Simple Devotions

Tag: christianity

  • Longing

    Based on Hosea 6- 7 and Matthew 9:13

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

    This is the question that comes to my mind.

    Do we really understand how much He longs for us?

    Throughout His Word we can find this is very true.

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

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

    Which also happened with Israel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Please listen! Hear the word of the Lord.

    Rejecting the Lords invitation will end your life, eternally.

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

    Do you want to recommit your life to Jesus?

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

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • instructed

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

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

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

    When we are willing , we can learn.

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

    And so it is with learning the Bible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • a gift

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

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

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

    At first glace I saw a picture of promise.

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

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

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

    When at first glance what did you see?

    I asked several others and the answers went something like:

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

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

    Here’s what my first impression was.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The end results will be so worth it.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • needs

    Daily writing prompt
    What skills or lessons have you learned recently?
    View all responses

    I have been in the process of learning this.

    How often do you say to yourself, I have need of nothing?

    I believe it can be a perspective or a mind set at certain times when I can say this.

    Otherwise all are constantly looking to our needs in one way or another. There’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs that take up most our time.

    And this is only dealing with our immediate needs, add to that the needs of your family relations; work/ profession and society.

    This can be a driving force of stress that keeps us so preoccupied that we don’t stop, and give all those needs over to God the Creator who supplies all needs.

    The air for our lungs to breathe, the water to nourish and grow what we eat for our body which is how we live.

    For those whom don’t believe this to be true, I’m sorry for you however science proves there is a greater source of life to me.

    So how do we give our needs to God?

    This is done in prayer and the instructions are in Matthew 6:4-15 .

    The Lords prayer is not only one given by Jesus the son to the Heavenly Father, but also given to us that we would know the way to present our needs before Him.

    Here’s what the former language would read like in today’s:

    “Our Father in heaven, may your name be glorified. May we grow your kingdom. May we also do your will on earth, as it is done in heaven.

    Please take care of us today.

    And forgive us as we have forgiven others. Do not leave us alone when our loyalty to you is tested. Help us overcome every temptation which the evil one brings against us. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours forever. Amen”

    When we pray this way, we need to remember that the answers to our prayers is conditional.

    If you forgive others, the Father will forgive you. But as long as you have an unforgiving attitude, it would not be right for your Heavenly Father to forgive you.

    Forgiveness is never for others – it’s for us. Even non believers know this.

    When we learn to communicate our needs in this way, it teaches us to know that God cares and hears which gives us the confidence that He will supply all our needs.

    It’s about dependence and co-operation. When we realize we can accomplish anything because of our trust in Him. Phil 4:19-20 it’s in moments like those that we can honestly say: I have need of nothing.

    This is for His glory – so in essence we learn that our needs given to Him gives opportunity for Him to be glorified.

    So why are we holding onto anything ~ let go and let God.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • delivered – Psalm 107

    Here recently I have been searching the word “healing” in the scriptures, and I’m seeing a common thread.

    The power of Gods word is healing, but it also means that it delivers us from our destruction.

    His Word alone is all that is needed. Matt 8:8

    The the story of Job in the bible as we understand is that he was counted righteous and God blessed him. When the enemy came around to prove that Job only worshiped God because of what he had, God knew that His relationship with Job could stand the test of time so He allowed Satan to test this.

    Job lost all the blessings, everything on day one. Job believed he did nothing wrong to deserve this but those around him begin to question this.

    I believe this is where the spirit of confusion comes in from the enemy which visited Job through his friends and even his wife.

    Then comes a young man from their community who heard and listened respectfully to what everyone had to say about Jobs calamity. He ask permission and then launches into great detail the reminder that everyone needed, especially Job. “You are not special. Everyone will go through something. God is not partial. He didn’t pick you out to find fault in you – no He knows you better then you know yourself.” In Job 33:8-33 you can read this young man begins to bring clarity to Jobs situation. He upholds God’s justice. He asks and answers questions in 34:10-15 about how just God is and where the problem really lies.

    Self righteousness is sin in the heart, a problem all men are faced with.

    Setting our own terms of repentance is a huge issue, trying to bargain with God to come to our terms – when it needs to be the other way around.

    Let’s think seriously whom it harms when we sin?

    Does it hurt God?

    And if you are good what does He receive from it?

    The point is there is nothing that our wickedness can do to God, it only affects our fellow human kind, our neighbors, none of these a affect God. (And before you say wait..Yes it does! It nailed Christ to the cross!?! Sins did yes, not You but the act of wrong doing. Remember He laid down His life like a lamb, that’s another post..)

    Instead of looking inwardly as we often do we should always be looking upwardly. Are you looking outwardly to others for help – try looking upward towards God, He is the one who strengthens hearts and makes us to sing. Psalm 40:3

    When we are not humble at heart and instead prideful and arrogant – boasting in our own wisdom, satisfied in our own right doing –God will not heal.

