Simple Devotions

Tag: dailyprompt

  • Joy comes in the morning..

    The question is : How did you receive your name and what does it mean.

    On the day I was born, my father went to call his mom on the hospitals payphone, ” mom it’s a girl!” the conversation was “a girl?! well what are you going to call her, you were going to name a boy after you son..?” he realized immediately that I was going to be called Dawn – because I was born at sunrise. He later told me it was fitting because it was a turning point in his life.

    The name dawn represents the certainty of God’s mercy and faithfulness, often highlighting God’s rescue or the arrival of His light.

    Psalms 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

    The term is frequently associated with the resurrection of Jesus and the dawn of a new, redemptive era. 

    This was how my dad viewed this time in his life. Previous to my birth he was caught up in Vietnam right out of high school after serving in the Navy he came home to numb his mind and live his life how he wanted, he bought a motorcycle, grew out his hair and frequented bars where he eventually would meet my mom. A little while later there’s a picture of my mom wearing a lavender dress holding the hand of my older sister and about 9 months along with me.

    Here’s the thing all of us have a backstory and even if our parents didn’t plan it, God did. 

    Why do I say this?  Because the Word of God says so. He is the life giver. This is why we should never feel like we are not wanted.

    The Lord doesn’t make mistakes. He gives life and He knows each life intimately.  In Psalms 139 it says God knows everything about us even before we were formed. In other parts of the Bible records that those He chose and set apart He ordained for those jobs.

    So looking back at the time it would seem I was an unplanned accident and those in their circle would agree this was the case,  but not God. 

    Regardless of my beginnings my Heavenly Father had plans for me and gave my life purpose. I know my name is a calling.

    Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you”.

    Lamentations 3:22-23: Mentions new mercies every morning even in trying times.

    But here’s another reason I believe this, one morning I was awaken to the words:

    “You are called, you are set apart and you are chosen.” 

    I heard it so clearly that I knew it was the Lord letting me know He had a purpose for my life.  Never have I ever felt so sure of anything.  I begin searching the Word to understand what this would look like and here’s what I found:

    It looks like surrendering your life, to walk with Him.

    It looks like renewal, the leaving the past in the past.

    It looks like being a vessel for the Lord to use whenever and wherever. Like a build board on the highway.

    And it means having purpose and looking forward to the Kingdom of God.

    So here a question for you, what do you think your purpose is?

    If you have not accepted the invitation to learn from Christ the Lord, there’s no better way because His favor is forever and His joy truly does come in the morning.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • presumption

    Daily writing prompt
    What advice would you give to your teenage self?
    View all responses

    We can list many examples of expecting something and it not turning out as we thought it would.

    This is just the same with faith in Christ Jesus.

    We know He is a Savior to all, He is. We hear that God is love and He is. But then like a teenager whose parents have always been there for them, we start to take them for granted that no matter how the teen child treats them they will be there.

    However something changes and the parents can’t be there any longer. Have you seen this happen? It’s a shock to their system, they were not prepared for this turn of events. Their parents may have warned them and they didn’t hear them or just chose not to believe it.

    Friends the Lord of heaven and earth the Creator God has also given us those same warnings.

    In 1 John 2:3-6 we are warned if one does not walk with the Lord but exercises their own standards of living, they are without light.

    John 15:1-8 says we are to be constantly connected to Him, abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life surrendered to Him in service.

    Remember nothing good comes from us, but Christ – so just because we act good and giving does not mean we earn rights to the Kingdom – that’s presumption.

    The channel of communication must be open continually between you and God. Just like that true vine that John writes about, so we are to cling to and draw “sap” from Jesus and in doing so we receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character. Colossians 1:23

    This is how we are reconciled in Christ. This is what pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell and by Him be reconciled.

    So we need to ask ourselves ” do I just assume knowing about Him and believing in Him is enough”?

    Living in faith is good. Being grounded meaning living connected and steadfast is better, as we will not be moved from the hope of the gospel which we have heard. And it is fruitful.

