Devotionals

Although I love reading, understanding legal language or reading lawsuit grounds is definitely not my forte. I can quickly get lost in all the words; reading them over and over again to digest the content. I am more of a visionary, so imagery is helpful to my understanding.

In our passage today, the prophet Micah uses imagery to communicate to God’s people about their violations against the Lord. Essentially, Micah serves Israel a covenant lawsuit using the eternal mountains and the hills as witnesses to the people’s unfaithfulness toward God’s Law. Because the mountains have been around a long time, they “know” the Truth. As defendants, the people seek to regain God’s favor, but they have offended the Lord with their attitudes and actions and have NO desire to change.

From the beginning, God has clearly put forth his righteous standard to which humanity always tries to negotiate a new deal. Selfishly, we want our desires fulfilled; so, we choose to believe a God of love would want that, too. However, God’s first interest is not to fulfill our desires even though rewards are a part of his covenant promise. Rather, God’s greatest purpose is to save and redeem humanity, so we can enjoy a righteous relationship with him that will last throughout eternity. Redemption prepares us to proclaim the Truth to others as the Spirit bears witness. Without Jesus we are separated from God and the Lord wants a reunion with his people that is secure and eternal on the grounds of his knowledge as Creator.

It is fruitless to try and bargain with God, but like the Israelites we certainly try to do it, anyway. The Lord desires repentance and a people who remain faithful to the covenant agreement. Only Jesus—our holy Advocate—can help us with that litigation.

Micah 6:6-8 NLT
6
What can we bring to the Lord?
    Should we bring him burnt offerings?
Should we bow before God Most High
    with offerings of yearling calves?
7 
Should we offer him thousands of rams
    and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
    to pay for our sins?
8 
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.

Prayer: Lord, only you can make us righteous and help us bear the righteous fruit of the Spirit. Please forgive our prideful attitudes and ungrateful actions. We humble ourselves before you and trust your ways for our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is Election Day; Americans will choose their next President/Vice President, vote on senators, representatives, and judges whose term will end 2025, as well as vote on several proposed amendments. It has been a very challenging journey due to all the political rhetoric and character smearing flowing from both parties, biased national leaders, and the media. Enough! Frankly, the candidates from both parties are flawed, but aren’t we all when compared with Jesus? Therefore, my quest over the past year has been to discern truth from lies and represent the heart of God with my vote.

Oh, how I long for the character of Jesus to transform human lives, so we can live in a way that honors and emulates our Creator. Yet, I know according to Scripture, the Lord uses believers and unbelievers to further his righteous plans for saving the world. No one stands in God’s way or forces his righteous Hand. His will be done!

So, even though I have voted for the policies, principles, and values that more closely align with God’s standards clearly revealed in Scripture, I pray for God’s will and choice to be served in whomever wins this election. My hope is not built on a human being or party platform; my hope is built on Jesus’ blood and righteousness. All other ground is sinking sand! I pray for you to join me in that prayer. So, let’s remember:

2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins
and restore their land.”

Prayer: Lord, we confess our failure to honor you by our actions as a
nation; forgive our sin against you and one another. Holy Spirit, turn us from wickedness and help us hunger for righteousness. Your children are to be salt and light and work for the salvation of this fallen world. America was to be an example of righteousness; ordered and ordained by you alone. So, Lord, we need to elect the leader you have chosen to use for your purposes.

By this election, please raise up the leader whom you intend to use to further righteousness in this nation. We have lost our way! Please exalt the leader who will bring the greatest support for godly principles and values, promote human responsibility for faith, country, family, and neighbors. Position a President who will proclaim your design for marriage and family, as well as protect the life of the unborn.

Lord, you have all authority in heaven and on earth. We love you, worship you, and cling to your promise to protect our religious freedom so we can fulfill your commission to go into all nations and make disciples. Use this President to open doors for us, Lord, to go into government, civic organizations, schools, and workplaces to share about your love and plan for redemption. We have been unrighteously limited and sometimes shut out of these places; forbidden to influence others in the Spirit of Truth. Please use this leader to open doors for the proclamation of your Word to permeate this world.

