Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Forever Blessed

5-1-12

Daily Devotions

Forever Blessed
(Obedience)

12 If your sons keep my covenant
    and the statutes I teach them,
then their sons will sit
    on your throne for ever and ever.

--- Psalm 132:12


God is talking about obedience to all of his laws and decrees. If we obey God, then we will be blessed through generations. If our sons and daughters and their sons and daughters obey, then we will be lessed through generations.


Before we can obey God, we need to know God. We need to develop an intimate relationship with God, so that we will know what God loves. We will know how God thinks, and how he feels about everything under the son. We need to align ourselves with God first. Then we need to teach and disciple our children, so that they may grow to know and have an intimate relationship with God.


Mighty God our Father, we ask you to please bless our household so that we will know, understand, and follow who you are. Let the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts so that we may follow you in everything that we do. Please Father God, will you teach us and gives us the tools to disciple our children, grandchilden and their children. Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

In Secret

Daily Devotions


"In Secret"
(Don't gloat)


1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)


Whether it be giving to others or in prayer. Do it secretly. Don't do it so that everyone will see. Don't advertise. Do it in secret, because God will see and God will know.


I will be aware of this scripture when it comes to sharing with those less fortunate. I will also remember to pray in private, because that is between me and God. Besides God already knows the pleadings of my heart.


Mighty father in Heaven please give me discernment and courage to do the right thing anonymously and in secret. When it is done in secret it is done with the right heart and spirit unto you. Amen.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

"Deny Thyself"

3-1-12



Deny Thyself
(Lose Your Life)


34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:34-36)


I always struggled with this passage in the past. Thanks to the Holy Spirit for revealing it's meaning to me. The goal of every Christian is to become more Christlike. To build and maintain a relationship with the Godhead. The only way that it will happen is to put aside our own needs and desires and to pursue the things and affairs of God. God already loves us and will give us our heart's desires. Our wants and needs are to be put aside so that we can live wholly for Jesus.


I will die to myself daily and live for Jesus.


Almighty God, we thank you for your grace and love. We thank you for your son Jesus. Help me Holy Spirit to stay close to you and to help me to pursue God and the things and affairs of God. Amen.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Obedience

2-27-12


"Obedience"
(Having Faith In The Lord)


39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. (Mark 6:39-44)


It was obvious to all of the disciples that they did not have enough food to feed the thousands who were there that day. But they obeyed Jesus, and did as they were instructed to do by the Lord. We need to behave in the same manner. Sometimes we can see what a situation is, but with Jesus, we need to undersdtand that being obedient is more important that what we can see. A situation in Jesus' eyes is much different than what we are able to see.


I will remember this story for the obedience and the faith shown by the disciples. I will remember to apply these priciples in my daily walk with the Lord. First, be close enough to be his disciple. Second, listen and hear the Lord. Third, obey and have faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will be able to work miracles. I must and will believe and have faith in him.


Thank you god for all of your blessings. Thank you Lord for my deliverance. Continue working in me so that I may be overflowing in with Holy Spirit. Continue opening my eyes and allowing my ears to hear your voice.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Martyrdom

2-14-12


"Martyrdom"
(True Sacrifice)


13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." (Acts 21:13-14)


Paul exhibited true sacrifice and love for God. He was willing to give his life and would not bend to the pressure from society. He was not afraid to give up his life, to show how much he believed in Christ Jesus.


Paul overcame a true human emotion. That is self preservation. Self preservation is a natural tendency in these types of situations. It is not only natural but it is also a very strong emotion. Most people would do whatever it takes to save their own lives. Paul overcame that natural emotion in order to show his committment to loving and believing in Jesus Christ. I will commit to loving God and Christ Jesus the same way.


Mighty God, thank you for this story about Paul's love for Jesus Christ. Please give me the courage to do the same in the same or in similar situations. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Simplicity

2-13-12


"Simplicity"
(Simple Example)


20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:20-21)


This is a simple example of our life, or what our life should be. It actually gives us instructions on what we should be doing and how we should be doing it.


I will read this often and make sure that I remember my plan and purpose. Declare to all, that they must repent, and have faith in Jesus Christ.


Mighty God, please help me to know and understand the simple plan that God has set before us. Teach the Gospel from house to house. Declare to others that repentance is necessary. Also declare that they must follow Jesus Christ. Amen.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Baptized by the Spirit

2-12-12


"Baptized by the Spirit"
(Baptized into the Lord Jesus)


4 Paul said "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:4-6)


Paul is showing us the baptism by water and the baptism of the spirit by the laying on of hands. The baptism by water is what most people believe to be the baptism. A lot of people miss the baptism into the Lord Jesus by the laying on of hands. That is when we receive the gifts of the holy spirit.


I have already been baptized in the spirit by the laying on of hands. That is when I began speaking in tongues. I will study and pursue the other gifts that the Holy Spirit has for us by his power.


Mighty God. Please bless me with the other gifts so that I will be used by you to be a blessing to the chruch. Thank you Jesus, Amen.

Business First

2-12-12


"Business First"
(Can't see the Truth)


25 He called thwm together, along with the workmen in related trades and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in pratically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshipped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty. (Acts 19:25-27)


Demetrius, the silversmith was more worried about his business than he was about truth. They were quick to discredit Paul and his disciples because of how it would affect their income and business. Later in the same chapter, the people rioted becuase of the way Paul and his disciples were discrediting Artemis, the Goddess that they worshipped.


