Devotionals

Acts 2:42-47
The Community of Believers
42 Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another,[connected in Christ] sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer. 43 A deep sense of holy awe [fear or respect of the Lord] swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.[in Jerusalem] 44 All the believers were in fellowship as one body, and they shared with one another whatever they had. 45 Out of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them. 46 Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. 47 They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life.

The early Church or the Body of Christ understood the need to love and care for one another. These early believers needed to gather in order to gain a holy perspective and revelation of the life Christ died to provide. As believers, we need to understand the power of life together in Christ. The gathering of believers to strengthen one another is an act of obedience that leads to power, provision, and wholeness. It is why the enemy strategically works to hinder and halt spiritual assembly. We need the fellowship of one another; otherwise, the Body lacks all its parts and therefore lacks vitality. If God has called you to a Body of believers and you are not attending due to Covid 19, we understand, but you are going to be terribly missed and the whole will experience your absence. I know I am missing many members of my spiritual family right now.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creating us to be a community of believers. We need you and we need one another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 7:7-8 (TPT
7 “Ask, and the gift is yours. Seek, and you’ll discover. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For every persistent one will get what he asks for. Every persistent seeker will discover what he longs for. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door.

Being persistent is a necessity in life; we must continue a course of action even against opposition and discouragement. To be victorious in our spiritual lives, we must be persistent in turning our attention and energies away from the world and toward God. This is a daily practice to which every believer is called. In our passage today, Jesus is teaching those listening about prayer and being persistent in their search for God. We must ask God from a humble posture, because we must be honest about our need for help. We seek God from a hungry state, because the world has left us spiritually unfulfilled, drained, and empty. We knock on heaven’s doors, because we know only God can open opportunities for us that bring meaning to our lives. So, ask, seek, and knock, today!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me remain persistent in my prayers. I turn my attention and energies toward you, because I need you above all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Romans 9:6-13 (TPT)
6 Clearly, God has not failed to fulfill his promises to Israel, for that will never happen! But not everyone who has descended from Israel belongs to Israel. 7 Physical descent from Abraham doesn’t guarantee the inheritance, because God has said: “Through Isaac your descendants will be counted as part of your lineage.”

8 This confirms that it is not merely the natural offspring of Abraham who are considered the children of God; rather, the children born because of God’s promise are counted as descendants [children of the kingdom]. 9 For God promised Abraham: “In nine months from now your wife, Sarah, will have a son!”

God’s Freedom of Choice
10 Now, this son was our ancestor, Isaac, who, with his wife, Rebekah, conceived twins. 11–12 And before her twin sons were born, God spoke to Rebekah and said: “The oldest will serve the younger.”

God spoke these words before the sons had done anything good or bad, which proves that God calls people not on the basis of their good or bad works, but according to his divine purpose. 13 For in the words of Scripture: “Jacob I have chosen, but Esau I have rejected.”

We all want freedom of choice for our lives. Today, even in the midst of Covid 19 limitations, you will make many choices. Some of the choices you will make out of necessity, some out of habit, and some out of interest or desire. With every choice comes the responsibility of gaining wisdom and understanding about how each choice impacts our lives, as well as the lives around us. Our righteous choices, as well as our sinful choices affect others. We were created to seek God for salvation individually, as well as live to honor him as a whole; this is God’s divine purpose for the world.

Here’s something I believe people either forget or are completely ignorant to the truth of life with God. God has complete freedom of choice. God chose Abraham, gave him a promise to bless his descendants, and Abraham responded to God and chose to have faith in his Word. God chose himself as the standard of holiness and love for those who would choose to recognize and repent from sinning against God. God chose himself as the Savior and came into the world to pay the penalty of sin for those who would choose to be born of the promise and belong to God. God chose his Spirit and character to occupy his obedient children who would choose to live by faith in the promise and provision of God. You and I do not have any power to control these choices put into place by our Creator God; we do have the freedom of choice to respond with honor.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to honor your divine purpose in my life. Thank you for all you have done to provide me a life of blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philippians 4:12-13 (TPT)
12–13 I know what it means to lack,[be humbled] and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, during life, we have to make major adjustments in order to handle the unplanned or unavoidable challenges in which we find ourselves. Recently in our country, many people have had to make major adjustments in order to deal with the injury left in the wake of Covid 19 and the CDC directed mandates. We have had to face and seek to overcome financial and emotional trauma imposed upon us like a suffocating blanket to our freedom, security, and our relationships. Some people were fortunate to be able to work from home or work in an “essential” area; therefore, financial support remained consistent even though they may have been forced to face a state of emotional trauma that left them feeling isolated and alone. However, for those people who were laid off, furloughed, or forced to closed their businesses, it stretched and depleted their resources for living, as well as pushed them emotionally into an unsettled or helpless state of thinking and existing. Whatever lack people face in life, whether they realize it or not, the spiritual need is the same; everyone needs the Conquering Savior. And, just to be clear, although I honor our government structure, the government is not your savior. In God we Trust!

