Devotionals

Instability is the result of a fallen world. We cannot expect stability from the world, because it has rejected the Creator. We cannot expect stability from human beings if they, too, have rejected their Lord. It would be a challenge to be confident in our present world, but believers are not of this world; we are citizens of heaven, working for our Lord, while awaiting our journey home.

Biblical confidence is something that is not shaken by inner instability or external instability, it is the result of a fallen world. We cannot expect stability from the world, because it has rejected the Creator. We cannot expect stability from human beings if they, too, have rejected their Lord. It would be a challenge to be confident in our present world, but believers are not of this world; we are citizens of heaven, working for our Lord, while awaiting our journey home.

Biblical confidence is something that is not shaken by inner instability or external variability for that matter. It is a decision and mindset to trust and get our security from Christ. This kind of trust leads to confident Kingdom living; so, we find our security in the proper Source. This connection is one of victory, because God always fulfills his promise to bring good things into our lives. He wants us to taste his goodness!

In our passage today, David reminds us we are safe in the care of God; only the Lord can make us feel secure. As we cling to the Word of God and apply it to our lives, our confidence grows and the root of God’s love connects us firmly to the Truth of his goodness. Nothing can come between God and his beloved, unless we allow it. Nothing can come between you and God, unless you place your greatest confidence in someone or something else. Stay focused on Jesus, because he is the only One who has promised to bring us redemption from sin and death. Jesus will show you the true way of life, bring you joy, and live with you for eternity. His plan for you is not of this world!

Psalms 16:1-11 NLT
1
Keep me safe, O God,
    for I have come to you for refuge.
2 
I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
3 
The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!
4 
Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
    or even speak the names of their gods.
5 
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
6 
The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!
7 
I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
8 
I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
9 
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.[praise]
    My body rests in safety.
10 
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
    or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 
You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of your presence
    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for guiding our lives and bringing us into a place of divine stability in your love. We do not need to be tossed to and fro, we can be fixed and unshakable in your presence, so we can eat from the table of your grace. Grant us today, the joy of your presence, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture is full of so many things God has promised through the Messiah. Is it wrong to expect God to do BIG things since he has told us to ask? After all, we serve a BIG God who delights when we take him at his Word. What do you expect from Jesus?
Lately, I have had one expectation; that he be with me every single day and, through the Spirit, help me to discern and accomplish the things that are necessary before me. The Good News of the Gospel is “God with Us!” I desperately need God—my Helper—and to fellowship in his love.

In our passage today, Jesus goes to the synagogue—one that he grew up attending and he is handed a scroll of Scripture to read. He reads with great authority and clarity which unsettles people, because he is reading about himself and his commission from the Father. He is filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ ministry has begun: to set people free from addictions, cleansing them from sin, opening spiritual eyes to experience the Father, liberating people from their own self-restricting prisons, and providing doors of opportunities for people who cannot find their way.

The people listening know Jesus as Joseph and Mary’s son, but they know nothing about Jesus as Messiah and they are resistant to learn. They do not expect great things; just the usual readings and rituals. Jesus continues his conversation with the people, by reminding them about Elijah and the Woman of Zarephath—a Gentile who believed God and received abundance in the midst of unfathomable odds.

Jesus is God and he is passionate about saving his world. If we really know Jesus, we will understand how much he loves the world and does not want anyone to perish without receiving his salvation. In Christ’s words and actions we find the Truth that sets us free. So, when someone begins to tell you their problems, please tell them you serve a BIG God who can do all things and introduce them to Jesus!

Luke 4:16-30 NLT
16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
18 
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
    that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19 
    and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

22 Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

23 Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’—meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ 24 But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.

25 “Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner—a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27 And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”

28 When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. 29 Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, 30 but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always going above and beyond my expectations. You take such great care of your children; always ready to lend your strength and grace. Help us to abide and stay in a place of oneness with you, so we may enjoy the fellowship you desire with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We all love and welcome the Lord’s justice working in our behalf against evil. When we face injustice at the hands of others it is painful; because everyone suffers when we fall victim to the sinful works of evil. Wickedness has a ripple effect on the souls of people and we can find ourselves suffering in our relationship with God and/or others. Yet, we can never lose track of the goodness of God to keep us strong in the middle of our suffering and we must praise the Lord for the stability he alone can bring the lives of his worshipers. If you are suffering because of injustice, you do not suffer alone. Jesus is the Suffering Servant who is always with you; he will never leave or forsake you (Deut 31:6; Is 53:4-9).