    Friends sit down put away all the distractions of this world, pray and listen to the Word of the Lord.

    He is very much interested in meeting you daily to solve the problems and issues of your heart and yes this is what every teen needs to hear, please encourage them as well.

    To be still, and know the one true God.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • law of love

    Daily writing prompt
    If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?
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    So in the Word of God, there are these principle rules deeply rooted throughout the Old and New Testament.

    In essence these laws reveal the importance of love, love to God and love to others, which is written as the fulfillment of God’s laws.

    These are known as the commandments found in Exodus 20. And these laws were not nailed to the cross as some have said of Christ fulfilment. The ceremonial laws; sacrificial laws is what ended at the cross of Christ. Those are the ones He fulfilled.

    For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Matt 5:18

    Christ{JESUS } the son of God came to fulfill the law and He did. Matt 5:17 He became the ultimate sacrifice for all sins, because He{JESUS } is the perfect lamb of God. John 1:29 But this does not mean we only live by faith now and not have to keep them, no, quite the opposite. Rom 3:31

    Here’s another way to experience these laws, the first four are “how to love God” and the last six are ” how to love your neighbor”.

    And according to the word in Gal 5:13-16 all the law is fulfilled in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

    Remember the golden rule growing up?

    Treat others the way you want to be treated.

    Can we all agree this is grossly missing today?

    What civil laws can we apply or change to help humanity see the need of this?

    None.

    It’s very clear by all standards, there’s your way, my way and the right way.

    The right way is{JESUS }the truth that gives light.

    This world is filled with a growing darkness, hearts of humanity are becoming stone cold, civil laws have no power over a heartless creation.

    The only thing that is more powerful then this, is the one power that can melt a stone heart and this is God’s laws of love.

    I realize not everyone agrees, however this is the answer to the question about the law(s) I would improve upon and my why.

    If you struggle to accept them, at least take them into account of how humanity could benefit from them.

    But really, it’s all useless, unless we believe in who this love is that comes from God which is the perfect fulfillment of the law, Jesus.

    Follow me as I paraphrase these scriptures to reveal a deeper truth as I have come to understand in studying His Word.

    I Corinthians 13:2 (NKJV)

    And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not {JESUS }, I am nothing.

    I Corinthians 13:3 (NKJV)

    And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not{JESUS }, it profits me nothing.

    I Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV)

    And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is {JESUS }.

    I John 4:8 (NKJV)

    He who does not love{JESUS } does not know God, for God is love.

    I John 4:16 (NKJV)

    And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in{JESUS } abides in God, and God in him.

    Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

    But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, (His son)Christ{JESUS } died for us.

    Ephesians 3:17 (NKJV)

    that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in{JESUS },

    I Peter 4:8 (NKJV)

    And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “{JESUS }will cover a multitude of sins.”

    Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV)

    Hatred stirs up strife, But {JESUS } covers all sins.

    Friends, God shows no favoritism to any nation, tribe or peoples. He has given creation the choice to serve Him and obey His laws And accept Jesus as the Savior of this dark filled World or not, but lets not ever forget God’s laws are the laws of LOVE= JESUS.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • Romans 13

    Do you know what true righteousness is?

    Here’s the simple answer: it is love.

    Romans 13 has a lot to say about the allegiance to God and the Country, loving your neighbor, and putting on Christ.

    If you don’t know what I ‘m referring to go read the scriptures it’s linked. Be prayerful, ask that the Lord show you what you need to see and know at this moment.

    The way a believer of Christ comes to the understanding of what is true and right is by looking at His plans ( the Bible) considering the message of salvation ( the Gospels) accepting His son Jesus was sent as a sacrifice to you (a sinner) repenting of your sins (asking forgiveness) putting to death your old sin filled life to be born again living in the way Jesus calls us (baptism) and then surrender your life daily to serve the Lord Jesus and keep His commandments. (righteousness)

    Not really hard to understand, but more hard to apply when you are holding tightly to the world and it’s ways of folly.

    But here’s the hard facts.

