Simple Devotions

Category: Journaling His Word

  • chosen

    This post is scripture filled. “May the Lord remove any distractions, allowing you to receive light to understand what His Word will reveal at this time.”

    I’m hopeful that whomever reads this will be blessed, that it will go far and cause a ripple effect in the lives of many, in Christ Love.

    Have you ever been in a group waiting to be chosen for a team activity? You know where the group decides on two captains and they start to chose their teams one by one.

    You either get picked quickly because you are seen as a “valuable” team player or you are left waiting to be chosen because neither see your value. I imagine that’s an uncomfortable scenario most of us can relate to.

    This is an example of how important acceptance can feel, yet it’s also relatable to the way Christians can feel about being on God’s team. Some don’t know or understand that He chose them, even before the foundations of the world. They didn’t choose Him first.

    Let that sink in a moment.

    Can we agree that many believe “the chosen of God” is the actual nation of Israel ? And this is because of scripture and interpretation. Those who believe only in Old Testament vs. those who believe only the Gospels are the necessary truth of the New Testament. Then there are those in the middle who believe that both are to be considered and try to find peace and balance within both sides.

    And yet there’s more – sometimes those in the middle can read one part of the OT and think “wait.. I don’t believe that” or vice versa with the NT. I know I have been guilty of cherry picking, you?

    How confused can we become if the whole Bible – Word of God is not fully accepted. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah 15:16 says plainly that Gods word was to be eaten to have joy and rejoicing of the heart and that God called him to do this.

    In the New Testament we see “eating bread” often. * Here’s a neat connection, remember when David and his men were hungry and the temple bread was the only thing available. In the Old Testament writings one would say that was an abomination. But the New Testament records that it was a matter of principle by Jesus, David was welcomed to eat the bread at the alter. And yes David was also chosen.

    To the point that anyone who wants to “eat the Lords bread” is welcomed. Anyone. Here’s how we know.

    Matt 26:26 Mark 14:22 Luke 24:30

    But John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”

    The Song of Songs 2:4 He has brought me to his table and is feeding me, his banner over me is love, to protect and comfort me.

    So how do we know we are chosen?

    Isaiah the Old Testament prophet shared in 43:1-21 these inspired words from God the Father in 740 BC, so that Jesus His son, our Savior would fulfill it during His time here 700 years later.

    Ish 44:8 Clearly says we will be witnesses to the ROCK.

    Whose the New Testament Rock? Jesus. Who are His Witness? Those who eat the bread.

    Listen, God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him. Showing mercy to the thousands to those who love Him and keep His commandants.

    Therefore know this: Deut 7:9 1 Peter 2:9 Acts 26:12-18

    When the Lord called on Saul (in Acts) who would convert and become Paul, He told Him “I have a purpose for you..” v.18

    Those He calls – He sets apart.

    ‘And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’ Romans 12:2


  • Hidden

    “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

    Did you know that every promise in God’s word is ours ?

    In Matthew 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” we are to live.

    When we are tempted to be selfish or act wickedly, we are able to look to the power of the word. All its strength is ours for the victory over sin.

    Here’s more proof 119:9 How can we cleanse our way? By taking the words advice because His word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. v.105

    Christ is ready to set us free from sin, we continually struggle with all kinds of cherished sins, even ones we don’t acknowledge as sins. However we don’t need to be overwhelmed or in any way overcome by our current sin situation. Remember it was sinners that Christ came to save.

    It’s not by being better or doing good daily that we reconcile ourselves to God BUT it’s His wonderful love is reconciling the world to Himself. 2 Cor 5:19

    He is even now knocking on our hearts. Revelation 3:20

    In Song of Soloman 4:15 the word of God is described as a “fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams of Lebanon.” So in our hearts that once tasted the love of Christ, continues to cry out for more and as you take it in you will receive richer and more abundant measure. Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love.

    Because to know Him is to love Him.

    Do you feel the Lord knocking on Your heart today?

    Answer Him. It will be the best decision you ever made.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Your Word

    Recently while traveling I was staying in an Airbnb, and as I was headed to bed one night I noticed the lamp next to the bed which is in the picture I shared today.

    It’s an object lesson to what I want to write about today.

    First it’s a lamp, the Bible has a scripture associated with the word in Psalm 119:105 ( using the Amplified version for more study references) You can also read Proverb 6:23 it gives more detail as to what the lamp means.

    So according to this scripture reference it says it is to give light to my path, it’s obvious that if I wake up in the dark to read I would need light. This lamp provided the light needed. Both figuratively and literally, its the lamp that gives light for me to read His Word. If I was to try to read or write without it, I’d be in darkness and would not comprehend it. Like the Words from Acts 26:18 Jesus does not want us to walk in darkness, not seeing means we are under the power of satan.

