https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/valerie-harvey/episodes/Devotion-Gracious-Love-e2jleft
Daily devotionals for the Christian.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Nightly Devotion
God is going to accelerate your dreams!!!!
Nightly Bible Verse
But the path of the
just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
~Proverb 4:18
Nightly Inspiration
Walking in the light is much easier than walking in
darkness. In darkness, we can trip over debris, step in puddles and ditches, or
even wander off of the path entirely. It is no surprise that God promises to
brighten our path when we walk in His righteousness, and that the light grows
to is full noon-day brilliance the more we walk with Him.
Nightly Prayer
Lord, lead me according to Your righteousness. On my own, I wander
and stumble in the dark. I need Your light to mark my way so that I may remain
on the path You’ve placed before me. Shine Your light on the hazards and
snares, so that by Your wisdom, I may avoid stumbling, falling, or being led
astray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Just pray and
everything will be fine!!!!!!!
When You Are Hurt
And whatsoever ye do
in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and
the Father y him. ~Colossians 3:17
Doctrine & Covenants: Section 36
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Edward Partridge, near Fayette, New York, December 9, 1830 (See the heading to Section 35). Joseph Smith’s history states that Edward Partridge “was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord’s great men.”
1-3, The Lord lays His
hand upon Edward Partridge by the hand of Sidney Rigdon; 4-8, Every man who receives
the gospel ad priesthood is to be called to go forth and preach.
1 Thus saith the Lord
God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, that
you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven you, and you are called to preach
my gospel as with the voice of a trump;
2 And I will lay my
hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my
Spirit, the Holy Ghost, event he Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable
things of the kingdom;
3 And you shall declare
it with a loud voice, saying: Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most high
God.
4 And now this calling
and commandment give I unto you concerning all men—
5 That as many as shall
come before my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun., embracing this
calling and commandment, shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the
everlasting gospel among the nations—
6 Crying repentance,
saying: Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of
the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh.
7 And this commandment
shall be given unto the elders of my church, that every man which will embrace
it with singleness of heart may be ordained and sent forth, even as I have
spoken.
8 I am Jesus Christ,
the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple.
Even so. Amen.
2 Nephi: Chapter 29
Many Gentiles will reject the Book of Mormon—They will say, We need no more Bible—The Lord speaks to many nations—He will Judge the world out of the books which will be written. About 559-545 B.C.
1 But behold, there
shall be many—at that day
when I shall proceed to do a marvelous work among them, that I may remember my
covenants which I have made unto the children of men, that I may set my hand
again the second time to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel;
2 Ans also, that I may remember
the promises which I have made unto thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that
I would remember your seed; and that the words of your seed should proceed
forth out of my mouth unto your seed: and my words shall hiss forth unto the
ends of the earth, for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of
Israel;
3 And because my words
shall hiss forth—many of the
Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be
any more Bible.
4 But thus saith the
Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the
Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible
which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember
the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence
unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?
5 O ye Gentiles, have
ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed
them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will
return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten
my people.
6 Thou fool, that shall
say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained
a Bible save it were by the Jews?
7 Know ye not that
there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have
created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea;
and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth
my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
8 Wherefore murmur ye,
because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not the testimony of two
nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like
unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto
another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two
nations shall run together also.
9 And I do this that I may
prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak
forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken
one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not
yet finished; neither shall it be til the end of man, neither from that time
henceforth and forever.
10 Wherefore, because
that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither
need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
11 For I command all
men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and
in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto
them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every
man according to their works, according to that which is written.
12 For behold, I shall
speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the
Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the others tribes
of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall
also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
13 And it shall come to
pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall
have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words
of the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.
14 And it shall come to
pass that my people, which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home
unto the lands of their possessions; and my word also shall be gathered in one.
And I will show unto them that fight against my word and against my people, who
are of the house of Israel; that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham
that I would remember his seed forever.
Luke: Chapter 22
Jesus institutes the sacraments—He suffers in Gethsemane and is betrayed and arrested—Peter denies knowing Him—Jesus is smitten and mocked.
1 Now the feast of the
unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called Passover.