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul shares about the power of God’s conquering Spirit to take him through the financial and emotional challenges of life. In Christ, Paul learns to adjust and trust no matter what is going on. He puts his faith in the power of Christ to gain the strength of God so he can endure and press through every difficulty. The beauty of life with Christ, as the Lord of our lives, is we never face things alone. Even when we are financially strapped or emotionally weary, God is powerful and his Spirit rises to bring spiritual power that fuels us with ideas, resources, and hope. Christ teaches and imparts the wisdom to look at things differently, adjust our vantage point, and call for the Helper. I believe the challenges we have been facing is a spiritual training time for Christians and a spiritual wake up call for the unbelieving world. I pray we all pay attention and find our lives under God’s rule for he alone cannot be shaken. He is the Conqueror and the rightful Ruler of every heart who is able to train us in the secret of overcoming all things.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always being with me to bring the strength I need to overcome every challenge life brings. You make me a conqueror as I trust my life under your rule. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 4:30-34 (TPT)
Parable of the Tiny Mustard Seed
30 And he told them this parable: “How can I describe God’s kingdom realm? Let me illustrate it with this parable. 31 It is like the mustard seed, the tiniest of all the seeds, 32 yet when it springs up and grows, it becomes the largest plant in the garden. And with so many enormous spreading branches, even birds can nest in its shade.”[God’s realm will become the greatest Kingdom of all]

Jesus Always Taught Using Parables
33 Jesus used many parables such as these as he taught the people, and they learned according to their ability to understand. 34 He never spoke to them without using parables, but would wait until they were alone before he explained their meanings to his disciples.[Jesus unveils things to his disciples when we are alone with him]

Christianity seems to be under attack in different places in the world. If we listen to the news or read current event articles we are aware of the attacks against Christ and his followers—the Church. Such things should not take us by surprise, because the Word—Jesus—said it would happen. Still, by faith we look for God to make a community of believers in every nation before Christ returns, so we faithfully pray and ask for God to increase us and enlarge our territories. In our passage today, Jesus teaches how the Kingdom has small beginnings, but as people connect to the Word, the Kingdom grows and grows in size and influence. Abide in the Word of God and find yourself growing; thinking and living more like Christ. Make no mistake you need your spiritual armor; Satan is never far from believers. What is his goal? To attack the living Word of Truth in the hearts of believers in order to diminish faith and trust in God’s love and care for his own. You belong to Christ and you are his treasure. Don’t believe Satan; he’s a liar!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your perfect love and care of me each day. I walk by faith knowing I belong to you and I pray for the advancement of your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (TPT) Spiritual Warfare
10 Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force [weapons] of his explosive power flowing in and through you.

11 Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser! [Satan] 12 Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage. 13 Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious.

14 Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. 15 Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.

16 In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One! 17–18 Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God. Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers.

Truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and peace are powerful weapons to fight the Accuser when we apply all of them to our lives; they make us strong against an enemy that strategically remains hidden from view. Study what the Word of God has to say about this armor; it is like putting on Christ. When we stand in Truth we stand in agreement with Christ—the Living Word. When we understand the work of righteousness, we will welcome godliness to guard our hearts and invite Christ to live in our actions. Faith is more than a feeling, it is confident trust in Christ’s love and care for us no matter what the enemy may throw our way. Salvation is ongoing deliverance from the power and effects of sin, danger, or difficulty, so we remain obedient to the Word and the Spirit of Christ. If God is for us, who or what can be against us? Peace is something we desperately need, because the enemy is persistent in bringing oppressive and tormenting thoughts in order to destroy our commitment to live with the attitude of Christ—cling to the Prince of Peace. So, let’s make a decision today to lay hold of the promises and enjoy a place of protection in God’s power.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing me with the armor of a divinely guarded life. May I live to bring you glory as I put this armor on each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 3:13-18 (TPT)

Live Well, Live Wisely
13-16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

I want to build a reputation for wisdom; to be real, honest, and sincere before God and in my dealings with others. I am not nor will I ever perform perfectly, but I can still be wise. I won’t always preach the perfect sermon, but I can still be wise. I won’t always receive the applause of people, but I can still be wise. To be wise is to be right with God and to live humbly and lovingly while treating others with dignity and respect. In our passage today, the Apostle James teaches believers if we are actually living in the wisdom of God, our lives will radiate the proof of that wisdom because we will be humble and peace-loving. When we are filled with selfish ambition and we are willing to diminish or hurt others by setting ourselves up to judge them, we are actually opening up a door for evil.

