Simple Devotions

Tag: christianity

  • no longer a slave

    Sharing a journal entry from March of 2021.

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    I should walk in the newness of life.

    According to Romans 6 ~ I am no longer a slave to sin.

    Living as a new creation saved by grace through Jesus Christ.

    Sin shall have no dominion over me because I am no longer under the law but under grace.

    To be obedient to this word so I may be lead to ” right living” righteousness. My life – body – mind – spirit needs to be a willing vessel to right living, instead of wrong living which makes one under the penalty of sin.

    Galatians 4

    No longer a slave to sin ~I am a child of God!

    By grace = saved through faith not of myself but a Gift from God, not by works. However created new in Christ for good works which God prepared beforehand that I should walk in them.

    Ephesians 2

    And like Jesus sweet spirit I need to walk in His will to serve in love & faithfulness. He shared PEACE. I need to also reflect this likeness.

    Only when we love Jesus will there be a spring of action in our steps. This is the action of love – serving for God’s glory. Not self.

    1 Peter 4

    The end is near ( at hand) therefore I need to be serious and watchful in prayers.

    When prompted to pray..do it.

    And above all things have love for one another for love will cover a multitude of sins. Love of family in their weakness – love of friends in their own “lost sense” because we know love heals.

    Love is powerful & divine

    “A soft answer turns away wrath” Proverbs 15

    1 Corinthians 13

    Love suffers long and is still kind.

    This a foretaste of Heaven, if love was used this way.

    Be hospitable towards others without grumbling.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    I just shared the working out of the scriptures in study. Did you notice how one layer of truth builds upon another and another giving a firm foundation? This helps us to understand better the way the Lord is wanting us to walk.

    This is why it is so vital to study to understand. Acts 17:11

    The only way I can speak about the Word is by the ability He gives me in bringing it forward to my mind, my part is to study to put it there so that I will be able to see and testify to His glory.

    In this, He creates within us the gift of life to share with others freely. Being tender hearted, compassionate and courteous, this is what He calls us to do so that HE may be blessed and seen.

    Better is the end of a thing than its beginning and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecc 7:8

    I encourage you to journal your study times to see how He leads you in understanding, it only takes willingness.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • all over the map

    This devotional post today is about a journal entry I wrote five years ago.

    I was prompted to share by a gift of envelopes with the words “Open When you want a devotional prompt..” so when I opened it up and it read:

    “How my spiritual life was 5 years ago compared to now and what changed ? “

    What a great question and as you will soon learn timely also.

    I hoped to be able to look back at my journaling to find something recorded. I went in search of my old journals and found one dated January of 2021. Truthfully I got excited because I wasn’t to sure I was actually writing during this time.

    It gets more interesting, I had only done 14 days of entries that month and the the next entry was in March 21, 2021. So now I’m very curious what was going on then.

    And here’s what I learned, it was the day I started writing and didn’t put it back down again for any stretch of time.

    It was actually the year I picked up the sword “the infallible Word of God.” and started working with it to cut away fears and doubts of my faith. He became my shield because I purposely through prayer and study started to trust Him.

    The Lord walked with me through many paths of uncertainty and here’s what I wrote about that started it all.

    ______________________________________________

    All over the map..

    You wake me with the words “Pray..pray.. “

    I heed Your voice looking to say that which is pleasing and You provided the Word, reminding me that:

    Ish 54:17

    “No weapon formed against you will prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the hertiage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me. says the Lord.” … And their righteousness is from Me.”

    Todays verse of the day happens to be 1 Thess 5:17

    “pray without ceasing”

    I watch my kids drive all over the map(on Life 360)

    I pray for their safety every day. For the Lord God their Father to protect and guard them from harms way. Your Word gives me comfort to know You will and have!

    I pray for protection against the evil and harm the enemy seeks to do – and know that this is only possible if it is Your will Lord – but also there comes a time according to Your Word where Your arms are shorten because we choose to turn away, Numbers 11:23 :( – I seek to change this !!!

