Simple Devotions

Category: Journaling His Word

  • the bread giver

    Daily writing prompt
    What relationships have a positive impact on you?
    View all responses

    I love bread. All the bread, all the time.

    Pastries are a favorite, and baking with bread is now a new favorite past time. But my favorite bread is the Word.

    I have learned the most important part of my day is when I wake up to sit at the Lord’s table and break bread with Him.John 6:35 He provides the best nourishment, I never lacked any good thing when I make this time a priority.

    So to answer the question, it is my relationship with the bread giver, the Lord God. Having a relationship with Him has had the most positive impact on me.

    He has many names, most know Him as God. I call Him my Heavenly Father. But He is also known as the Word.

    The Word which most call the Bible, is the inspired Word of God [John 1] which is also known as the bread of life.

    Throughout the scripture, the stories and the prophecy all give account to the Creator God and Father of all that lives above, upon and below, He is the truth and source of all encouragement which gives courage in faith in our lives.

    It doesn’t start with us going to Him, it started with Him coming to us, seeking the lost, giving us an invitation to the Kingdom of God. [Luke 19:10]

    Accepting the Gospel message is the first step, it means saying yes to learning from Him, asking His counsel on all things life. Learning to take every decision to Him and choosing at every crossroads His way. It’s a daily surrender to make Him your priority and not an option for when you need help in a fix or emergency.

    Many who hold onto the world and want only His benefits, are never satisfied in their lives. It only works if we live with Him daily, and choosing to do so, is life changing.

    I know and believe His plans are for us not against us. [John 3:17]

    Because God the Father, came to us in flesh through His son Jesus Christ, this reveals a lot about His character. [John 1:14]

    It required Him leaving a perfect place in Heaven to live in the most humble way, ministering and showing us the way, the truth and giving us the light in which we walk in todays dark world. [Ish 9:2]

    When we answer the knock on our hearts from Him, He promises to come in to our hearts and sit with us so that we may learn from Him the matter of His love for us. [Rev 3:20]

    As a result we learn to love Him with our whole heart, mind and soul. Then He can do His good will in and through us.

    Yes, there are times when I roll over in bed and want more sleep, only to have no quiet time later. But I find that when I purposely sit with Him, I am a better person towards family and friends. Even to perfect strangers. Remembering when He says to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and to love your neighbor as yourself, this can only be done by first loving Him.

    The relationship goal here is to develop as much trust possible, so that when trials and tribulations come I will know and believe God has worked it out and will make a way for me to overcome those times.

    This is the only relationship I’ve ever experienced such trust and safety.

    So, today if you are hearing a knock on your heart, answer this personal invitation. It will be the most positive relationship you will ever encounter.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • All JOY

    “Let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

    This is what Mary the mother of Jesus said to the Heavenly Father when asked to be the vessel used to bring forth the Savior Jesus Christ.

    Has the Lord given any one else so great a responsibility?

    At first thought you may say no.

    However upon reflection you will see, that all are called to give our lives to a higher calling just as Mary did, to be a vessel in which the Lord lives and gives light to a world in darkness.

    All are called to share the light given for Christ and His love. Hebrews 3:14

    Yes, Mary was to be one of the repairers in the breach.

    Yet when God sent His son to seek the lost, to heal the lame and to give sight to the blind. While He was here – He called upon the disciples to be partakers, who then were given charge to go out into ALL the world and proclaim the good news – the message of Gods love to ALL people.

    To co-labor in the work of Salvation, is to bring ALL to the foot of the cross.

    He came to save by giving us the truth in darkness (which gives sight) to speak truth in a place of caos ( hearing the word) and invite men to be fishers of men instead of slaves to this life, this would be Him giving us the JOY of knowing Jesus in our hearts (the lame to dance).

    Remember the birth of Jesus when the Angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great JOY which will be to ALL people.

    So it is, that we also are to be repairers in the way, which means to aide in the return to truth and righteousness.

    Seeking to restore the principles that are the foundations of the kingdom of God.

    We are to deliver the good news which will help to repair the breach that has been made against God’s law – the wall that He has placed around His chosen ones for their protection, and obedience to whom precepts of justice, truth, and purity is to be their continuous safe guard.

    His promise to us is to help to guide us in all truth continually, to satisfy us in a land of drought, and to strengthen us with a foundation in which we stand on His word.