Prayer: Father, thank you for placing within me the desire to build a reputation for wisdom. May I live well and wisely, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 7:48-50 (TPT)
48 “However, the Most High God does not live in temples made by human hands, as the prophet said:
49 
‘Heaven is my throne room and the earth
    is but a footstool for my feet.
    How could you possibly build a house
    that could contain me?’ says the Lord Yahweh.
    ‘And where could you find a place where I could live?
50 
Don’t you know that it is my hands
    that have built my house,[all these things] not yours?’

In our passage today, Stephen endeavors to speak Truth about the temple to the religious leaders. They come with limited mindsets and He wants them to know that God’s plan for salvation is far greater than a building. For these religious leaders, their affection for the temple had actually turned into idolatry; God would judge them accordingly. Although we may not worship the church building, we can certainly step into idolatry if we try to confine God to a certain place. God’s plan is redemption and he wants to be invited into every area of our lives. The earthly temple gives way to the spiritual temple where contrite hearts worship the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making my heart your dwelling place. Help me to release your love into the lives of other each day. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Psalm 119:129-133 (TPT) I Long to Obey You
129 
Your marvelous words are living miracles;
no wonder I long to obey everything you say.
130 
Break open your word within me until revelation-light shines out!
Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans.
131 
I open my mouth and inhale the word of God
because I crave the revelation of your commands.
132 
Turn your heart to me, Lord, and show me your grace
like you do to every one of your godly lovers.
133 
Prepare before me a path filled with your promises,
and don’t allow even one sin to have dominion over me.

When our hearts are open to God’s perspective, it brings revelation of his love and justice to our understanding; in Christ the infinite communes and communicates with the finite. We do not have to guess about sin or the righteousness God requires, we simply need to turn toward God and listen to his Word. From there the Holy Spirit will let us know if repentance and change is necessary. As we obediently turn our hearts toward his ways, he responds by turning his heart toward us. In that moment of obedience and in the power of grace, our paths are filled with the miraculous promises of God for salvation and deliverance. Obedience is actually a set up for spiritual triumph or victory.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making a way, in Christ, for me to be spiritually triumphant. I rest on the work of the Word within me; so, break the word open and help my life shine for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 12:15-21 (The Voice)

15 Jesus knew that the Pharisees were plotting to kill Him and left the area. Many people followed Him, and He healed them all, 16 always insisting that they tell no one about Him. 17 He did this in keeping with the prophecy Isaiah made so long ago:
18 
This is My servant, whom I have well chosen;
    this is the One I love, the One in whom I delight.
I will place My Spirit upon Him;
    He will proclaim justice to all the world.
19 
He will not fight or shout
    or talk loudly in the streets.
20 
He will not crush a reed under His heel
    or blow out a smoldering candle
    until He has led justice and righteousness to final victory.
21 
All the world will find its hope in His name.

In our passage today, Jesus does not want the people he heals to tell others about his miracles, because he does not want them coming to him for the wrong reasons. Christ wants people to hunger for the truth of God’s justice—to be made right in relationship with God, one another, and the natural creation. The Pharisees have cared more about their animals than the people; an act of hypocrisy and injustice for which Jesus will take issue. The people care more about having a Messiah who will step up as the king of Israel and fight all “their” visible enemies; an act of immaturity and injustice in their response to God. Neither group understand Christ’s mission to provide salvation from spiritual enemies, as well as provide a way to genuinely know God’s love for all nations and his heart for wholeness. Christ’s invitation goes way beyond Israel to the nations; therefore, the world will find its hope in His name. He is the King of kings. I pray for the nations of the world to see the revelation of their righteous King—the Lord who proclaims justice and makes things right.

Prayer: Lord, when I am tempted to think your salvation is narrow in focus because of what is visible, help me to remember you have come to save the world and as I trust you I can be a part of it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.