2 And the chief priests
and scribes sought how they might kill him;; for they feared the people.
3 Then entered Satan
into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4 And he went his way,
and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 And they were glad,
and covenanted to give him money.
6 And he promised, and
sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
7 Then came the day of
unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed.
8 And he sent Peter and
John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat.
9 And they said unto
him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10 And he said unto
them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you,
bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11 And ye shall say
unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the
guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples?
12 And he shall shew
you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13 And they went, and
found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover.
14 And when the hour
was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 And he said unto
them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer:
16 For I say unto you, I
will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled I the kingdom of God.
17 And he too the cup,
and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say unto you, I
will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 And he took bread,
and gave thanks, and brake, it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body
which given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the
cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is
shed for you.
21 But, behold, the
hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22 And truly the Son of
man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whome he is betrayed!
23 And they began to inquire
among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
24 And there was also a
strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25 And he said unto
them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that
exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26 But ye shall not be
so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that
is chief, as he that doth serve.
27 For whether is
greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at
meat? But I am among you as he that serveth.
28 Ye are they which
have continued with me in my temptations.
29 And I appoint unto
you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 That ye may eat and
drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes
of Israel..
31 And the Lord said,
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as
whet:
32 But I have prayed
for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy
brethren.
33 And he said unto
him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell
thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice
deny that thou knowest me.
35 And he said unto
them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, laced ye any thing? And
they said, Nothing.
36 Then said he unto
them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip:
and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37 For I say unto you,
that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned
among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38 And they said, Lord,
behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
39 And he came out, and
went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed
him.
40 And when he was at
the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn
from them about a stone’s
cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if
thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine,
be done.
43 And there appeared
an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony
he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood
falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up
from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them,
Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
47 And while he yet spake,
behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before
them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48 But Jesus said unto
him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49 When they which were
about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with
the sword?
50 And one of them
smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 And Jesus answered
and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said unto
the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come
to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53 When I was daily
with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is
your hour, and the power of darkness.
54 Then took they him,
and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s
house. And Peter afar off.
55 And when they had
kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat
down among them.
56 But a certain maid
beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This
man was also with him.
57 And he denied him,
saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little
while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am
not.
59 And about the space
of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow
also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man,
I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock
crew.
61 And the Lord turned,
and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had
said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out,
and wept bitterly.
63 And the men that
held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
64 And when they had blindfolded
him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it
that smote thee?
65 And many other
things blasphemously spake they against him.
66 And as soon as it
was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came
together, and led him into their council, saying,
‘
67 Art thou the Christ?
Tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe.
68 And if I also ask you,
ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
69 Hereafter shall the
Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
70 Then said they all,
Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
71 And they said, What
need we any further witness? For we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
Exodus: Chapter 20
The Lord reveals the Ten Commandments—Israel is to bear witness that the Lord has spoken from heaven—The children of Israel are forbidden to make gods of silver or gold—They are to make altars of unhewn stones and sacrifice to the Lord thereon.
1 And God spake all
these words, saying,
2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the
land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no
other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make
unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven
above, oth that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the
earth:
5 Thou shalt not bow
down thyself to them nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy
unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7 Thou shalt not take
the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless
that taketh his name in vain.
8 Remember the sabbath
day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou
labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day
is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor
thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle,
nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the
LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh
day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 Honour thy father and
thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God
giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
14 Thou shalt not
commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not
steal.
16 Thou shalt not bear
false witness against thy neighbour.
17 Thou shalt not covet
thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his
manservant, his maidservant, nor his ox, nor is ass, nor any thing that is thy
neighbour’s.
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings,
and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw
it, they removed, and stood afar off.
19 And they said unto
Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us,
lest we die.
20 And Moses said unto
the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be
before your faces, that ye sin not.
21 And the people stood
afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus shalt say unto the
children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with ou from heaven.
23 Ye shalt not make
with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
24 An altar of earth thou
shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy
sheep, and thy oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto
thee, and I will bless thee.
25 And if thou will
make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou
lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
26 Neither shalt thou
go up by steps unto mine altr, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Appendix - What Does the Bible Really Teach?