    We will be like a well cared for garden, like a spring whose waters do not fail. If we would surrender our lives to His calling.

    When Mary said “let it be done as you say” she was giving her life to His call, to obey and follow Him wherever it would lead her. What we know of Mary’s story is one who helped to raise God’s son by trusting in the plans of the Heavenly Father.

    She had to surrender her will and trust in His provision along the way. It is no different for us today. Allowing Christ the Lord, Jesus the King of Kings into our lives to live in our hearts that He would work in us our salvation is how it works.

    The rest of the parts were for Him to provide.

    It was He who gave life, taught and trained Jesus the boy to be the Christ and it was Him who laid down His own life to save ALL.

    We have a choice, do we continue to live for self or do we say those words, ” here I am Lord send me, let it be done as you say.”

    It is my prayer daily that I will answer this call and I pray you all will too.

    There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling. Eph 4:4

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • are you sick

    Today let’s ask ourselves the question that James 5:13-16 ask.

    How’s your relationship with the Lord, do you have strong faith today or are you feeling weak?

    Are you run downed and tired of running the race, trying to stay ahead or are you struggling to keep up?

    Most times those feelings are actually what leads to physical sickness especially if we let it go to long and we live life in constant stress.

    When I read the words ” if a sick person turns to the Lord and confesses his sins, he will be forgiven and this will get him well.” I thought about how when Jesus would heal He would also say to the ones healed, ” go and sin no more.”

    So we know when the Lord heals and restores, He also forgives and saves, the two work together which means that sickness is more about sin then we realize.

    We are a generation that is set up to do it ourselves, everywhere we look it seems to be a self-serve society. There’s really no need to ask to for help. It’s faster and you don’t have to depend on anyone to assist you. Let’s say that this is by design and even on purpose, so we become so “self- sufficient” or even “self- reliant”.

    When was the last time you asked for help? Have we been trained by the world that this is a sign of weakness?

    God did not set up His world to run like this, He created us to be dependant on Him and to help one another.

    So when He ask you to come to Him , He really means it.

    Is your faith weak today ? Do you feel sick ? Would like to know and believe in Gods plans for your future?

    Elijah the Prophet was at one time a weak man just like us and then learned to become a man of large faith and this was because God revealed Himself to him. 1 Kings 19

    Imagine feeling alone and God says in a quiet voice to you ~ I am here.

    How awesome that would feel.

    Well we also have the same opportunity if we would humble ourselves and stop using the “self-checkout lane” for our lives.

    Slowing down to ask the question ” Lord am I trusting in You? Do I have a self reliant attitude that causes me to also be self righteous?”

    To pray this way means you are asking Him to reveal truth and give you healing. We only need to be willing to seek.

    As long as we think we can heal ourselves by “being a good person and going to church” this is equivalent to using “over the counter meds” it’s only a band aide – it doesn’t heal.

    We must slow our pace to find the true joy in our lives, which comes by walking with Him.

    Stop self diagnosing and go to the Healer – The great Physician – your Creator.

    Psalm 50:15 when He says to call on Him in times of trouble – He will deliver you and it will be on honor to His name. He means any trouble you have it is His will to help you.

    Look past the guilt and shame of your sickness and call upon Him – He will answer and heal you.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • crossroads

    Jeremiah 6:16

    This is what the LORD says:

    “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

    I’m going to get right to the point today, I believe you already understand we all have a choice to make.

    I have read and seen our choice is the the difference between life and death. We each must consider carefully how we respond to the invitation of Christ Jesus, who is the good way.

    There’s no reason to not chose this for yourself, He has proven His goodness time and time again- and today He still extends a hand to you.

    When we do not chose His way- this is what it looks like. Rejecting God’s plan. Forsaking and leaving Him for other idols. You choose lawlessness and you walk in the dark, although you really won’t be able to walk, you will instead stumble until you fall into various trials and tribulations.

    You are denying yourself the blessings of God in your life.

    This is what the word says, not me,

    I’m learning these truths and sharing what His word offers.

    All He ask us to do is chose His way. His good way.

    Which looks like this: Remembering His laws and statues, judgements.

    His Word teaches you these things.

    His law is perfect – it converts the soul.

    His testimoney is sure – it makes one wise.