We pray for this new President to adhere faithfully to our alliance with Israel. May no work of evil sway or influence this nation to forsake our call to protect your people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. As well, may this President demand respect for the Jews in this nation and be willing to take action against any threat.

We know evil will fight to the end, but please protect the children called by your name from the active work of evil to rob, steal, destroy. Protect and empower our law enforcement and military servants; strengthen our military and cause our Commander-in-Chief to demand and position godly leaders with integrity. Secure the borders of our land and place a boundary that is strictly enforced. Help this President enact penalties for lawlessness across our land.

Inspire our President to rebuild our economy and demand the government become fiscally responsible with the precious and sacrificial tax dollars of our citizens. For anyone living in this country, may they be held accountable to work for the well-being and welfare of the country rather than use it for corrupt and selfish practice. Restore our hearts in your love and restore this land by your Mighty Outstretched Hand in Jesus’ name. Amen.

How do you handle being wronged? Do you retaliate, are you quick to defend yourself, or do you seek revenge? How often do you trust that God will bring true justice?

Today, we are looking at the end of Romans 12 where Paul is instructing the Christians in Rome to never repay evil with more evil. Rather, as Christ’s followers, they (we) are called to live in peace with everyone. Paul goes on to remind Christians that the Righteous One is the only One who needs to handle revenge. In verse 19, Paul directs our attention back to Deuteronomy 32:35, when we see that through Moses, God reminds His people that only He can make things right.

God has always desired for us to allow His justice to rule over our lives. He has wanted us to trust Him from the Old Testament through Moses, and again in the New Testament through the Apostle Paul. Yet, even with this Truth, how quick are you and I to retaliate, to defend ourselves, or to seek revenge, instead of turning to God and seeking His justice? God not only wants to care for us, He calls us to an even higher standard, as He wants us to care for our enemies. He wants them to experience His love through us. We are not to let evil conquer us; we are called to conquer evil by the Love of Christ!

Romans 12:17-21 (NLT)

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.

20 Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your justice. Although I may not always understand Your ways or Your timing, help me to remain in a place of trusting You. Please help me to love my enemies, and guide me, Holy Spirit, to allow You to defend my life through Your justice. Slow me down when I am wronged, so that I can allow You to do what needs to be done, rather than trying to do it in my own strength. I ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul speaks about the fruit of the Spirit.  Out of those fruits mentioned, the one that stands out to me is joy.  If there is one emotion that we are lacking is joy.  How is this the case?  People are finding temporary joy in other things and other people.  Joy comes from God.  The word “joy” has been used as an acronym from time to time.  One of those acronyms is used like this: Jesus, Others, Yourself.  This is important for us to remember because over the course of time, we have been placing ourselves before everyone else.  If we are going to be servants for God, then we need to put aside our egos and quit boosting ourselves up and start thinking about others.  

In today’s passage, the Psalmist is acknowledging how we ought to be more joyful when we are in alignment with Him.  When we follow His instructions and search for Him and seek after Him, we will begin to look at things differently.  The first thing that we need to do is to be in that place of surrender and opening our hearts to inviting Him in and live within us.  

Psalm 119:1-8 (NLT Translation)

Aleph

1 

Joyful are people of integrity,
    who follow the instructions of the Lord.

2 

Joyful are those who obey his laws
    and search for him with all their hearts.

3 

They do not compromise with evil,
    and they walk only in his paths.

4 

You have charged us
    to keep your commandments carefully.

5 

Oh, that my actions would consistently
    reflect your decrees!

6 

Then I will not be ashamed
    when I compare my life with your commands.

7 

As I learn your righteous regulations,
    I will thank you by living as I should!

8 

I will obey your decrees.
    Please don’t give up on me!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to be more joyful in life.  Help us to live in the present rather than always thinking about the past or the future.  We know that there are going to be times where we have to make a change, but help us to not cave into fear but rather embrace what You have in store for us.  You know what is best for us.  Help us to receive Your instructions with an open heart and an open mind.  In Jesus name, amen.  