The Lord’s Evening Meal—An Observance That Honors God
Christians are commanded to observe the Memorial of Christ’s death this observance is also
called “the Lord’s Evening Meal.” (! Corinthians 11:20) What is
so significant about?
Jesus Christ instituted this observance on the night of the
Jewish Passover in 33 C.E. The Passover was a celebration held just once a
year, on the 14th day of the Jewish month Nisan. To calculate that
date, the Jews evidently waited for the spring equinox. This is the day when
there are approximately 12 hours of daylight ad 12 hours of darkness. The first
observable new moon nearest to the spring equinox marked the first day of
Nisan. Passover began 13 days later.
Jesus celebrated the Passover with his apostles, dismissed
Judas Iscariot, and then instituted the Lord’s
Evening Meal. This meal replaced the Jewish Passover and therefore should be
observed only once a year.
The Gospel of Matthew reports: “Jesus
took a loaf, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and giving it to the
disciples, he said: “Take, eat.
This means my body.” And taking a
cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, saying: “Drink out of it, all of you, for this means my “blood of the covenant,” which is to be poured out in behalf
of many for forgiveness of sins.’”
– Matthew 26:26-28.
Some believe that Jesus turned the bread into his literal
flesh and the wine into his blood. However, Jesus’
fleshly body was still intact when he offered this bread. Were Jesus’ apostles really eating his
literal flesh and drinking his blood? No, for that would have been cannibalism
and a violation of God’s law.
(Genesis 9:3, 4; Leviticus 17:10) According to Luke 22:20, Jesus said: “This cup means the new covenant
by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf.” Did that cup literally become “the new covenant”? That would be impossible,
since a covenant is an agreement, not a tangible object.
Hence, both the bread and the wine are only symbols. The bread
symbolizes Christ’s perfect
body. Jesus used a loaf of bread left over from the Passover meal. The loaf was
made without any leaven, or yeast. (Exodus 12:8) The Bible often uses leaven as
a symbol of sin or corruption. The bread therefore represents the perfect body
that Jesus sacrificed. It was free of sin . –
Matthew 16:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 5:6, 7; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 2:1, 2.
The red wine represents Jesus’
blood. That blood makes valid the new covenant. Jesus said that his blood was
poured out “for
forgiveness of sins.” Humans can
thus become clean in God’s
eyes and can enter into the new covenant with Jehovah. (Hebrews 9:14; 10:16,
17) This covenant, or contract, makes it possible for 144,000 faithful
Christians to go to heaven. There they will serve as kings and priests for the
blessing of all mankind. –
Genesis 22:18; Jeremiah 31:31-33; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:9, 10; 14:1-3.
Who should partake of these Memorial emblems? Logically, only
those in the new covenant –
that is, those who have the hope of going to heaven—should partake of the bread and the wine. God’s holy sprit convinces such
ones that they have been selected to be heavenly kings. (Romans 8:16) They are
also in the Kingdom covenant with Jesus. –Luke
22:29.
What about those who have the hope of living forever in
Paradise on earth? They obey Jesus’
command and attend the Lord’s
Evening Meal, but they come as respected observers, not partakers. Once a year
after sundown on Nisan 14. Jehovah’s
Witnesses observe the Lord’s
Evening Meal. Although only a few thousand worldwide profess to have the
heavenly hope, this observance is precious to all Christians. It is an occasion
when ALL can reflect on the superlative love of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. – John 3:16.
Devotion: Being Real with God
The Bible in One Year: Proverbs 3:5/2 Corinthians 1
Being Real with God
Today’s Reading: 1
Peter 5:6-10 – Cast all your anxiety on him because he care for you. ~1Peter
5:7
I bow my head, close my eyes, lace my fingers together and
begin to pray, “Dear Lord, I’m coming to You today as Your child. I recognize
Your power ad goodness. . .” Suddenly, my eyes snap open. I remember that my
son hasn’t finished his history project, which is due the next day. I recall
that he has an afterschool basketball game, and I imagine him awake until
midnight finishing his schoolwork. This leads me to worry that his fatigue will
put him at risk for the flu!