Not only is our all-knowing God aware of the actions of the wicked against his people, he notices the very thoughts of those who give power to evil. His thoughts are high above human thoughts (Is 55:8-9). Therefore, the wicked may think they are getting away with deeds of injustice and evil, but our passage today reminds us otherwise. There is a time of judgment coming based on the motives of the heart (which includes the thought life), as well as the deeds of the flesh. What the wicked have sown against others will be what they one day reap themselves (Gal 6:7).

As believers, we must trust God when our faith, souls, and physical bodies are attacked, because the Lord has promised to be our vindicator and will bring justice in time. The wicked will give an account for their evil deeds and will pay the divine penalty for them. Justice will always overcome corruption and those who believe in Christ worship and serve the God of Justice!

Keep in mind the work of wickedness results in broken lives; the work of the righteous brings forth greater faith, reconciliation, growth, and blessing. The Lord uses all things—instruction and discipline—to bring us into a place of sustained well-being. However, these challenging times are certainly opportunities for believers to press into the Lord by faith to be covered by his righteous Right Hand.

Psalm 94:11 AMP 
11
The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain (meaning: empty and futile—only a breath).
12 Blessed (meaning: happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law,
13 That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not cast off nor spurn His people, neither will He abandon His heritage.
15 For justice will return to the [uncompromisingly] righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless the Lord had been my help, I would soon have dwelt in [the land where there is] silence.
18 When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up.
19 In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this passage from the psalter, today. We praise you for never leaving us and knowing what we suffer in this fallen world. Thank you for keeping us strong and filled with joy even in the face of adversity. Thank you for keeping our footing on solid ground and surrounding us with your mercy and love. You, O Lord, are a delight for our souls during the good times and even in the challenging times. Our faith looks up to you! In Jesus’ name. Amen,

Do you ever just get tickled with the timing of things going on in your life and how it seems to align with Scripture as you read it? We shouldn’t be surprised by this, because the Word is alive and the Lord is always seeking to share life with us. But, the Word made me smile today, because John and I continue to move forward to rebuild/repair our home following the storm. Clearly, God is building John and Mary, as well as our home and I am so grateful!

Well, today the psalmist sings about the Lord building our houses…our lives! God must be in the center of our home. Now, before our home was flooded, we had a cross or Bible in every single room; however, this is not what the psalmist seeks to convey with his praise. Instead, this worshiper asks us if we consult the Lord with every detail of our lives; do we invite him to guide our decisions? To intervene in our conflicts in order to bring peace? To understand human effort is not enough all by itself. The Lord wants to be our first Love, an essential and active member of the Family, and the Overseer of every Home.

“Unless” is a very important word as part of verse 1 making it a conditional sentence. Essentially, unless we put God in his rightful place in our lives and home, our human efforts will be futile to bring lasting meaning or protection. God is the only one who can bless our lives and homes. We need to work smarter not harder by bringing everything to God and gain wisdom!

Psalm 127 NLT A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.
1 
Unless the Lord builds a house,
    the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
    guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 
It is useless for you to work so hard
    from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
    for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for building our lives and grooming us by your wisdom. We love you and want you to build us in your character; to be strengthened by your work. Thank you for your abundant grace and blessing. Continue to protect us and restore us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Over the past month, John and I have transferred our earthly belongings from one place to another; from our flooded home to the dry abode of family and friends. The transfer was exhausting and without all the loving support of friends, we would have felt helpless. So, we were filled with gratitude to have a secure place for them. It brought us a sense of peace as this transfer took place.

However, the peacefulness we experienced in the transfer of belongings cannot compare to the peace into which God transfers us. From the moment we accept Christ’s salvation, nothing can separate us from the loving presence of God (Ro 8:39). We have the Holy Spirit who fills our hearts with his peace-making and saving love (Acts 2:17-21). No weapon the enemy tries to use to destroy us will ever prosper, if we abide [dwell and remain] in Christ. We must choose to abide in the righteous realm with Christ.

Believers are a part of a spiritual transfer; we are transferred from the realm of sin and death we inherited from Adam into the realm of life and peace we share with Christ. We changed sides and now live with allegiance to Christ! The blood of Jesus transfers us into a state of blessing and grace, my friends! He died for us, so he could live in us and we could know the Father and the Spirit. Now, our duty is to live in a state of surrender to the lordship of Christ and the power of the Godhead he alone can bring our lives. So rejoice!

Romans 5:6-11 NLT
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for dying for us while we were still sinners and transferring us into your marvelous grace. We were helpless to bring salvation to our own lives, so you did it for us. Our gratitude abounds for your love. Thank you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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.