It seems like people are putting their faith and worshipping those things that are not from God.  For instance, people today are fixated and drawn on the latest piece of technology and some would even making it a priority to make it well known to others.  Personally, technology is a blessing as well as a burden.  In other words, there are pros and cons when it comes to technology.  It is great that we can be informed about a wide variety of information, however, people would begin to lose sight on the little things that we miss out in life.  I have often times said this: it is not what you are doing, it is who you are with.  What this means is that anyone can do the activities, but what makes those activities and those moments special is the people who are there with you.  If we can feel comfortable and confident with people around us, then why can’t we have that same confidence in God?  

In today’s passage, we see the Psalmist explaining how we need to put our full confidence in God and praising Him as long as we have air in our lungs.  The writer also acknowledges that He is just and explaining the different characteristics of God.  It is important that we continually praise God without any doubt or fear.  Those are the kind of things that can hold us back from moving forward in our walk and our relationship with God.  I want to challenge us by not only reading this passage, but also praying and asking God to continuously remind us about how great He is towards us.  

Psalm 146:1-10 (NLT Translation)

1 

Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord.

2 

    I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
    I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.

3 

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
    there is no help for you there.

4 

When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
    and all their plans die with them.

5 

But joyful are those who have the God of Israel[a] as their helper,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.

6 

He made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and everything in them.
    He keeps every promise forever.

7 

He gives justice to the oppressed
    and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.

8 

    The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
    The Lord loves the godly.

9 

The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
    He cares for the orphans and widows,
    but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

10 

The Lord will reign forever.
    He will be your God, O Jerusalem,[b] throughout the generations.

Praise the Lord!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love for us.  Thank You for loving us while we are still sinning against You.  Even when we feel like we are not worthy of being Your son or daughter, You still love us unconditionally.  Let us continuously praise You no matter what season of life we are navigating through.  Help us to turn to You at all times.  Let us not turn towards the substances and the material things of this world, but instead turn towards You.  In Jesus name, amen.  

If there is one blessing that we can take for granted is that we have different senses that help us navigate through life.  Our senses include our smell, our touch, our vision, etc.  Out of those senses I have mentioned, the one that we use most frequently is our vision.  Every minute of every day, we are looking around and examining our surroundings.  Not only that, but we also pay attention to the details and to the people who we see and interact with on a daily basis.  I wear glasses every day for me to see what is in front of me.  I often joke about how I have four eyes because of the fact that I wear glasses.  I use my glasses to help me pay attention to not only to details but also to the people who I see on a daily basis.  Our vision can mislead us based on what we see on the screen or anything else of that nature.  Unfortunately there are times where someone is physically blind.  Not only that, but there have been times where we have been spiritually blind as well.  

In today’s scripture, we see where Jesus had healed two men that have been blind since birth.  When they were sitting on the side of the road and heard Jesus coming, they were asking Him to have mercy on them.  When Jesus asked them what He wanted them to do, they wanted to see.  He touched their eyes and they were healed and they received their sight.  

Scripture: Matthew 20:29-34 (NLT Translation)

29. As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.

But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”

33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to see what You want us to see.  Help our eyes be open to not only Your words that we read throughout the Bible, but also Your words of wisdom.  Let us not be blinded by the events of the world that we miss out on You.  Help us to be tuned into You and Your channel rather than being tuned into the channels of this world.  Help us keep our words and actions aligned with You.  In Jesus name, amen. 

If there is one thing that the world is producing, it is the fact there is evil all around us and people are being sucked into the foolishness and the lies that the world is producing.  I’ve mentioned this before, but people can get twisted and confused about all kinds of different things.  People are looking for the source of truth and they are wanting to find it in other people and even through substances and different things of that nature.  What we need to understand is that we can only find healing from God and Him alone.  He is the only One who knows and supplies our needs rather than giving us our wants.  In other words, God will give us what we need rather than our wants.  He knows what is best of us.  We need to be in that place of receiving His instruction with an open heart as well as an open mind.  

