Author: Akedah

September 15, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

An Excellent Spirit


Opening Verse

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
— Daniel 6:3, KJV

Introduction

The story of Daniel is one that shines through the pages of the Bible. He was a man of integrity, faith, and an “excellent spirit.” In a world where power and position are often given to those who manipulate or force their way to the top, Daniel stands as a godly example of someone whose character made him stand out. God used this to elevate Daniel to a position of great influence.

Devotional Story

Daniel was an outsider in Babylon, taken captive from his home as a young man. Yet, he didn’t allow his circumstances to dictate his behavior. Instead of becoming bitter, Daniel chose to serve God faithfully in whatever role he was given. His integrity was so noticeable that the king thought to put him in charge of the entire kingdom. This wasn’t because Daniel was a skilled politician or because he had connections. It was because of the “excellent spirit” within him, which came from his relationship with God.

Even though Daniel’s peers were jealous of him and sought to destroy his reputation, they couldn’t find any fault in him. Daniel lived in such a way that even his enemies had to admit his righteousness. His dedication to God shaped his character, and that made him different from everyone around him.

What This Means

Having an “excellent spirit” is something we should all strive for. It means living with integrity, being faithful in the small things, and maintaining a close relationship with God. It’s not about being perfect, but about consistently seeking to honor God in everything we do. People may not always notice, but God does. And when we live with an excellent spirit, God will use us for His glory, just as He used Daniel.

Think About This

Are you known for having an excellent spirit? What would people say about your character? More importantly, what would God say? Like Daniel, let your faith shape your actions, so that others can see the difference God makes in your life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to have an excellent spirit like Daniel. Help me to live a life that pleases You, regardless of my circumstances. Teach me to be faithful in the small things, and give me the strength to stand firm in my faith when challenges arise. Use me for Your glory, Lord. In Jesus’ name, 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

September 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Prepare the Soil of Your Heart

Matthew 13:15-16 (KJV)

“For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”

Introduction

In life, we often encounter people who seem unable to understand the message of the gospel. No matter how much truth we share, it seems to fall on deaf ears or hardened hearts. This can be discouraging, but Jesus spoke about this very thing. Not every heart is ready to receive the seed of God’s Word.

Devotional Story

Think of a person as a garden. When you look at a well-prepared garden, it’s ready for planting. The soil has been tilled, the rocks removed, and it’s ready to receive seeds. But if a garden is filled with rocks and stones, no matter how many seeds you plant, they won’t take root. The soil isn’t ready.

In the same way, some people’s hearts are not yet ready to receive the message of the gospel. Their hearts might be hardened by past hurts, disbelief, or distractions. When you try to share God’s love with them, it’s as if you’re throwing seeds onto rocky soil. They might not understand what you’re saying because their spiritual soil hasn’t been prepared. The rocks and stones of life’s challenges, sin, and pride need to be removed first.

But even as believers, we can sometimes add rocks to our own garden, preventing the seeds of growth in our lives. When we allow pride, bitterness, or distractions to take root, we place obstacles in the soil of our hearts. These things can prevent us from hearing God’s voice clearly and from growing in His Word. Just like an unprepared garden, our hearts can become cluttered with things that hinder our spiritual growth. We need to ask God to help us remove those things that stand in the way of our relationship with Him.

What This Means

This doesn’t mean we stop sharing the gospel or stop growing ourselves. On the contrary, we must keep planting seeds and allowing God to work in our lives. He is the One who prepares the heart, both in unbelievers and in us as believers. God is faithful to remove the stones that block growth, but we must be willing to let go of those things that hinder us.

Sometimes, the seeds we plant might not take root immediately, but that doesn’t mean they’re wasted. In time, God will soften even the hardest hearts, including our own, and the seeds of His Word will begin to grow. If you find your spiritual growth is stunted, it might be time to examine your own heart and ask, “What rocks have I added that need to be removed?”

