Simple Devotions

Tag: christianity

  • instinct

    The question is “do you trust your instinct” some say absolutely while others say it depends on the nature of the question.

    The environment we are in shapes our thinking without any teaching at all. It’s a response to what we have seen or heard. Like language when heard our brain records it and we repeat it. Or the perception of danger, we tend to want to run out of future events appearing real (F.E.A.R.) Yet we see it change when we remain calm. The outcomes vary for everyone because examples in life teach us what we know.

    I am learning that I don’t need to trust my instincts, I have the truth of Gods word to guide me, His absolute truth. I don’t have to guess, or base any decision on worldly ideas. I am reassured in God’s plans to lead and direct my feet.

    When we allow Him we will not need to have instincts because He gives discernment. Psalms 32:8

    We will chose the right path. We will have peace in all decisions.

    Deut 32:39 says He has our life.

    Ish 41:4 Says He is before us and will perform. v.26 and only HE can do this.

    Ish 43:1-13 He calls you by name – YOU are His in Christ Jesus, He has loved you, fear not He is with you, and you are witnesses for Him. He is the only Savior.

    Our confession of His faithfulness is not instinctual, it’s discerning, it’s when the plan of salvation comes together, that we come to be Heaven’s chosen agency to work for the revealing of Christ to the world. We are not left as orphans to live by instincts alone, Is God calling you today ? Are you uncertain of what is happening in your life today? Do you look around you and wonder “will I be able to survive in these times? ”

    I’m thankful to share the good news that God through His son Jesus has invited us in Isaiah 45:5-7 to guide us!

    Accept the Holy Spirits invitation today, if you haven’t then answer the appeal of Christ Gospel accept His sacrifice for your sins, believe that He is the Savior of your life and give your life to Him purposely today!

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • benefits

    While reading this Psalm116 I felt impressed by the question in v.12 and it seemed fitting to answer it here and now.

    What can I give to the Lord for all He has done for me?

    I look back at my past and remember how thankful I am today for what He has done in my life. He delivered me from such uncertainty. Dark days filled with many trials and sorrows. He opened doors in ways I never knew I would get to walk through.

    Even now I can remember in my preteen years of life we had a paper game we’d play about our future, it was folded up in a square way and you would write four numbers on one side and inside each would have the names of four cars; four styles of homes. You may know what I’m referring to if not it was like a chance game you played by picking numbers and the other person would fold it in and out until you hit the number you picked, and it would begin answering questions about your future.

    I specifically remember always wanting a two story home with 3 to 4 kids, which I have today. I always hoped to have a good marriage but didn’t know if that would happen as I was growing up in a broken home.

    Looking back I knew when I started looking at the numbers and pages of Gods Word putting my hope in His promises that my life would greatly benefit to stay in it, and it has especially eternally.

    So like the verses in 13-14 this is what I can give Him for His benefits, my devotion.

    The bible is the spoken word of God, I don’t’ have to wonder or guess about life.

    It is truth, it is life and it gives hope.

    I chose Him, you can too!

    In Christ Love, Amen.

  • submitting

    What thought did you have when you read the word above?

    Did it invoke an emotional response like “to what?!”

    Most find it difficult to respond to this word positively because it would require a process of letting go. Not being in control and some believe its a sign of weakness.

    How often do you find yourself challenged in this act? Or do you persist to resist?

    What if you learned that being submissive actually gives peace, would you be interested in learning how and why?

    This is why I share this devotional today. To help clear up any confusion about what it isn’t and what it actually looks like.

    Submissiveness is misunderstood today, and I can prove this to you through the Word of God. Once you learn how God expects us to submit, the literal act of it, how it gives light to darkness. It will be something you will want to do even more.

    So for the next few moments put away any preconceived ideas and follow me through the word as it reveals to us treasures of peace and fulfillment for our benefit!

    If you don’t remember anything from this devotional, at least take this as a “post it” note moment: we need to understand that true submission means obediently trusting.

    Doing the will of the Father in heaven, is liken to honoring your parents house rules; taking responsibility and having integrity in a work environment. Following the road laws of safety as you drive. Being considerate of your neighbors and/or letting the stranger go ahead of you.