    His statues are right – it brings rejoicing of the heart.

    His commandments are pure – it helps give sight to our sins.

    To fear the Lord is to respect who He is – it cleans you forever.

    His judgements are true – altogether righteous. Psalm 19:7-19

    This gives us hope and growth in our faith.

    The great and terrible day of the Lord is coming – when the arrogant; the proud and every evil doer will burn up quickly as straw in a furnace. Mal 4:1

    The day is coming when the whole world will be on fire. Noone wicked will survive, including the one who is the root of all sin and his helpers.

    But for those who respect and honor His name.

    The son of righteousness ( Christ the Lord) will rise with healing in His wings ( His Angels).

    Choosing the right road will lead you to this result: You will be happy~ in need of nothing.

    So don’t forget the teachings of Moses and the commandments Jesus taught and did not die for but saved us from because none can keep anything perfectly but He did and while we learn to walk in His way the good way, He will guide you.

    Remember He gave His atoning blood for your sins, accepting His hand and walking in His way is the only thing left to do.

    Jesus said He was coming again – the Lord also said He would give a message calling the people in this world to choose whom they will serve, and once you chose Him – He promises in verse 6 my people will be saved.

    Destruction will still come to the world and those who chose to deny Him.

    Moses and the prophets are very clear as to what you should do.

    Luke 16:29 Jesus tells us if you won’t listen to what the word says you are deciding your fate – not God.

    So here’s another invitation – Matthew 11:29 yoke means work.

    Jesus says: “Work for me I will teach you and you will be at peace.”

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Sweet baby Jesus

    I’m going to share a testimony a client shared with me and it’s about those tiny little Jesus figures as shown in the picture today. These are being shared everywhere and they have the words “Jesus loves you”.

    She was sitting in a dermatology office waiting for some unsettling news of a biopsy. She looked over at the office window still and there one stood alone, tiny in it’s statue – powerful enough to remind her in that moment of who He was and what He did for all the world. She said aloud these words “I have no cancer because of Jesus power.” Guess what? She didn’t.

    After this encounter she purchased 100 of those sweet little Jesus sized reminders – to give to others as she felt led. Soon she visited a small business out of town whose owner was very vocal about his faith in Christ, at the end of their conversation she reached into her pocket and pulled a Jesus out fisted she asked him to hold out his hand and he did and she dropped it onto his hand.

    Then he reached into his pocket and doing the same thing dropped one back in her hand.

    Praise the Lord for such a creative way to spread the love of God which is the gospel message!

    As we go through these next few days in all the getting and going and celebrating let us remember that a sweet baby Jesus came to save us in a powerful everlasting way!

    Roman 1:16

    In Christ Love, Amen!

  • The peace of God

    Here’s a play on words, “to have a piece of God is to know the peace of God” or maybe you have heard this one – “know God, know peace, no God no peace.”

    Both are very much true testaments of Jesus. And the word says in John 14:27 that He wants you to have the same inner peace that He has been given by the Father – not the peace that the World gives but that abiding peace with the Father that only He can give.

    You don’t need to be afraid of Him, because He loves you.

    In Col 3:15 God loves you dearly and has set you apart as His own.

    He wants you to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient. Be tolerant especially if someone has done wrong to you.

    We are to forgive as we have been forgiven by Him for all the wrong we have done to Him.

    This will let the peace that only Christ can give, control your heart and mind. God calls us to work towards living peaceably in this way.

    To know Him is to love Him.

    His word gives us understanding of who He is and we can experience His peace that suprasses all understanding when we seek out His word.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • devoted

    What is something you are devoted to?

    What are the benefits of you being devoted to it?

    It would be nice to read your first thoughts about each question asked, but once you finish this short post you may have a new answer. But your always welcomed to leave me a comment.

    Here’s my answers to these questions. My life was wrapped up as a parent to two boys and a girl, who are now young adults. Devoted to their needs. It was my first ministry and mission to give them a home that loved Jesus.

    And now that they are grown it became obvious that I had a void that needed filling. I remember telling the family one evening jokingly, “I’m going to write a devotional book and call it “cooking with God- recipes for a healthy relationship with God.” They all said “do it.”

