Simple Devotions

Tag: Invitation to life

  • the spoiler speeds & the plunder hastens

    Daily writing prompt
    What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?
    View all responses

    The older you get the wiser you are supposed to be..but the Word says : Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 4:5

    Don’t wait till your older.

    We are told to pay attention to the word of God – for it is a safeguard for His people.

    I have shared 133 post here about this, because staying in His Word and learning from it teaches us the truth and gives us light to walk through the false narratives and misleading spirits of darkness.

    Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from coming to the knowledge of the Bible, for in it reveals plainly his deceptions.

    In the final moments of earths history we are presently experiencing the midnight hour – the struggle between Christ and His followers.

    As the title says – and bible warns, the last great delusion is soon to open before us.

    The antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight.

    It will so closely resemble the truth that it will be impossible to distinguish between EXCEPT by the Holy Scriptures.

    Those who know the truth will be tested to obey the deceivers rules.

    Only by abiding in God will they be able to stand, which essentially means by His Word, knowing Jesus character, His government and purposes and living in accordance with them.

    None but those who have fortified the mind with the truth of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.

    Are your feet firmly planted on the rock of Gods imputable word?

    Are we prepared to stand firm in the defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? Revelation 12:17

    Friends get wisdom. Proverbs 4

    In Christ love, amen

  • 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

  • no longer a slave

    Sharing a journal entry from March of 2021.

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    I should walk in the newness of life.

    According to Romans 6 ~ I am no longer a slave to sin.

    Living as a new creation saved by grace through Jesus Christ.

    Sin shall have no dominion over me because I am no longer under the law but under grace.

    To be obedient to this word so I may be lead to ” right living” righteousness. My life – body – mind – spirit needs to be a willing vessel to right living, instead of wrong living which makes one under the penalty of sin.

    Galatians 4

    No longer a slave to sin ~I am a child of God!

    By grace = saved through faith not of myself but a Gift from God, not by works. However created new in Christ for good works which God prepared beforehand that I should walk in them.

    Ephesians 2

    And like Jesus sweet spirit I need to walk in His will to serve in love & faithfulness. He shared PEACE. I need to also reflect this likeness.

    Only when we love Jesus will there be a spring of action in our steps. This is the action of love – serving for God’s glory. Not self.

    1 Peter 4

    The end is near ( at hand) therefore I need to be serious and watchful in prayers.

    When prompted to pray..do it.

    And above all things have love for one another for love will cover a multitude of sins. Love of family in their weakness – love of friends in their own “lost sense” because we know love heals.

    Love is powerful & divine

    “A soft answer turns away wrath” Proverbs 15

    1 Corinthians 13

    Love suffers long and is still kind.

    This a foretaste of Heaven, if love was used this way.

    Be hospitable towards others without grumbling.

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    I just shared the working out of the scriptures in study. Did you notice how one layer of truth builds upon another and another giving a firm foundation? This helps us to understand better the way the Lord is wanting us to walk.

    This is why it is so vital to study to understand. Acts 17:11

    The only way I can speak about the Word is by the ability He gives me in bringing it forward to my mind, my part is to study to put it there so that I will be able to see and testify to His glory.

    In this, He creates within us the gift of life to share with others freely. Being tender hearted, compassionate and courteous, this is what He calls us to do so that HE may be blessed and seen.

    Better is the end of a thing than its beginning and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecc 7:8

    I encourage you to journal your study times to see how He leads you in understanding, it only takes willingness.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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