Simple Devotions

Tag: jesus

  • covenant

    While reading today, I went down a rabbit hole.

    Which simply means, I investigated the word beyond just reading a passage. And I wanted to share what it looks when I do this.

    The word covenant means agreement, and in this case it is about a relationship commitment between God and His people.

    Upon research the first recorded covenant/agreement between God and Israel is written in the old testament starting with Abraham then to his promised son Isaac who later had twin sons but only one wanted the birthright Jacob, later to Moses and yes even David.

    Then there’s a new covenant between God to the followers of Jesus Christ, His only begotten son.

    An agreement involving specific conditions from both sides.

    Promises of blessings for obedience. Which establishes the framework for faith, love and purpose.

    I understand the obedience are His rules established as the Ten commandments, also to honor and accept His plan of redemption. We can see through the teachings of the new testament that Jesus fulfilled the old testament prophecy and kept the laws perfectly.

    He also openly shared that He was in the witness of the old testament laws and it was His word that testify to them. They could not understand this to be true because they didn’t accept the person in front of them, Jesus of Nazareth. John 8:16-18 as the Son of God.

    Another word for covenant is testament. So when we read the word and it refers back to the old or forward to the new, it is to “come together”. There is no dividing or separating the two a covenants which also means to “bond”.

    There was no typo or misunderstanding, there was nothing wrong with the first covenants, they were only for the promises to come. Finally..in Luke 22:20 think about the fact that He says His blood shed for you, a new covenant, now imagine what a blood stain looks like in any kind of fabric. Have you ever tried to get blood out of fabric ? It’s next to impossible and even if you try there’s still residue of it.

    It is literally “bonded” to the material.

    Our own righteousness is as filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6 we can not fulfill what the laws prescribe but in Christ Righteousness as our High priest we are given His atoning blood. Romans 3:25

    Matthew 26:28 in the words of Christ Himself said He was the new covenant. In His death He offers the forgiveness of sins, no other sacrifice ritual of the old covenant is necessary.

    There’s many who believe today that God’s chosen is the Israel nation, I’ve seen reports that the priest of Israel are planning a sacrifice, in preparation of the third temple. Reenacting the rules of engagement as prescribed in Leviticus. It must be a confusing time for some but when you only refer to the old covenant it would be very out of place with todays times. However when you read both the old and new testament you can see clearly why there’s only one new covenant and the old is done away with.

    The perfect lamb of God who was to take away the sins as stated by John the Baptist later reiterated by Peter which the prophet Isaiah said would happen as well as David in Psalm 22.

    Those who keep the commandments and have the testimony of Jesus are in covenant (agreement) with God. Rev 14:12.

    I only learned this because I read a book that is sold more copies worldwide then any other on any shelf at any time. It’s also free, and can be reached online at a click of a mouse.

    And I’m sure of this very thing, there is only one book that I need to be investing any time into, that’s the Word of God.

    Which gives light in this dark world, and peace that transcends all understanding.

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • seat for two

    Daily writing prompt
    Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?
    View all responses

    I’ll never forget the time I met the most famous person in my life.

    I was in San Francisco area and had a day to myself while visiting with my spouse on a work trip.

    So I decided to take highway 101, an ocean side scenic drive down south, then return up from Santa Cruz through another pretty route via mountains, about a four hour round trip drive.

    To this day, it’s still the most beautiful day trip I’ve ever taken.

    Because it was an impromptu kind of trip, I wasn’t prepared to take a break on a beach walk, but decided to stop to stretch my legs. I was carrying my phone; shoes; keys and a book called “Prayer Warriors”.

    The temperature was perfect, the wind was relaxing, the sound of the waves soothing, the sand was freshly swept smooth , the whole beach was pretty much empty as it was still early, so I had it to myself.

    I should mention before leaving the hotel that morning I had prayer with my spouse, asking for travel mercies and a good day ahead, inviting the Lord to go with me. So as I was walking down the beach I had the thought “sure is a nice spot to sit and enjoy but if I do I’ll be wet and sandy the rest of the drive and I don’t even have a towel in the rental car.”

    Looking down the beach about 500 yards ahead I noticed what seemed to be a washed up log that was sitting perfectly like a bench, facing the ocean.

    As I got closer to it, the height was good, big enough for two to sit on. As I was walking around to make sure it was steady and that no other “visitors” were using it, I noticed the initials DK on it.

    Instantly I stopped and was reminded of my earlier prayer.

    At that moment I knew I was witnessing an answered prayer, those initials were MINE and not by accident, but by invitation for me to sit with the Lord.

    I was gob smacked, I sat down and stared out at the water.

    Dropping my things to the right of me on the ground, I sat there, taking it all in.

    Now most have seen how some react to meeting a famous person, but imagine meeting the Creator, God, the Son. The Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

    I was truly “star struck” – “Lord you did this, my initials.. a seat for two..in the middle of nowhere..”

    I begin thanking Him for the gift of my life, how He had been so good to me, brought me through some really hard places in life.

