Simple Devotions

Tag: jesus

  • writing the words of life

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

  • 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?
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    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

  • faithfulness

    Daily writing prompt
    What makes a good leader?
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    You may be asking how would faithfulness make a good leader.

    • A good leader will go the extra mile with you and ultimantly trust is earned because they did what they said, they were faithful.
    • A good leader plans, teaches and supports. They prove to be faithful by seeing things to completion, a good leader doesn’t just lead, they do. Faithful to the end.

    Words in action, faithfulness is key.

    You can not find a leader so great as the one I serve today.

    Christ Jesus is the only leader that lacks in nothing and does everything perfectly. He is the prime example of faithfulness. He went the extra mile for all humankind, He laid down His life for us, He has earned my trust. He died for you, for me and for all humanity.

    He took on the sin of the world. So that we could receive the gift of life. The only thing left to do is let Him Lead.

    He is our perfect atoning sacrifice – what do you have to offer?

    He is our advocate, do you have a better advocate?

    He stands up for those who love Him and calls us His brethren before the Heavenly Fathers throne.

    He, Jesus Son of God, has redeemed all whom believe and follow before the throne of God.

    While here Jesus suffered the crisis we live in today. He endured more then any man due to this worlds sin and pain, He knew heartache deeper and felt it all with tender compassion.

    What leader has ever done so great a deed, leaving His perfect heavenly home coming here to a dark sin filled world.

    Still many today don’t believe or accept His leadership. This is pure rebellion.

    He lived to serve. He taught and shared everything He had. He came to lead a lost world back to God the Father whose love in depth we cannot understand. His life is our example. His words our instructions. His death our redemption.

    I write this to say most urgently, we need to be careful with what’s leading our hearts, it could cause us to go astray.

    The only good leader that is most faithful is the son of God, Christ Jesus. Let Him come into your heart today, He will lead you all the way. Be encouraged, He will give you the faith you need.

    Just say YES to Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He saves and He is coming back for those who said Yes to His Leadership.

    In Christ Love, Amen

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • go.. go.. go..

    I received this testimony from a loved one and I know she will not mind if I share it.

    As she was getting ready for church, she was reflecting on how pleased she was with her choices over the past week. She purposed to not spend any extra funds this college quarter/semester on coffee runs; mindless eating out or stress shopping. However she had a gift card, and thought to treat herself that morning to her favorite drink before going to the campuses young adult church.

    Here’s where it gets interesting, she attends church on the 7th day Sabbath. It was how she was raised and while its natural to think “well if I don’t work, it’s all good” however more recently she also purposed to honor what God asked better, so while preparing to leave her room these words came to mind “you have six days in which to labor, buy or sell, but on the 7th day remember the Lord set it aside as a day of rest to be kept Holy..” as she considered this she knew she had a choice, I may not be working but I would be asking another to work”. This thought did not sit well with her. She decided right then to leave her card in her room and wait. Feeling good about her decision she headed to church.

    When she arrived to church the scripture of the service was :

    Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed. Exodus 23:12

    She realized those earlier thoughts were divinely inspired.

    As she listened to the testimony of the speaker she felt certain that the Lord was making a call on her heart, her new found devotion towards Him was calling her to recommit her life to His will. A new place at 20 years old, knowing that at 14 when she was first baptized it was a different time, but now she knew things were different. The speaker was wrapping up the service and began making an alter call.

    He was pleading for the hearts of those there to come to Jesus completely, after a few more minutes he said he would count to three but continued persistently asking those there to come forward as the Lord was calling them.

    Praying the Holy Spirit would move on the hearts that needed to rededicate their lives to the Lord. She says at this point only one person went forward, she sat there “feeling the pull” but not wanting to go forward, she didn’t want to be the center of attention. She knew the invitation was for her, she felt it strongly, but she was waiting for the speaker to say three, it was so intense she was physically shaking. Her friend next to her notices and ask if she was ok, she tells her friend she was thinking about going forward. She knew she should go forward but was scared. She sat there hoping the speaker would count to three soon, and it would be over. Resisting the urge to stand up and go forward in front of the crowd. The speaker says again, “I know there’s someone here who needs to do this, the Lord is near and is waiting to see you stand up and walk with Him.”

    At this point she is pleading for him to say three and it will be over but instead then she hears these words inside her mind “go..go..go..” and it was then she stood up and walked forward.

    The room starts clapping in praise to God and as she went forward five more stood up to join her.

    Later she sends her mom a text message “so I guess I’m getting re baptized..” If I’m right in the recount of this story that’s a perfect 7 that came forward on the 7th day, Sabbath to give their lives to Christ, regardless, it was a special day for this young lady.

    And here’s why the power of prayer really is needed and works.

    Her mother has been prayerfully asking the Lord to place a desire in her daughters heart ~ to walk more closely with the Lord, that He would reveal Himself to her in the same way He did in her own life 32 years ago. That He would provide for her daughter the experience only He could in His transforming power of love.

