Month: September 2023

September 30, 2023 Devotional

The Orange Kickball: A Lesson in Community and Faith

“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification” (Romans 15:2, KJV).

Introduction

John lived in a place where his neighbors were practically strangers. Despite a loving home, he remained disconnected from the community beyond his yard. But an orange kickball became a catalyst for change, connecting him to his neighbors. Yet, life’s demands tested his commitment to this newfound sense of community.

Devotional Story

John was enjoying a quiet day with his family when an orange kickball from next door rolled into his yard. Motivated by a quiet urging in his heart, he stepped outside to return the ball to a young child next door. Guided by the words of the Bible,

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40, KJV).

After returning the ball, something miraculous happened. Neighbors he’d never spoken to before began gathering in his yard, mingling with his family. The atmosphere changed, as if walls between them were crumbling, reflecting the scriptural directive,

“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification” (Romans 15:2, KJV).

Just as the feeling of community was building, John’s phone buzzed. Work was calling, asking him to come in immediately. He was at a crossroads. Yet, another internal nudge guided his decision. He chose to stay with his neighbors, fulfilling the scripture,

“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16, KJV).

Later, John reflected with his family, “We were part of something special today. Even when work tried to pull me away, I felt God’s guidance to stay.” Heads nodded in agreement all around.

Conclusion

Life has a way of distracting us from the meaningful moments God places in our paths. It’s essential to listen to that small, guiding voice inside us, making the choice to nurture love and fellowship. As the Bible clearly states,

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV).

September 29, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Wine of Renewed Faith

27. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

28. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV)

Introduction:

In a world where outward appearances often overshadow inner truths, the journey for genuine spiritual connection can be fraught with trials. Martin, a faithful man, finds himself struggling within the walls of his own church, a place where judgment and hypocrisy seem to replace the teachings of unconditional love and acceptance. This narrative explores the transformative power of listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, even when it leads you away from familiar places. It serves as a vivid reminder that God’s grace knows no boundaries and that true communion with Him can happen in the most unexpected settings. Through the intertwining lives of Martin and Ethan, a young boy sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, we witness how divine connections can restore faith, offer new beginnings, and bring peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7, KJV).

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, KJV).

Devotional Story:

Martin sat disheartened in his church, grappling with the verbal mockery of the elders, the very people who should be exemplifying Christ’s love. Around him, he felt a cloud of pretense, a gathering of judgmental faces masked by artificial smiles. “he thought bitterly. With a heavy heart, Martin knew it was time to leave.

Guided by a divine unrest, he wandered until he found another church, one with an aura of simplicity and authenticity. As he stepped inside, he sensed a compelling pull in his spirit, as if God Himself was saying,

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV).

Though he uttered no words, his heart felt the need for communion with God.

A young boy named Ethan, who had been assisting the deacons in cleaning up, felt the Holy Spirit stop him in his tracks. Ethan looked up and saw Martin. He knew what he had to do, a silent understanding filling him that bore the mark of Romans 8:14 (KJV):

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14 (KJV)

Ethan approached Martin, chalice in hand. “Would you like to partake in communion?”

Martin noticed that there was no bread, only wine. Yet, he felt a profound sense of completeness as he took the wine, echoing the words of Jesus:

“This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20, KJV).

The moment was filled with a divine peace, resonating with Philippians 4:7 (KJV):

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

Overwhelmed with spiritual fulfillment, Ethan later gathered his loved ones, exclaiming, “Rejoice with me, for the Holy Spirit has moved in mysterious yet profound ways today! A man who felt lost and judged found divine peace and communion in our humble sanctuary.” And there was great rejoicing, capturing the essence of Luke 15:10 (KJV):

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10 (KJV)

Conclusion:

Life may lead us through churches filled with judgment and hypocrisy, but God’s voice will always guide us to where we truly belong. The absence of bread in the communion symbolizes that even when some elements of our spiritual journey seem missing, the substance of God’s love and grace remains ever abundant.

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV).

Listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance allows us to find profound peace and communion in the most unexpected places, reminding us that God is everywhere, ever willing to give us a second chance at spiritual fulfillment.

