Devotionals

Daily Reading 10-20-16

2 Timothy 3:1-9  New Living Translation (NLT)

How would you describe godliness?  What behaviors would be consistent with a godly person?  Would it be attending church services, quoting Scripture, and practicing religious traditions?  All Scripture teaches that godliness is consistent with the character of Jesus Christ who is Truth.  The Holy Spirit brings forth love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, thoughtfulness, and self-control.  Devotion to Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit is the only way to grow in godly character.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy that in the last days godlessness not godliness would be advancing.  In fact, Paul describes future societies and cultures driven by godlessness.  In the last days, even people who identify themselves as Christians will deny the power that could make them godly.  That means the Holy Spirit is grieved or quenched and not welcome to make even professing Christians holy and set apart from the world.

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Daily Reading 10-19-16

Luke 22:39-46 The Message (MSG)

As you and I are willing to turn our wills over to God and invite His will to rule and reign over our lives, we will need greater strength to remain faithful. Surrendering to God is an act that radiates great light and darkness doesn’t like it.  Temptation comes. The enemy always wants us to get discouraged and feel like God’s will is going to fail to provide something even better for our lives than what we want for ourselves. Darkness lurks to rob us of something supernatural.  When we need help fulfilling God’s will, we gain access to the help of heaven.  How do I know?  Jesus received angelic help when he needed it the most and in Christ we will too when we ask. 

It was a dark night for Jesus.  His friends abandoned him.  He had to surrender to the will of the Father and it was hard for him.  The Father knew it would not be easy, so He sent the angels to Christ’s side to strengthen him.  I love the image of God’s provision that bursts in my mind as I read our passage for today!

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Daily Reading 10-18-16

James 5:7-12 New Living Translation (NLT)

I trust God and believe he has everything under control in his world. Sometimes it feels like certain things are charging toward a very unstable state, but that’s when we must pray the hardest and resist the temptation to get caught up with all the negativity and grumbling.  I have chosen to be a follower of Christ (a follower of the Word) and my “yes” must remain fervent in spite of opposition. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he/she will keep my Word” (John 14:23). So, I will remain patient, but I do get excited when I think about Christ’s return.  What a celebration that will be! 

Patience and Endurance

7 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

9 Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!

10 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

12 But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your Word that brings encouragement and direction.  Help me to remain patient and courageous while waiting for Jesus to return.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Daily Reading 10-14-16

2 Timothy 2:14-26 New Living Translation (NLT)

More and more I am reminded that God alone recognizes and knows His people of faith; the Lord knows every heart and every personal story.  Nothing gets past the wisdom of our God and He is in control.  

What do you think would happen if every human being presented himself or herself to God for approval?  I believe the answer is we would know the Truth.  Truth is a person; His name is Jesus and His Word reveals the foundation of God’s love. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could all reach for Truth, turn away from evil, stop engaging in ignorant arguments, so we could pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace?

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Daily Reading 10-13-16

Acts 17:22-34 New Living Translation  (NLT)

Now more than ever before, it is essential that we prepare ourselves with the Word of God so we may share the gospel message with others.  We need to hold onto our faith and our core beliefs in Christ’s work on the cross for the atonement of sin and the redemption of lost souls.  We can know forgiveness of sin and form a relationship with the Living God. We can grow in holiness through the world of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is coming back to judge the world with justice; the world needs to get ready.

The message of Jesus Christ—the resurrected Savior of the World—must be communicated and shared with others.  How we communicate the message is modeled by the Apostle Paul on his trip to Athens.  Paul used examples the people would understand by sharing about the nature of God.  By using examples, he sought to establish common ground so they could discuss and emphasize what they agreed about God.  Then, Paul pointed toward the understanding that humans have a sinful nature and all need to come to repentance and salvation through Christ Jesus the Son of God.

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Daily Reading 10-12-16

Matthew 10:5-15The Message (MSG)

Jesus instructs his disciples to tell people in their own neighborhoods the Kingdom of God is near. Confusion and discouragement was weighing people down; they were waiting for a military King to deliver them.  However, Jesus was not coming as a conquering military King.  He was coming to bring a spiritual Kingdom to earth; a Kingdom not everyone would accept.

For us, Jesus has already begun bringing his Kingdom to earth in the hearts of his people.  When we share the Good News with others and they accept it, we have furthered the Kingdom that is connected to Christ.

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Daily Reading 10-11-16

2 Kings 5:19-27Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Sometimes it seems that for humans one lie can lead to another.  One act of deception can lead to another, because we try to hide the lie.  Being dishonest is a snowball effect and never worth it.  Tell the truth no matter how difficult it may seem.

Our lesson today continues from yesterday’s passage regarding Naaman (the man who was cleansed and healed of leprosy) and Elisha (the prophet of God who was an instrument of God’s healing).  Today, we will add to the mixture of characters Elisha’s servant, Gahazi.  Through a series of greedy choices, Gahazi brought disaster on himself and his family for generations.  

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Daily Reading 10-10-16

2 Kings 5:15-19 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Naaman was a military man who served in the Syrian Army; he also had leprosy.  Naaman went to Israel to see Elisha the prophet of God. Elisha gave Naaman some simple instructions for healing. Upon dipping himself in the Jordan River seven times Naaman was healed of the leprosy. Naaman recognized the power of Israel’s God and proclaimed Him Lord.  Gratitude filled this man’s heart.

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Daily Reading 10-7-16

2 Timothy 2:1-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

How does someone stay strong in Grace?  Grace is God’s unmerited favor extended to us.  We can all be recipients; but we must trust God and be willing to embrace His strength when ours begins to fail.  

As of today, 1.5 million people are under evacuation mandates and 3,500 National Guards have been deployed to help as Hurricane Matthew heads toward the east coast of Florida.  Many of us are praying for God’s protection over every life and to stay strong in the Grace that Christ alone can give.  May we all help others as best we can while being good soldiers in God’s grace.

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Daily Reading 10-6-16

2 Timothy 1:13-14 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy and praises him because he has remained true to the teachings of Christ.  During this time, some other disciples who had been following Jesus fell away from faith in Christ.

Our faith will always be under attack.  Guard your faith in Jesus Christ every day.  Satan wants to rob, steal, and destroy the life Jesus died to bring you; deception is one of the enemy’s favorite weapons.  We cannot allow the world to confuse us or draw us into compromising the foundation of our faith.  Our faith is built on the personhood and work of Jesus Christ to redeem us from sin; a Gift from God.  Keep Jesus Christ your first love!

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