Simple Devotions

Tag: goals

  • nothing between

    I was raised to understand the God of the Universe who created all things and then made man in His image is also The One who wants nothing between Himself and His children.

    I know this is true because I have experienced a continued favor in my life. Because of this I raised my three children to know He loves them just the same, and at the young ages when we would load up to go anywhere in the car – I would ask them ” do you have your seatbelts on?” They would say ” yes ” and then I would tell them “ok now lets put on our spiritual seatbelts ” and we would stop and pray.

    I believe that in this life we are subject to all kinds of possible accidents and it’s those accidents that would discourages us from believing that God cares, I’ve heard it said often “if God is love…”

    What we fail to understand is there is this great conflict of { Good verses Evil} this is very much the reason for all the tribulations; trials and heartache.

    This is not because God doesn’t care or love – just like driving safely doesn’t keep you from all the possibilities of an accident. We are subjected to other drivers, their distractions; their lifestyle choices.

    There is a great need for you to trust and obey the Word of God. In order to survive the daily assault’s by the evil one. If you believe in God and His Son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then you have become an enemy to the liar and deceiver. You are at war daily to stay closer to the path of righteousness.

    But you need not fear, only respect and trust that whatever is born of God {confessed sinners made new } overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. ( 1 John 5:4)

    We also need to realize Jesus ~ who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. ( Galatians 1:4)

    He who came and died for you will hear the desire of the humble; He will prepare your heart; He will hear.

    Friends, don’t stop praying let nothing come between you and the Savior – the reward is great.

    In Christ love, amen

  • God’s glory

    Christ is the reflection of God’s glory, the visible expression of God’s thought and the exact copy of God’s inmost nature. {Heb 1: 1-3}

    To deny Christ Jesus, is to deny God.

    Jesus made Himself of no reputation {Phil 2:6} but honored the Father as a servant, because of the great emergency in Heaven and then the fall of man in the garden of Eden, through the deceptive power of Satan.

    God did not ordain that sin exist but He foresaw it’s existence and made provision to meet this terrible emergency. He covenanted that He give His only, begotten son a sacrifice for sin.

    Psalms 110 is telling us about Gods assignment to Jesus His son.

    Saying Jesus will be priest forever.

    His name is more excellent than the angles. He was written about in the Old and New Testament. He was manifested to the patriarchs, and in the sanctuary His life’s work a symbol of the sacrificial service. He is the law and way revealed by the prophets, He came here to fulfill all the Word – when He said it was finished – It’s because He fulfilled the whole word of God. {John 17}

    Jesus Christ our Savior IS God’s Glory.

    Friends, believe on Him and live.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • WORD 126

    I have to share this and I have to share this today!

    When He gifts us these inspirational drops that we like to refer to as “God drops” we should glorify His name ! 1 Chron 16:24

    Today as I was about to go out the door, I was encouraged to slow down and look at my devotion for the day.

    Sharing these simple devotionals has inspired me to look at words in the bibles concordance, giving me a more intentional study, which has helped me to better explain what the word teaches. It started with the word “healing” and I came away with more understanding of what is needed for healing.

    Now studying the word: WORD this 1st month of year 26 (I noted this on purpose, stay with me) as I continue down the list of the word “Word” each day is a new scripture insight in how its being used. Todays was:

    Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure;

    He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

    I am certain of this truth and have told many we can trust His Word.

    Yet I love these reminders though because many believe that men can undo what God has done, altering it or breaking down the “original” by the way … kjv is no more orginal then the nlt or niv.

    You have to understand.. that God is not limited and will make sure His message is given.

    So I know by faith and believe what God can do because of what He has shared and shown me in my walk with Him. I put my whole trust in His word.

    He is always reminding me that when I share it, I am backed up by it.

    His word should always be reverenced, shown respect. Not handled in a careless way. He has given it to us in such a way that we will not be mislead or deceived by trusting in His word.

    So to not look at it indeed as infallible or as it was a bunch of men who authored it, is an attack on Gods character.