C. S. Lewis wrote about distractions during prayer in his
book The Screwtape Letters. He noted that when our minds wander, we tend to use
willpower to steer ourselves back to our original prayer. Lewis concluded,
though, that it was better to accept “the distraction as [our] present problem
and [lay] that before [God] and make it the main theme of [our] prayers.”
A persistent worry or even a sinful thought that disrupts a
prayer may become the centerpiece of our discussion with God. God wants us to
be real as we talk with Him and open up about our deepest concerns, fears, and
struggles. He is not surprised by anything we mention. His interest in us is
like the attention we would receive from a close friend. That’s why we’re
encouraged to give all of our worries and cares to God—because He cares for us
(1 Peter 5:7). ~Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Dear God, You know what’s on my mind today. Help me to
experience the peace that comes from sharing my concerns with You.
Distractions don’t
have to derail our prayers!!!!!
Acts 2:38
Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way,
the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
1 Timothy 3:4 – These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee
shortly:
Devotion: Gracious Love
Daily Bible Verse
Pride goeth before
destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. ~Proverbs 16:18
Daily Inspiration
Pride goes before the fall. It is a well-known saying, but
do we give it much thought? It was pride that first brought sin into the world,
and pride that drives every selfish decision we make when we seek to be God’s of
own lives. een as Christians, if we forget that we acting in God’s power and
try to use our own strength, we will be reminded swiftly of our limits and our
need to rely on Him.
Daily Prayer
Father, thank You for saving me from my prideful and destructive
ways. Your power and Your grace are all that I need. Please guard my heart
against pride so that all that I do may be for Your glory, not my own. Teach me
to learn on Your wisdom and Your power so that I may remain in step with Your
Spirit, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Get closer to God day
by day!!!!!!
Gracious Love
By Chipo Biti
Gracious Love: That
love found you neck-deep in your sins and showed you that you are worthy of
love. ~John 5:3-11
This scenario is a perfect example of the gracious love that
Jesus Christ has to us. This gracious love extended to when were still sinners.
The scribes and the Pharisees, men who basked in their own self-righteousness,
brought forward a woman who had been caught in the act in the adultery. It is
quite interesting to note that they did not bring the man the woman was with,
considering the fact that it takes two to commit adultery. Anyway, the scribes
and Pharisees were ready to see “justice” carried out. They had found someone
who had committed an act they wanted punished. They wanted to condemn her and
give her the ultimate punishment – stoning.
The Pharisees and the scribes also had ulterior motives. They
wanted to use this situation to trap Jesus. If he ordered that the lady was to
be killed, they were going to use that against Him. if he chose to let the
woman go, they were going to use that against Him. The Pharisees and the
scribes did not like Jesus at all. Simply because he exposed the flaws within
their self-righteousness. They were not ready to change their ways. They set
their eyes on seeking revenge against Jesus instead.
You should never allow yourself to get to a point where you
refuse to take correction. You will end up being as bitter and blinded as the
Pharisees – and this is a life you do not want to live.
Jesus, who was well aware of their motives, ignored their
baying for blood and proceeded to write on the floor. When he got up, and
simply told them that the one who is without the first sin should throw the
first stone. He wasn’t denying that justice was to be served, but he said that
the person who does not have any sins should do so.
The Pharisees and the scribes were brought down from their
high horses and they all left with their heads bowed. When you get caught up in
self-righteousness, you become bent on pointing out other people’s sins instead
of focusing on the flaws in your life. such pride will always lead to an
embarrassing fall.
Prayer
Remember that you, like this lady who was caught in the act
of adultery, are a recipient of the gracious love of Jesus Christ. That love
found you neck-deep in your sins and showed you that you are worthy of love.
Without that love, you would not be free.
Never be quick to forget that, as you deal with different
people in the world.
God is going to
provide your every need and more!!!!!
When you leave home for labor or travel
The LORD shall
preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. ~Psalm 121:7
Monday, May 6, 2024
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Nightly Devotion
Nightly Bible Verse
(For he saith, I have
heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured
thee; behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
~2 Corinthians 6:2
Nightly Inspiration
When we receive God’s grace, how fully do we grasp what we
have been given? When we run into trouble and God gives us a way out, do we
just head back to our old lives? Or do we understand that salvation is now? It’s
not a far-off hope, it is now, in our midst, in our hands, ready for us to take
hold of and use, as we proceed through life as people changed by grace.
