Simple Devotions

Tag: christianity

  • make a joyful noise

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

  • writing the words of life

    Daily writing prompt
    What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time?
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    If you know, you know.

    But if you don’t you should.

    Writing about the Word of the Savior, son of God, Christ the Lord is my favorite thing to do.

    He is life and His word gives it more abundantly then you could ever ask or imagine.

    I could quote all the verses in the bible to prove which is true and most accurate but today I want to share personally why I believe in Him and His love.

    I am a daughter, a sister, wife and mother. All have special meaning to me but the one title I have that means the most is being called a child of the most High.

    Every relationship has it’s ups and downs. We all struggle with expectations from each other and this can often cause disappointment. Letting each other down in our own selfish tendencies is not a foreign concept.

    These positions we are given are even at times limited and not always secure because it’s takes two individuals to work to support one another’s role. Many relationships end because this work wasn’t being done.

    There’s so many conditions – it’s very conditional.

    But with the Heavenly Father – it’s forever.

    And because of His devotion towards me, it makes me a better person in each of those roles I have carried in this life.

    So life is sweeter, because all goodness comes from Him.

    He knew and formed me in the womb and He knows how to speak to me, teaching me what I need to know.

    It is because of Him I am able to read and understand His words, and then write about the hope and inspiration He gives.

    It’s because of who He is and what I mean to Him that has taught me to trust and obey Him. It’s His love for me that gives me the desire to share with others in this way.

    If you are on the fence about who HE is, and why you should even consider allowing Him into your life, I want to appeal to this question with another.

    What do you have to lose?

    Seek The Lord, ask Him and the answers will be given to you.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • WORD 126

    I have to share this and I have to share this today!

    When He gifts us these inspirational drops that we like to refer to as “God drops” we should glorify His name ! 1 Chron 16:24

    Today as I was about to go out the door, I was encouraged to slow down and look at my devotion for the day.

    Sharing these simple devotionals has inspired me to look at words in the bibles concordance, giving me a more intentional study, which has helped me to better explain what the word teaches. It started with the word “healing” and I came away with more understanding of what is needed for healing.

    Now studying the word: WORD this 1st month of year 26 (I noted this on purpose, stay with me) as I continue down the list of the word “Word” each day is a new scripture insight in how its being used. Todays was:

    Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure;

    He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

    I am certain of this truth and have told many we can trust His Word.

    Yet I love these reminders though because many believe that men can undo what God has done, altering it or breaking down the “original” by the way … kjv is no more orginal then the nlt or niv.

    You have to understand.. that God is not limited and will make sure His message is given.

    So I know by faith and believe what God can do because of what He has shared and shown me in my walk with Him. I put my whole trust in His word.

    He is always reminding me that when I share it, I am backed up by it.

    His word should always be reverenced, shown respect. Not handled in a careless way. He has given it to us in such a way that we will not be mislead or deceived by trusting in His word.

    So to not look at it indeed as infallible or as it was a bunch of men who authored it, is an attack on Gods character.

    2 Sam 22:31 The anointed King David is praising the Lord for what He has experienced by His word. He says it’s proven, it’s been tested, it’s shielded him. David goes on to say who is God, except the LORD. Who is the rock except our GOD. God is our strength and power, and He makes my way perfect! He makes my feet like the feet of deer and sets me on my high places. It was His word that did this.

    I’m right there with David today.

    I want to tell everyone that as I was studying the WORD, I was reminded that while there’s treachery all around us, God is constant.

    I know without a doubt that the Lord God my Rock is true and is leading me to walk in trusting obedience to His word.

    As I’m journaling this, the next place I find myself looking at was more proof :

    Psalms 12:6 The words of the Lord are pure words,

    Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,

    Purified seven times.

    It is pure and perfected.

    Perserving to those who seek it.

    I looked at the passage seeing I had been there before – I decided to put the month and year this time, 1/26 numbers and it was then I realized that God has got me right where He wants me this month and year.

    It was like .. THIS is what I want you to share!!

    This is the life giving truth, His Word.

    Imagine if I ignored the invitation and instead ran out the door.

    I am elated to sit here and share, this is the day that the Lord has made! Let us be glad and rejoice in Him!

    I love when He inspires me.

    In His perfect timing He reveals more reasons we should have trusting obedience towards Him.

    Friends stop rushing out the door of your life, look to the Savior who died for your sins and wants to save you. TODAY.

    He is holding out His hand. Take it.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • mind clutter

    Daily writing prompt
    Where can you reduce clutter in your life?
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    The family knew if it wasn’t nailed down, I may get rid of it.