Think About This

Have you ever felt discouraged when sharing the gospel with someone who didn’t respond, or even in your own spiritual journey when growth seems slow? Remember, the condition of the heart isn’t always in our control, but God can transform even the hardest heart—including ours. Trust in His timing, and continue to sow seeds of truth in love, both in others and in your own life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which is the seed of life. Help us to faithfully share Your truth, even when it seems like the hearts of those around us are not ready to receive it. Show us the rocks and stones that we may have placed in our own lives that prevent growth, and help us remove them. We trust You to prepare the soil and remove the stones that block us from receiving more of You. Soften hearts, open eyes, and make them ready to receive Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”
—Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV)

September 13, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Quality of the Connection

Opening Verse

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” — James 4:8, KJV

Introduction

We live in a time where staying connected is easy, yet so many feel disconnected in their spiritual lives. How often do we feel distant from God and wonder why our prayers seem unheard or why our faith feels weak? The answer may lie in the quality of our connection with God. Like a weak phone signal, if our connection to God is shallow or full of interference, we may struggle to hear His voice or feel His presence.

Devotional Story

A man once worked long hours in a busy city, always distracted by the noise and demands of daily life. He believed in God but found himself praying only when it was convenient or when he needed something. Over time, he noticed that his prayers felt dry and his faith had grown cold. He went to church, but his heart wasn’t really in it. His connection to God had become weak, like a phone with poor reception.

One day, during a rare quiet moment, he felt a tug in his spirit. He realized that the distractions of his life had built a wall between him and God. He remembered how, in the past, he would spend time in prayer, reading the Word, and listening for God’s guidance. But now, all those things seemed distant. It dawned on him: the quality of his connection to God had been neglected.

Determined to fix it, he decided to carve out time each day to focus on God. It wasn’t easy at first; the distractions were still there. But slowly, as he prioritized his relationship with God, he felt the difference. The more he reached out to God, the more clearly he could feel God’s presence again. His faith was revived, and his prayers became full of life once more.

What This Means

The quality of our connection with God is crucial. Just as a phone with poor signal struggles to communicate, our spiritual lives suffer when we let distractions, sin, or busyness come between us and God. If we want to experience the fullness of His presence, we need to clear the interference and draw near to Him.

God has already promised that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. It’s not about the quantity of religious activities we do; it’s about the quality of our connection with Him. This requires time, focus, and a willingness to let go of anything that gets in the way.

Think About This

How strong is your connection to God right now? Are there distractions or sins that are causing interference? What steps can you take today to improve the quality of your relationship with Him?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have allowed distractions and sin to weaken my connection with You. Forgive me for the times I’ve let other things come before You. Help me to draw near to You, knowing that You are ready and willing to meet me where I am. Strengthen my faith and guide me into a deeper relationship with You, free from the things that block our connection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” — Psalm 145:18, KJV

September 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Inner Self Creates the Outer World

Opening Verse

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

Introduction

The condition of our heart and mind is reflected in how we live our lives. What we nurture internally often becomes visible in our actions, relationships, and decisions. As Christians, we are called to guard our hearts and minds because our inner thoughts and attitudes shape the world we experience.

Devotional Story

There was once a man named Roger who always seemed overwhelmed by stress and negativity. No matter what good things happened, he couldn’t shake his feelings of frustration. One day, his friend James asked him, “Why do you see so much hardship in your life?”

Roger responded, “Because life is hard. No matter what I do, something always goes wrong.”

James paused and then said, “Roger, could it be that your focus on the negative is shaping your experience? Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, ‘For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.’ What fills your heart comes out in how you live. If you fill your heart with God’s peace, your world will begin to change.”

This conversation struck a chord with Roger. He began to spend more time in prayer and meditation on God’s Word, focusing on His promises rather than his frustrations. Over time, Roger noticed a shift. His circumstances hadn’t changed drastically, but his heart had. And because his heart changed, his view of the world became more hopeful.

What This Means

The way we perceive and experience the world often starts with what’s inside of us. If we allow worry, anger, or bitterness to rule our hearts, that’s what we will see in our daily lives. However, when we fill our hearts with God’s love, peace, and joy, those same qualities begin to reflect in our outer world. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It all starts within.