Nightly Prayer
Lord, I have spent too much of my life running from You,
making my own way, and putting off taking, hold of the free gift that You have
been holding out for me. Thank You for Your relentless grace, Lord, I accept
Your gift of salvation and ask that You would transform my life and give me a
new direction according to Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
God is going to
provide your every need and more!!!!!!!!
When You Are Happy
For ye shall go out
with joy and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break
forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their
hands. ~Isaiah 55:12
Seeing Beyond Our Limitations
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.
John 9:1 (NIV)
Today’s Devotional
In John 9:1, we encounter a man who has been blind since birth. This passage introduces us to the account of Jesus healing man and the subsequent events that unfold. The story serves as a powerful illustration of both physical and spiritual blindness, and how Jesus can bring light and sight to those who are lost in darkness.
This passage prompts us to consider the limitations we may have in our own lives. Like the blind man, we may be born with certain challenges or face difficulties in life that seem insurmountable. However, through Jesus, we can experience healing and transformation, transcending our limitations and discovering a new way of seeing and living.
Time to reflect
Reflecting on John 9:1, we can find ways to apply the teachings of this verse in our personal lives:
Acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses, recognizing that we are all in need of healing and transformation through Jesus.
Trust in Jesus to bring light and healing into our lives, believing that He can restore our sight, both physically and spiritually.
Embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation that God provides, even amid challenging circumstances.
Offer support and encouragement to others who may be facing their own limitations or struggles, sharing the hope and healing found in Jesus.
Reflect on the ways that Jesus has brought light and sight into our lives, cultivating a sense of gratitude and awe for His transformative work.
Prayer Of The Day
Heavenly Father, thank You for the story of the blind man in John 9:1. It serves as a powerful reminder that You can bring healing and transformation to our lives, no matter the limitations or challenges we face. We ask for Your healing touch in our lives, so that we may experience the fullness of Your light and love. Help us to trust in Your power to restore our sight, both physically and spiritually. Grant us the courage to embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation that You provide, and help us to support others in their journey toward healing. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Strengthening Faith
As we reflect on John 9:1, let us take the following action steps to praise God and grow in our faith:
Spend time in prayer and reflection, acknowledging our limitations and weaknesses, and asking for God’s healing and transformation.
Share our testimony of how Jesus has brought light and sight into our lives with others, offering encouragement and hope.
Look for opportunities to serve and support those in our community who face challenges and limitations, demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Today's Wisdom
The story of the blind man in John 9:1 reminds us of the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. By acknowledging our limitations and trusting in His healing power, we can experience growth and transformation that transcends our circumstances. As we continue on our faith journey, let us be mindful of the ways Jesus has brought light and sight into our lives, and commit ourselves to sharing His love and healing with others. In doing so, we can become beacons of hope and encouragement, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
Matthew 7:25
Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.
Matthew 7:25
The Wise Man
If you have been a Christian very long, then you are familiar with the children’s song about the wise man and the foolish man. Just like the song, Matthew 7:24 states that “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” Though the torrential rains come and the floodwaters and winds threaten to destroy the house, it will not be destroyed because the wise man built that house on solid rock.
The Christian life is the same way. The wise Christian builds his life on the strong foundation of God, the salvation of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of the Word of God. The foolish person tries to build his life on only one of these instead of recognizing how it all fits together. That life will not last. Only the Christian life built on the things of God will last forever.
A Prayer to Remember
Dear Lord,
Thank you for being my foundation. May I build my life on godly things instead of my own strength or things of this world. Amen.
Devotion: Unchanging Love
The Bible In One Year – Proverbs 1-2/1 Corinthians 16
Today’s Reading: Psalm
103:13-22 – The world and its desires pass away, but whosoever does the will of
God lives forever. ~1 John 2:12
Unchanging Love
When I was in high school, I played on the varsity tennis
team. I spent many hours of my teenage years trying to improve my skills on
four concrete courts located just two blocks from my home.