In today’s passage, David writes this psalm as a prayer for deliverance from those who do wicked.  David asks God to listen to him and his prayer for mercy.  How many times have we been in those moments where we believe and feel that God wasn’t listening to us.  When we are in those storms of life, we have the tendency to believe that God doesn’t listen to us, but this is not the case however.  The reality is that God does listen to us.  We cannot treat God like a genie in the bottle just wanting Him to grant us our very wishes.  That is not who He is.  He hears us and will bless us when it is His time.  We need to understand that God has our very best interests.  Only He can lead us through those storms and we need to be in that place of being in tuned with Him.  Once we are in tuned with Him, then He will see us through.  

Scripture Psalm 28:1-9 (NLT Translation)

1 

I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
    Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
    I might as well give up and die.

2 

Listen to my prayer for mercy
    as I cry out to you for help,
    as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

3 

Do not drag me away with the wicked—
    with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
    while planning evil in their hearts.

4 

Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!
    Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.
Pay them back for all their evil deeds!
    Give them a taste of what they have done to others.

5 

They care nothing for what the Lord has done
    or for what his hands have made.
So he will tear them down,
    and they will never be rebuilt!

6 

Praise the Lord!
    For he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 

The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

8 

The Lord gives his people strength.
    He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.

9 

Save your people!
    Bless Israel, your special possession.[a]
Lead them like a shepherd,
    and carry them in your arms forever.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to receive Your instructions with an open heart and an open mind.  When we receive those instructions, help us to not only receive them but help us to obey them.  We cannot grow Your Kingdom unless we obey You.  Help us to do just that.  In Jesus name, amen.  

Yesterday, we learned about the idea of winning the war within.  If there is one thing that is relevant to us today, it is the fact that spiritual warfare is real.  Most of life’s battles are won or lost within our minds and in our brains.  This is where the enemy attacks us the most is within our minds.  What we need to understand is that we need to be paying attention to what is going on so that we do not give the enemy the authorization as well as the clearance to proceed into our minds.  When it comes to our lives, we are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts.  If we are always thinking positive thoughts, then we are going to live our lives in a positive way.  If we think negative thoughts, then we are going to live in a negative way.  What we think determines how we are going to live our lives.  

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, the apostle Paul speaks about how we need to “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ” (NIV Translation).  In other words, we need to take every negative thought that comes into our minds and reverse engineer it to making it follow the commands of the Lord.  It takes more energy in our body to think and act negatively than it is positively.  He also talks about how we do not wage war as the world wages war.  In other words, the world uses manmade weapons while God’s soldiers use the Bible.  That is the only offensive weapon that we need.  We need to understand that God is always going to be with us no matter what.  While there are waves crashing around us, we need to be focusing on Christ.  Only He can lead us through.  

Scripture 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NLT Translation)

“3. We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do.  4. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock don the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.  5. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God.  We capture rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”  

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to always be following You no matter what season of life we are going through.  Remind us each and every day that You are for us and is with us always.  Help us to surrender our hearts and minds to You.  Let us come boldly to Your throne without any sense of fear or hesitation.  Let Your love and grace wash over us and let us go out and be Your hands and feet to the world.  In Jesus name, amen. 

Today, during my reflection and devotional time, I was singing a song made famous by gospel artist, Lynda Randle. For me, it fit so perfectly with where I find myself, as well as where David found himself when he wrote the song of melody for our passage, today. It is easy to belt out praises when we are enjoying the mountain top experiences with the Lord. But, what about the times when we are called to linger in the valley of uncertainty? I am learning [and it is a very good thing for me] we must form a habit of praising God’s goodness in the valley, because it prepares us for climbing the mountain where we experience glorious joy!

So, in case you haven’t heard the song, I am going to share the lyrics with you. They are so good; so filled with truth and love. Such a comfort for our souls! I just love how Jesus finds ways to bring joy to our hearts. This was mine, today.

