May 2024 - Akedah

May 31, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Infestation of Sin

Opening Verse

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7 (KJV)

Introduction

Sin can seem small and insignificant at first, like crumbs left behind after a meal. But these crumbs can attract unwanted visitors and lead to a full-blown infestation if not dealt with promptly.

Devotional Story

Imagine a house where crumbs are left on the floor and counters every day. At first, the crumbs seem harmless, just tiny bits that can be swept up later. However, these crumbs attract mice. The mice find the crumbs and start to explore, making nests and multiplying. Before long, the house has an infestation. The homeowners didn’t notice the problem at first because it started small. But over time, the consequences of ignoring those tiny crumbs became clear: the mice were everywhere.

In the same way, sin can creep into our lives. It might start with a small lie, a moment of jealousy, or a fleeting thought of anger. These sins seem minor, but if left unchecked, they can grow and multiply, leading to a heart and life infested with sin.

What This Means

Sin, like mice, can start small but grow rapidly. The Bible warns us that whatever we sow, we will reap. Just as crumbs can lead to an infestation, small sins can lead to bigger ones, affecting our entire lives. It’s crucial to address these sins immediately and seek God’s help in overcoming them.

Think About This

– Are there any “crumbs” of sin in your life that you’ve been ignoring?
– How can you take steps today to clean up these areas and prevent a larger problem?
– What can you do to seek God’s help in maintaining a sin-free life?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to recognize the small sins in my life and to deal with them swiftly. Give me the strength and wisdom to avoid letting these sins grow and take over my heart. Cleanse me and guide me to live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

May 30, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Blinding of Bar-Jesus

Opening Verse

“And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?”
— Acts 13:10 (KJV)

Introduction

In the book of Acts, we encounter a man named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas the sorcerer. He used his cunning and deceitful ways to mislead people, opposing the truth of God’s word. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of falsehood and the ultimate triumph of truth.

Devotional Story

Bar-Jesus was a false prophet who used sorcery to influence and deceive the people. He tried to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the faith when Paul and Barnabas were sharing the gospel. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him sharply, and Bar-Jesus was struck with blindness. This physical blindness mirrored the spiritual blindness he was spreading among the people.

Just as Bar-Jesus used his skills to lead people away from the truth, there are many today who employ persuasive speech and deceitful practices to keep others from seeing the light of Christ. These modern-day “sorcerers” may not use magic, but their words and actions can be just as misleading and harmful.

What This Means

Bar-Jesus’ temporary blindness was a direct result of his attempt to blind others from the truth. It symbolizes how spiritual blindness can afflict those who choose to deceive and those who are deceived. In a world full of distractions and false teachings, it is crucial to stay rooted in the word of God and discern truth from lies.

Think About This

– Are there areas in your life where you might be influenced by deceitful teachings or false information?
– How can you strengthen your understanding and discernment of the truth?
– Consider the ways you can help others see the light of Christ amidst the confusion of today’s world.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for wisdom and discernment in a world filled with deception. Help us to see clearly through the lies and to stand firm in your truth. Guide us to be lights in the darkness, leading others to the clarity and salvation found in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”
— Acts 13:12 (KJV

May 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Cry for Help

Opening Verse

“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”
Psalm 69:1-3 KJV

Introduction

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, like we’re drowning in our troubles. The psalmist in Psalm 69 knew this feeling well and cried out to God in his distress.

Devotional Story

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. She was eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp. In the camp, Corrie experienced unimaginable suffering and loss, including the death of her sister. The conditions were horrifying, and the constant threat of death loomed over her.

One night, in the depths of despair, Corrie cried out to God, feeling completely abandoned and overwhelmed by her circumstances. She felt like she was sinking in deep mire, just as the psalmist described. But even in that darkest moment, Corrie held onto her faith, believing that God was with her. Despite the cruelty around her, she continued to pray and trust in God’s deliverance.

Miraculously, Corrie survived the concentration camp. After the war, she dedicated her life to spreading the message of forgiveness and reconciliation, sharing her story of faith and survival with the world. Her experiences, chronicled in her book “The Hiding Place,” have inspired countless people to trust in God during their darkest times.