More important than anything is Truth. God is truth. God is eternity. No matter how it affects our temporary standing, eternal truth is and should be the most important thing about how we conduct our lives. We shouuld not make decisions based on income or economics. I will vow to remember this verse when conducting business in the marketplace.


Oh God our Father. Thank you for being Truth. Thank you for being eternal. Thank you for considering me for your banquet table. Amen.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Great Fervor

Daily Devotions


2-11-12


Great Fervor
(Speak Boldly)


24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spkoe with great fervor, and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly on the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:24-26)


Apollos was an excited man of God. He didn't have all the facts, didn't have all of the knowledge, but he had courage to share the gospel the best way that he could. He also did it boldly, without apologies. Apollos is a man who loves God. Priscilla and Aquila displayed the vision to notice the kind of heart that Apollos possessed and volunteered to teach him the gospel and scriptures more accurately.


I hope to be like Apollos and to teach and declare God's love for us, boldly and with fervor. I hope that mentors will be patient enough to work with me and to teach me the scriptures more accurately so that I may possess a better understanding of the face of Jesus. I also hope to have the patience and willingness to mentor others who have the heart for Jesus, but lack the thorough knowledge of the scriptures.


Mighty God our Father, thank you for accepting me into your kingdom. Help me to be bold like Appolos. Also help me to be giving and full of compassion like Priscilla and Aquila. Thank you for your son Jesus. Amen.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Do Not Be Afraid

Daily Devotions

2-11-12


Do Not Be Afraid
(Have Courage)


9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." (Acts 10:9-10)


We have been commissioned by Jesus to share his gospel with all of our brothers and sisters, near and far. We are to go out courageously and not have any fear. First of all we are with Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit guides us. Secondly, although we may not see them we do have brothers and sisters who are also serving in ministry with us. We dod not serve alone. As the passage says, there are many in the city.


It is God who sent me into the ministries that I serve. I will go courageously with my eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, looking neither to the left nor to the right. The Holy Spirit is my guide and comforter. While I am walking with God there is no fear for anyone or anything other than the mighty God himself.


Mighty Father God, I thank you for your sacrifice to save me from eternal damnation. Thank you for your love and your grace. Please use me as a vessel to share your gospel among the brothers and sisters that do not know and believe in you. Please help me to strengthen those that already know you, so that they will get to know you better. Father please help me to be fruitful for you. We say these things in the name of your mighty son, Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Fulfillment Of Propehcy

Daily Devotions
1-7-12


"Fulfillment Of Prophecy"
(The Messaiah Has Come)


18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21)


The Messiah is finally here. He has come just as prophsied. It's too bad, that he isn't recognized by those in his own town. But he has come to proclaim the good news. He has come to to free the oppressed. What great news his arrival brings to all of us.


I will be bold to proclaim that Jesus is our Lord, and that he has come to save all of us. I will not be deterred or lose faith. Jesus was rejected by those in his own town.


I love you God and commit to sharing your gospel and plan to the world. Thank you for your grace and love.

"Be Fruitful"

Daily Devotions
1-3-12


"Be Fruitful"
(We must bear fruit)



8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”(Luke 3:8-9)


We were saved by the grace and love of the almighty God. He gave us his son to die for our sins, and to develop a deep and intimate relationship with him. God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us and to comfort us. With the gift of the spirit we are also given much power through the power and strength of that spirit. God will be watching to see how we use those gifts, to make sure that we do not squander all the he has given us. We will need to live a life that bears fruit. That his how we measure our committment to God.


It is important that I check God daily to make sure that I am where he wants me to be. I need to live life for him, through him. My vision needs to be his vision. I need to make sure thjat I no longer exist for me, but I only exist for him. Then I will live a life that bears fruit, no matter how big or small.


Mighty God our Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Search my heart Father to make sure that the vision that I pursue is your vision and not mine. Thank you God, Amen.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Sin, Crouching Nearby.

Daily Devotions
1-2-12


Sin, Crouching Nearby.
(Overcoming Sin)


6 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”


Sin is crouching at our door. "If we do not do right." We are already sinners, which means that sin is already crouching at our door, ready to pounce on us when it gets a chance. We need to fight and resist sin. Which of course can only be done with in the name of Jesus Christ.


I will memorize James 4:7 which says, "Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." That is the way that the bible teaches us to resist sin, which is always crouching nearby. It's essential that we understand that sin is always nearby, and we need to be vigilant at all times. We cannot let our guard down. To do so would be disastrous. Trust in the Lord God and his son Jesus Christ, and in the name of Jesus, command the devil to leave and to stay away.


Mighty God our Father, I believe in you and what you did for me. I believe in your authority over sin and death. I also believe in your grace and love. Thank you Father God, for your grace and for loving me. Amen.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Yes Lord!

Daily Devotions


1-1-12


Yes Lord!
(Obedience)


35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
(Luke 1:35-38)


Surely Mary must have been surprised at the angel Gabriel's request. Who wouldn't be? Most people would ask a lot of questions and in most cases people would not believe. An unbelieving spirit would not have been questioned by others. It would have been entirely fine to question not only the angel's presence but also his words. Mary simply obeyed the angel, and opened her heart up with obedience, and laid down her life to her Lord. Willing obedience to her God.


What an example of obedience and submission to her Lord. Mary is an incredible example of submission and surrender to our God. I will always remember Mary for her obedience and use her as an example of the type of submission and surrender that we should have to our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.


Mighty Father God, thank you for your love and grace. I commit my entire being and life to you Father God. My life is not mine but it is yours mighty Father. Thank you for redeeming me back to you. Thank you for your patience and grace. Amen