Simple Devotions

Tag: christianity

  • 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

  • backsliding

    a call to repentance, commit your ways to the Lord..

    I have been adding in my prayer journal recently on the word “Healing” today’s entry was in Jeremiah 3:22

    When I hear the word “backsliding” my thoughts go to trying to climb up a slippery place only having slid back down not towards the goal. It is likely because I didn’t take the right path. I chose for myself my own way, thinking I was right and wiser for it. Let’s call this thinking, pride.

    Eventually I fall on my face or maybe my knees if I’m doing it safely.

    It’s there I look around to find a better way, or ask for help.

    Had I looked first and considered the way I was headed I would have avoided the whole ordeal. But pride.

    Throwing caution to the wind is a common place for most, but with this comes consequences. Again, we have choices before we put ourselves in any situation. Maybe you didn’t think about that scenario however most agree that backsliding is not good, no matter the case.

    When you read about spiritual backsliding you will see just how parrell this is to my personal interpretation. It’s so avoidable, especially when we “lean not on our own understanding”.

    Proverbs is the book that tells us to “wise up” and gives visual truths about these types of situations in life.

    In Proverbs 3: 5-6 says if we acknowledge God in all our ways, He will direct (which means to smooth or to straighten) our paths.

    Psalms 37:3-5

    Reassures us that when we pay attention to His counsels it will go well for us. Remember His promises = His provisions.

    We must understand that “backsliding” in the Lord’s eyes is not good. It’s not something He contends with, the saying ” don’t ask permission but ask forgiveness..” is reckless. That’s not how this works.

    To do our best work which is closest to us ei. family; work; community is to commit our ways to God, while watching for His providence. This is the choice of safe guidance.

    I invite you to not continue to try on your own, but trust Him and ask for His guidance. His Word is full of good safe advice and He will never let you down, and when it’s hard to climb He will be there to help strengthen you.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • diligence

    When I carefully consider this, I know there is nothing more important for me then to be a teacher of the Word and pass on to others what I have learned.

    So I have given serious thought to this time in my life and am inspired by the Holy Spirit and His Word to share that others may learn. I do consider all the words of the good book because they are honest and true.

    These are “seeds” and when taken root they are the life that gives light and salvation to a persons walk with the Lord.

    You only have to look up the word “seeds” in the bible to understand what role they play in this life, and I am sure that others did it for me. This is the work of the Lord!

    Sometimes the good seed may for a time lie dormant in a worldly heart, giving no notice, but I am reminded as the Spirit of God breaths on the soul that has hidden seeds, they will spring up.

    Sharing diligently the seeds given to us looks like sharing the good news of Christ salvation, we do not know what will prosper, but we must remember that we are to do our work in sharing and leave the results to God. Ecclesiastes 11

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • don’t fear

    The world we live in verse the Word of God, which one do you trust?

    I once witnessed someone stand up during a church meeting and say: “how can I trust what I don’t see, cant’ hold or even understand.”

    This is not something new – many feel this way. They know what they see, feel and hold onto in this world. And they aren’t “seeing the Word” they will make decisions based on how they “feel”. And that’s what they will “hold” onto.

    Through the Word we can “see” that God cares, the process of reading and studying His words uncovers truths of our life’s realities.

    In one of many stories in the book of Ruth the harsh realities of life and death left her destitute. We learn that she refused to leave mother in law Naomi she told her that she was her family and that Naomi’s God would be her God, then she traveled back to Bethlehem with her. She cared for and worked hard to support them.

    This could be anyone’s story at this moment in time.

    How relatable.

    When we stand firm doing what is right God blesses and revels new opportunities to “see” Him.

    If you read the story you know now how it goes – because Ruth did right by Naomi, God blessed her and gave her a better life, Naomi shared her faith in God showing Ruth how to trust God and taught her about faithfulness. This is the double edge sword that the Word talks about, His Word works both ways both to the giver and the receiver.

    Turns out Ruth became the great, great, great grandmother of King David – which is in the lineage of Jesus!

    You see – we don’t have to walk without hope, only trust in the Lord and read His Word and feed on His Faithfulness! Psalm 37:3

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • harden

    “Do not harden your hearts, as in rebellion as they did in the trial in the wilderness.” Psalms 95:6-11

    God’s unfailing care for forty years to the children of Israel were daily reminders of His miraculous provision, God gave them food from Heaven which the angels served and they were taught that having God’s promises they were secure from want or harm.

    The problem was they did not appreciate what they were saved from or what they were given. And this was the hardening of their hearts. They complained often, He was giving them freedom and the love of a master but they said it would have been better back in Egypt, how quickly they forgot their trials. They did not trust in His salvation which was leading them to the promise land.

    The truth is the “manna from Heaven” He gave was like the “bread of Heaven ” who came down to give life. John 6:26-40

    The connection here is that God truly cares. We are blind to what we live in, we don’t see His gifts as life, because it doesn’t look like what we want. Matthew 15:14

    Have you ever watched a child receive a pair of gloves or a new jacket and the disappointment on their faces because they wanted something to play with, it wasn’t an object of affection to their own expectations. However give that kid a few years or a really cold day and they are going to love those new things that will help to keep them warm while they play outside. With God the Father its about needs, not wants.

    Our hearts are set against Him when we say “I’ll do it my way..” like those in the wilderness we have a lot in common, until we learn to trust and be obedient we will not be able to hear and follow His call and receive His care.

    His promises contain power.

    In every command, in every promise of Gods word is the power, the very life of God, by which the command is fulfilled.

    His Promises = His Provision

    So those who by faith receive His word, receive the very life and character of God. John 5:24

    So today trust Him, do not harden your hearts.

    In Christ Love, Amen