What This Means

Just like Corrie ten Boom, we all face moments when we feel overwhelmed. Psalm 69 reminds us that it’s okay to cry out to God. It’s okay to admit that we need His help. When we feel like we’re drowning, God hears our cries and comes to our aid. Corrie’s story shows us that even in the most desperate circumstances, God’s presence and love can sustain us. Her unwavering faith in God’s goodness, even in the face of evil, is a powerful reminder that God never abandons us.

Think About This

Have you ever felt like you were sinking under the weight of your problems?
How did you find comfort and strength during those times?
Are there areas in your life right now where you need to cry out to God for help?
How can Corrie ten Boom’s story inspire you to trust in God’s saving power?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come to You feeling overwhelmed by our troubles. Just as the psalmist cried out for Your saving hand, we too ask for Your help. Lift us out of the deep waters and place us on solid ground. Strengthen us and give us hope. Thank You for the story of Corrie ten Boom, which reminds us of Your unwavering presence and love. Help us to trust in You, no matter how dark our circumstances may seem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.”
Psalm 71:14 KJV

May 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Unprepared in the Ring

Opening Verse

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
—Psalm 66:18 (KJV)

Introduction

There are moments in life when we feel that our prayers are not being answered. This can be perplexing and disheartening. But have you ever considered that the way we live our lives might be a reason for this silence from God?

Devotional Story

Imagine preparing for a big boxing match. You have ample time to train, eat right, and get in shape. Your coach lays out a perfect plan, designed to ensure you are at your peak performance on the day of the fight. Instead of following the plan, you become lazy. You eat junk food, skip workouts, and ignore all the advice given to you. When the day of the fight arrives, you suddenly realize you’re not ready. In a frantic effort, you try to train and get fit in a few hours, but it’s too late. You step into the ring unprepared, and it becomes painfully clear that you are not equipped to face your opponent.

What This Means

In the same way, our spiritual lives require discipline and dedication. God desires a sincere heart and a life committed to His ways. When we harbor sin and live contrary to His commandments, our connection with Him is disrupted. Just as the unprepared boxer cannot expect to win, we cannot expect God to respond to our prayers if we live in disobedience. Psalm 66:18 tells us that if we hold on to sin, the Lord will not hear us. It’s a sobering reminder that our actions and the state of our hearts matter to God.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually lazy? Are you holding onto habits or sins that might be hindering your prayers? Reflect on your daily walk with God and ask for His help in aligning your life with His will.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging my need for Your guidance and strength. Forgive me for the times I have strayed and allowed sin to dwell in my heart. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You, so that my prayers may be heard. Renew my commitment to follow Your ways and draw closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
—John 15:7 (KJV)

May 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Humility of Jesus

Opening Verse

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV)

Introduction

Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, showed us the greatest example of humility. He, who was equal with God, chose to come to Earth in the form of a man. This act of humility and love is beyond our full comprehension. Let’s explore how His humility impacts our lives and how we can follow His example.

Devotional Story

Imagine living in a grand palace, surrounded by luxury, and having everything you could ever want. Now, imagine choosing to leave all that behind to live as a servant in a small, poor village. This is a small picture of what Jesus did for us. He left the glory of heaven to live among us, to feel our pain, and to ultimately sacrifice Himself for our sins.

Jesus, the Supreme God, became a man. He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and even sorrow. He did all this willingly, out of love for us. His life on Earth was marked by humility from beginning to end. He washed His disciples’ feet, touched the untouchables, and associated with those society rejected. Jesus showed us that true greatness is found in serving others.

What This Means

Jesus’ humility teaches us that no task is too lowly and no person too insignificant. If Jesus, who is God, could humble Himself to serve others, we should be willing to do the same. Our pride should not prevent us from helping those in need, forgiving those who have wronged us, and loving those who seem unlovable. True humility is about putting others before ourselves and recognizing that we are all equal in the eyes of God.

Think About This

How can you show humility in your daily life?
Are there people you consider beneath you? How can you serve them?
Reflect on a time when you put your pride aside to help someone. How did it feel?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for the incredible example of humility that Jesus showed us. Help us to follow His example in our daily lives. Teach us to serve others selflessly, to love unconditionally, and to put others before ourselves. May we always remember that true greatness comes from humility and service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Luke 14:11 (KJV)

May 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Through the Storm with God

Opening Verse

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39 (KJV)

Introduction

Life can often feel like a journey through unpredictable weather. Sometimes, we find ourselves caught in storms we never anticipated. Yet, with God by our side, we can navigate through any storms.