    But the good news is we have been given a great light Matt 4:16

    And this light is Jesus! Psalm 112:4 and we should fear nothing because Psalm 27:1 tells us The Lord is the strength of our life of whom shall we be afraid?

    So the lamp is God, the light is Jesus but look closer at the picture of the lamps decoration.

    There’s the Vine. Read John 15:1-8

    This warning instruction is telling us why we must stay in His Word. And Joel 2:28-32 shares that in obedience to the Word of God, even in whatever environment we currently live we are encouraged to not be afraid ~ He will provide His Spirit richly to guide and lead us, as long as we stay on His vine.

    Even in Revelation which is about the Revelation of Jesus Christ, it shows us the controversy between good and evil, it is the book to be studied to know the time of the end.

    Read Revelation 1:1-3 shares very plainly this truth.

    Yes, it is written in a form of apocalyptic literature but it refers to itself a prophetic book. The fact is, it is written in three major movements; “things which you have seen” verse 1:19 ” things which are” (present) and things which must take place after this”.

    The point is the Word in its entirety should be studied and the Lord God will give Light through the Holy Spirit to teach us all things if we stay on HIs vine. The last word of the picture really speaks for itself “Hold” but to elaborate a bit more I found this last verse appropriate Revelation 2:25

    “Only hold fast what you have till I come.”

    Hold fast to what? The answer is in the picture.

    Let us make His Word the thing that matters most in our lives today!

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Thirsty?

    The last book of the Bible in the last chapter has one last invitation.

    “Come! And let him who hears say Come! And let him who thirst come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

    Who is Speaking? Jesus Christ, the bridegroom.

    Who are the ones who hear? His bride, the church.

    Who is the church? Those who have the testimony of Jesus Christ and keep the commandments of God.

    What is the church to do with this invitation? Invite all.

    Who is this invitation for? You and I.

    We need to consider seriously this rsvp.

    The Word is clear that the cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going out and is even given with greater power then to those who heard it in the temple on the last day of feast. John 7:37

    What does this mean or look like? John 7:38 tells us in red letters “He who believes in Me as the Scriptures has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

    This is available now to all the weary- exhausted, all are offered the right to enteral life. Isaiah 55: 1 Prophesied before Christ came that day to the temple saying “HEY! everyone who thirst COME to the waters and you who have no money, Come buy and eat YES come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.” The invitation to receive the Holy Spirit, who will teach and guide you into all understanding without a cost is what’s being offered, it is a gift freely given.

    In verses 10-13 it explains beautifully in nature that we can trust Gods provisions.

    Now ..some may remember the Samaritan women at the well? If not go read it. He promised she would not thirst again she was puzzled and reasoned with Him – because she “heard” she was changed.. She immediately went to town telling everyone and those who “heard” her ~ the whole town ended up coming to Him. That’s what He asked us to do with that invitation, share it with others.

    Are you thirsty today?

    Dive in – the waters great – Jesus will catch you!

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Light in the darkness

    Today’s post is inspired by :

    Gen 1:1-4 / John 1:1-5 / John 3:19-21 / 1 John 1:1-2 / Rev 19: 11-14 Romans 13:11-14 / I Tim 6:11-16

    In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, void of anything, darkness covering it a face of the deep.

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

    Then God said “Let there be light.”

    All things were made through Him – in Him was life and the life was the light of men.

    And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.

    God saw the light, that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness.

    In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness could not comprehend.

    The light today shines out of darkness – and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

    But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen that they have been done in God.

    From the beginning, we have heard; we have seen and we have learned from the Word of God – Words of life.

    Who manifested life in the flesh to bear witness and declare to us that enteral life begins with the Father in Heaven, that He would have fellowship with us, and this giving us true fellowship with both the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

    Christ will return as King of Kings, and every eye will see Him. In place of the crown of thorns will be a crown of glory – a crown within a crown. In place of a kingly purple robe, He will be clothed in raiment of the whitest white. (Mark 9:3)

    And on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

    “ KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS “

    The night (darkness) is far spent, the day (light) is at hand, Therefore let us cast off the work of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.

    Let us walk in the righteousness of Christ Jesus our Lord, doing as He did and that is to love, love is light and life of God.

    The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ, we receive righteousness by receiving Him.

    Not by painful wearisome toil, not by gift or by sacrifice is righteousness obtained, but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirst to receive it.

    So run from all evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you. And before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony, obey God’s commands without wavering so no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

    At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will.

    All honor and power to him forever!

    In Christ Love, Amen.

  • Quiet rest

    The picture is where I grew up, a small community called Turtle Creek in the Hill Country of Texas. I was blessed to have had a porch swing only a few feet from that creek. Held up by the perfect limb of an oak tree. At a very young age I would go sit on that swing and sing songs about Jesus. Having been raised up hearing all kinds of hymns, I would sing songs and even if I didn’t know the words I’d make them up to fit what I was feeling. I suppose David the shepherd boy did this also when he would sing and play his harp for the Lord. (Psalm 23)

    When life got heavy I knew I could go sit there and feel lighter afterwards. I’m sure I sounded silly at times but ultimately I was worshiping Jesus on that swing.