    Even now You provide my own hearts cry?!

    I find a note from my daughter stuck inside my bible just for this moment. THANK YOU!

    Psalms 13:5 ” But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.”

    The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Please be near Hunter..

    ________________________________________

    I just shared with you the very intimate moment when I realized I didn’t want to shorten the Fathers arms towards me any longer. Because we have “free will” this happens as a result, not because He doesn’t’ hold out His arms, No, it’s because we limit Him with our free will.

    We struggle and try to do everything ourselves and even at our best this is a pride and sin problem.

    This is why Jesus said dying on the cross “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” because we continually live in sin and don’t even know it.

    He has always provided for my needs, He knows my hearts desires. He will never leave nor forsake me, I may be all over the map but He is not.

    He is the only right direction giver, He is the true North.

    Pray continuously for the Lords leading – give Him first place every day, while you walk, when you sit or lie down – take hold of His hand and let Him lead you all the way.

    You can trust Jesus, He is the Son of God and all power and dominion was given to Him, He is The Alpha and Omega, The Word and The Final Authority over all things. This is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No other like HIM.

    While you learn to abide in Him – your life will never be the same.

    He will reveal to you all truth – you will learn to trust Him.

    He will never leave you nor forsake you – He is able to do more then you could ever ask or imagine.

    He is the only way – to eternal life. No other way but Jesus Christ.

    Friends take action today, give Him your life completely. This is where I was five years ago today, uncertain and scared. Today I have this hope that burns within my heart, hope in the coming of the Lord I am loved by Him and I am assured of His promises. Friends one day soon He will come again and He wants to know you and receive you into His Kingdom. But the choice is yours.

    In Christ love, Amen

    ( The words in the picture) 5 years ago ..I started to journal about God’s Word. I have written many days of pages getting to know who He is and what I needed to do to be in one accord with Him.. today He reveals the reality of this walk with Him and His great LOVE.

  • presumption

    Daily writing prompt
    What advice would you give to your teenage self?
    View all responses

    We can list many examples of expecting something and it not turning out as we thought it would.

    This is just the same with faith in Christ Jesus.

    We know He is a Savior to all, He is. We hear that God is love and He is. But then like a teenager whose parents have always been there for them, we start to take them for granted that no matter how the teen child treats them they will be there.

    However something changes and the parents can’t be there any longer. Have you seen this happen? It’s a shock to their system, they were not prepared for this turn of events. Their parents may have warned them and they didn’t hear them or just chose not to believe it.

    Friends the Lord of heaven and earth the Creator God has also given us those same warnings.

    In 1 John 2:3-6 we are warned if one does not walk with the Lord but exercises their own standards of living, they are without light.

    John 15:1-8 says we are to be constantly connected to Him, abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life surrendered to Him in service.

    Remember nothing good comes from us, but Christ – so just because we act good and giving does not mean we earn rights to the Kingdom – that’s presumption.

    The channel of communication must be open continually between you and God. Just like that true vine that John writes about, so we are to cling to and draw “sap” from Jesus and in doing so we receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character. Colossians 1:23

    This is how we are reconciled in Christ. This is what pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell and by Him be reconciled.

    So we need to ask ourselves ” do I just assume knowing about Him and believing in Him is enough”?

    Living in faith is good. Being grounded meaning living connected and steadfast is better, as we will not be moved from the hope of the gospel which we have heard. And it is fruitful.

    Friends sit down put away all the distractions of this world, pray and listen to the Word of the Lord.

    He is very much interested in meeting you daily to solve the problems and issues of your heart and yes this is what every teen needs to hear, please encourage them as well.

    To be still, and know the one true God.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • God’s glory

    Christ is the reflection of God’s glory, the visible expression of God’s thought and the exact copy of God’s inmost nature. {Heb 1: 1-3}

    To deny Christ Jesus, is to deny God.