    This causes sickness in our lives , a sin sickness which can only be healed by surrender to Gods will – His Word.

    God is just.

    When we compare our situations to others it will feel unfair. Don’t do that. Comparisons is the thief of joy.

    God is mighty.

    He despises no one.

    He is firm and kind in His purpose.

    He does not take His eyes off the righteous.

    He does not let the wicked live forever.

    He will work out our salvation with us in order to deliver us from living in sin.

    Because of God’s righteousness men can’t help but break out in songs – creation displays His great works all around us, we can see the power of God in every living thing, nature proves Him all the time.

    And finally friends, throughout the Word of God I can see clearly the great work of His deliverance.

    It is my hope you will be inspired enough to experience His word personally so that you too can be healed by His Word.

    The Lord Jesus Christ is the way, you can trust His Word for it gives light in darkness and saves the lost.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • healing

    Do you believe in the power of God’s Word?

    Have you read the story of the bleeding women who reached out to touch the garment of Jesus? If not you need to. Luke 8:42-48

    Or the faith of a gentile women Matt 15:21-28 who spoke with Jesus about needing healing for her daughter who was not even in the right to ask. The dialog is very interesting, Jesus was increasing understanding of what faith is even as she asked.

    What about Luke 7:1-10 the faith of a centurion? My favorite part is verse 7 ” say the word and my servant will be healed.” No faith was found so great , not even in Israel (God’s chosen people)

    I believe that when God causes healing to happen, it is because it will bring glory to Him which means those who witness this will let others know who He is.

    I have seen this and know it to be true. I also know that many who have asked and not received healing, are in other ways provided for and in His plan are given what is needed.

    The true test is to be obedient and trust Him.

    Healing is experienced in many forms, I want to share something to tie up lose end in our belief system about being “good enough” or obedient enough that God would hear our prayers..”

    We know and have experienced many victories in life – but some have not.

    Elijah was a prophet who did a major work for the Lord, his story really starts in 1 Kings 17 – he experienced great faith building moments but still had a moment of weakness when he didn’t rely on Gods provision. He ran. But only once. After this lesson the ministry of Elijah was to go where and do what God asked. God would eventually take Elijah up to Heaven on a chariot of fire. That is incredible to think about.

    You see God met him where he ran, He sent His angels to minister to him and then He went Himself and showed Elijah a great lesson.

    This lesson is for us to learn as well.

    When we get fearful in times of needs, we must remember that healing in His way is the only healing any of us should ever pray for. We only need to be still and listen for Him. Don’t run ahead. Just wait patiently and listen for His voice.

    “Be still and Know that I AM God.”

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • John 10:10

    “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.‘ John 10:10

    This is the great conflict of the ages.

    The thief vs. The Good Shepherd.

    One comes to steal, kill and destroy.

    But the other gives life and more abundantly.

    The truth of the matter is this , you are either a thief in human nature, or a shepherd sharing the truth of Gods Word.

    Pointing others around you towards the gospel of Jesus Christ which was given by the grace of God alone, to uplift souls.

    The pilgrimage of Jesus was to recreate the image of God in man, a development giving hope; purpose and glory of life.

    Whoever does not follow the example of Christ, but instead influences others to turn away from the source of life, he is defrauding them of all hope and God’s purpose to save them. They are no better then the thief or robber.

    Here’s what we know about the good shepherd – Jesus.

    He knows us all by name, He knows which house we live in, even the name of each occupant. He has been known to send His servants to go to certain streets, or even cities to find His sheep. We have heard of the divine appointments and testimonies.

    Those who trust His leading will share with others in whom they know, the truth of His Word and encourage that they also should follow Him. And for those who say it matters not because of “grace” this is how how a hireling thinks John 10:12-13, and subject the sheep to deception and lack of good judgment.

    Be aware of the thief.

    ” My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.’ John 10:27

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • adonai el roi

    The Hebrew term for ” the God who sees me”.

    Psalms 91 tells us that God is protective in caring for His children who seek Him and keep His judgments, precepts, laws. Jesus was protected and taken care of in this way during His life here.

    Remember when the deceiver tried Jesus in the desert, satan quoted to Jesus that it was written the angels appointed to you would not let you be hurt in Matt 4:6 Jesus basically replied that He must use self- control..something sin does not exercise.

    Of all the lessons to learn while being tempted it is self control, this is a major one. Control in appetite and passions.

    In all ages and since the beginning of time temptations appealing to the physical nature have been most effectual in corrupting and degrading mankind. God sees this.

    He knows our weakness and doesn’t condemn us but saves us. He gives us the ability to overcome sin, through Christ.