    I was telling HIM what most likely tell a famous person. What they meant to you personally.

    That moment left me feeling so special and loved. I was elated and I just sat for what seems like an hour or so in companionable silence.

    More people started showing up, walking a wide girth to respect the private moment.

    The waves started to move in, high tide was coming.

    I began to fidget and tell myself “you better get your things off the ground before the water gets to it” I noticed the water kept creeping up higher and higher, but I was not wanting to disturb the moment.

    Then comes a rushing wave and I immediately reached down watching the water STOP recede and my things left undisturbed.

    At that same moment I heard “even the wind and the waves obey Him..” the water stopped. Right at my toes. I watched this happen a few more times and smiled in praise to Him “WOW- even now You are showing me You are near” I really was not in a hurry to leave, but I realized it was time.

    And as I was reluctantly walking back up the beach, that’s when I saw two sets of footprints that I was crossing back over and I knew without a doubt. My heart felt it. I really did have the Lord with me there on that wooden bench, a seat for two.

    There’s only one famous person I have ever wanted to meet – and it was Jesus. Have you met Him?

    “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you.” Job 22:21

    In Christ love, Amen

  • loyalty

    Daily writing prompt
    What is good about having a pet?
    View all responses

    I lost count how many times I tried to sell my parents on a pet as a child. I’d beg and persist for all that was good, why I thought I needed a four legged friend and every time it was no, not yet or not now.

    Looking back I remember watching my dad lose his best friend and favorite pet, that’s likely when I stopped asking. I understood then that it’s great having a pet, but when they are no longer around, it’s very hard to.

    Then I became the parent and believe me when I say it was me all over again, times three. I was a lot softer than my parents so we would try often, but it was never a good fit, ending in rehoming more than I care to admit.

    Eventually though I did something totally unexpected on Valentine’s Day of 2012, I picked up a tiny little ankle biter from a facebook post, stuck him inside of one of those tiny little gift bags and walked into the house that day with a treat in the bag that everyone would share, whose name would become “bear bear” because that’s what you name a chihuahua right? It’s a play on “Valentine Bear”.

    So bear-bear would grow up and prefer to be an outside dog truthfully because he hated baths and loved the sunshine. He also really wanted to be the first to announce any visitors, and make sure the family was safe from the wildlife eating the grass. And of course he had to run off the daughter’s cats and any other neighborhood cats that looked like it might threaten his kingdom porch hood. He has really been the best fit for our family. In all this time he only ran off for a minute or two to sow his seeds and then only visited the vet once when we learned he was a dad twice over in a very short time. Bear bear has been the best, now that he only has one good tooth, he gets fresh homemade food every day, soft blankets and still enjoys the sunshine on his porch. When I am outside working he is right there watching, when I swing on the front porch, he is perched right in front looking out nearby guarding.

    Now that the kids are mostly gone, one of the kids pet’s named Juno, she came as a puppy also. I was a pushover for her blue eyes. She is very gentle and loves to chew everything up and talks often when she yawns, a very weird thing but I think shes saying, I’m bored. High fives and sits pretty and doesn’t’ mind a good spa day. She follows bear around and lets bear- bear be the leader, unless she’s hungry then bear-bear is outta luck. She doesn’t care about all the growling he does, she will eat around all that fuss and not break her tempo. She’s still learning the ropes, likes to play king of the hill “porch” with the cats. Chases off any wondering deer when I drive up .. and has a very deep voice that isn’t one you’d want to meet in the dark.

    So now that I look back at this question, I have one very good reason it is good to have a pet.

    They teach you about loyalty.

    A pets loyalty comes in many different ways, and I promise that you can name something they are very loyal to their masters about.

    Maybe it’s in their response to your voice or the way they look for you to come home. It could be how they like to tell you every time someone comes near because they are protective of you.

    If you are their human, you will always know they are happy to see you.

    Seriously, pets especially dogs are a rare kind of animal. And I believe that God made sure to include them in the animal kingdom as a very special breed that would give comfort and teach us loyalty.

    The fact that dogs are trainable and very perceptive to the needs of their masters/owners in various ways proves this.

    They teach us a very important lesson and that is, no matter how small or great, the most important role we have is to love The Master and offer our devotion to Him. Without complaint no matter what the cost.

    What an example, only the kind a loving Creator could make into something so so good.

    “The Lord is loyal to those who are loyal and good to those who are good.” Psalm 18:25

  • growth

    Over the summer I had a lot of new flowering plants around to water and care for, and the beautification it gave around the home outside was something I really enjoyed.

    Here’s an interesting perspective when you think about it, the plants and flowers which are pleasing to look at don’t grow by their own care or anxiety or effort.

    Instead it’s us that are overseeing to their needs daily.

    Another perspective is those plants in a natural habitat can thrive by the furnishing hand of God, who is the minister to their life.

    By it’s own power it cannot grow itself.