    I have always been this way.

    Even at the beginning of my marriage 30 years ago. Once I tossed out a broken lamp and some dust collecting airplane magazines. The lamp in question had an electrical short and would shock me every time I would turn it on, it belonged to my husband and he thought is was the coolest thing but never fixed it. So I put it in the closet out of sight and later in the dumpster. Imagine my “shocked” face as we visit a families house to see it hanging up in their living room. He looked at it, looked at me and said something like “I had a cool light like that..” they replied how they found that one in the dumpster at the apartments their mother lived in. And if that wasn’t enough, those magazines also resurfaced when a friend thanked my husband for the awesome airplane magazines, that were given to them by the dumpster diving family.

    There may have been a set of golf clubs he never used, they looked like relic, they were taking up space in our little one bedroom home. You can be sure I still haven’t lived that down and am known as the toss~ier of all things.

    Much later in life we endured a house fire which was 98% smoke damaged, l never cried over the replaceable items. Even after rebuilding and starting over, l have lived even more like a minimalist.

    I also learned that our mind is on full display in how we care for our homes, cars and even jobs. It shows others who we are by how we keep our surroundings.

    So this prompt intrigued me to write about it.

    I remember watching a series once about how clutter causes more harm then good, it can wreck relationships and cause people to feel overwhelmed. I agree and I love the practices put in place for those that needed help to simplify.

    My favorite tip is organization, if it has a place and it’s not causing any issues with space, keep it. But if the object is in the way and serves no purpose ..get rid of it.

    But today’s prompt also brings a another issue to mind.

    Clutter of the mind.

    This part of life can be very messy, full of emotional clutter, but mostly noise.

    Social media adds to this immensely, if you start with just looking at one picture, or watching a video then the next and before you know it an hour is gone.

    Now that algorithms are a thing it keeps feeding us what we show interest in. It can actually become a full on deep dive and your mind is still reeling from one to the other, emotions are being played until you look up and say ..ok enough I’m done.

    I know, you know.

    Social media platforms are purposed to distract us from the real platform called LIFE. With all the instant information we struggle to keep our minds and hearts de-cluttered daily.

    At times I will set my phone out of sight so I don’t pick it up needlessly. It’s hard because we use them for everything. But a little discipline goes a long ways.

    So if you need to purposely de clutter this part of your life, here’s what can we do intentionally:

    Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

    Altering even a little in this way gives your life peace. The words of the Bible give assurance and reasonable instructions to become more in tune with Gods will for you, which in turn makes you happier.

    Proverbs 4:23 says above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

    The word of God is very effective in de – cluttering.

    And best of all it gives faith which comes by hearing the word of God. The only thing left to do is get started.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • faithfulness

    Daily writing prompt
    What makes a good leader?
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    You may be asking how would faithfulness make a good leader.

    • A good leader will go the extra mile with you and ultimantly trust is earned because they did what they said, they were faithful.
    • A good leader plans, teaches and supports. They prove to be faithful by seeing things to completion, a good leader doesn’t just lead, they do. Faithful to the end.

    Words in action, faithfulness is key.

    You can not find a leader so great as the one I serve today.

    Christ Jesus is the only leader that lacks in nothing and does everything perfectly. He is the prime example of faithfulness. He went the extra mile for all humankind, He laid down His life for us, He has earned my trust. He died for you, for me and for all humanity.

    He took on the sin of the world. So that we could receive the gift of life. The only thing left to do is let Him Lead.

    He is our perfect atoning sacrifice – what do you have to offer?

    He is our advocate, do you have a better advocate?

    He stands up for those who love Him and calls us His brethren before the Heavenly Fathers throne.

    He, Jesus Son of God, has redeemed all whom believe and follow before the throne of God.

    While here Jesus suffered the crisis we live in today. He endured more then any man due to this worlds sin and pain, He knew heartache deeper and felt it all with tender compassion.

    What leader has ever done so great a deed, leaving His perfect heavenly home coming here to a dark sin filled world.

    Still many today don’t believe or accept His leadership. This is pure rebellion.

    He lived to serve. He taught and shared everything He had. He came to lead a lost world back to God the Father whose love in depth we cannot understand. His life is our example. His words our instructions. His death our redemption.

    I write this to say most urgently, we need to be careful with what’s leading our hearts, it could cause us to go astray.

    The only good leader that is most faithful is the son of God, Christ Jesus. Let Him come into your heart today, He will lead you all the way. Be encouraged, He will give you the faith you need.

    Just say YES to Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He saves and He is coming back for those who said Yes to His Leadership.