    Jesus made Himself of no reputation {Phil 2:6} but honored the Father as a servant, because of the great emergency in Heaven and then the fall of man in the garden of Eden, through the deceptive power of Satan.

    God did not ordain that sin exist but He foresaw it’s existence and made provision to meet this terrible emergency. He covenanted that He give His only, begotten son a sacrifice for sin.

    Psalms 110 is telling us about Gods assignment to Jesus His son.

    Saying Jesus will be priest forever.

    His name is more excellent than the angles. He was written about in the Old and New Testament. He was manifested to the patriarchs, and in the sanctuary His life’s work a symbol of the sacrificial service. He is the law and way revealed by the prophets, He came here to fulfill all the Word – when He said it was finished – It’s because He fulfilled the whole word of God. {John 17}

    Jesus Christ our Savior IS God’s Glory.

    Friends, believe on Him and live.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • ministry spoken in love

    When the message of Salvation is shared those hearing will see and know by the Holy Spirits convicting presence.

    We are not able to do what God does.

    There will be signs like “God drops” given by purity of knowledge from those who live it. They will be patient, kind and love all people everywhere, because of the power of the Holy Spirit in them.

    It is not because of the messengers, but by the love of Christ found in them. Sinful lives will be converted by the presence of God’s power to heal and forgive. 2 Thess 3:3 And the Lord is faithful who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. That you will not be tempted beyond what you are able, He will comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work.

    Don’t be discouraged when you see often that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, remember to those who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corth 1:18

    Self wisdom will fail. But those who become wise unto salvation, receiving the light and knowledge that He alone can give. 1 Corth 2: 13-14 This comes only to the spiritually discerned which are those of the mind of Christ. John 15:15

    Read, pray and look to the Lord!

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Romans 13

    Do you know what true righteousness is?

    Here’s the simple answer: it is love.

    Romans 13 has a lot to say about the allegiance to God and the Country, loving your neighbor, and putting on Christ.

    If you don’t know what I ‘m referring to go read the scriptures it’s linked. Be prayerful, ask that the Lord show you what you need to see and know at this moment.

    The way a believer of Christ comes to the understanding of what is true and right is by looking at His plans ( the Bible) considering the message of salvation ( the Gospels) accepting His son Jesus was sent as a sacrifice to you (a sinner) repenting of your sins (asking forgiveness) putting to death your old sin filled life to be born again living in the way Jesus calls us (baptism) and then surrender your life daily to serve the Lord Jesus and keep His commandments. (righteousness)

    Not really hard to understand, but more hard to apply when you are holding tightly to the world and it’s ways of folly.

    But here’s the hard facts.

    Considering the times we’re living in, it’s high time to wake up, because our lives might end sooner than we think.

    Because it was important enough for God to send His son Jesus because He wanted a relationship with us, then we need to understand it’s still important today. If you have lost that first love go back to that time when you first believed.

    And if you have never experience it. Do it today.

    Today it is more important then ever before.

    Time is not what it used to be.

    The night of sin is coming to an end.

    The dawn of God’s eternal morning will follow.

    Jesus is coming.

    So throw away everything belonging to the darkness of this world and take up the armor of light. Conduct yourself honestly, as people do in the daytime. Don’t get involved in those things that people like to do in the dark, such as carousing, drunkenness, sensuality of off kinds, sexual immorality, fighting , jealousy.

    Put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and don’t do as others whose constant effort in life is to satisfy the cravings of their sinful human nature.

    If you have any doubt, cast those to the side.

    If you believe and know God is making a call to your life right now accept the invitation, friend you have nothing to lose and eternity to gain.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • make a joyful noise

    Daily writing prompt
    Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?
    View all responses

    When I was young I used to want to learn to sing and play the piano.

    But the here’s the catch, I am 50% deaf so the challenging part is staying in “tune” however this guy named Beethoven was also hearing challenged and he did pretty good.

    I remember being teased by my family growing up and then in middle school the choir teacher told me I couldn’t stay in her class because of my deafness, that was painful actually. Can you imagine telling a young person “sorry you can’t hear so therefor you can’t sing with us.”