    2 Sam 22:31 The anointed King David is praising the Lord for what He has experienced by His word. He says it’s proven, it’s been tested, it’s shielded him. David goes on to say who is God, except the LORD. Who is the rock except our GOD. God is our strength and power, and He makes my way perfect! He makes my feet like the feet of deer and sets me on my high places. It was His word that did this.

    I’m right there with David today.

    I want to tell everyone that as I was studying the WORD, I was reminded that while there’s treachery all around us, God is constant.

    I know without a doubt that the Lord God my Rock is true and is leading me to walk in trusting obedience to His word.

    As I’m journaling this, the next place I find myself looking at was more proof :

    Psalms 12:6 The words of the Lord are pure words,

    Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,

    Purified seven times.

    It is pure and perfected.

    Perserving to those who seek it.

    I looked at the passage seeing I had been there before – I decided to put the month and year this time, 1/26 numbers and it was then I realized that God has got me right where He wants me this month and year.

    It was like .. THIS is what I want you to share!!

    This is the life giving truth, His Word.

    Imagine if I ignored the invitation and instead ran out the door.

    I am elated to sit here and share, this is the day that the Lord has made! Let us be glad and rejoice in Him!

    I love when He inspires me.

    In His perfect timing He reveals more reasons we should have trusting obedience towards Him.

    Friends stop rushing out the door of your life, look to the Savior who died for your sins and wants to save you. TODAY.

    He is holding out His hand. Take it.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • mind clutter

    Daily writing prompt
    Where can you reduce clutter in your life?
    View all responses

    The family knew if it wasn’t nailed down, I may get rid of it.

    I have always been this way.

    Even at the beginning of my marriage 30 years ago. Once I tossed out a broken lamp and some dust collecting airplane magazines. The lamp in question had an electrical short and would shock me every time I would turn it on, it belonged to my husband and he thought is was the coolest thing but never fixed it. So I put it in the closet out of sight and later in the dumpster. Imagine my “shocked” face as we visit a families house to see it hanging up in their living room. He looked at it, looked at me and said something like “I had a cool light like that..” they replied how they found that one in the dumpster at the apartments their mother lived in. And if that wasn’t enough, those magazines also resurfaced when a friend thanked my husband for the awesome airplane magazines, that were given to them by the dumpster diving family.

    There may have been a set of golf clubs he never used, they looked like relic, they were taking up space in our little one bedroom home. You can be sure I still haven’t lived that down and am known as the toss~ier of all things.

    Much later in life we endured a house fire which was 98% smoke damaged, l never cried over the replaceable items. Even after rebuilding and starting over, l have lived even more like a minimalist.

    I also learned that our mind is on full display in how we care for our homes, cars and even jobs. It shows others who we are by how we keep our surroundings.

    So this prompt intrigued me to write about it.

    I remember watching a series once about how clutter causes more harm then good, it can wreck relationships and cause people to feel overwhelmed. I agree and I love the practices put in place for those that needed help to simplify.

    My favorite tip is organization, if it has a place and it’s not causing any issues with space, keep it. But if the object is in the way and serves no purpose ..get rid of it.

    But today’s prompt also brings a another issue to mind.

    Clutter of the mind.

    This part of life can be very messy, full of emotional clutter, but mostly noise.

    Social media adds to this immensely, if you start with just looking at one picture, or watching a video then the next and before you know it an hour is gone.

    Now that algorithms are a thing it keeps feeding us what we show interest in. It can actually become a full on deep dive and your mind is still reeling from one to the other, emotions are being played until you look up and say ..ok enough I’m done.

    I know, you know.

    Social media platforms are purposed to distract us from the real platform called LIFE. With all the instant information we struggle to keep our minds and hearts de-cluttered daily.

    At times I will set my phone out of sight so I don’t pick it up needlessly. It’s hard because we use them for everything. But a little discipline goes a long ways.

    So if you need to purposely de clutter this part of your life, here’s what can we do intentionally:

    Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

    Altering even a little in this way gives your life peace. The words of the Bible give assurance and reasonable instructions to become more in tune with Gods will for you, which in turn makes you happier.

    Proverbs 4:23 says above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

    The word of God is very effective in de – cluttering.