Devotional Story

Imagine you’re riding a motorcycle, enjoying the open road. You didn’t check the weather forecast, though tools to do so were readily available. Similarly, God provides us with the Bible as a tool to understand and prepare for life’s seasons, but we often neglect it.

As you ride, dark clouds gather, and heavy rain begins to pour. Forced to pull over, you seek shelter by the roadside. You had the tools to check the weather and avoid the storm, but you refused to use them. Now, as you wait for the storm to pass, it seems to continue endlessly, as if the cloud is stuck over you.

This scenario is like our spiritual journey. Sometimes we choose not to use the tools God has given us, such as His Word, and we find ourselves caught in life’s storms. If you remain in the same spot, waiting for the storm to clear, you might stay stuck under the rain for much longer than necessary. However, if you trust in God’s guidance and keep moving forward, you’ll soon discover that the storm has ceased. Just a few hundred feet ahead, the skies are clear, and the journey continues in peace.

What This Means

This story teaches us two vital lessons. First, we should utilize the tools God has given us, especially His Word, to navigate life’s challenges. Second, even when we find ourselves unprepared and caught in a storm, trusting in God can lead us through it. Stagnation can prolong our struggle, but moving forward in faith often brings us to calm and clear skies.

Think About This

Are there storms in your life where you feel stuck?
How can you use the Bible to guide you through challenging times?
Do you trust God to help you move forward, even when the path seems difficult?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being our guide and refuge in life’s storms. Help us to use Your Word to navigate through challenges and trust in Your presence when we feel stuck. Give us the courage to move forward in faith, knowing that You will lead us to calm and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

May 25, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Seek God, Gain Wisdom.

Opening Verse

“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.” – Proverbs 28:5 (KJV)

Introduction

Seeking the Lord brings clarity and understanding. This simple yet profound truth reminds us that while those who do evil are lost in confusion, those who earnestly seek God gain insight and wisdom.

Devotional Story

There once was a man named David who struggled to find meaning in his life. Despite his many accomplishments, he felt an emptiness he couldn’t explain. David often found himself surrounded by people who made poor choices, leading him further into a sense of despair and confusion.

One day, David decided to seek the Lord. He started reading the Bible, praying earnestly, and attending church. As he spent more time with God, he began to understand things he never could before. Situations that once confused him became clear. He found wisdom in God’s Word and guidance in prayer. The more he sought the Lord, the more he understood not just his own life, but also the world around him.

What This Means

Proverbs 28:5 teaches us that seeking God brings understanding. When we pursue a relationship with the Lord, we are given insight that goes beyond human wisdom. This verse encourages us to continually seek God, knowing that in Him, we find clarity and purpose.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you feel confused or lost?
Have you earnestly sought the Lord for guidance and understanding?
How can you incorporate more time with God into your daily routine to gain the wisdom you need?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You seeking understanding. We know that true wisdom and clarity come from You. Help us to seek You diligently and to understand the things we cannot on our own. Open our hearts and minds to Your truth, and guide us in all our ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

May 24, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Bridging the Gap

Opening Verse

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Introduction

In life, we often face moments where things feel out of control or difficult to manage. These challenges can seem overwhelming, but they are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

Devotional Story

Sarah felt like she was constantly juggling too many responsibilities. Between work, family, and her personal commitments, she often felt distant from her goals and overwhelmed by her tasks. One evening, after a particularly tough day, she found herself praying for clarity and strength.

As she prayed, a thought entered her mind: “You are not alone. I am here with you.” This simple reminder brought Sarah comfort and a renewed sense of purpose. She realized that she didn’t have to manage everything on her own. By leaning on God and trusting in His guidance, she could find new ways to handle her responsibilities.

Sarah began to seek God’s wisdom more intentionally. She started her mornings with prayer, asking for direction and peace. She also took moments throughout her day to pause and listen for God’s voice. This practice helped her to feel more connected and capable of managing her tasks.

What This Means

Feeling distant or overwhelmed by responsibilities is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By inviting God into our daily lives and seeking His guidance, we can find new perspectives and approaches to our challenges. Trusting in God’s plan and His ability to work things out for our good can bring us peace and clarity.

Think About This

What areas of your life feel challenging to manage right now?
How can you integrate prayer and God’s guidance into your daily routine?
Are there specific responsibilities where you need to trust God more?