The last time I visited that city, one of the first things I
did was drive to the tennis courts, hoping to watch others play and reminisce
for a moment. But the old courts, so familiar to my memory, were nowhere to be
seen. In their place was a vacant field, inhabited only by an occasional weed waving
silently in the breeze.
That afternoon remains in my mind as a stark reminder of the
brevity of life. One of the places where I expended some of my best youthful
strength no longer existed! Reflecting on that experience later brought me to
this truth, expressed by an aging King David: “The life of mortals is like
grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it
is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from the everlasting to
everlasting the LORD’S love is with those who fear him” (Psalm 103:1-17).
We grow older and the world around us may change, but God’s
love doesn’t. He can always be trusted to take care of those who turn to
Him.-James Banks
Faithful Father, thank
You for Your love that never changes! Help me to love You faithfully today.
In our changing
world, we can always depend on our unchanging God.
Ephesians 6:1-3
Ephesians 6:1-3 – Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
1 John 3:15 – Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: ye know that
no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
1 Corinthians 6:9 – What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy
Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Ephesians 4:28 – Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him
labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to
give to him that needeth.
Luke 3:14 – And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what
shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any
falsely; and be content with your wages.
Matthew 15:19 – For out of the heart proceed evil
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies:
Ephesians 5:5 – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person,
nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and of God.
Acts 20:7 – And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came
together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the
morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have
given order to the churches o Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the
week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that
there be no gatherings when I come.
Hebrews 4:9-11 – There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he
that is entered into his rest, he also ceased from his own works, as God did
from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest way any man
fall after the same example of unbelief.
Devotion: Closer Than a Brother
Have faith and stay in prayer!!!!!!!
Daily Bible Verse
And hereby we do know
that we know him if we keep his commandments. ~1 John 2:3
Daily Inspiration
The best way to show our love for God is to obey Him. When
we are walking in step with God, we are assured of our relationship
with Him, and others also see what a life lived in communion with God looks
like. But when we ignore God and follow our own way, we not only hurt our
witness to others, but we invite doubt into our own minds.
Daily Prayer
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself in Jesus and calling
me into a relationship with You. It is a joy to know You and to have the
assurance of being known by You. Help me walk in obedience, that I may live each day in the knowledge of You and that others may know I am Yours. In Jesus’
Name, Amen!
God is my Hero!!!!!!!
Closer Than a Brother
By Chipo Biti
Closer Than a Brother:
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly and there is a friend that sticketh
closer than a brother. ~Proverbs 18:24
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother and his
name is Jesus Christ. Jesus loved you way before you were born and he will
continue to love you when you leave this earth. His love is not seasonal and it
is not conditional. He loved you way before you knew of him or even chose to
receive him into your love. He values you so much that he counted it worthy to die on
the cross for your sins. No one on the face of this earth will ever be able to match the love that Jesus has for you. When friends come and
go, you can be assured that there is someone you can rely on without fail. He
will never leave you and he will never turn his back on you. He is you and
He desires you to walk in the freedom that he has given you.
There are also people on earth that God uses to be close to
us in the good and the bad times. These friends are not many but when they come
into your life, they have no intention of leaving. These are friends you can
call on at any time and they will gladly help you. These are the friends that
you can trust, no matter what. They are gifts.
You should also desire to be the kind of friend people
can rely on. Good friends may be hard to find but you should strive to be
someone a person should strive to be someone a person can consider a friend who
sticks closer than a brother. The love of God should compel you to be someone
who can encourage, exhort, and comfort others when they need it.
Prayer
God’s love should be your guide when it comes to how you
treat your friends. While we may live in a world where it is hard to find
people to trust, you should be one of those people who can be trusted. Your
friends should be comfortable knowing that you will always be there, no matter
what.
Jesus led the way so that we could follow his example on how
to love and how to be friends who are always willing to give.
God is the reason why
I remain strong today!!!!!!