    And best of all it gives faith which comes by hearing the word of God. The only thing left to do is get started.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • hope found

    Every time I try to do life on my own terms, I stumble and fall.

    And every time I come to the realization I am in need of help, the only place I have found it consistently was in the pages of God’s book, the Holy Word of God.

    The seeds of hope in those pages are what feeds my faith, its words will set my emotions straight and give clarity in moments when nothing makes sense.

    And when I surrender my will towards His ways, this is how repentance begins. It’s a process of sanctification.

    His words cause the troubled heart to lay down its brokenness, so that it may be healed.

    The only way to describe this simply is like “seeing the truth and knowing it is going to change your life.”

    This is what the Word does.

    Psalm 119:89, God’s word is eternal as the Universe. Never changing. But always changing the hearts and minds of men who would take counsel from it. His faithfulness never ends.

    He created the earth and it endures no matter what men say, because of God’s love and care. Because of His word, nothing stops, it only cycles – unending and only His word will change this.

    Everything He created serves Him. And it is because of His Word I have not given up in despair.

    So why then should we invest our thoughts and time anywhere else.

    There is no person, place or thing that would ever give what He gives. There is no void to big for Him to fill~He is the way to hope. He will make a way every time we ask. We only have to look to His Word.

    Life is fragile handle with care – His care.

    This is where HOPE IS FOUND.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • are you sick

    Today let’s ask ourselves the question that James 5:13-16 ask.

    How’s your relationship with the Lord, do you have strong faith today or are you feeling weak?

    Are you run downed and tired of running the race, trying to stay ahead or are you struggling to keep up?

    Most times those feelings are actually what leads to physical sickness especially if we let it go to long and we live life in constant stress.

    When I read the words ” if a sick person turns to the Lord and confesses his sins, he will be forgiven and this will get him well.” I thought about how when Jesus would heal He would also say to the ones healed, ” go and sin no more.”

    So we know when the Lord heals and restores, He also forgives and saves, the two work together which means that sickness is more about sin then we realize.

    We are a generation that is set up to do it ourselves, everywhere we look it seems to be a self-serve society. There’s really no need to ask to for help. It’s faster and you don’t have to depend on anyone to assist you. Let’s say that this is by design and even on purpose, so we become so “self- sufficient” or even “self- reliant”.

    When was the last time you asked for help? Have we been trained by the world that this is a sign of weakness?

    God did not set up His world to run like this, He created us to be dependant on Him and to help one another.

    So when He ask you to come to Him , He really means it.

    Is your faith weak today ? Do you feel sick ? Would like to know and believe in Gods plans for your future?

    Elijah the Prophet was at one time a weak man just like us and then learned to become a man of large faith and this was because God revealed Himself to him. 1 Kings 19

    Imagine feeling alone and God says in a quiet voice to you ~ I am here.

    How awesome that would feel.

    Well we also have the same opportunity if we would humble ourselves and stop using the “self-checkout lane” for our lives.

    Slowing down to ask the question ” Lord am I trusting in You? Do I have a self reliant attitude that causes me to also be self righteous?”

    To pray this way means you are asking Him to reveal truth and give you healing. We only need to be willing to seek.

    As long as we think we can heal ourselves by “being a good person and going to church” this is equivalent to using “over the counter meds” it’s only a band aide – it doesn’t heal.

    We must slow our pace to find the true joy in our lives, which comes by walking with Him.

    Stop self diagnosing and go to the Healer – The great Physician – your Creator.

    Psalm 50:15 when He says to call on Him in times of trouble – He will deliver you and it will be on honor to His name. He means any trouble you have it is His will to help you.

    Look past the guilt and shame of your sickness and call upon Him – He will answer and heal you.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • crossroads

    Jeremiah 6:16

    This is what the LORD says:

    “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

    I’m going to get right to the point today, I believe you already understand we all have a choice to make.

    I have read and seen our choice is the the difference between life and death. We each must consider carefully how we respond to the invitation of Christ Jesus, who is the good way.

    There’s no reason to not chose this for yourself, He has proven His goodness time and time again- and today He still extends a hand to you.