    When we yield quickly to God in every temptation He secures a victory for us to walk away from and endure the moment, but first we need to believe He sees and is there in that moment.

    Psalm 91:2 “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

    Make this the first thing you say in those moments of temptation, the Word of God was given for our victory over sin – Jesus is the Word.

    He used the Word to defeat the enemy – the Word wins in the end.

    ‘As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord ? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.’ Psalms 18:30-32


    God sees every temptation and has already provided a way of escape. May we always remember His Words.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • black Friday

    I wrote this on the 28th, but failed to publish it.

    Thoughts on this day, what are the odds of a “sale” day being called black Friday, right after a day set aside for “thanksgiving”.

    There was another Friday like this one which also proceeded the last supper in “thanksgiving” of the Passover Luke 22 .

    It would happen right after that Thursdays meal, when the Son of God was lead to the slaughter house of satans cohorts, being tried and persecuted, scrounged so badly he was unrecognizable, a crown of thorns placed on His head by those who mocked Him in ridicule, unjustly punished – enduring all of it’s shame to lay down His life to pay the penalty of sins. ( Isaiah 53:5)

    A gift paid in full for to those who believe Him to be God in flesh.

    A sale of a lifetime in eternity. ( Romans 5:10 )

    That was one of the blackest days in all of history.

    As a friend of mine says “that’s not odd, that’s God”.

    In a nut shell the current commercialism of black Friday,it promotes shopping starting at midnight, some even sooner. Picture lines of motivated shoppers getting something for nothing. We have seen the videos of people fighting over, getting trampled on or stealing from one another. For some this is for their Christmas shopping. Ironic considering it’s supposed to be the most generous time of the year, but not on that day.

    In Philippians we read about the ministry we are to have towards another, because of our confidence in Christ, His power works through us to be more like minded, humble towards one another.

    If you have received courage from Him, or comfort from His love, if you enjoy fellowship with others in His Spirit. He wants this to be the theme of our lives, to do to others what He has done for us.

    We are called to act (live) like Jesus Christ.

    Jesus was in the very form of God and had the nature of God-He never boasted about being like God. He always honored the Father above Himself, in fact He always was willing put Himself aside like a servant and in human form He obeyed the plan of Salvations according to the prophecy, which was God leading Him to the cross.

    If you have accepted the free gift of Salvation – then know this we are to work our own salvation with awe and gratitude always recognizing that it is God who is working in You – It is Him who gives the power to do His will and obey.

    You are lights in these dark Fridays.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • restoration

    Have you heard the story about the young women who was given everything she needed by a very devoted Father, who happened to be very well known throughout the World ? By His word alone He was able to make things happen. Having Him as her Father gave her favor and because of this she was honored wherever she went. But as she grew older the company she begin to keep ended up causing her to lose everything, only to become a slave, again. How quickly life can go from good to bad. Oh yes! I forgot to mention she was notorious for getting herself in these situations.

    Have you heard this story before?

    It’s in the bible starts in the old testament. Actually it really started in the book of Genius, literally in the garden of eden. But kinda keeps repeating itself throughout..the. whole. bible. (big sigh..)

    Some believe this to be a true story, some don’t. Either way, let me ask you a question.

    What caused her to lose everything?

    If you said choices, you’d be right. And if you said “the company you keep..” you are also right.

    In the book of Jeremiah we learn that he was appointed by God to be His prophet in the womb, a messenger to God’s people “the remnant” (aka the woman) the ones He told Abraham about under the stars.. anyways, Jeremiah was to tell them to not go back to Egypt again, where He brought them out of freeing them from slavery, giving them a promised land that would have all the milk and honey needed. Meaning, want for nothing. A sweet life, with no wants.

    So like the young woman everything was provided for, under His care in exchange they would be careful how they used their liberty. Being obedient and trusting Him. Not keeping company with sin.

    Through the prophet the Lord warns what would happen and eventually does step back, His blessings are no longer over them because they chose their way. To their own detriment they lost it all. You can read how badly this went in Lamentations.

    We are given free will, and one life to live it, so the choices we make will shape the future we have.

    This sin filled world is a sorrowful place, misery is a constant companion, hardships are a daily reality and hope is lost because most will not surrender to the will of God.

    Our souls were created to be in unison with the Heavenly Father, He created us in His image and only His love can satisfy our souls needs.

    When Christ abides in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy. His likeness will teach us how to walk, talk and live.

    We need Jesus, we need His Word, we need His healing and we need His salvation!

    He is the Restorer, always was and always has been. (Acts 3:21)

    There’s a prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 write it out, like it was written by you to Him. Allow the Heavenly Father give you the spirit of restoration.. because it is always right to say:

    ‘Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

    And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.’ Psalms 51:12

    In Christ Love, Amen