Author: Akedah

May 6, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Stop Stressing: The Lord Has You!

Opening Verse

 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Introduction

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with worries and stress. However, the Bible reminds us that we have a reliable refuge in the Lord.

Devotional Story

Imagine a young man named Michael, burdened by his job and worrying about his future. One evening, feeling particularly overwhelmed, he remembers a verse his grandmother used to recite: 1 Peter 5:7. Deciding to put his anxieties aside, he kneels and prays, surrendering his troubles to God. Over the next few weeks, Michael notices a change in himself. Though his circumstances haven’t drastically changed, his perspective has. He feels lighter, trusting that God is managing things beyond his control.

What This Means

This story illustrates the power of prayer and the peace that comes from truly believing that God cares for us. When we cast our cares upon Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His divine guidance.

Think About This

How often do you take your worries to the Lord in prayer? Are there areas in your life where you need to trust Him more?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for always being there for me. Help me to remember to bring all my worries to You in prayer, trusting that You are in control and care deeply about my life. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

May 5, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Finding Purpose in Detours

Opening Verse

 “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

 

Introduction

Life is full of unexpected turns and sudden stops. Sometimes, what we perceive as setbacks are actually divine interventions designed to steer us toward God’s plans.

 

Devotional Story

Imagine a man named Tom, who always had a clear vision for his life. He planned to move to a big city and start a new business. However, just as he was about to leave, a series of unexpected events kept him in his small hometown. First, a sudden illness in the family, then financial difficulties that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

 

Initially frustrated, Tom started to volunteer at a local community center to pass the time. Through this, he discovered a deep passion for helping others and realized the community’s need for services his business could provide. The roadblock that seemed to be a setback was actually a path to a fulfilling purpose he had never considered.

 

What This Means

God’s guidance can sometimes feel like a roadblock, redirecting us from the path we’ve chosen to one that He has prepared for us. These moments challenge us to trust not in our own plans, but in His greater design.

Think About This

When faced with unexpected roadblocks, do you react with frustration, or do you take time to seek God’s purpose in the pause? Could there be opportunities to serve or grow that you are overlooking?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to see the roadblocks in my life as signs of Your guidance. Grant me the patience and wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow it, even when it leads me away from my original plans. 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)

May 4, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Faithful Growth

Opening Verse

“Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?” – Luke 13:7 (KJV)

Introduction

The parable of the barren fig tree is a vivid reminder of the importance of bearing spiritual fruit in our lives. The owner’s frustration over the lack of fruit despite years of care highlights a spiritual urgency for growth and productivity.

Devotional Story

Imagine a farmer who meticulously tends to a fig tree in his orchard. Year after year, he nurtures it with the best soil, water, and sunshine. But despite his efforts, the tree remains fruitless. His patience wears thin as the tree takes up valuable space without contributing to the harvest. The farmer faces a tough decision—give the tree one more season or remove it to make room for a more productive one.

What This Means

Just like the fig tree, we are expected to show evidence of our spiritual growth. Being part of a community or family, our actions and contributions are noticed. When there’s no progress or positive impact, we must reevaluate our commitment and efforts towards personal growth and service.

Think About This

Consider your own life as the fig tree. What kind of fruit are you bearing? Are you positively impacting those around you, or are you just taking up space? It’s a tough question but essential for true spiritual introspection.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience and care in my life. Please help me to bear good fruit that glorifies You and benefits others. Guide me in areas where I am lacking, and instill in me a spirit of active, fruitful engagement in my faith and community. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” – Matthew 7:19 (KJV)

May 3, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Seek God First

Opening Verse

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to let the first moments of our mornings slip away into the hands of technology or other distractions. But the way we start our day can set the tone for every hour that follows. Prioritizing God first thing in the morning is a powerful practice that aligns our hearts, minds, and actions with His purpose.

Devotional Story

Imagine a day beginning not with the ping of a smartphone notification, but with the peaceful silence of a prayer. Michael, a young professional, used to start his mornings scrolling through emails and social media. However, feeling increasingly empty, he decided to make a change. He began his days with a simple prayer and reading a passage from the Bible. This small shift brought profound changes to Michael’s life. He felt more centered, patient, and ready to face the day’s challenges with a spirit aligned with God’s will.