    So you can see we are already trained in some respect to be submissive. But for some who refuse they find themselves in turmoil often, family drama; relationship issues; can’t keep a job; always at odds with others and/or often times just not helpful in society, which can land them in jail. That’s what NOT submitting looks like. So now that we have a few every day examples – lets investigate those examples from the Word of God.

    Eph 5:15-21 tells us what walking in wisdom looks like and how doing this shows respect to God.

    Did you know being in unity through humility is a walk in trusting obedience. Phil 2:1-4 shows us the do’s and don’ts of ideas or habits learned in the “school of disobedience.” aka the ways of the world.

    When we look out for others we are being submissive to God.

    Romans 15:1-6

    And if we truly love others then we should remember what that looks like HERE. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

    Another point of humility (submission), it cures worldliness. James 4:7 and 10

    OK here’s a final thing we must consider…Submission to Government.

    Good I got your attention, I imagined you are interested to read this now that its more politically charged.

    Reminder: I’m just sharing what I have been shown – this is not my Word – it’s His, so if you have a knee jerk reaction, that’s between you and HIM, not me, you and HIM .

    We are not required to defy authorities. Our words whether spoken or written should be prayerfully considered. I’ve heard it said and out of context, that IF it goes against the Will of God then take action. That’s not actually true. How we react to injustices matters just the same as how we treat (love) our neighbors.

    1 Peter 2:13-17

    What are the odds that the one who drew his sword and cut the ear of a soldier during Jesus arrest would later be the one to share these words. He was a a fishermen who became a bond servant for Christ whose personal testimony it was to write about how to properly respond to persecution and agony which was at the hand of governing authorities, and is a part of the Christian life in which Christ is the center.

    Jesus is our hope, or redeemer, our cornerstone.

    We should consider seriously in this moment, these instructions to humble ourselves, cast our cares on Jesus, and be vigilant to stay the course in Christ. Yes, there may be a lot we don’t agree with, but there is nothing new under the sun. God is and will always remain faithful and in charge.

    Our time would be better served to surrender our will to His, in submissive obedience.

    It is always good to do good.

    In Christ Love, Amen.

  • seeds of compassion

    In Mark 4:1-9 read about the “seed sower”.

    Again in Luke 8:4-15 you will see in this text it gives the purpose of sowing. If you didn’t catch it before v.11 tells us what the seeds represent. The word of God.

    Now re-read Mark 4:1-9 with “word of God” in place of “seeds”. Pretty awesome, right?

    He explained that different grounds yield different results, but the sower never withheld.

    Now the purpose of this is to give all grounds an opportunity to experience His Word. And if you didn’t connect it, those grounds are lives – people.

    How do we know His seeds are true and good? John 1:1 John 1:14 Proverbs 30:5 Rev 19:13 Since the Word is God, and we know God is love. Then love must be the principle action,

    Love is the underlying principle of God’s government in heaven and earth and it must be the foundation of the Christian’s character.

    Sowing is sharing the word in all places no matter the ground. Because the Lords compassion fails not. Lam 3:22-23 so then we should not withhold sharing those seeds. Even when the ground appears dead – Eph 2:4 says: He can do something to make us alive if we want, and to be alive in Christ, is life eternal!

    Read His words of compassion and ask Him to help you to share the seeds of love today.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • covenant

    While reading today, I went down a rabbit hole.

    Which simply means, I investigated the word beyond just reading a passage. And I wanted to share what it looks when I do this.

    The word covenant means agreement, and in this case it is about a relationship commitment between God and His people.

    Upon research the first recorded covenant/agreement between God and Israel is written in the old testament starting with Abraham then to his promised son Isaac who later had twin sons but only one wanted the birthright Jacob, later to Moses and yes even David.

    Then there’s a new covenant between God to the followers of Jesus Christ, His only begotten son.

    An agreement involving specific conditions from both sides.

    Promises of blessings for obedience. Which establishes the framework for faith, love and purpose.

    I understand the obedience are His rules established as the Ten commandments, also to honor and accept His plan of redemption. We can see through the teachings of the new testament that Jesus fulfilled the old testament prophecy and kept the laws perfectly.