    There were a few though who encouraged me to sing at church, I remember a member who happened to be Russian once told me “Wow you are deaf and you can sing a soprano?!” She was very encouraging although I wondered if it was just because she needed extra warm bodies either way I did it for a while.

    Besides it’s good to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, and I could make noise.

    After becoming a mother I decided to encourage my kids in their special interest, one sang really well but was to shy to do it publicly and another plays the guitar and can hold a tune nicely.

    Over the years I used to sit out on our front porch by myself and sing. I’ll never forget when one of my boys came out and said to me “momma will you sing that one song again, I really like it.” He sat there and listened and it was a sweet moment for my heart.

    I still enjoy singing around a table acapella at bible study, but I haven’t pursued it as much. However I came across this scripture recently.

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

    Colossians 3:16-17

    So I’ve started again, because God says it’s good to sing.

    And if you type in the word “sing” on any bible app. you will see this is true. Sometimes we just need a little nudge.

    Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. {I Corinthians 10:31} And If anyone speaks, let him speak as the words of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. {I Peter 4:11}

    There you go..if there’s something that you can do to share the glory of Jesus.

    Just do it.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • hold fast

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you need a break? From what?
    View all responses

    Unless you live on a remote island or deep in the desert of this world, you know we all need a break from the chaos of life.

    I remember years ago I used social media platforms for fun.

    Now, not so much it’s all bad news, so much confusion, division, one tragedy after another, and sadness. But I admit I still get glued scrolling from one post to another and eventually will start to feel anxious. Telling myself “you need to get off this”.

    Finally I will stop because something else needs my attention.

    Nothing new, it starts out as curiosity which turns to feeling overwhelmed at the end.

    I know my time would be better spent reading the Word of God. Immersing myself instead into the great controversy between good verses evil, I’d would benefit far better to be so engrossed with the battle that wages war on the people of God, to “scroll” His pages instead to see how it all works out.

    Now that I look at it from this perspective, I can see how some may feel overwhelmed by the Bible like I do with social media.

    Funny how when we need “a break” it requires tuning out.

    It might look like reading a book, gaming, shopping or using recreational drugs or alcohol, just to name a few. This is how many live today and at the end of the day they all end up with more anxiety.

    What a gerbil wheel. Going nowhere fast.

    Here’s what I have learned.

    When I purposely step away to a peaceful space in my home where no distractions are welcomed, even my phone is not invited.

    I am removed from every care of what’s going on around me, I am on an Island. I’m in a desert oasis. .

    When I sit to worship the Creator, my Savior, the Holy Spirit sits with me there. I journal prayers, study the Word, and it’s here I have an opportunity to just be. Writing, pondering on all things life.

    I get to talk privately to the Heavenly Father in my heart and wait.

    Because every day has it’s challenges, heartaches, disappointments, grief and confusion, I’m am thankful for this space were I sit with Him often to take a break.

    Its stillness quiets the soul and gives me courage to do the hard things.

    A great way to clear my mind, so that while I see the reality of the World on fire, I am reminded whose watching over me. It’s here I see it all in Gods hands. His words of hope bring true joy and the ability to hold fast another day.

    The work of Christ in you, is never about what we can do but what He does through us. We hope better and believe stronger.

    It’s the true place of Joy. Which helps us to help others better.

    To care for our neighbors is a command, but it can only happen if we are going to the Father, He gives the seeds, and the water from the fountain freely, then we can plant and water – but it is God who gives the increase.

    Knowing this makes it easier to hold fast to the truth of His Words and take many breaks with Him.

    The Lord is inviting you to take His rest.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • John 17:17

    In this passage Jesus is speaking to the Heavenly Father in prayer,

    “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

    Sanctify means to set them apart, He speaks of the mission that He was sent to do, to give the Word. He requested that God the Father would protect those who receive the word and that they would not be overcome by the evil in the world.