Think About This

  • What thoughts and emotions are ruling your heart today?
  • Are you allowing God’s peace and love to fill your heart, or are you letting the world’s troubles dominate?
  • How can you take a step today to shift your focus from outward problems to inner peace with God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to guard my heart and mind. I know that what I allow inside of me will shape how I see the world around me. Fill me with Your peace, love, and joy, so that my life reflects Your goodness. May I look inward first and trust that You will guide my steps in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” — Matthew 12:35 (KJV)

 

September 11, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

We’re Not Victims, We’re Victors

Opening Verse

 

 “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” — Romans 8:37 (KJV)

 

Introduction

 

As followers of Christ, we often face challenges, struggles, and trials that seem overwhelming. It’s easy to feel defeated by life, but the truth is that in Christ, we are not victims of our circumstances—we are victors.

 

Devotional Story

 

There was once a man who found himself trapped in a cycle of failure. Everything he tried seemed to fall apart. His business ventures failed, relationships crumbled, and his health declined. He felt like a victim, and each failure only deepened his despair. But one day, he picked up his Bible and read Romans 8:37: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

 

It was a turning point. He realized that, though his circumstances were challenging, his identity in Christ remained victorious. No longer seeing himself as a victim, he began to trust God’s plan, even in the midst of hardship. Slowly, his perspective changed, and with it, his life. He started to experience small victories—some in his circumstances, but more importantly, in his heart and mind.

 

What This Means

 

Being a victor in Christ doesn’t mean that everything in life will always go smoothly. It means that no matter what we face, we can stand firm in the knowledge that God has already given us victory through Jesus. Our victory isn’t based on our own strength or ability, but on the finished work of Christ.

 

Think About This

 

Are you feeling like a victim today? Remember, Christ has already won the battle for you. In Him, you are a conqueror. The trials you face are temporary, but the victory you have in Jesus is eternal.

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me a victor through Jesus Christ. When I feel overwhelmed and defeated, remind me of the victory You have already secured for me. Help me to walk in faith, trusting that You are working all things for my good. 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 (KJV)

September 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Opening Verse

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
— Galatians 6:9, KJV

Introduction

There are times in life when you may feel stuck, overlooked, or even out of place. You might wonder why you are where you are. But God often plants us in places we don’t expect, intending for us to grow and be fruitful, even in difficult or uncomfortable situations.

Devotional Story

A young woman named Emily had recently moved to a new city, far from her family and friends. She struggled to adjust to the unfamiliar environment and felt like she didn’t belong. Everything seemed harder—her job, making friends, and even finding a church to attend. She often asked God why He had placed her there.

One day, as Emily walked through a park, she noticed a small flower blooming in a crack in the sidewalk. It wasn’t in a garden or a flowerbed but in a place that seemed unlikely for anything to grow. Yet, it was flourishing. Emily felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit, reminding her that just like that flower, she too could thrive where God had placed her. The circumstances didn’t have to be ideal; she only needed to trust in God’s plan.

Inspired, Emily began to look at her surroundings with new eyes. She joined a local Bible study, reached out to her coworkers, and even volunteered at a nearby shelter. Slowly but surely, she started to see God’s purpose in her being planted in that city.

What This Means

God sometimes places us in situations that challenge us, not to harm us but to make us grow. Like a flower that blooms even in the cracks of a sidewalk, we can flourish in unexpected places when we lean on His strength. You may not understand why God has you where you are right now, but trust that He has a purpose for it. You are called to bloom where you are planted, regardless of the circumstances.

Think About This

  • Are you resisting where God has planted you? How can you embrace it and trust Him?
  • In what ways can you “bloom” in your current situation, no matter how difficult it may seem?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for planting me where I am. Help me to trust Your plan and to bloom even when the soil around me feels rocky or dry. Give me the strength and grace to grow where You have placed me, knowing that Your purpose will be fulfilled in Your time. 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

September 9, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Partial Obedience

Opening Verse

“And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.” – Numbers 20:11 (KJV)

Introduction

The story of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it is a powerful example of the consequences of partial obedience. Moses was a faithful servant of God, but even he made the mistake of not fully following God’s command. This story teaches us the importance of complete obedience, especially when we are called to act in ways that may not make sense to us.