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 KJV)

September 28, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Invisible Fears and the Comfort of the Good Shepherd

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Introduction:

Fear can paralyze us, making us oblivious to the blessings we have, akin to the lost sheep separated from its flock in the biblical parable (Luke 15:4-6). In these moments, it’s crucial to remember God, our eternal Shepherd, who promises to guide and comfort us.

Devotional Story:

In a quiet town enveloped by morning fog, John felt his heart tighten with concern. His son, Alex, should have been waiting for the school bus at the end of their driveway. The spot where Alex usually stood was hauntingly empty.

“Alex!” John’s call echoed through the mist, unanswered. Terrifying scenarios raced through his mind: had Alex strayed like a lost sheep? With his heart pounding like a drum, John ran down the driveway, his eyes frantically searching through the fog.

Finding no trace of Alex outside, a sense of dread overwhelmed him. John dashed back into the house, bracing for the worst. Then, he saw him. Alex was nestled on the living room sofa, wrapped in a warm blanket. When Alex looked up and smiled, that simple expression became a divine beacon, instantly dispelling John’s fears.

That moment reminded John of the Biblical truth to always trust in the unshakeable presence and guidance of God, our eternal Shepherd. Much like the shepherd in the parable of the lost sheep, God watches over us, especially in our darkest valleys filled with fear and uncertainty.

Spiritual Application:

In times of overwhelming or invisible fears, it’s easy to forget that we are under the care of the ultimate Shepherd. God assures us through Psalm 23:4 that even in our darkest valleys, He is there to guide and comfort us with His “rod and staff.” This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Luke 15:4-6, where the good shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the lost one, emphasizing that God is relentless in calming our anxious hearts.

4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ (Luke 15:4-6)

Conclusion:

Fear may cloud our vision, but it cannot obscure God’s presence. In moments of fear, let’s turn our hearts to prayer and trust, knowing that our Good Shepherd is ever near, ready to comfort and guide us home.

September 27, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Silent Flood

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Devotional Story :

Jacob and Rachel were loving parents to their two children, Samuel and Sarah. They worked hard to provide a happy home, but they allowed little sins to trickle in without taking much notice. They considered these sins harmless; perhaps a white lie here, or some gossip there. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, this trickle turned into a flood.

The Bible warns,

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9).

Unbeknownst to them, the floodwaters of sin were rising.

One night, both Jacob and Rachel had a similar dream. They saw their children, Samuel and Sarah, asleep in their beds as floodwaters started to rise around them. The waters covered their beds, and slowly began to submerge their children. They woke up in terror, realizing the gravity of their actions.

They immediately fell to their knees and prayed for forgiveness, asking God for wisdom and discernment.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

From that day on, they were diligent in keeping sin out of their home, ensuring they were aligned with God’s word. They spoke Proverbs 22:6 over their children,

“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Conclusion:

Don’t underestimate the power of ‘little’ sins to cause harm. Be vigilant and continuously seek God’s guidance to keep your home a sanctuary of His love and righteousness.
Let this story serve as a warning and a guide to stand firm against the tricks of the enemy, holding fast to what is good.

21 Examine all things; retain that which is good.

22 Separate yourselves from all appearance of evil.

(1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

September 26, 2023 Devotional

A Journey from Deception to Deliverance

The Vision

In my dream, a young man in a simple white suit stood beside a beautiful yet deceptive woman. They were isolated in a wild, open field, with no one else around. The man appeared to be in a trance, as if under some sort of spell by the woman.

They walked together toward a hill by a flowing river. When he caught sight of the river and a plain brown basket full of brightly colored balloons to his right, he abruptly snapped out of his daze. Realizing the woman’s deceitful intent, he cursed her and broke off the nearly-made vow of marriage she had tried to trick him into.

He jumped into the basket, and the multi-colored balloons lifted him into the sky. Floating away, he passed over the river and rolling green hills. Along the journey, he noticed a dead tree branch with six faded pink balloons tied to it. However, he kept his focus forward, confident that he was heading toward a better place filled with friends and family.