    So it was a place of quiet solitude and I was drawn to it often. Later on I learned a neighbor would hear me across the creek while on her front porch, singing my heart out she says.

    Isaiah 30:15 says: this is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. this rest will save..

    And again the invitation to this kind of quite rest is also found in Matthew 11:28 when Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest..

    What I know now, is that activity drew me near to the heart of God. It was a quite rest.

    It applies today also, to understand there’s no work that He has for us that does not call us to first fellowship with Him. I must sit and abide to receive for what’s to come each day.

    Do you run ahead because the day calls for it?

    Remember the passage of Martha vs. Mary? Jesus tells us what’s important.

    He knows our needs and His rest supplies our strength.

    God speaks to us in His Word.

    Here we have clearer lines of revelation of His character, of His dealings with us and the great work of redemption.

    These times give hope and rest. He wants this for all.

    Go, sit with Him, let His quietness fill you.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • prayer of refuge

    I have learned to write my prayers with scripture to convey the truth of His Words, and I believe when we express ourselves in prayers using His Word it never comes back void, as we are given faith in it.

    Duet 33:26-27

    Exodus 15:11

    Psalm 90:1

    Psalm 91:2 ,9

    What would your prayer look like after reading these text?

    Here’s mine..

    Heavenly Father, who is like you O’ Lord.

    Who is like you, glorious in holiness.


    Fearful in praises doing wonders, there is none like You.


    Who rides the heavens and helps me,

    in Your excellency on the clouds.


    Eternal God, You are my refuge and underneath are the ever

    lasting arms of Jesus Christ.

    He will thrust out the enemy from before me – it is not my battle.

    He will say “destroy”.


    Lord, You are my dwelling place in all generations,

    and I will say of You ,

    The Lord is my refuge and my fortress

    My God in whom I will put my trust.

    Because I have made You my refuge

    even my home is Yours no evil shall befall me,

    nor any plague come near me.


    I am thankful You will fight the battles from the enemy

    and send Your Angels to guard and protect.

    My heart is yours Lord.


    In Your Holy Name, Amen

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • teacher

    To study the history of Joseph and Daniel we can see that all things were working for good.

    Romans 8 :28

    The Lord did not prevent the plotting’s of men who sought to do them harm; but He caused all these devices to work for good to His servants who amidst trial and conflict preserved their faith and loyalty.

    Everyone knows a good teacher prepares you to be able to handle the test, by teaching you the solutions.

    Our Teacher happens to be perfect; merciful; gracious; kind; long suffering and generously good to a thousand generations.

    So much evidence points me to believe that He is the teacher who prepares those who put their trust in Him for the trials and tribulations.

    We can agree when Christ Jesus, God Himself hung on the cross for our salvation saying ” It is finished.”

    The “testimony” was done and His ultimate plan of of Salvation was complete.

    Remembering the first lesson He gave, was in the garden and since God knew the next chapter. He had already prepared “the plan of Salvation” even before creation took place.

    So this leads me back to the first point.

    Do you think that we can endure trials of this world without preparation of our hearts ?

    Another words have you learned to trust Him in the small things, so you can trust Him in the bigger test/trials of life?

    Moreover did you know, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified: and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:30

    We will go through many trails and sorrows but He will be with us.

    No, He doesn’t always prevent harm but one day we will see what He did prevent and our minds will not believe it.

    The enemy called God all kinds of unfair things, like malpulative and unfair. That’s not His likeness.

    He answered the call and is justified and He is glorified.

    Thank you Jesus for passing the true test for us and Thank you Heavenly Father for His robe of righteousness.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Jesus is King

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s something you believe everyone should know.
    View all responses

    He is the Way; the Truth and the Life.

    To know Him is to love Him.

    His Word is given to direct and lead us to Him.

    Know Him ~ Know peace.

    No Jesus ~ No peace.

    If you are reading this and you want assurance, you can have it today.

    That assurance was nailed to the cross and rose three days later. He is the son of God. Yahweh, Jehovah , King of Kings and Lord of Lords, His name is the name above all names. He is Jesus Christ.

    For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God

  • my Father

    Daily writing prompt
    Describe a family member.
    View all responses

    Oh come, let me sing to you about the One

    Let me shout joyfully to the Rock of my salvation

    Let me share the thanksgiving on my heart

    To always proclaim Him above everything is my joy

    He is the name above all names

    For He is great, the greatest of all

    The heavens rejoice, the earth is glad because He created them

    The sea roars and all it’s fullness, the fields are joyful and all that is in it. All the trees of the woods rejoice because He is coming and He is coming to judge rightously.

    Are you ready for my Lords visit?

    This is my Fathers World.