Devotional Story

In Numbers 20, the Israelites were once again grumbling because they had no water. God instructed Moses to speak to a rock, and it would bring forth water. But Moses, frustrated with the people, struck the rock twice with his staff instead. Water did flow out, and the people drank, but Moses’ disobedience cost him dearly. God told Moses that because he had not honored Him by following the exact command, he would not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Moses’ action was an act of partial obedience. He still brought forth water, but he did it his own way, not God’s way. This small deviation had a significant consequence. God had wanted to display His power in a specific way, but Moses let his frustration get in the way of his obedience.

Like Moses, we may feel tempted to alter God’s instructions, thinking our way might be better or faster. But this story reminds us that even small deviations from God’s will are still disobedience.

What This Means

Partial obedience is not enough for God. Even when we think we are following most of His instructions, any deviation from His plan is a failure to trust in His wisdom. God desires obedience, not just results. Moses may have delivered the water, but his method showed a lack of trust. We must be careful to follow God’s instructions fully, even when they seem unusual or challenging.

Think About This

  • Are there areas where you are tempted to do things your way, instead of God’s way?
  • How can you take a step toward full obedience, trusting that God’s way is always the best way?

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I sometimes try to do things my way, instead of fully following Your instructions. Help me to trust You completely and obey Your commands, even when they don’t make sense to me. Strengthen my faith and help me walk in full obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” – Numbers 20:12 (KJV)

September 8, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Lack of Strong Leadership will Cause the Kingdom to Fall

Opening Verse

“For where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)

Introduction

Leadership is a crucial part of any successful endeavor, whether it’s a family, community, church, or a nation. Throughout the Bible, we see the impact of leadership, both good and bad. When strong, God-fearing leaders rise up, the people flourish. But when leadership is weak or corrupt, disaster follows. God’s Word reminds us that without wise counsel and guidance, a kingdom—whether literal or spiritual—will surely fall.

Devotional Story

In ancient Israel, the kingdom was often at the mercy of its leaders. When a godly king, such as David or Josiah, reigned, the nation experienced peace and prosperity. But when wicked kings took the throne, Israel was plagued by idolatry, division, and ultimately, destruction. One such king was Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Instead of seeking the counsel of wise elders, he chose to listen to young, arrogant advisors. Their advice led to the rebellion of ten tribes, splitting the kingdom in two. The lack of strong leadership weakened Israel, opening the door for enemies and leading to its eventual downfall.

What This Means

The story of Rehoboam teaches us that leadership is not just about holding a position; it’s about making decisions that align with God’s will and seeking wisdom from those who are grounded in truth. Leadership affects everyone, not just the leader. A lack of strong, righteous leadership can cause division, weaken the foundation of a group, and lead to collapse. In our homes, churches, and communities, we must pray for and support godly leaders who seek after God’s heart and guide with humility and wisdom.

Think About This

Are you in a position of leadership, whether in your family, at work, or in ministry? Are you seeking God’s wisdom in your decisions, or are you relying on your own understanding? Even if you are not a leader, are you praying for those who lead, asking God to grant them the wisdom and strength to guide well? Remember, the fall of a kingdom doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with small decisions made without God’s counsel.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your wisdom and strength in leadership. Help us to seek You first in all decisions and to guide those we lead with humility and love. Raise up godly leaders in our homes, churches, and nations, and grant them the strength to stand firm in Your truth. We pray for those in authority over us, that they may seek Your counsel and lead with righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” — Proverbs 21:1 (KJV)

September 7, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Precision of God’s Plan

Opening Verse

 

“Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.”
— Judges 20:16, KJV

 

Introduction

In the Bible, God often raises up individuals with unique skills and abilities to fulfill His purposes. In Judges 20:16, we read about a group of left-handed warriors from the Tribe of Benjamin who were so skilled with a sling that they could hit a target with hair-splitting precision. This may seem like a minor detail, but it shows us that God can use anyone with their specific abilities to accomplish great things.