    Considering the times we’re living in, it’s high time to wake up, because our lives might end sooner than we think.

    Because it was important enough for God to send His son Jesus because He wanted a relationship with us, then we need to understand it’s still important today. If you have lost that first love go back to that time when you first believed.

    And if you have never experience it. Do it today.

    Today it is more important then ever before.

    Time is not what it used to be.

    The night of sin is coming to an end.

    The dawn of God’s eternal morning will follow.

    Jesus is coming.

    So throw away everything belonging to the darkness of this world and take up the armor of light. Conduct yourself honestly, as people do in the daytime. Don’t get involved in those things that people like to do in the dark, such as carousing, drunkenness, sensuality of off kinds, sexual immorality, fighting , jealousy.

    Put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and don’t do as others whose constant effort in life is to satisfy the cravings of their sinful human nature.

    If you have any doubt, cast those to the side.

    If you believe and know God is making a call to your life right now accept the invitation, friend you have nothing to lose and eternity to gain.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • make a joyful noise

    Daily writing prompt
    Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?
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    When I was young I used to want to learn to sing and play the piano.

    But the here’s the catch, I am 50% deaf so the challenging part is staying in “tune” however this guy named Beethoven was also hearing challenged and he did pretty good.

    I remember being teased by my family growing up and then in middle school the choir teacher told me I couldn’t stay in her class because of my deafness, that was painful actually. Can you imagine telling a young person “sorry you can’t hear so therefor you can’t sing with us.”

    There were a few though who encouraged me to sing at church, I remember a member who happened to be Russian once told me “Wow you are deaf and you can sing a soprano?!” She was very encouraging although I wondered if it was just because she needed extra warm bodies either way I did it for a while.

    Besides it’s good to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, and I could make noise.

    After becoming a mother I decided to encourage my kids in their special interest, one sang really well but was to shy to do it publicly and another plays the guitar and can hold a tune nicely.

    Over the years I used to sit out on our front porch by myself and sing. I’ll never forget when one of my boys came out and said to me “momma will you sing that one song again, I really like it.” He sat there and listened and it was a sweet moment for my heart.

    I still enjoy singing around a table acapella at bible study, but I haven’t pursued it as much. However I came across this scripture recently.

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

    Colossians 3:16-17

    So I’ve started again, because God says it’s good to sing.

    And if you type in the word “sing” on any bible app. you will see this is true. Sometimes we just need a little nudge.

    Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. {I Corinthians 10:31} And If anyone speaks, let him speak as the words of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. {I Peter 4:11}

    There you go..if there’s something that you can do to share the glory of Jesus.

    Just do it.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • hold fast

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you need a break? From what?
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    Unless you live on a remote island or deep in the desert of this world, you know we all need a break from the chaos of life.

    I remember years ago I used social media platforms for fun.

    Now, not so much it’s all bad news, so much confusion, division, one tragedy after another, and sadness. But I admit I still get glued scrolling from one post to another and eventually will start to feel anxious. Telling myself “you need to get off this”.

    Finally I will stop because something else needs my attention.

    Nothing new, it starts out as curiosity which turns to feeling overwhelmed at the end.

    I know my time would be better spent reading the Word of God. Immersing myself instead into the great controversy between good verses evil, I’d would benefit far better to be so engrossed with the battle that wages war on the people of God, to “scroll” His pages instead to see how it all works out.

    Now that I look at it from this perspective, I can see how some may feel overwhelmed by the Bible like I do with social media.

    Funny how when we need “a break” it requires tuning out.

    It might look like reading a book, gaming, shopping or using recreational drugs or alcohol, just to name a few. This is how many live today and at the end of the day they all end up with more anxiety.

    What a gerbil wheel. Going nowhere fast.

    Here’s what I have learned.

    When I purposely step away to a peaceful space in my home where no distractions are welcomed, even my phone is not invited.

    I am removed from every care of what’s going on around me, I am on an Island. I’m in a desert oasis. .

    When I sit to worship the Creator, my Savior, the Holy Spirit sits with me there. I journal prayers, study the Word, and it’s here I have an opportunity to just be. Writing, pondering on all things life.