How to Get Along with Fellow Men
For as we have many members
in one body, and all members have not the same office: ~Romans 12:4
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024
Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Today’s Devotional
Acts 1:3 speaks of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to His disciples. After His suffering and death on the cross, Jesus was resurrected and appeared to His followers for forty days. During this time, He provided many convincing proofs of His resurrection and continued to teach about the kingdom of God.
These post-resurrection appearances of Jesus are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they provide strong evidence for the truth of Jesus’ resurrection, which is a foundational belief of the Christian faith. Secondly, Jesus’ teachings during this time emphasized the importance of the kingdom of God and the role of His followers in spreading this message.
Time to reflect
To apply the lessons from this verse, consider these points:
- Reflect on the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and the evidence provided by His post-resurrection appearances.
- Consider the importance of the kingdom of God in Jesus’ teachings and how it should impact your own life and faith.
- Commit to sharing the message of Jesus’ resurrection and the kingdom of God with others.
Prayer Of The Day
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for His resurrection. We are grateful for the evidence of His post-resurrection appearances and the teachings He shared during this time. Help us to fully understand and embrace the importance of the kingdom of God in our lives and to share this message with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Strengthening Faith
To apply the lessons from this verse, take these action steps:
- Study the accounts of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances in the Gospels and Acts, and consider the evidence they provide for His resurrection.
- Reflect on how the teachings of Jesus during this time can impact your own understanding of the kingdom of God.
- Look for opportunities to share the message of Jesus’ resurrection and the kingdom of God with others in your life.
Today's Wisdom
Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances are an essential part of the Christian faith, providing strong evidence for His resurrection and emphasizing the importance of the kingdom of God. By studying these accounts and applying their teachings to our own lives, we can grow in our faith and be better equipped to share the good news of Jesus with others.
Galatians 1:3-5
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Galatians 1:3-5
Grace and Peace
Grace and peace are two things that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Paul knew this when he sent this to theGalatians. He was saying grace to you, telling the people about the grace of God that extends far beyond anything they could find in anyone else. A grace that covers their sins. He was also sharing the peace that he had found in God with them. In a chaotic world, he is the only one that can give peace. He is the only place where we can find peace. Paul knew this very well. He had tried to serve God without the grace and peace when he was a Pharisee. However, he found an empty life. He only found grace and peace after he came face-to-face with the glory of God and his son.
So these two greetings are very powerful for the Christian. Grace is what has delivered us from the evils of this world and peace keeps us calm in the midst of the chaos of this world. Do you know His grace? Do you rely on His peace? Turn to Him and find this today.
A Prayer to Remember
Dear Lord,
I need your grace every day. I need to be reminded of your grace and peace every day. May I live my life in such a way that I remind myself and others of the great things you have done. Amen.
Monday, April 1, 2024
Friday, March 29, 2024
Exodus 34:27-28
Exodus 34:27-28 – And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for
after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee with Israel. And
he was there forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he
wrote upon the tables that words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 20:1-17 – And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy
God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou make unto thee any
graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that I in
the earth beneath, or that is in the water the earth; Thou shalt not bow down
thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and
fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of
them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of
the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh
his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, and do all thy work: But the
seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any
work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant,
nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the
LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the
seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honour
thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the
LORD thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou
shalt not steal. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant,
nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy
neighbour’s.
Matthew 4:10 – Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee
hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him
only shalt thou serve.
1 John 5:21 – Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Revelation 21:8 – But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall
have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the
second death.
Matthew 6:6 – But thou, when thou prayest, enter
into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is
in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Acts 19:13-16 – Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men
of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
Matthew 5:33-37 – Again, ye have heard that it hath
been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not foreswear thyself, but shalt
perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all;
neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his
footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither
shalt thou swear by they head, because thou canst not make one hair white or
black. But let you communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more
than these cometh of evil.
James 5:12 – But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by
heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be
yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Matthew 2:21-23 – And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and
came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelans did reign in
Judaea in the room of his father Herod, notwithstanding being warned of God in
a dram, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a
city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the
prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Mark 7:7 –
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for
doctrines the commandments of men.
