word teaches that what we say and do reveals what is in our hearts.  Let’s not reject the Living Word. 

Read more

Daily Reading 12-6-16

Romans 15:14-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

Are you proud of God’s holy work in you?  Recognizing all that God has done in your heart is not pride; rather, it is worship.  Recognizing all that God has done in the heart of others is also worship.  This week we are looking for the Spirit to grow the spiritual fruit of joy in our hearts.  Are you full of joy when witnessing to Christ’s saving work in human hearts?  Tell someone about Jesus, today!

Read more

Daily Reading 12-5-16

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 New Living Translation (NLT)

Every now and then we need a bit of encouragement to press on in our life with God.  We can get sloppy in how we live the God-taught life.  We are to be filled with joy as we live in the holiness and beauty of God’s presence.

In our passage this morning, the Apostle Paul is giving a Christian pep talk to the Thessalonians.  The way he is encouraging them is by clarifying what it means to live to please God.  We can learn from Paul’s pep talk, as well.  He teaches: Passionate worship, respect for our bodies, and the practice of empathy as we love others.

Read more

Daily Reading 12-1-16

Psalm 72:18-19 New Living Translation (NLT)

When I was a child I looked with great anticipation to the Christmas celebrations with family.  We always went to my maternal grandparents for Christmas Eve; we gathered with the whole extended family. Everyone brought an abundance of joy to share.  We always had such a wonderful time and It remains one of my favorite memories.  

Scripture teaches the Lord—Jesus Christ—and his Kingdom will cover the earth with his glory.  Joy will erupt from every corner of the earth.  The Christ will release his fullness of joy for believers.  We know that will take place when Christ returns to reign forever.  In the mean time, we lift praise for Christ’s first advent and patiently wait in hope and anticipation for his second advent.  It is going to be a wonderful time!

Read more

Daily Reading 11-28-16

Romans 6:1-11  New Living Translation (NLT)

Sin is serious to God, yet he forgives and extends grace.  Grace is the unmerited favor extended by God to break the power sin has over His children.  We don’t have to live in bondage to sin; fulfilling the dictates of our flesh.   We can break free because of Christ.   We can choose obedience to the Word.  Understanding this truth should bring us a greater measure of motivation to follow Christ into freedom from sin.

Read more

Daily Reading 11-24-16

Psalm 100 New Living Translation (NLT)

Be filled with joy and thanksgiving, today, because the Lord is Good!  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Read more

Daily Reading 11-22-16
Psalm 24 New Living Translation (NLT)

Human beings are stewards of God’s world. Some people may not see it that way or even believe it, but that does not change the truth. We are to love God, love people, and take care of God’s creation. Let me repeat that same sentence but elaborate: We are to love God with surrendered lives as worshipers who follow His Word, love people by sharing Christ’s love and message of repentance and salvation, and take care of God’s world by respecting and maintaining his order as well as standing in God’s strength against evil.

This psalm of David’s not only points to the King of Glory-Jesus Christ-and his first coming to set humans free from the power of sin (cross); it also points to Christ’s future entry into the New Jerusalem-his second coming when he will reign and rule God’s world exactly as the Father commanded. The work of Christ is to clean us up and renew a right relationship with God, so we can share in the blessing and rule with him!

Read more

Daily Reading 11-21-16

Revelation 21:5-7, 22-27  New Living Translation (NLT)

Scripture begins with God creating the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1) and it ends with God creating a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21).  One day following God’s judgment, He will create a new eternal earth.  God will live among his people in the New Jerusalem.   The inheritance of blessings we will enjoy is the fulfillment of all God’s promises; he will bring everything to pass.

In today’s passage from the Book of Revelation, we should note that God has truly provided for the future of His children.  There is no need to fear; be filled with hope because your God has a plan for eternity.

Read more

Daily Reading 11-17-16

Luke 1:68-75 New Living Translation (NLT)

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied the coming of the Messiah.  Can you imagine the joy Zechariah would feel as he realized the Messiah would come to fulfill prophecy in his lifetime?  God had another honor in store for Zechariah, as well. God would call Zechariah’s son to prepare the way for Messiah.    

We must allow the Spirit to prepare us for the Messiah.  Perhaps Christ’s second coming will happen in our lifetime; we have every reason to be filled with that hope.  The very thought puts a smile on my face how about you? 

Read more