    I get to talk privately to the Heavenly Father in my heart and wait.

    Because every day has it’s challenges, heartaches, disappointments, grief and confusion, I’m am thankful for this space were I sit with Him often to take a break.

    Its stillness quiets the soul and gives me courage to do the hard things.

    A great way to clear my mind, so that while I see the reality of the World on fire, I am reminded whose watching over me. It’s here I see it all in Gods hands. His words of hope bring true joy and the ability to hold fast another day.

    The work of Christ in you, is never about what we can do but what He does through us. We hope better and believe stronger.

    It’s the true place of Joy. Which helps us to help others better.

    To care for our neighbors is a command, but it can only happen if we are going to the Father, He gives the seeds, and the water from the fountain freely, then we can plant and water – but it is God who gives the increase.

    Knowing this makes it easier to hold fast to the truth of His Words and take many breaks with Him.

    The Lord is inviting you to take His rest.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • present truth

    Daily writing prompt
    How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?
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    No matter the influence, what you experience and accept as truth in your life will be what your perspective is.

    Have you heard “if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.” This is the result of seeing with your own eyes -hearing with your own ears.

    So why is my word press page painted in scriptures and how do I know the Bible is a present truth, a word from God on the truths of this life?

    Because I experience it. (quack.. quack..)

    From a child I heard the stories of the Bible and as I recall those sharing with me didn’t stand to gain anything personally by sharing those lessons. They just did.

    Likewise when we have a perspective to share we are just passing on the knowledge we have experienced in it.

    And so by my own experience God’s Word can be trusted.

    None of what’s written in it has been fabricated when it comes to the power and soon coming of Jesus Christ the Lord.

    All who are walking currently through life events trusting in the Word of God will agree that His Word is true.

    Living in todays time we are seeing things happen which was prophesied in the old testaments. Those pages we should really invest to learn from, as they point the present truth.

    Those books did not come from the will or impulse of man, but from devoted men whom the Holy Spirit moved to write of coming times.

    God’s truth.

    I am a believer of the Word of God and who He is because of what I have heard and seen. My life is blessed by the truth of His Word because it gives the ability to know goodness. Knowledge and wisdom are given in seeking but it truly is about the goodness of God.

    However there’s a world filled with false teachers that are like predators whose aim is it to kill and destroy the hope found in the truth of God’s Word. They are a type who deny Christ dying on the cross for their sins. They are those who are greedy for what others have even the hope in their hearts. They are on the road to destruction. These false prophets peach fear.

    Then there are pleasure seekers – these are people who live more by instinct then anything else, they also act like wild animals attacking anyone who doesn’t agree with them. They look to their own interest, their own emotional and physical needs. They left the truth and influence others to do the same. They are under God’s judgment because of their self-centeredness. God tries to save even these.

    Look at the story of Balaam. Numbers 22:22 look at how insanely intent he is on benefitting himself.

    Then there’s false teachers they are those who would bring knowledge to others (which does not align with the word of God) but then make it so those hearing would look to them, the truth is not in them and it would have been better for them to have never heard about salvations plan.

    Ultimately, I know what I do because of what Christ has done for me. I don’t look to men to help me better understand this life, instead I go to the living water whose promise is that I will never thirst again if I drink it. The only way I thirst is to not freely drink.

    I look to the Heavenly Father in prayer and ask that His Word be written on my heart and mind, so that I will know His Son, our Lord and Savior.

    Today we can have faith that our past is not what makes us who we are forever – because the present truth is this: Christ is the offering to all, a life full of eternal blessings.

    Take the invitation friend.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • being an Instrument

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
    View all responses

    The Lord has been working to fashion me into His steward, to proclaim His name, sharing of the good news of the salvation in Christ Jesus.

    I am 52 years old and have just had a full circle moment.

    I say this simply because at 20 years old I was called by His word to live according to His plans. I was lead to break generational family sins, I was shown how to be a missionary in our own home giving my heart to the Lord in such a way that it would help to shape my children into becoming instruments for Him.