    He also openly shared that He was in the witness of the old testament laws and it was His word that testify to them. They could not understand this to be true because they didn’t accept the person in front of them, Jesus of Nazareth. John 8:16-18 as the Son of God.

    Another word for covenant is testament. So when we read the word and it refers back to the old or forward to the new, it is to “come together”. There is no dividing or separating the two a covenants which also means to “bond”.

    There was no typo or misunderstanding, there was nothing wrong with the first covenants, they were only for the promises to come. Finally..in Luke 22:20 think about the fact that He says His blood shed for you, a new covenant, now imagine what a blood stain looks like in any kind of fabric. Have you ever tried to get blood out of fabric ? It’s next to impossible and even if you try there’s still residue of it.

    It is literally “bonded” to the material.

    Our own righteousness is as filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6 we can not fulfill what the laws prescribe but in Christ Righteousness as our High priest we are given His atoning blood. Romans 3:25

    Matthew 26:28 in the words of Christ Himself said He was the new covenant. In His death He offers the forgiveness of sins, no other sacrifice ritual of the old covenant is necessary.

    There’s many who believe today that God’s chosen is the Israel nation, I’ve seen reports that the priest of Israel are planning a sacrifice, in preparation of the third temple. Reenacting the rules of engagement as prescribed in Leviticus. It must be a confusing time for some but when you only refer to the old covenant it would be very out of place with todays times. However when you read both the old and new testament you can see clearly why there’s only one new covenant and the old is done away with.

    The perfect lamb of God who was to take away the sins as stated by John the Baptist later reiterated by Peter which the prophet Isaiah said would happen as well as David in Psalm 22.

    Those who keep the commandments and have the testimony of Jesus are in covenant (agreement) with God. Rev 14:12.

    I only learned this because I read a book that is sold more copies worldwide then any other on any shelf at any time. It’s also free, and can be reached online at a click of a mouse.

    And I’m sure of this very thing, there is only one book that I need to be investing any time into, that’s the Word of God.

    Which gives light in this dark world, and peace that transcends all understanding.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • seat for two

    Daily writing prompt
    Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?
    View all responses

    I’ll never forget the time I met the most famous person in my life.

    I was in San Francisco area and had a day to myself while visiting with my spouse on a work trip.

    So I decided to take highway 101, an ocean side scenic drive down south, then return up from Santa Cruz through another pretty route via mountains, about a four hour round trip drive.

    To this day, it’s still the most beautiful day trip I’ve ever taken.

    Because it was an impromptu kind of trip, I wasn’t prepared to take a break on a beach walk, but decided to stop to stretch my legs. I was carrying my phone; shoes; keys and a book called “Prayer Warriors”.

    The temperature was perfect, the wind was relaxing, the sound of the waves soothing, the sand was freshly swept smooth , the whole beach was pretty much empty as it was still early, so I had it to myself.

    I should mention before leaving the hotel that morning I had prayer with my spouse, asking for travel mercies and a good day ahead, inviting the Lord to go with me. So as I was walking down the beach I had the thought “sure is a nice spot to sit and enjoy but if I do I’ll be wet and sandy the rest of the drive and I don’t even have a towel in the rental car.”

    Looking down the beach about 500 yards ahead I noticed what seemed to be a washed up log that was sitting perfectly like a bench, facing the ocean.

    As I got closer to it, the height was good, big enough for two to sit on. As I was walking around to make sure it was steady and that no other “visitors” were using it, I noticed the initials DK on it.

    Instantly I stopped and was reminded of my earlier prayer.

    At that moment I knew I was witnessing an answered prayer, those initials were MINE and not by accident, but by invitation for me to sit with the Lord.

    I was gob smacked, I sat down and stared out at the water.

    Dropping my things to the right of me on the ground, I sat there, taking it all in.

    Now most have seen how some react to meeting a famous person, but imagine meeting the Creator, God, the Son. The Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

    I was truly “star struck” – “Lord you did this, my initials.. a seat for two..in the middle of nowhere..”

    I begin thanking Him for the gift of my life, how He had been so good to me, brought me through some really hard places in life.