Interpretation

In the dream, the young man in the simple white suit represents a soul striving for purity, yet vulnerable to deception. The woman symbolizes temptation and the wicked allure of the world. They find themselves alone in the wilderness, much like Jesus was tempted in the desert. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.

9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Matthew 4:1-11

The man’s initial enthrallment with the woman evokes the deceptive allure that worldly temptations often hold. Yet, he wakes from his trance, resisting the temptation, just as James 4:7 instructs,

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7

His waking from the trance is akin to spiritual awakening.

The River and The Basket:
The flowing river beside them can be likened to the “river of the water of life”.

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. symbolizing God’s eternal provisions and blessings.“

Revelation 22:1

The basket with multicolored balloons signifies the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-24.

” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Galatians 5:22-24

Breaking Free:

When the man jumps into the basket, it represents a decision to break free from sin and choose the gifts of the Spirit. He is lifted up and carried away, akin to being ‘born again’ (John 3:3) and carried by the grace of God.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3

The Faded Balloons:

The dead branch with the faded balloons that he passes symbolizes the dead branches in our life that need be cut by our Holy Gardner in order for use to bear fruit.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the Gardner. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

John 1:1-2

Conclusion:

This journey from deception to deliverance underscores the power of turning away from temptation and toward God. The unknown but promising destination the man floats toward symbolizes the heavenly reward that awaits those who stay true to their faith.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”

1 Peter 5:8-9

 

September 25, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Serving GOD Through Life’s Turns

In the early morning hours, a dream came to me, unbidden but clear as day. This dream served as a divine nudge, a message from God: “Serve me humbly, as you once served others.”

THE RESTAURANT YEARS: THE SEEDS OF SERVICE

Back in the day, I was a waiter at a Mexican restaurant. I loved making people’s days better just by remembering their regular orders. You wouldn’t believe how much a smile can light up the room when you remember that simplest things like if the customer drank sweet tea or unsweet.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10

It also brought me great joy to see the customers faces light up. To them it was like I had performed something miraculous just by knowing what they wanted. It made them feel special.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

The Downfall: Losing Sight of Service

Over time, my sense of joy began to wane, gradually corroded by interactions with difficult customers. They never said it, but their body language screamed contempt. They looked down on me as if I was inferior. This toxic environment tainted my perspective, converting a job I loved into a source of bitterness and resentment.

The Family Influence: A Technological Compass

It was during this period of internal turmoil that I started to reflect on my father’s influence. Growing up, he was always self-employed, running his own business in the technology sector. He imbued me with a fascination for tech, something that I realized could be my way out of my current unhappiness.

Yet, my father too had once faced similar crossroads. He was restless in his job in a tech company, eventually realizing that he needed to forge his own path. He did exactly that, establishing his own security installation business, taking us, his children, along for this incredible ride.

And of course, he would always remind my brothers and I of Philippians 4:13 when we would work with him.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

During this period of turmoil, memories of my father’s parallel experiences started to surface. He was a man of technology, his passion coursing through my veins as well. My brothers and I would often accompany him on jobs installing security systems across Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.

One particular job that stands out, was at one of Virginia’s first and earliest data centers. Even in that professional environment, my father remained his authentic self. A man guided by his own internal compass, he once left a job he loved in technology to start his own business, seeking a greater purpose.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

A Full Circle Moment

Years later, by what felt like a twist of divine fate, I found myself working at one of the first and most prominent data centers in Southern Virginia. The customers I served at the restaurant had unknowingly prepared me for this moment—offering a service, networking, and paving the way for new opportunities.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

THE DREAM DECODED

In my dream, I was back at the restaurant, swamped with orders and struggling to keep up. I even goofed up a few things. But then I passed the baton to a young host who looked so grateful, and the dream ended.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I think God is telling me to never forget the joy and humility I felt when I was serving tables. He wants me to serve Him with that same heart.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29

So, as I sit here typing, it’s not just me—it’s the Holy Spirit guiding me. Life has a way of coming full circle, especially when you listen to God. He’s the best server of all, always knowing exactly what we need.