Simple Devotions

Tag: christianity

  • hope found

    Every time I try to do life on my own terms, I stumble and fall.

    And every time I come to the realization I am in need of help, the only place I have found it consistently was in the pages of God’s book, the Holy Word of God.

    The seeds of hope in those pages are what feeds my faith, its words will set my emotions straight and give clarity in moments when nothing makes sense.

    And when I surrender my will towards His ways, this is how repentance begins. It’s a process of sanctification.

    His words cause the troubled heart to lay down its brokenness, so that it may be healed.

    The only way to describe this simply is like “seeing the truth and knowing it is going to change your life.”

    This is what the Word does.

    Psalm 119:89, God’s word is eternal as the Universe. Never changing. But always changing the hearts and minds of men who would take counsel from it. His faithfulness never ends.

    He created the earth and it endures no matter what men say, because of God’s love and care. Because of His word, nothing stops, it only cycles – unending and only His word will change this.

    Everything He created serves Him. And it is because of His Word I have not given up in despair.

    So why then should we invest our thoughts and time anywhere else.

    There is no person, place or thing that would ever give what He gives. There is no void to big for Him to fill~He is the way to hope. He will make a way every time we ask. We only have to look to His Word.

    Life is fragile handle with care – His care.

    This is where HOPE IS FOUND.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • represent

    I believe when I walk through each day, I have a responsibility to represent what Christ the Lord Jesus would have me to do. His ministry is our example, and it was filled with leading others to salvation, it was His habit to go off by Himself and spend quite time with God before He did what was needed.

    What does this look like for like us?

    It’s like working for a company or business. You are a representative for them.

    How you do your job reflects the kind of company they are.

    Most all employers will ask that their employees maintain a professionalism that represent the face of the company well. Getting to work on time first requires, planning and being intentional. Not rolling out of bed, and running for the time clock.

    And we know it’s always best when we are rested and nourished taking caring of our personal needs sets us up with a good attitude and allows us to handle better what the day brings. This kind of preparation gives you the mental and emotional readiness. However when you are spiritually ready it will be the difference in how we represent Christ both actively and internally everywhere.

    To study first His words is when we purpose to sit still in the quietness of the morning to hear the Lord speak to through His Word.

    Having a personal experience in obtaining knowledge of the will of the Heavenly Father, is like a team meeting it gives the confidence we will need for whatever comes that day. It’s about waiting before Him for the words of life that lead to safety.

    Psalm 46:10 says to wait and be still and then you will see Him exalted.

    Unless we come to Him first we will never attain success because our strength is found in Him. It is there when we will be able to represent Him best. He restores, counsels and leads to greater understanding.

    With His uplifting influence we are given fresh eyes for life.

    So before you try to do all the things today – stop, remember a moment in His presence will make all the difference going forward.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • truth

    Daily writing prompt
    What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
    View all responses

    I realize that “truth” isn’t a gift most would say.

    But it is the one thing that changed my life for the better.

    Living in a world where there’s so much uncertainty this becomes the one thing you desire most.

    Truth.

    Not an idea, but a firm foundation laid out before you.

    One that doesn’t leave nor forsake you but continues to teach you the way and how to walk in it.

    It’s really simple for me, I want to live in assurance of salvation.

    So the words of the Bible like these below, are worth a lot to me.

    John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’

    For example in John 8 much has happened in a few short verses. First there was an adulterous woman who was caught in adultery, and the truth was that no one had the right to cast stones because they all had sin issues. Truth.

    Reminding us that God’s Son Jesus did not come to condemn but to save. Truth.

    Next the crowd around Him was asking why they should believe Him? He explains that He is the light of the world and gives that light to those who walk in darkness. It’s a gift. Many were hearing for the first time, what made common sense to them. Their eyes were open to knowing the truth.

    Light exposes dark. Truth.

    Many who were listening to Jesus began to believe in Him.

    Then Jesus said them, ” If you continue to believe in me and in what I am saying, then you are really my disciples. Soon you will hear more truth, this truth will set you free.”

    He was talking about being free from the slavery of sins.

    When you learn the truth of the Word, it changes who you are and how you think. You keep your eyes on the path that He sets before you not turning to the left or the right. But looking to His truth.

    The truth is worth more than riches, material things or anothers devotion. It gives you a peace that passes all understanding, and it changes how you live.

    The truth sets you free from lies.

    And that is a gift worth giving.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • whoever calls

    In Romans 10 we read about needing the gospel.

    Especially Israel, while they have a zeal for God, it is not according to God’s righteousness which is established in Christ Jesus, but according to their own righteousness. This is the same for spiritual Israel. Those who try to earn their way into heaven instead of depending on what God has already done for them.

    The blessing of salvation is for every soul. Nothing but our own choice can prevent any one person from becoming a partaker of the promise in Christ by the gospel.

    This is what the scripture says: ” Anyone who believes in Him (Christ Jesus) will never be disappointed.” [ v. 11] There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles. The same God is Lord of all and responds to anyone who calls on Him for help. The Word also says whoever calls on the Lord will be saved. [v.13]

    God does not compel us to give up unbelief, no this is a free will decision and before us are light and darkness, truth and error.

    It is for us to decide which we will accept. The human mind has the ability to know right from wrong – we were created in this way.

    Which means the evidence and free will given will be how an individual chooses to call upon Christ, abiding in the way, the truth and life or not calling upon Christ and thus denying Him.

    The Lord says: ” All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people..”

    Today you can call out and He will hear you.

    Heavenly Father~I pray You will forgive us for sinning against You. I pray that whomever is reading this will look to You for the answers and trust in Your outstretched hands towards them through Christ Jesus the Lord. That they would ask You to give them the ability to weigh out the evidence of Your Words and compare scripture with scripture, and that the truth stand out to them and set them free from the lies of the enemy. and when we doubt and create within us a heart that desires trust more fully in You to know Your truth, empowering us to walk in obedience to it. May all this be in accordance to Your will. In Christ Name, Amen

  • 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

  • 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