    I was telling HIM what most likely tell a famous person. What they meant to you personally.

    That moment left me feeling so special and loved. I was elated and I just sat for what seems like an hour or so in companionable silence.

    More people started showing up, walking a wide girth to respect the private moment.

    The waves started to move in, high tide was coming.

    I began to fidget and tell myself “you better get your things off the ground before the water gets to it” I noticed the water kept creeping up higher and higher, but I was not wanting to disturb the moment.

    Then comes a rushing wave and I immediately reached down watching the water STOP recede and my things left undisturbed.

    At that same moment I heard “even the wind and the waves obey Him..” the water stopped. Right at my toes. I watched this happen a few more times and smiled in praise to Him “WOW- even now You are showing me You are near” I really was not in a hurry to leave, but I realized it was time.

    And as I was reluctantly walking back up the beach, that’s when I saw two sets of footprints that I was crossing back over and I knew without a doubt. My heart felt it. I really did have the Lord with me there on that wooden bench, a seat for two.

    There’s only one famous person I have ever wanted to meet – and it was Jesus. Have you met Him?

    “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you.” Job 22:21

    In Christ love, Amen

  • loyalty

    Daily writing prompt
    What is good about having a pet?
    View all responses

    I lost count how many times I tried to sell my parents on a pet as a child. I’d beg and persist for all that was good, why I thought I needed a four legged friend and every time it was no, not yet or not now.

    Looking back I remember watching my dad lose his best friend and favorite pet, that’s likely when I stopped asking. I understood then that it’s great having a pet, but when they are no longer around, it’s very hard to.

    Then I became the parent and believe me when I say it was me all over again, times three. I was a lot softer than my parents so we would try often, but it was never a good fit, ending in rehoming more than I care to admit.

    Eventually though I did something totally unexpected on Valentine’s Day of 2012, I picked up a tiny little ankle biter from a facebook post, stuck him inside of one of those tiny little gift bags and walked into the house that day with a treat in the bag that everyone would share, whose name would become “bear bear” because that’s what you name a chihuahua right? It’s a play on “Valentine Bear”.

    So bear-bear would grow up and prefer to be an outside dog truthfully because he hated baths and loved the sunshine. He also really wanted to be the first to announce any visitors, and make sure the family was safe from the wildlife eating the grass. And of course he had to run off the daughter’s cats and any other neighborhood cats that looked like it might threaten his kingdom porch hood. He has really been the best fit for our family. In all this time he only ran off for a minute or two to sow his seeds and then only visited the vet once when we learned he was a dad twice over in a very short time. Bear bear has been the best, now that he only has one good tooth, he gets fresh homemade food every day, soft blankets and still enjoys the sunshine on his porch. When I am outside working he is right there watching, when I swing on the front porch, he is perched right in front looking out nearby guarding.

    Now that the kids are mostly gone, one of the kids pet’s named Juno, she came as a puppy also. I was a pushover for her blue eyes. She is very gentle and loves to chew everything up and talks often when she yawns, a very weird thing but I think shes saying, I’m bored. High fives and sits pretty and doesn’t’ mind a good spa day. She follows bear around and lets bear- bear be the leader, unless she’s hungry then bear-bear is outta luck. She doesn’t care about all the growling he does, she will eat around all that fuss and not break her tempo. She’s still learning the ropes, likes to play king of the hill “porch” with the cats. Chases off any wondering deer when I drive up .. and has a very deep voice that isn’t one you’d want to meet in the dark.

    So now that I look back at this question, I have one very good reason it is good to have a pet.

    They teach you about loyalty.

    A pets loyalty comes in many different ways, and I promise that you can name something they are very loyal to their masters about.

    Maybe it’s in their response to your voice or the way they look for you to come home. It could be how they like to tell you every time someone comes near because they are protective of you.

    If you are their human, you will always know they are happy to see you.

    Seriously, pets especially dogs are a rare kind of animal. And I believe that God made sure to include them in the animal kingdom as a very special breed that would give comfort and teach us loyalty.

    The fact that dogs are trainable and very perceptive to the needs of their masters/owners in various ways proves this.