What This Means

Putting God first each morning is an act of obedience and worship. It’s about giving Him the first fruits of our day, acknowledging His sovereignty, and setting our priorities according to His will. This habit strengthens our relationship with God, ensuring that His voice is the loudest one we hear each day.

Think About This

What are the first things you reach for or think about each morning? How might your day change if it began with seeking God’s presence?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to prioritize You above everything else each morning. Teach me to seek Your face before I turn my attention to the world. May Your Spirit guide me throughout the day, keeping my thoughts and actions in line with Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” – Psalm 63:1 (KJV)

May 2, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Certainty of God’s Judgement

 Opening Verse

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” – Ecclesiastes 12:14

Introduction

In a world that often seems chaotic and out of control, it’s important to remember that God’s judgement is a fixed point of certainty. This divine assessment is not just a future event but an ongoing reality that shapes our lives and our world.

Devotional Story

Imagine a small town where everyone knows each other’s business. One day, a new family moves into town, bringing with them a past that they hope to keep hidden. However, as time passes, their secrets start to surface, causing stir among the townspeople. This scenario mirrors how God’s judgement works. Nothing can be hidden from God; every action and thought are known to Him, and He judges them according to His perfect law.

What This Means

God’s judgement being already determined means that His laws and the consequences for breaking them are established and unchanging. Unlike human laws which can be ambiguous and subject to change, God’s standards are perfect, just, and eternal. They apply to every person and situation without exception or prejudice.

Think About This

How does the certainty of God’s judgement influence your daily decisions? Knowing that God sees all and judges all, are there areas in your life where you need to make changes? This isn’t about fear, but about living a life that is aligned with God’s will and His holy standards.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unchanging standards and the certainty of Your judgement. Help me to live each day with the awareness of Your presence and Your laws. Guide me to walk in Your ways, and give me the courage to make right choices, knowing that You see all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” – Revelation 20:12

May 1, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Embrace the New

Opening Verse

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19

Introduction

Every day presents an opportunity to encounter something different or challenging. Sometimes, these opportunities might seem daunting or out of our comfort zone. However, embracing new experiences is essential for personal growth and spiritual enrichment.

Devotional Story

Tom, a dedicated church member, always avoided participating in the church’s outreach programs in different neighborhoods. He felt uncomfortable interacting in unfamiliar environments. One day, he reluctantly agreed to join a group visiting a community far from his usual surroundings. To his surprise, he discovered a vibrant community full of lessons about resilience and faith. Tom’s initial reluctance turned into enthusiasm as he learned from the locals and shared experiences that enriched his spiritual life.

What This Means

Embracing new experiences means stepping into God’s plan without fear. Just like Tom, we often find that what seems daunting at first can lead to significant personal and spiritual growth. God calls us to trust Him as He leads us into new territories—spiritual or physical.

Think About This

How often do you step out of your comfort zone to embrace new experiences? Are there areas in your life where fear of the unfamiliar is holding you back from experiencing God’s blessings?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the courage to embrace the new things You are doing in my life. Help me to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow in faith and knowledge. May I trust in Your guidance as I step out of my comfort zones. Amen.

Closing Verse

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

April 30, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Break Free and Run to Christ

Opening Verse

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” – Proverbs 18:10

Introduction

Life’s journey can often take us into rough waters where our deepest fears and doubts try to drown our peace and identity. Facing these giants can be daunting, but there is a pathway that leads to safety and truth—it starts at the feet of Jesus Christ.

Devotional Story

Imagine Anna, a woman who faced severe anxiety and uncertainty as she transitioned to becoming a single mother. The weight of her new reality seemed unbearable. Yet, in her darkest moments, she remembered the simpler, joyful times of her childhood faith. This memory sparked a desire to reconnect with that faith, leading her to seek comfort and guidance through prayer and scripture.

What This Means

Anna’s story is a call to action for all of us. When the shadows of fear grow long and our hearts feel overwhelmed, it’s a signal to not just stand still but to run—run towards Christ. He is our refuge, our strong tower where safety and peace are found.

Think About This

Consider what fears are holding you back today. Are you ready to let them go and trust Christ to lead you into His light? He is waiting to turn your fears into freedom.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we come to You in our weakness and fear. We ask You to be our strength, our guide, and our protector. As we run towards You, hold us close, transform our fears, and let Your peace fill our hearts. Amen.