David knew all about the valleys, because he wrote in one of his famous songs of praise, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me!” (Psalm 23:4). Aren’t we blessed to have a Lord who loves us, never leaves us, or forsakes us? I am praising our Lord, today; I am radiant with JOY!

The God on the Mountain is still God in the Valley
[Verse 1]
Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain
And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known
But when things change and you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone

[Verse 2]
We talk of faith when we’re up on the mountain
But talk comes so easy when life’s at its best
But in the valley of trials and temptations
That’s when faith is really put to the test

[Chorus]
And the God on the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night
The God of the day, is still God in the night

Psalm 34:1-8 NLT A psalm of David
1
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
2
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
4
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
5
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
7
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being with us each moment and comforting us in times of trouble. Thank you for your angels who stand guard over believers as we pray and praise. You are good, Lord! We have tasted and we know! Blessings and honor to you our Holy One! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Last Sunday during our time of teaching, I briefly mentioned a very mysterious Old Testament king who rises up as a leader in early Jerusalem: Melchizedek, king of Salem as a form of Christ and a forerunner of our True High Priest—Jesus. Strangely, there is no real record of Melchizedek entering or existing his kingly office, but Scripture mentions his reign just the same. The message is clear; Melchizedek [image of righteousness] arrives from the supernatural eternal realm to connect with Abram.

The King of Salem is sent by God for the purpose of bringing redemption and understanding to Abram. People who think human knowledge is the highest quest fail miserably, because human knowledge without spiritual understanding is a very small vision of reality. God is reality—the Creator of all things—and our tiny brains will never comprehend the limitless wisdom and power of God. God wants Abram to understand more about his power and plan.

So, here is a little more about Melchizedek. Abram comes to Salem [later called Jerusalem] after he conquers Kedorlaomer—king of Elam and his people [Iran]. Interestingly, the evil King of Sodom [seeking union with Abram to rescue the captured people of Sodom] and the righteous King of Salem [Melchizedek] meet Abram in the King’s Valley [Kidron Valley]. This is symbolic of that which is both spiritually godly and evil approaching Abram. Melchizedek brings Abram bread, wine, and a blessing; he tells Abram it was God Most High who had helped him gain the victory over his enemies (Gen 14:19). Abram responds in gratitude by giving a tenth of all the goods he had recovered to Melchizedek. As well, Abram told the King of Sodom he had no desire to keep the evil people or spoils of this battle.

To know God personally through Christ is a HUGE gift! An indestructible life is found only in Jesus Christ, our permanent and eternal High Priest. Knowing our High Priest through his redeeming relationship connects us with many amazing blessings. First, Jesus is the only One who can connect us with the Father, because they are One in righteous nature. Second, Jesus is the only One who can forgive our sins and cleanse us from human unrighteousness. Third, Jesus is the only One who can connect the earthly realm with the eternal realm and bring us understanding for life—revelation. So, connect to Christ!

Jesus has authority over heaven and earth; therefore, having him as a Bridge or High Priest brings us the ability to know and understand the plan and purpose of God and how we fit as transformed Kingdom citizens. Christ is our King and his Kingdom is one of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit. We have the strength and power of God causing us to rise up in a fallen world as more than conquerors.

Hebrew 7:1-10 NLT Melchizedek Is Greater Than Abraham
1 This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. 2 Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” 3 There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.

4 Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle. 5 Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel,[a] who are also descendants of Abraham. 6 But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God. 7 And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.

8 The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on. 9 In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him. 10 For although Levi wasn’t born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham’s body when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being our Strength and for making us eternally indestructible. Believers are your royal priesthood, so we are to be examples of your divine wisdom and spiritual power to overcome every attack of the enemy. We do not need to be lured toward destruction and we are never victims. Greater are you, Lord, and you live in us. Holy Spirit, help us to remember you travail to get us to the other side of every life issue that seeks to dominate us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.