    It needs help from their surroundings. Air, sunshine and food.

    What these gifts of nature are to the plants, is likened to Christ to those who trust in Him. He is “the everlasting light” a “sun and shield” His is the living water, Bread of God which comes down from Heaven giving life to the world. John 6:33

    God enriched the whole world with grace as real as the air we breath. All who would choose to breathe His life giving air (Jesus) will live and grow – just like the flower which follows the sun beams that it may aide in it’s perfecting beauty, so should we turn to the Son of righteousness that heaven’s light may shine on us so our characters may developed into the likeness of Christ.

    May the Spirit of the Lord God be upon us today that we would be trees of righteousness planted by the Lord, so that He may be glorified.

    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

  • Light in the darkness

    Today’s post is inspired by :

    Gen 1:1-4 / John 1:1-5 / John 3:19-21 / 1 John 1:1-2 / Rev 19: 11-14 Romans 13:11-14 / I Tim 6:11-16

    In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, void of anything, darkness covering it a face of the deep.

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

    Then God said “Let there be light.”

    All things were made through Him – in Him was life and the life was the light of men.

    And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.

    God saw the light, that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness.

    In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness could not comprehend.

    The light today shines out of darkness – and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

    But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen that they have been done in God.

    From the beginning, we have heard; we have seen and we have learned from the Word of God – Words of life.

    Who manifested life in the flesh to bear witness and declare to us that enteral life begins with the Father in Heaven, that He would have fellowship with us, and this giving us true fellowship with both the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

    Christ will return as King of Kings, and every eye will see Him. In place of the crown of thorns will be a crown of glory – a crown within a crown. In place of a kingly purple robe, He will be clothed in raiment of the whitest white. (Mark 9:3)

    And on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

    “ KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS “

    The night (darkness) is far spent, the day (light) is at hand, Therefore let us cast off the work of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.

    Let us walk in the righteousness of Christ Jesus our Lord, doing as He did and that is to love, love is light and life of God.

    The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ, we receive righteousness by receiving Him.

    Not by painful wearisome toil, not by gift or by sacrifice is righteousness obtained, but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirst to receive it.

    So run from all evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you. And before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony, obey God’s commands without wavering so no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

    At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will.

    All honor and power to him forever!

    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

  • prayer of refuge

    I have learned to write my prayers with scripture to convey the truth of His Words, and I believe when we express ourselves in prayers using His Word it never comes back void, as we are given faith in it.

    Duet 33:26-27

    Exodus 15:11

    Psalm 90:1

    Psalm 91:2 ,9

    What would your prayer look like after reading these text?

    Here’s mine..

    Heavenly Father, who is like you O’ Lord.

    Who is like you, glorious in holiness.


    Fearful in praises doing wonders, there is none like You.


    Who rides the heavens and helps me,

    in Your excellency on the clouds.


    Eternal God, You are my refuge and underneath are the ever

    lasting arms of Jesus Christ.

    He will thrust out the enemy from before me – it is not my battle.

    He will say “destroy”.


    Lord, You are my dwelling place in all generations,

    and I will say of You ,

    The Lord is my refuge and my fortress

    My God in whom I will put my trust.

    Because I have made You my refuge

    even my home is Yours no evil shall befall me,

    nor any plague come near me.


    I am thankful You will fight the battles from the enemy

    and send Your Angels to guard and protect.

    My heart is yours Lord.


    In Your Holy Name, Amen

    In Christ Love, Amen

  • teacher

    To study the history of Joseph and Daniel we can see that all things were working for good.

    Romans 8 :28

    The Lord did not prevent the plotting’s of men who sought to do them harm; but He caused all these devices to work for good to His servants who amidst trial and conflict preserved their faith and loyalty.

    Everyone knows a good teacher prepares you to be able to handle the test, by teaching you the solutions.

    Our Teacher happens to be perfect; merciful; gracious; kind; long suffering and generously good to a thousand generations.

    So much evidence points me to believe that He is the teacher who prepares those who put their trust in Him for the trials and tribulations.

    We can agree when Christ Jesus, God Himself hung on the cross for our salvation saying ” It is finished.”

    The “testimony” was done and His ultimate plan of of Salvation was complete.

    Remembering the first lesson He gave, was in the garden and since God knew the next chapter. He had already prepared “the plan of Salvation” even before creation took place.

    So this leads me back to the first point.

    Do you think that we can endure trials of this world without preparation of our hearts ?

    Another words have you learned to trust Him in the small things, so you can trust Him in the bigger test/trials of life?

    Moreover did you know, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified: and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:30

    We will go through many trails and sorrows but He will be with us.

    No, He doesn’t always prevent harm but one day we will see what He did prevent and our minds will not believe it.

    The enemy called God all kinds of unfair things, like malpulative and unfair. That’s not His likeness.

    He answered the call and is justified and He is glorified.

    Thank you Jesus for passing the true test for us and Thank you Heavenly Father for His robe of righteousness.

    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