    And that He would send her a man, who loves and serves God and would love her too.

    This is where I tell you .. I am that praying mother.

    And while I am watching from the side lines cheering on the team of Jesus, I know that my prayers matter and are heard, I sit in amazement of the wonders of His love. To God by the Glory!

    Yesterday Jesus walked in to her heart, took her hand and is leading her to love and serve the Heavenly Father as we all should.

    That’s the man I prayed for and that’s why she will always have what she needs and be loved forevermore.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • His Word

    Daily writing prompt
    Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?
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    The question “when have you felt loved..” is one I can answer by personal experience I have in reading and studying the Word of God. The Bible.

    Love is a word many use to describe an emotion. But the real use of the word is an action word. To understand what true love means is to know what it does.

    In the book of 1 Corinthians 13 it is written what love is and what it does. It’s also known as “the greatest gift”.

    In Romans 13:10 Love is described as the fulfillment of the law – to love your neighbor.

    1 John 4:7 says everyone who loves is born of God.

    As I sit here writing , thinking how I have felt it personally from Him ~ His words are love in the truth He teaches me. His words are life giving and freeing. This love He bestowed on the world when He gave Himself a sacrifice John 3:16-17 shows me in action what I mean to Him.

    His words of instructions leads me to safety.

    His love is everlasting not temporary but always – never ending.

    How do you describe a love that never ends a feeling that is a constant companion. His word brings rejoicing to my heart because in it I have seen how deeply He cares for His people. No one and no thing has ever given me all the feels.

    His words are the life, the way and the truth.

    His words are Love.

    In Christ LOVE, Amen

    In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9

  • 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

  • represent

    I believe when I walk through each day, I have a responsibility to represent what Christ the Lord Jesus would have me to do. His ministry is our example, and it was filled with leading others to salvation, it was His habit to go off by Himself and spend quite time with God before He did what was needed.

    What does this look like for like us?

    It’s like working for a company or business. You are a representative for them.

    How you do your job reflects the kind of company they are.

    Most all employers will ask that their employees maintain a professionalism that represent the face of the company well. Getting to work on time first requires, planning and being intentional. Not rolling out of bed, and running for the time clock.

    And we know it’s always best when we are rested and nourished taking caring of our personal needs sets us up with a good attitude and allows us to handle better what the day brings. This kind of preparation gives you the mental and emotional readiness. However when you are spiritually ready it will be the difference in how we represent Christ both actively and internally everywhere.

    To study first His words is when we purpose to sit still in the quietness of the morning to hear the Lord speak to through His Word.

    Having a personal experience in obtaining knowledge of the will of the Heavenly Father, is like a team meeting it gives the confidence we will need for whatever comes that day. It’s about waiting before Him for the words of life that lead to safety.

    Psalm 46:10 says to wait and be still and then you will see Him exalted.

    Unless we come to Him first we will never attain success because our strength is found in Him. It is there when we will be able to represent Him best. He restores, counsels and leads to greater understanding.

    With His uplifting influence we are given fresh eyes for life.

    So before you try to do all the things today – stop, remember a moment in His presence will make all the difference going forward.

    In Christ love, Amen

  • truth

    Daily writing prompt
    What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
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    I realize that “truth” isn’t a gift most would say.

    But it is the one thing that changed my life for the better.

    Living in a world where there’s so much uncertainty this becomes the one thing you desire most.

    Truth.

    Not an idea, but a firm foundation laid out before you.

    One that doesn’t leave nor forsake you but continues to teach you the way and how to walk in it.

    It’s really simple for me, I want to live in assurance of salvation.

    So the words of the Bible like these below, are worth a lot to me.

    John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’

    For example in John 8 much has happened in a few short verses. First there was an adulterous woman who was caught in adultery, and the truth was that no one had the right to cast stones because they all had sin issues. Truth.

    Reminding us that God’s Son Jesus did not come to condemn but to save. Truth.

    Next the crowd around Him was asking why they should believe Him? He explains that He is the light of the world and gives that light to those who walk in darkness. It’s a gift. Many were hearing for the first time, what made common sense to them. Their eyes were open to knowing the truth.

    Light exposes dark. Truth.

    Many who were listening to Jesus began to believe in Him.

    Then Jesus said them, ” If you continue to believe in me and in what I am saying, then you are really my disciples. Soon you will hear more truth, this truth will set you free.”

    He was talking about being free from the slavery of sins.

    When you learn the truth of the Word, it changes who you are and how you think. You keep your eyes on the path that He sets before you not turning to the left or the right. But looking to His truth.

    The truth is worth more than riches, material things or anothers devotion. It gives you a peace that passes all understanding, and it changes how you live.

    The truth sets you free from lies.

    And that is a gift worth giving.

    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