    They teach us a very important lesson and that is, no matter how small or great, the most important role we have is to love The Master and offer our devotion to Him. Without complaint no matter what the cost.

    What an example, only the kind a loving Creator could make into something so so good.

    “The Lord is loyal to those who are loyal and good to those who are good.” Psalm 18:25

  • growth

    Over the summer I had a lot of new flowering plants around to water and care for, and the beautification it gave around the home outside was something I really enjoyed.

    Here’s an interesting perspective when you think about it, the plants and flowers which are pleasing to look at don’t grow by their own care or anxiety or effort.

    Instead it’s us that are overseeing to their needs daily.

    Another perspective is those plants in a natural habitat can thrive by the furnishing hand of God, who is the minister to their life.

    By it’s own power it cannot grow itself.

    It needs help from their surroundings. Air, sunshine and food.

    What these gifts of nature are to the plants, is likened to Christ to those who trust in Him. He is “the everlasting light” a “sun and shield” His is the living water, Bread of God which comes down from Heaven giving life to the world. John 6:33

    God enriched the whole world with grace as real as the air we breath. All who would choose to breathe His life giving air (Jesus) will live and grow – just like the flower which follows the sun beams that it may aide in it’s perfecting beauty, so should we turn to the Son of righteousness that heaven’s light may shine on us so our characters may developed into the likeness of Christ.

    May the Spirit of the Lord God be upon us today that we would be trees of righteousness planted by the Lord, so that He may be glorified.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • Hidden

    “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

    Did you know that every promise in God’s word is ours ?

    In Matthew 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” we are to live.

    When we are tempted to be selfish or act wickedly, we are able to look to the power of the word. All its strength is ours for the victory over sin.

    Here’s more proof 119:9 How can we cleanse our way? By taking the words advice because His word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. v.105

    Christ is ready to set us free from sin, we continually struggle with all kinds of cherished sins, even ones we don’t acknowledge as sins. However we don’t need to be overwhelmed or in any way overcome by our current sin situation. Remember it was sinners that Christ came to save.

    It’s not by being better or doing good daily that we reconcile ourselves to God BUT it’s His wonderful love is reconciling the world to Himself. 2 Cor 5:19

    He is even now knocking on our hearts. Revelation 3:20

    In Song of Soloman 4:15 the word of God is described as a “fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams of Lebanon.” So in our hearts that once tasted the love of Christ, continues to cry out for more and as you take it in you will receive richer and more abundant measure. Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love.

    Because to know Him is to love Him.

    Do you feel the Lord knocking on Your heart today?

    Answer Him. It will be the best decision you ever made.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Thirsty?

    The last book of the Bible in the last chapter has one last invitation.

    “Come! And let him who hears say Come! And let him who thirst come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

    Who is Speaking? Jesus Christ, the bridegroom.

    Who are the ones who hear? His bride, the church.

    Who is the church? Those who have the testimony of Jesus Christ and keep the commandments of God.

    What is the church to do with this invitation? Invite all.

    Who is this invitation for? You and I.

    We need to consider seriously this rsvp.

    The Word is clear that the cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going out and is even given with greater power then to those who heard it in the temple on the last day of feast. John 7:37

    What does this mean or look like? John 7:38 tells us in red letters “He who believes in Me as the Scriptures has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

    This is available now to all the weary- exhausted, all are offered the right to enteral life. Isaiah 55: 1 Prophesied before Christ came that day to the temple saying “HEY! everyone who thirst COME to the waters and you who have no money, Come buy and eat YES come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.” The invitation to receive the Holy Spirit, who will teach and guide you into all understanding without a cost is what’s being offered, it is a gift freely given.

    In verses 10-13 it explains beautifully in nature that we can trust Gods provisions.

    Now ..some may remember the Samaritan women at the well? If not go read it. He promised she would not thirst again she was puzzled and reasoned with Him – because she “heard” she was changed.. She immediately went to town telling everyone and those who “heard” her ~ the whole town ended up coming to Him. That’s what He asked us to do with that invitation, share it with others.

    Are you thirsty today?

    Dive in – the waters great – Jesus will catch you!

    In Christ Love, Amen