Exodus 20:8-11 – Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the
LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is
within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and
all that is in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed
the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Devotion: Muscling Through
The Bible in One Year: Psalm 148-150/1 Corinthians 15:29-58
Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:2-3, 14-12
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved
to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah. ~2
Chronicles 20:3
Muscling Through
Competitive bodybuilders put themselves through a rigorous
training cycle. During the initial months, they emphasize gaining size and
strength. As the competition nears, the focus shifts to losing any fat that
hides the muscle. In the final days before the competition, they consume less
water than normal so their muscle tissue is easily visible. Because of the
reduced consumption of nourishment, despite appearing strong.
In 2 Chronicles 20, we read of the opposite reality:
acknowledging weakness in order to experience God’s strength. “A vast army is
coming against you,” people told King Jehoshaphat. So “he proclaimed a fast for
all Judah” (v.3), depriving himself and all his people of nourishment. Then they
asked God for help. When he finally mustered his military, Jehoshaphat placed
singers who praised God at the front of his army (v. 21). As they began to
sing, the Lord “set ambushes against the men . . . who were invading Judah, and
they were defeated” (v. 22).
Jehoshaphat’s decision demonstrated deep faith in God He
purposefully chose not to depend on his own human and military prowess but
instead to lean on God. Rather than trying to muscle our way through the trials
we face, may we turn to Him and allow Him to be our Strength. [Kirsten Homberg]
Read “The Strength of Weakness” at
discoveryseries.org/hp144.
We must recognize our
weakness to experience God’s Strength!!!!!
Devotion: In His Hands
Keep Praying and Believing in God!!!!!!
Daily Bible Verse
Who is he that
overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? ~1
John 5:5
Daily Inspiration
Overcoming the world sounds like an impossible feat. How do
we defeat the forces of greed, strife, and pride that define the ways of the
world? Only through Jesus, who leads u in a life of humble sacrifice. In Jesus,
we find the peace of a secure eternity, no matter what we face in this world,
freeing us to pursue His kingdom instead of worldly gains.
Daily Prayer
Lord God, thank You for calling me to be a child of Your
kingdom. You’ve called me to resist the ways of the world as I live for You,
but I cannot do it alone. Thank You for sending Jesus to live that I may have
an example to follow. And thank You for His death and resurrection, by which I receive
the power to follow You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Pray because God
Listens!!!!
In His Hands
By Chipo Biti
In His Hands: Into
thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O God of truth. ~Psalm
31:5
Trust is a hard thing to come by in the world. When you are
surrounded by people who only have their best interests at heart, it can be
very hard to find someone you can confide in. the thought of giving a person a
glance into your heart and your mind can be daunting.
People are capable of convincing you that you can trust
them, but in them, you have finished confiding in them, they are already
thinking of the way they’re going to tell someone else about everything that
you’ve just shared with them. People are capable of smiling in your face and
talking behind your back at the same time. Such things leave very little to be
desired when it comes to trying to trust people and letting them into your
lives.
Fortunately with God we don’t have such worries. We know
that God has our lives in our hands and this gives us peace. It does not give
us any reason to worry. God truly is the only one who has your best interests
at heart. Everything He guides you in is for your benefit. Thi is why He
constantly urges us to follow the guiding of His Spirit.
He isn’t trying to control us. He is trying to prevent us
from experiencing anything detrimental to our health and our livelihood as His
children.
Think of an interaction between a child and their mother. A child
may walk into the kitchen and tell their mom that they are ready to drive a
car. The mother will tell them that they are not ready to drive. The child
might become upset and think that their mother is trying to stifle their
dreams. But the mother is actually protecting them. If the child tries to drive
at their young age, they will end up injuring or even killing themselves (or
others).
Prayer
The same thing happens with God. He knows us better than we
know ourselves and because of this, some of the things He may guide us to do
might not make sense in the moment, but when we take a look at our lives later,
we realize that everything actually does make sense.
This is why David could confidentially tell God that he has
committed his spirit into God’s hands. He is the only one who can truly protect
us, guide us, and prepare us for anything life tries to throw in our direction.
Amen!
Jesus is my
Rock!!!!!!
When You Are Seeking Peace
And the LORD shall
guide thee soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a
watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fall. ~Isaiah 58:11
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