Prayer

Dear Lord,
I thank You for always being with me, even when I feel overwhelmed and distant from my goals. Help me to remember that I am not alone and that You are guiding me every step of the way. Grant me the wisdom to manage my responsibilities effectively and the peace to trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

May 23, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Spark,Fire,Grow, Bless!

Opening Verse

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (KJV)

Introduction

In our journey of faith, God’s word serves as the initial spark that ignites our hearts. The Holy Spirit then becomes the fire that fuels our passion for God. We are all God’s sparks, meant to shine brightly and spread His light to the world. Today, we explore how to fan that flame and grow in our spiritual walk.

Devotional Story

Consider a simple campfire. To start it, you need a spark—something to ignite the kindling. Without that initial spark, there’s no fire. God’s word is that spark in our lives. When we read the Bible, it ignites a desire in our hearts to know Him more. But a spark alone won’t keep you warm; you need to feed the fire with wood. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is the fire that grows from the spark of God’s word.

Think about Peter on the day of Pentecost. Before receiving the Holy Spirit, he was fearful and denied Jesus three times. But once the Holy Spirit came upon him, he was on fire for God. He preached boldly, and thousands were saved. His faith had been ignited, and he fanned that flame by stepping out in boldness and obedience.

What This Means

When we accept Christ and study the Bible, we receive the initial spark. The Holy Spirit, given to us at the moment of salvation, becomes the fire that empowers us. But it’s up to us to fan this flame. We do this through prayer, worship, obedience, and sharing our faith with others. The more we feed the fire, the bigger it grows, and the more blessings we experience. Not just material blessings, but the deeper blessings of peace, joy, and a closer relationship with God.

Think About This

Are you feeding the fire of the Holy Spirit in your life, or is your faith just a small spark?
What can you do today to fan the flame of your faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for igniting the spark of faith in our hearts through Your word. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to fan that spark into a blazing fire. Help us to feed the flame through prayer, worship, and obedience to Your will. May our lives shine brightly for You, drawing others to Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”
— 2 Timothy 1:6 (KJV)

May 22, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Power of Words

Opening Verse

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

Introduction

Words hold immense power. They can either build us up or tear us down. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our words can bring life or death. This truth is essential in how we speak about ourselves and others.

Devotional Story

Imagine a young mother named Grace. She often found herself overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising her children. In moments of frustration, she would say to herself, “I’m a terrible mother,” or “I can’t do anything right.” These words, though said in a moment of weakness, began to shape her reality. She felt more inadequate with each passing day.

One day, Grace’s friend, Anna, noticed her distress and offered some gentle advice. “Grace, your words are powerful. Every time you speak negatively about yourself, you are planting seeds of doubt and insecurity. But if you start speaking life and truth, you can transform your mind and heart.”

Grace took Anna’s advice to heart. She began to change her self-talk. Instead of saying, “I’m a terrible mother,” she would say, “I am doing my best, and I am learning every day.” Instead of “I can’t do anything right,” she declared, “I am capable and strong.” Over time, Grace noticed a significant change in her attitude and outlook on life. She felt more confident and at peace, not because her circumstances changed, but because her words did.

What This Means

Our words are like seeds. What we plant will grow. If we plant negative words, we will reap a harvest of doubt, fear, and insecurity. But if we plant words of truth, hope, and encouragement, we will see a harvest of confidence, peace, and joy.

When we speak words of self-hate, it often stems from a mind poisoned by negative thoughts and lies. By affirming these corrupted thoughts, we further entrench ourselves in a cycle of negativity and despair. God created us in His image and has a unique purpose for each of us. He gives us insights and inspiration, but we must be willing to fight the battle of the mind and walk the path He has laid out for us. We are wonderfully made, and God desires to do great things in our lives. However, we must stop cursing ourselves with negative words and start speaking life.

Think About This

– What kind of words are you planting in your life?
– How can you start speaking more positively about yourself and others?
– Remember, you are made in the image of God, and He has a wonderful plan for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our words have power. Help us to speak life and truth into our lives and the lives of others. Forgive us for the times we have spoken negatively about ourselves. Give us the strength to change our words and, in turn, change our lives. Thank You for creating us in Your image and for the wonderful plans You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14 (KJV)