    Then I started praying more purposely about it, and one night after prayer I was impressed to look up in the scripture what it means to be devoted. This is when I came across Leviticus 27:28 and here’s what became obvious to me, if you devote something totally to God’s service, you are not allowed to redeem it or buy it back. Whoever or whatever it is belongs to God and is most holy; nothing can be substituted for it. Never to be sold or traded, because it is holy. So if I was going to do this devotional book, I knew it would not become a published book for sell, but a lifestyle.

    I am still learning how to be devoted to His call, it’s a daily surrender in the process of trial and error. I really like to ask Him to help me to abide in Him and I love when He gives me a task to do because it feeds my soul. I have a thirst for the knowledge of His word and I thank Him for filling my days now with opportunities to minister and give His word to those who are seeking. His truths set us free, and to live devoted to Him is to be set free from guilt and shame.

    Here’s something I also learned while seeking for directions.

    “Our Father who is in Heaven, HOLY is your name.”

    Think on this..if His name is Holy, and He tells us that He makes things Holy that are devoted to Him, then His name must also mean this:

    “Our Father who is in Heaven, DEVOTED is your name.”

    All through the Word of God – He is totally devoted to us, and He longs to have us for Himself.

    Today, He devotedly stands at the door of your heart knocking, let Him come in. He will make all things work together for your good.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Longing

    Based on Hosea 6- 7 and Matthew 9:13

    Do we understand how much the Lord longs for His people?

    This is the question that comes to my mind.

    Do we really understand how much He longs for us?

    Throughout His Word we can find this is very true.

    In Hosea chapter 6, the prophet was instructed to call the people of Israel to repent, return to the Lord from their wickedness.

    At the same time Hosea was personally dealing with his own love life with a women named Gomer. God granted Hosea to marry her because Hosea longed for her, even knowing that her background was of an adulterous character like her relatives. She would have three children which God would give names for to Hosea, all their names are symbolically related to the times of Israel’s backsliding. First child’s name meant – I will break Israel’s army. The 2nd ones meant -not pitied. And the 3rd ones name meant-not my people. Gomer would influence them to be like her. She also would eventually leave Hosea for her old lifestyle.

    Which also happened with Israel.

    God told Hosea to go buy her back with 15 shekels and barley which he did from another lover whom she was actively committing adultery with. (I’m sure there’s more to the amount, another post.)

    And while He was telling Hosea what would happen, He also told us that “there would come a time when His people would choose one leader (Jesus Christ) and that the time is coming when you will be able to call your brothers, God’s people, and your sisters “loved by God.” These are those who have the testimony of Jesus.

    All this to say – God will pay the price to right the wrongs.

    Which He ultimately did, in giving Himself in His son Jesus Christ.

    After reading both Hosea and Matthew I also went into the Clear word which plainly shares what the Lord says :

    “What am I going to do with you , Israel? What am I going to do with you , Judah? Your love for me is like the morning mist, like dew that disappears when the sun comes out. I have sent my prophets to you again and again warning you of judgment to come. My requirements were as clear as lighting flashing across the sky. You knew that I wanted your love, not more animal sacrifices. I desired a relationship with you not more burnt offerings. Just like Adam I made a covenant with, who sinned knowingly, you too turned against me and broke the covenant I had made with you. You are living in Gilead a city full of evil. I see all the horrible things. I also have set a time for those of you to be punished if you continue to do wickedly.

    Whenever I think about about healing my people and restoring their land, I look and see wickedness and all the evil they do, it never occurs to the wicked I see everything they do and that I don’t just overlook it. All burning with lust like an oven . All who mock those who do good and plan evil against them. They say I am their King but then ask their idols to protect them. Their arrogances testifies against them and in spite of all that happens they still will not turn to the Lord for help. ”

    You need to study the scriptures to see what God meant when through Hosea He said, “what I desire is mercy in the hearts of my people, not more animal sacrifices. I have not come to call those who think they are righteous into the kingdom , I have come to call sinners.

    Sounds very much like longing – both in Hosea the Old Testament and Matthew the New Testament.

    My personal takeaway, if we do not give mercy and seek repentance then we are guaranteed a final ending. God has done everything to secure our life. He longs for us to accept His gift and hold onto His hand.

    Please listen! Hear the word of the Lord.

    Rejecting the Lords invitation will end your life, eternally.

