Author: Akedah

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)

 

April 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Heeding the Call for Renewal

Opening Verse

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

Introduction

In our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect our own needs. Yet, the Bible calls us to maintain our health, our relationships, and our spiritual well-being.

Devotional Story

Mark was always available for his family and friends. No matter the need—advice, support, or prayer—he was the first they called. However, the constant demand began to deplete his energy and spirit. During a quiet moment with God’s Word, Psalm 51 struck him deeply, reminding him of the need for personal renewal.

Feeling convicted, Mark took steps to restore balance. He prioritized his health by keeping regular check-ups, set aside daily time for scripture and prayer, and learned to lovingly decline requests that overwhelmed his capacity. These adjustments allowed him to serve from a place of strength and abundance.

What This Means

Mark’s transformation illustrates a biblical truth: caring for ourselves enables us to serve God and others more effectively. God desires our well-being, so we can be vessels of His love and grace.

Think About This

Consider your current commitments and the state of your health and spirit. Where might you need to pull back to recharge? What steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide me to recognize where I need renewal in my life. Empower me to establish boundaries that honor the body and spirit You have entrusted to me. Teach me to find rest in You as I seek to reflect Your love in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3

April 25, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Brothers in Unity

Opening Verse

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Introduction

Unity is a powerful theme throughout the Bible, emphasized as a reflection of God’s nature and intention for His people. When we live in unity, we embody the love and community that God desires for us.

Devotional Story

Two brothers, Eli and Michael, lived in the same small town. Though they shared the same upbringing, as they grew older, their paths diverged. Eli became a farmer, dedicated to the land, while Michael pursued teaching in the local school. Differences in their lifestyles and priorities led to a rift between them, causing years of separation and silence.

One day, the town faced a severe drought that threatened both the crops and the school’s operation. Facing these challenges, Eli and Michael realized that they needed to work together to help their community survive. They set aside their past disagreements, combining Eli’s knowledge of water conservation with Michael’s ability to educate and mobilize the town. Their joint efforts not only brought the community closer but also mended their relationship, showcasing the strength found in unity.

What This Means

When we choose unity over conflict, we tap into a greater strength that surpasses individual capabilities. Eli and Michael’s story demonstrates that even in deep disagreements, common goals and love for others can forge unbreakable bonds.

Think About This

Consider areas in your life where disunity has taken root. What common ground can you find with others that might bridge gaps and foster cooperation?

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant us the wisdom to seek unity with those around us. Help us to lay down our differences and work together for the common good, just as You unite us in Your purpose. Teach us to value relationships over disagreements and guide us toward reconciliation where it is needed. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

April 24, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Knowing the Word

Opening Verse

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” – Psalm 119:11 (KJV)

Introduction

The Word of God is the foundation upon which our faith is built. Just as Jesus demonstrated an intimate knowledge of Scripture from a young age, we too are called to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, not merely reading them, but studying and committing them to our hearts.

Devotional Story

As a young boy, Jesus astonished the teachers in the temple with his deep understanding of the Scriptures. He had clearly dedicated himself to meditating on God’s Word, hiding it in his heart. Later, when tempted by the devil in the wilderness, Jesus responded by quoting the very verses he had memorized, demonstrating the power of the Word to guide and sustain him.

What This Means

The example of the young Jesus teaches us the importance of not just reading the Bible, but truly studying it, memorizing it, and allowing it to take root in our hearts. When we hide God’s Word within us, it becomes a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us and empowering us to resist temptation and live according to God’s will.

Think About This

How much time do you dedicate to studying and memorizing the Scriptures? Are you merely reading the Word, or are you allowing it to transform your heart and mind? Consider ways you can deepen your engagement with the Bible, whether through daily meditation, Scripture memorization, or in-depth study.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to follow the example of the young Jesus, who diligently studied and hid Your Word in his heart. Give me a hunger and thirst for the Scriptures, that I may grow in my understanding and be equipped to live according to Your will. May Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)