    In Christ Love, Amen

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • go.. go.. go..

    I received this testimony from a loved one and I know she will not mind if I share it.

    As she was getting ready for church, she was reflecting on how pleased she was with her choices over the past week. She purposed to not spend any extra funds this college quarter/semester on coffee runs; mindless eating out or stress shopping. However she had a gift card, and thought to treat herself that morning to her favorite drink before going to the campuses young adult church.

    Here’s where it gets interesting, she attends church on the 7th day Sabbath. It was how she was raised and while its natural to think “well if I don’t work, it’s all good” however more recently she also purposed to honor what God asked better, so while preparing to leave her room these words came to mind “you have six days in which to labor, buy or sell, but on the 7th day remember the Lord set it aside as a day of rest to be kept Holy..” as she considered this she knew she had a choice, I may not be working but I would be asking another to work”. This thought did not sit well with her. She decided right then to leave her card in her room and wait. Feeling good about her decision she headed to church.

    When she arrived to church the scripture of the service was :

    Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed. Exodus 23:12

    She realized those earlier thoughts were divinely inspired.

    As she listened to the testimony of the speaker she felt certain that the Lord was making a call on her heart, her new found devotion towards Him was calling her to recommit her life to His will. A new place at 20 years old, knowing that at 14 when she was first baptized it was a different time, but now she knew things were different. The speaker was wrapping up the service and began making an alter call.

    He was pleading for the hearts of those there to come to Jesus completely, after a few more minutes he said he would count to three but continued persistently asking those there to come forward as the Lord was calling them.

    Praying the Holy Spirit would move on the hearts that needed to rededicate their lives to the Lord. She says at this point only one person went forward, she sat there “feeling the pull” but not wanting to go forward, she didn’t want to be the center of attention. She knew the invitation was for her, she felt it strongly, but she was waiting for the speaker to say three, it was so intense she was physically shaking. Her friend next to her notices and ask if she was ok, she tells her friend she was thinking about going forward. She knew she should go forward but was scared. She sat there hoping the speaker would count to three soon, and it would be over. Resisting the urge to stand up and go forward in front of the crowd. The speaker says again, “I know there’s someone here who needs to do this, the Lord is near and is waiting to see you stand up and walk with Him.”

    At this point she is pleading for him to say three and it will be over but instead then she hears these words inside her mind “go..go..go..” and it was then she stood up and walked forward.

    The room starts clapping in praise to God and as she went forward five more stood up to join her.

    Later she sends her mom a text message “so I guess I’m getting re baptized..” If I’m right in the recount of this story that’s a perfect 7 that came forward on the 7th day, Sabbath to give their lives to Christ, regardless, it was a special day for this young lady.

    And here’s why the power of prayer really is needed and works.

    Her mother has been prayerfully asking the Lord to place a desire in her daughters heart ~ to walk more closely with the Lord, that He would reveal Himself to her in the same way He did in her own life 32 years ago. That He would provide for her daughter the experience only He could in His transforming power of love.

    And that He would send her a man, who loves and serves God and would love her too.

    This is where I tell you .. I am that praying mother.

    And while I am watching from the side lines cheering on the team of Jesus, I know that my prayers matter and are heard, I sit in amazement of the wonders of His love. To God by the Glory!

    Yesterday Jesus walked in to her heart, took her hand and is leading her to love and serve the Heavenly Father as we all should.

    That’s the man I prayed for and that’s why she will always have what she needs and be loved forevermore.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • His Word

    Daily writing prompt
    Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?
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    The question “when have you felt loved..” is one I can answer by personal experience I have in reading and studying the Word of God. The Bible.

    Love is a word many use to describe an emotion. But the real use of the word is an action word. To understand what true love means is to know what it does.

    In the book of 1 Corinthians 13 it is written what love is and what it does. It’s also known as “the greatest gift”.

    In Romans 13:10 Love is described as the fulfillment of the law – to love your neighbor.

    1 John 4:7 says everyone who loves is born of God.

    As I sit here writing , thinking how I have felt it personally from Him ~ His words are love in the truth He teaches me. His words are life giving and freeing. This love He bestowed on the world when He gave Himself a sacrifice John 3:16-17 shows me in action what I mean to Him.

    His words of instructions leads me to safety.

    His love is everlasting not temporary but always – never ending.

    How do you describe a love that never ends a feeling that is a constant companion. His word brings rejoicing to my heart because in it I have seen how deeply He cares for His people. No one and no thing has ever given me all the feels.

    His words are the life, the way and the truth.

    His words are Love.

    In Christ LOVE, Amen

    In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9