Devotional Story

The tribes of Israel found themselves in a serious conflict with the Tribe of Benjamin. Tensions had escalated, and now a civil war was about to erupt. But among the Benjamites, there were 700 chosen men, all left-handed, who were renowned for their incredible accuracy with a sling. These men were so skilled that they could strike a target without missing, even by the width of a hair.

Imagine the precision, the countless hours of practice, and the dedication it took to master such a skill. These men weren’t born with this ability; they had honed their craft over time. In the heat of battle, their talent was a great asset, but it was also a reflection of their commitment to using what they had been given to the fullest.

Though this story takes place during a dark time of war and division, it shows how God equips people with unique skills. Even in the midst of conflict, these warriors were part of God’s plan. Their left-handedness, something that might have been seen as different or unusual, became a strength. They were chosen, set apart, and used in a significant way.

What This Means

God has given each of us specific talents and abilities, and He wants us to use them for His glory. Like the left-handed warriors of Benjamin, we may feel different or even inadequate at times, but God can take our uniqueness and turn it into something powerful. Whether it’s precision in a skill, a heart for service, or a gift for encouragement, God has equipped us for a purpose. When we dedicate ourselves to His plan, even the smallest detail of our lives can be used for His kingdom.

Think About This

What unique abilities has God given you? How can you use those talents to serve others and bring glory to God? Remember, even something as simple as the ability to hit a target with precision can become an instrument in the hands of God.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gifts and abilities You have given me. Help me to use them faithfully and to recognize that even the smallest skills can be used for Your purposes. Teach me to trust that You have a plan for my life and that every detail matters to You. May I serve You with excellence and dedication, just as the warriors of Benjamin did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
— Proverbs 16:3, KJV

 

 

September 6, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Jesus Spoke with Authority

Opening Verse

“And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:22, KJV)

Introduction

When Jesus spoke, it wasn’t just the words that moved people, but the authority behind them. His words carried power, truth, and life. Unlike the teachers of His day, who relied on tradition or interpretation, Jesus spoke directly, as if He had the final say—and indeed, He did. What does it mean that Jesus spoke with authority, and how does that affect us spiritually today?

Devotional Story

Imagine a courtroom, where the judge stands up and speaks. Everyone in the room knows that what the judge says will shape the final outcome. In that moment, his word is law. Now, picture the difference between someone who explains the law and someone who has the authority to make it. This is how Jesus spoke—not as someone explaining God’s laws, but as the one who created and fulfilled them.

When Jesus rebuked the winds and they obeyed, when He cast out demons with just a word, and when He healed the sick by speaking, people witnessed His authority firsthand. They marveled because no one had ever seen such power combined with such love and compassion. His authority didn’t come from human sources but from His identity as the Son of God.

What This Means

Spiritually, this truth has deep implications for us. Jesus’ authority means His word is final in every area of our lives. When He says that our sins are forgiven, they are. When He declares that we are free, we are free indeed. When He calls us to follow Him, it’s not a suggestion but a command that carries eternal significance.

Understanding Jesus’ authority should fill us with confidence. If He is the one who holds the authority over life and death, over sin and forgiveness, then we can trust Him with our lives. We are not just following good advice; we are submitting to the ultimate authority of the universe.

Think About This

Are there areas of your life where you’ve heard the words of Jesus but treated them as optional? Perhaps it’s in how you love others, forgive those who have hurt you, or trust God’s plan when it’s unclear. If Jesus has authority over all, then His words are not merely suggestions—they are the foundation of how we should live.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for speaking with authority, not only over the world but over my life. Help me to take Your words seriously and live in obedience to Your commands. Strengthen my faith to trust in Your authority, especially when I don’t understand. Teach me to live under Your rule with joy and peace. In Your mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18, KJV)