Simple Devotions

Tag: goals

  • don’t fear

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How relatable.

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

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

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

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

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • harden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    His promises contain power.

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

    His Promises = His Provision

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

    So today trust Him, do not harden your hearts.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • 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

  • 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

  • Quiet rest

    The picture is where I grew up, a small community called Turtle Creek in the Hill Country of Texas. I was blessed to have had a porch swing only a few feet from that creek. Held up by the perfect limb of an oak tree. At a very young age I would go sit on that swing and sing songs about Jesus. Having been raised up hearing all kinds of hymns, I would sing songs and even if I didn’t know the words I’d make them up to fit what I was feeling. I suppose David the shepherd boy did this also when he would sing and play his harp for the Lord. (Psalm 23)

    When life got heavy I knew I could go sit there and feel lighter afterwards. I’m sure I sounded silly at times but ultimately I was worshiping Jesus on that swing.

    So it was a place of quiet solitude and I was drawn to it often. Later on I learned a neighbor would hear me across the creek while on her front porch, singing my heart out she says.

    Isaiah 30:15 says: this is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. this rest will save..

    And again the invitation to this kind of quite rest is also found in Matthew 11:28 when Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest..

    What I know now, is that activity drew me near to the heart of God. It was a quite rest.

    It applies today also, to understand there’s no work that He has for us that does not call us to first fellowship with Him. I must sit and abide to receive for what’s to come each day.

    Do you run ahead because the day calls for it?

    Remember the passage of Martha vs. Mary? Jesus tells us what’s important.

    He knows our needs and His rest supplies our strength.

    God speaks to us in His Word.

    Here we have clearer lines of revelation of His character, of His dealings with us and the great work of redemption.

    These times give hope and rest. He wants this for all.

    Go, sit with Him, let His quietness fill you.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • 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

  • path of life

    You will show me the path of life;

    In Your presence is fullness of joy;

    At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  Psalm 16:11

    Following and abiding in Jesus will be how we grow in grace; joy and usefulness. It is by spending time with Him that we experience growth in our walk with Him. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our faith. He is first and last and always. If that didn’t register here’s one last fact.

    We need Him every step of the way.

    So how do we do this thing? It’s very simple.

    Pray even if you are not sure what to say. Use the Lords prayer because He gave it to us to use. Pray often, without stopping. Which also looks like talking to Him secretly in your heart. Let it be a secret place that only He is privilege to and tell Him all that you are feeling and needing. All of this matters because when we do this we are inviting Him to lead and to guide us daily. It also matters because it builds trust.

    Read His Word daily ..in small doses so you can mediate on it and learn from it, yes, reading the book from beginning to end is a good goal but it’s meant to teach us about who God is and the plan of Salvation. Like chewing our food, His Word is the bread of life, we should savor it and slow down to chew it, or we could chance missing new truths. So chew slowly and don’t rush it.

    Take what you learn and ask Him to show you His Words in action.

    Be intentionally looking for His guidance, answers and daily drops.

    And when you see Him, and you will!

    Praise Him, make it known that He is worthy to be praised!

    ” Hey I just read about this and here He is revealing more truth building my faith! God is so GOOD!”

    It’s the thing of seeds and it’s very multi-purposed when we see Him in action, it serves both you and others!

    The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.

    May this encourage us all to walk with Him, so that we may walk on the path that leads to Heaven.

    In Christ Love, Amen