Simple Devotions

Tag: dailyprompt

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Jesus is King

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s something you believe everyone should know.
    View all responses

    He is the Way; the Truth and the Life.

    To know Him is to love Him.

    His Word is given to direct and lead us to Him.

    Know Him ~ Know peace.

    No Jesus ~ No peace.

    If you are reading this and you want assurance, you can have it today.

    That assurance was nailed to the cross and rose three days later. He is the son of God. Yahweh, Jehovah , King of Kings and Lord of Lords, His name is the name above all names. He is Jesus Christ.

    For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God

  • my Father

    Daily writing prompt
    Describe a family member.
    View all responses

    Oh come, let me sing to you about the One

    Let me shout joyfully to the Rock of my salvation

    Let me share the thanksgiving on my heart

    To always proclaim Him above everything is my joy

    He is the name above all names

    For He is great, the greatest of all

    The heavens rejoice, the earth is glad because He created them

    The sea roars and all it’s fullness, the fields are joyful and all that is in it. All the trees of the woods rejoice because He is coming and He is coming to judge rightously.

    Are you ready for my Lords visit?

    This is my Fathers World.