    When we do not chose His way- this is what it looks like. Rejecting God’s plan. Forsaking and leaving Him for other idols. You choose lawlessness and you walk in the dark, although you really won’t be able to walk, you will instead stumble until you fall into various trials and tribulations.

    You are denying yourself the blessings of God in your life.

    This is what the word says, not me,

    I’m learning these truths and sharing what His word offers.

    All He ask us to do is chose His way. His good way.

    Which looks like this: Remembering His laws and statues, judgements.

    His Word teaches you these things.

    His law is perfect – it converts the soul.

    His testimoney is sure – it makes one wise.

    His statues are right – it brings rejoicing of the heart.

    His commandments are pure – it helps give sight to our sins.

    To fear the Lord is to respect who He is – it cleans you forever.

    His judgements are true – altogether righteous. Psalm 19:7-19

    This gives us hope and growth in our faith.

    The great and terrible day of the Lord is coming – when the arrogant; the proud and every evil doer will burn up quickly as straw in a furnace. Mal 4:1

    The day is coming when the whole world will be on fire. Noone wicked will survive, including the one who is the root of all sin and his helpers.

    But for those who respect and honor His name.

    The son of righteousness ( Christ the Lord) will rise with healing in His wings ( His Angels).

    Choosing the right road will lead you to this result: You will be happy~ in need of nothing.

    So don’t forget the teachings of Moses and the commandments Jesus taught and did not die for but saved us from because none can keep anything perfectly but He did and while we learn to walk in His way the good way, He will guide you.

    Remember He gave His atoning blood for your sins, accepting His hand and walking in His way is the only thing left to do.

    Jesus said He was coming again – the Lord also said He would give a message calling the people in this world to choose whom they will serve, and once you chose Him – He promises in verse 6 my people will be saved.

    Destruction will still come to the world and those who chose to deny Him.

    Moses and the prophets are very clear as to what you should do.

    Luke 16:29 Jesus tells us if you won’t listen to what the word says you are deciding your fate – not God.

    So here’s another invitation – Matthew 11:29 yoke means work.

    Jesus says: “Work for me I will teach you and you will be at peace.”

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • delivered – Psalm 107

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Does it hurt God?

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

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

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

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

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

    God is just.

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

    God is mighty.

    He despises no one.

    He is firm and kind in His purpose.

    He does not take His eyes off the righteous.

    He does not let the wicked live forever.

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

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

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

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

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

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • reset

    I went a few days without study and reflection.

    Out of routine because of the holidays, this can happen. But like any good habit you have to stop the distractions from keeping you from doing what is necessary to do good. This is one of those things that helps me to focus on Him.

    To often we let setbacks keep us from going forward, days turn to months eventually it can turn to years.

    Like a gym membership we have to use it to experience positive results. This is a temptation by the way “I’ll do it later, one day doesn’t matter; I’m just not feeling it.”

    It’s a force of will.

    The nature of human kind has the power of choice and depending on the choice then the action of our will.

    Desires to do good are right thinking but if it stops there – nothing avails. In other words nothing done is nothing gained.

    This is how the ruin comes, to those who hope God will make something good happen but they don’t move forward to yield to the will of God. This would be you still choosing not to serve God.

    Because God gives us free will (power of choice) it’s ours to exercise.

    This said we cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses or our affections, we cannot make ourselves pure. So if you want to be fit for God’s service, it won’t happen unless you chose it.

    The first kids of Adam and Eve are the example, God was teaching Cain and Able how to abide, Cain didn’t want to bend to His will. Genesis 4

    So what good can come from free will if you don’t have freedom and peace? Romans 3:12

    The only answer is to choose to serve God (abide in Him) who is the God of peace and gives freedom in Christ Jesus. Psalm 143:10

    We can give Him our will, then He will work in us to do His good pleasure by teaching us; showing us and convicting us and yes even moving us in the right direction of His leading. Proverbs 3:6 He will not let you fail, Ish 41:10 He will lead you all the way, never leaving nor forsaking. Deut 31:6

    Our whole nature can be reset in Christ. Yield today, and everyday yield.

    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