    I see this now clearly, I have three adult children today whom are servants. One is currently learning to lead and teach the bible as a pastor/ teacher of the word, the middle one is a peace officer serving in our local community helping others to have a better day, and the youngest is giving her life to teach in the mission fields wherever the Lord sends even remote islands.

    Now that I am in this new place I was uncertain how He would use me. I’m not exceptional or well educated in biblical languages. I don’t have any special talents that lend to ministry. I have a 50% hearing impairment and I also have a speech impediment.

    Even so I know He can use our willingness.

    I’ve been on this journey over the last few years to be a good steward in learning His word so that I can share it better.

    Only I didn’t’ realize until now that I would be speaking more and more to the present truths of His word – on topics that many do not enjoy or delight in sharing.

    Truthfully even I shied away from the topic of “dooms day” I know how others look at you when you are telling everyone “the sky is falling, the sky is falling!”

    But I am sure, that if we do not discuss the warnings of God – we are choosing to walk blindly.

    The Heavenly Father wants His children to have light for their paths.

    The Good Shepard who died for the world is opening wide the gates of Paradise to all who believe in Him.

    Soon the battle for our souls will end, the victory won.

    Very soon we shall see Him and all our hopes of eternal life will be made complete. His presence will make the trials and sufferings of this life seem as nothing.

    You see the moment we realize that we are to proclaim the truth of this warfare and who wins this great controversy – is the moment freedom begins.

    I absolutely love my family – I love the life the Lord blessed with with, but more importantly I love Jesus and I want to be an instrument for Him in bringing LIGHT to this dark covered land.

    Jesus is coming and we must be ready, not asleep. 

    All the words underlined are linked to the verses that verify the truth of His Words, these are not mine but His and I am just the instrument to share them.

    Interested in hearing instead of reading?

    Check out the podcast on Spotify { simple devotions 323} and currently working to upload writings on YouTube @ simple devotions 323 Thank you for stopping by.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • lift up the trumpet

    Daily writing prompt
    What books do you want to read?
    View all responses

    These are the books that I have been reading and want to encourage you to also read.

    You may be asking “what trumpet?”

    You can look up the verses in these books which I have linked so you can understand what I am referring to.

    • Psalms 81 God’s goodness- He rescues and saves.
    • Jeremiah 4 a loud warning to repent, destruction is coming.
    • 1 Corinthians 14 knowing the truth and sharing it for God.
    • 1 Corinthians 15 the last trumpet will be one that calls those who accept the Lord Jesus Christ and keep His commands.
    • Revelations 1 tells us that the trumpet is a voice from Heaven.
    • Revelations 4 The voice of the Lord in Heaven.

    Those who are called God’s children are to use their voices to share what God has done, through the saving grace of Jesus Christ the Son of God Lord and Savior.

    We are to use our voice (trumpets) to tell others about the gift of Salvation in Christ Jesus. We are told to warn others of the destruction coming to those outside of God’s will, they will have no protection.

    Serving yourself, means no protection.

    There is no peace to those who deny or refuse to give their lives to Christ. Instead there is swords of strife. This means God’s Word is like a sword to your conscious.

    To live for Christ is to give Him first place in our hearts. To accept that we are sinners in need of a perfect Savior, Christ Jesus the Lord and son of God.

    All of this is in the word of God.

    The Word is God and He is telling us that the great controversy at hand – the war between good and evil is coming to an end.

    A last “trumpet” is being sounded.

    We must pay attention – by reading His word He will prepare us for when the last trumpet does sound, this is when He will call the dead in Christ to be raised and all of those who are waiting on the Lords return, will be caught up with Him made incorruptible.

    And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

    Read John

    This book is telling us to be ready – Jesus IS Coming!

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • writing the words of life

    Daily writing prompt
    What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time?
    View all responses

    If you know, you know.

    But if you don’t you should.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    But with the Heavenly Father – it’s forever.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What do you have to lose?

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

    In Christ Love, Amen