Closing Verse

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

April 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Scent of Sin

Opening Verse

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2

Introduction

Just as we can carry the scent of a busy kitchen or the smoke from a campfire, our lives can carry the scent of our actions and choices. Sometimes, we don’t notice how much we’ve been influenced by our surroundings until we step away and see the residue they’ve left on us.

Devotional Story

Imagine walking into a busy gas station with a deli at the back. The air is thick with the smell of fried chicken, and before you know it, the smell has clung to your clothes. Your hair feels greasy, and your face sticky. Everywhere you go after that, you carry the smell with you. It’s not just a smell; it’s a reminder of where you’ve been.

Living in sin can be a lot like that. It’s easy to become so accustomed to the negative influences in our lives that we don’t even notice the ‘smell’ they’re leaving on us. But just like that aroma of fried food, the residue of our choices sticks around, affecting everything we do and every place we go.

What This Means

When we live in ways that aren’t aligned with God’s word, we end up ‘smelling’ like the world. Our thoughts, actions, and attitudes start to reflect the negative influences we’ve been around, rather than the freshness of God’s spirit.

Think About This

Have you ever stopped to notice what you ‘smell’ like? Are there habits, places, or people in your life that are covering you with an aroma that isn’t pleasant in God’s nostrils? What steps can you take today to ‘change your clothes’ and freshen up?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Help me to recognize the scent of sin and give me the strength to step away from influences that tarnish my spirit. Renew me, Lord, and let my life be a sweet aroma to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

April 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Seeds of Tomorrow

Opening Verse

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

Introduction

The choices we make today set the stage for what we will face tomorrow. This simple truth underpins the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, reminding us that our current actions have future consequences.

Devotional Story

Consider the story of a young man named Michael who dreamed of becoming a chef. Each day, he dedicated time to learning new recipes, practicing his cooking skills, and understanding the art of flavors. His commitment was rooted in his understanding that every step he took was planting seeds for his future.

In contrast, his friend Liam, who shared the same dream, often skipped practice and spent his days in leisure. While it seemed enjoyable in the moment, Liam neglected the hard work necessary for his dream.

Years later, Michael became a renowned chef with his own restaurant, while Liam still struggled to master basic cooking techniques. The difference in their futures was a direct result of their actions in the past.

What This Means

Our lives are like gardens. The seeds we plant—through our habits, decisions, and actions—will grow and produce fruit in the future. If we sow diligence and faithfulness, we will reap success and fulfillment. Conversely, neglect and procrastination yield a harvest of missed opportunities and regret.

Think About This

How are you preparing for your future? Are you planting seeds that will grow into the dreams and goals you cherish?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide me to make wise choices today that will sow seeds for a fruitful future. Help me to act with foresight, knowing that each decision I make is planting a future harvest. May I always sow in faith and diligence, trusting in Your guidance and provision. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6

 

April 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Favor Over Labor

Opening Verse

 “Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42 (KJV)

 

Introduction

In the quiet moments of life, it is crucial to discern what truly merits our attention and energy. The story of Martha and Mary beautifully illustrates the virtue of discernment in choosing the better part.

 

Devotional Story

In the village of Bethany, Martha opened her home to Jesus, dedicating herself to serving Him. While she was engaged in preparations, her sister Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening intently to His teachings. Martha, feeling overwhelmed by her tasks, sought Jesus’ support to encourage Mary to assist her.

 

However, Jesus gently corrected Martha, highlighting that her concerns, though well-intentioned, were secondary to the opportunity to learn and grow spiritually. Mary’s choice to focus on Jesus’ words was commended as the better part, a choice that enriched her soul and was eternal.

What This Means

Jesus’ gentle admonition to Martha is not a critique of her service but an encouragement to prioritize spiritual enrichment over daily tasks. It reminds us that spiritual growth and attentiveness to God’s word are the most valuable pursuits.

Think About This

How often do we let our responsibilities overshadow our time with God? Are there areas in our lives where we need to reorder our priorities to focus more on spiritual growth?

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant us the wisdom to recognize the better part as Mary did. Help us to choose what is everlasting and nourish our souls with Your teachings. Guide us in balancing our duties and our spiritual life, so that we may grow closer to You each day. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)