    And then He went on to complete the mission, fulfilling the Word completely.

    This is the testimony of Jesus, the gospel message gone out to all the world, every nation; tongue and tribe.

    To those who believe in His word, they are able to attain His salvation in truth.

    Salvation in Jesus the son of God as our Savior, means we know we need to be cleansed from our own sinfulness.

    Psalms 119:9 ask the question how can one be cleansed?

    The answer: take heed according to the Word of God.

    Righteousness is everlasting because God’s law is truth and because Jesus was the fulfillment of it. He is truth.

    The Word is Holy forever.

    Yes, Lord’s beauty is in the grace He abounds toward us however it’s because of His Word that there is grace.

    Remember in John 17, when Jesus was asking the Father to protect those who heed the word. That’s grace, knowing we would need something and we didn’t ask for it.

    In Psalms 119: v. 142 – v. 151 – v. 152 His truth is the law that doesn’t condemn us to death, but saves us from sin.

    The truth of His Word sets us free. The testimony of His way, is not something new, it has always been, even before the foundations of the World.

    So the Word of God is forever, eternally.

    Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Luke 21:33

    Isaiah 40:8 The Word is a Rock – This Rock is Jesus, the living Word of God who stands forever.

    Closing thought:

    From the beginning to end we need to consider the whole matter which was written for our benefit. In the Word is life, and more abundantly, those who truly accept the righteousness of Christ Jesus will give serious consideration to the Word of God, because it works to cleanse us, to give us light to walk and to show us the way to a life everlasting, this is what it means to be set apart from this world that lives and dies in darkness.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • being an Instrument

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
    View all responses

    The Lord has been working to fashion me into His steward, to proclaim His name, sharing of the good news of the salvation in Christ Jesus.

    I am 52 years old and have just had a full circle moment.

    I say this simply because at 20 years old I was called by His word to live according to His plans. I was lead to break generational family sins, I was shown how to be a missionary in our own home giving my heart to the Lord in such a way that it would help to shape my children into becoming instruments for Him.

    I see this now clearly, I have three adult children today whom are servants. One is currently learning to lead and teach the bible as a pastor/ teacher of the word, the middle one is a peace officer serving in our local community helping others to have a better day, and the youngest is giving her life to teach in the mission fields wherever the Lord sends even remote islands.

    Now that I am in this new place I was uncertain how He would use me. I’m not exceptional or well educated in biblical languages. I don’t have any special talents that lend to ministry. I have a 50% hearing impairment and I also have a speech impediment.

    Even so I know He can use our willingness.

    I’ve been on this journey over the last few years to be a good steward in learning His word so that I can share it better.

    Only I didn’t’ realize until now that I would be speaking more and more to the present truths of His word – on topics that many do not enjoy or delight in sharing.

    Truthfully even I shied away from the topic of “dooms day” I know how others look at you when you are telling everyone “the sky is falling, the sky is falling!”

    But I am sure, that if we do not discuss the warnings of God – we are choosing to walk blindly.

    The Heavenly Father wants His children to have light for their paths.

    The Good Shepard who died for the world is opening wide the gates of Paradise to all who believe in Him.

    Soon the battle for our souls will end, the victory won.

    Very soon we shall see Him and all our hopes of eternal life will be made complete. His presence will make the trials and sufferings of this life seem as nothing.

    You see the moment we realize that we are to proclaim the truth of this warfare and who wins this great controversy – is the moment freedom begins.

    I absolutely love my family – I love the life the Lord blessed with with, but more importantly I love Jesus and I want to be an instrument for Him in bringing LIGHT to this dark covered land.

    Jesus is coming and we must be ready, not asleep. 

    All the words underlined are linked to the verses that verify the truth of His Words, these are not mine but His and I am just the instrument to share them.

    Interested in hearing instead of reading?

    Check out the podcast on Spotify { simple devotions 323} and currently working to upload writings on YouTube @ simple devotions 323 Thank you for stopping by.

    In Christ Love, Amen