    The hour of judgment comes soon, do not say: “tomorrow, I will come to the Lord” because tomorrow may not come, we are not promised that, today could be your last.

    Do you want to recommit your life to Jesus?

    All you have to do is give Him your heart and follow His Word.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • instructed

    With the way life is, there’s always something to learn.

    New trends; a new way to cook and another new how to book, always something going on.

    Recently I was inspired to give sourdough baking a try and with little success I’m still trying to learn the art of it. I refuse to quit till I master my favorite bread.

    When we are willing , we can learn.

    Being willing is the first part, being humble is the next so that even if we fail at first, we will try again and again.

    And so it is with learning the Bible.

    When we approach the scriptures we need to be willing to be instructed and humble in how we receive it.

    It’s a book about God the Creator; His Son our Savior and all of earths history known as the great controversy between good and evil.

    Yes, there’s parts we all can relate to however it’s a book of lessons in which we light to understand by. This passage in John 16:13, tells how we will be given understanding and in turn this is how we learn to trust and abide in God’s Word.

    I came across these verses that inspired this post in Jeremiah 6:16 the Lord says to stop and take a look at the crossroads and consider which way we go. Crossroads for many purpose note the meaning to which direction we will chose to go.

    The instruction in this passage is to go to the old ways, “where the good way is.” you can see that there’s an opportunity to learn and walk in His instructions which is according to His will.

    Psalm 25:8 the psalmist knows the Lord is upright and good and He teaches sinners the way they should go. Working out our salvation has always been God’s goal and you will learn this when you become a student of His word.

    It has been touted as a book of consequences and once you read it you have to decide “Heaven or Hell?” But I challenge you to find out for yourself.

    It IS about the good way or the worlds evil way.

    Because of the gift of choice, He does not force you to go His way – He makes invitations and He only does this for those who are willing to be lead.

    If you are stubborn, prideful and unteachable – He will not be able to instruct. The whole matter is this John 7:16-18 Jesus spoke plainly and revealed the truth here.

    Today are you willing to be instructed by His Word? Raise up your hand, the teacher will teach you and you will never walk alone He is the good shepherd. He will lead you all the way.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • a gift

    I’d like to share a story about this picture, if you don’t see it at first just click the title to pull it up.

    And if at the end of this post you still don’t “see it” its ok – like art – everyone is given the light they see by God Himself. Ish 42:16

    I have a client who likes to work with glass art in the form of jewelry. She is not a professed believer like myself but does believe in a higher power. Every year she gives me a gift she’s made. This year it was this necklace.

    At first glace I saw a picture of promise.

    I asked her how she made it, she explained the process and that she didn’t manipulate it. The end results are purely by the science of the materials and environment.

    My mind was blown, what I saw was a clear picture.

    Upon further research I learned what took place in the kiln stove at 1465 degrees. A short explanation : the silver piece of foil she laid on the glass reacted in several layers of reaction, producing this result. You can get detailed info online.

    When at first glance what did you see?

    I asked several others and the answers went something like:

    “Rock, crystal, baptism, mountains, Alka-Seltzer; peoples faces”

    Was yours like any of those? I’d be curious to know in comments.

    Here’s what my first impression was.

    A window or narrow doorway. Many heads walking through to the promised land, just ahead in the transparent looking glass which the bible describes as the streets. It also looks like a scroll rolled back.

    As I was reading the information on what happens scientifically there was something that really made what I was seeing more evident. When glass – silver interact the clear blue preserve the silver shine, while the glass colors cause the color change, there’s an Ion exchange which gives the process a mirror or iridescent sheen “if” the conditions are just right. 2 Corinthians 3:18

    The end results is the silver is encapsulated and permanently sealed, resistant to tarnish.

    What happens here is liken to that of the process of sanctification as described throughout the Word of God.

    1 Corinthians 1:30 Psalm 66:10 Revelation 7:3 Revelation 21:21

    Do you see it now? This picture is worth a thousand words.

    But here’s what I see spiritually, the process of sanctification is not easy, but so worth it for the results of Salvation. Col 3:2

    Don’t let todays troubles or your disappointments stop the process of God’s sealing you in for eternal results.

    Give your life to God daily, give Him first rights to your heart and life in every decision.

    Accept Jesus as your forever King and live for His cause.

    The end results will be so worth it.

    In Christ Love, Amen