Akedah, Author at Akedah

September 22, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Worship with a True Heart

Opening Verse

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
—John 4:23 (KJV)

Introduction

Worship is a personal connection with God, and it should come from a genuine heart. The Bible calls us to worship in spirit and truth, not just by following others. Just as each person is uniquely created, so is their worship. It reflects their relationship with God, which is deeply personal and meaningful. We are warned not to be like the Pharisees, who appeared righteous outwardly but were far from God in their hearts.

Devotional Story

A man once attended a service where everyone seemed to worship in the same way—lifting their hands, shouting, and dancing. He felt pressured to mimic the others, thinking that if he didn’t worship like them, his devotion was lacking. But deep inside, he knew that God wanted him to express his love in his own way. One day, he decided to stay true to his personal form of worship, quietly praying and bowing his head. As he did, he felt a deep peace, knowing that God was pleased with his sincerity.

This experience taught him that true worship is not about outward displays or following what others do. It’s about connecting with God in the way that is authentic for you. Jesus Himself condemned the Pharisees for performing religious acts for the sake of appearances while their hearts were far from God.

What This Means

God looks at the heart, not the outward actions. Worship is about authenticity, and God sees your heart even when others don’t. Just because someone worships differently from you doesn’t mean their way is right or wrong—everyone has their personal journey with God. Don’t be a Pharisee who seeks to impress people; instead, seek to please God with a pure heart.

Think About This

Is your worship more about outward appearances or an inward connection with God? Reflect on your personal relationship with Him and how you can express that in worship. Ask yourself: Are you worshiping to be seen by others, or are you worshiping because you genuinely love and honor God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to worship You with a true and sincere heart. Teach me not to mimic others but to express my love for You in a way that is honest and personal. Let my worship be a reflection of my relationship with You, full of spirit and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”
—Matthew 23:27 (KJV)

September 21, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Power of Words and Actions

Opening Verse

“A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.”
Proverbs 12:14 (KJV)

Introduction

Words have incredible power, more than we often realize. What we speak and how we act not only affect others but also shape our own lives. Proverbs 12:14 teaches us that good words and diligent actions lead to blessings, but we must be mindful of the fruit our words and deeds bear.

Devotional Story

There was a woman named Grace who loved to talk. She enjoyed giving advice, offering opinions, and making people laugh. But, without realizing it, her words often left others feeling criticized or belittled. One day, her friend Sarah came to her with a heavy heart, looking for comfort. Instead of listening, Grace quickly offered her opinion on what Sarah had done wrong, leaving her friend in tears.

Grace’s heart sank as she realized how her words, though unintentional, had hurt someone she loved. She prayed that night, asking God to help her speak words that would lift people up, rather than tear them down. The next day, when she saw Sarah, Grace apologized and offered genuine encouragement. Sarah’s face brightened, and their friendship was restored.

In time, Grace learned to pause before speaking, to consider the impact of her words. She began to experience the joy of seeing people encouraged, uplifted, and blessed by the “fruit of her mouth.” Her words had become seeds of kindness, and they bore good fruit in her relationships.

What This Means

Proverbs 12:14 reminds us that both our words and our actions have consequences. When we speak kindly and work diligently, we will be satisfied with the blessings that come. However, if we speak carelessly or act with selfishness, we will also face the results of those actions. This verse challenges us to think about how our words can either plant seeds of life or harm.

Our actions matter too. God promises that what we do will return to us, whether for good or bad. This is not just about receiving rewards but about creating a life that reflects God’s love and grace. Every word and every deed is an opportunity to serve God and others, leading to satisfaction and fulfillment in our hearts.

Think About This

How often do you consider the impact of your words on others?
Are there times when you’ve acted out of impulse rather than care?
How can you be more intentional in both your words and your actions to reflect God’s love?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to be mindful of the words I speak and the actions I take. Let them reflect Your grace and kindness. I ask for the wisdom to speak words that bring life and the diligence to work with hands that serve others well. May I be satisfied with the good that comes from living a life that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

September 20, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Use the Fruits of the Spirit to Combat the Antifruits

Opening Verse

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
— Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

Introduction

As followers of Christ, we are given powerful tools to live a life that honors God. These are the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Yet, we are constantly surrounded by forces that work against these virtues—what we could call the antifruits. These could be hatred, anger, anxiety, impatience, cruelty, and many other negative traits. But God’s Word shows us how to resist these and to bear His fruits in every area of life.

Devotional Story

A young man named Daniel faced great temptation at work. His co-workers often gossiped, spreading negativity and harsh judgments about others. This environment pressured him to join in or risk being isolated. At first, Daniel gave in. He found himself making snide remarks about others, losing his sense of peace, and feeling bitterness in his heart.

One day, after a particularly difficult day of falling into this behavior, Daniel felt a conviction in his spirit. He remembered Galatians 5:22-23 and realized he had been feeding the antifruits of envy, anger, and impatience. He knelt in prayer that evening and asked God to fill him with the fruits of the Spirit instead.

From that moment on, Daniel made a conscious effort to replace negativity with love, to spread peace instead of gossip, and to be gentle even in the face of conflict. It wasn’t easy, but as he practiced walking in the Spirit daily, the workplace atmosphere began to change. Others saw his joy, kindness, and patience, and some even followed his example.

What This Means

The fruits of the Spirit are given to us to combat the toxic behaviors and emotions that easily infiltrate our lives. We are called to rise above the antifruits by the power of the Holy Spirit, who transforms us from the inside out. The more we seek to live according to these fruits, the more we can shine as lights in a dark world. Remember, love overcomes hate, joy defeats despair, and patience outlasts anger. When we focus on these fruits, the enemy’s antifruits lose their hold.

Think About This

What areas of your life have you seen the antifruits creeping in?
How can you practice using the fruits of the Spirit to combat negative emotions or behaviors?
Remember that this battle is won by the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you leaning on Him daily?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the fruits of the Spirit. Help us to walk in love, joy, peace, and all the virtues You have given us. Strengthen us to combat the antifruits that try to take root in our hearts. We ask for Your Spirit to guide our thoughts, words, and actions, so that we may reflect Your love and goodness in every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
— Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

September 19, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Be the Solution to the Problems

Opening Verse

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Introduction

God calls us to be more than just observers in life’s challenges; He invites us to be part of the solution. Through His strength and wisdom, we are empowered to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Often, the answer to someone’s prayer may come through our actions, words, or willingness to serve.

Devotional Story

A man named Thomas worked in a busy office, where problems seemed to spring up at every corner. One day, as he walked into the office, he noticed the frustration on his co-workers’ faces. A crucial project had hit a roadblock, and no one seemed to know how to move forward. The air was thick with anxiety and tension.

Thomas wasn’t the most experienced person in the room, nor was he in charge. But as he stood there, he prayed silently, asking God for wisdom. He remembered the words from James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” He felt a nudge in his spirit to step up and offer help.

With God’s guidance, Thomas approached the issue from a new angle. He encouraged his team, offering simple yet effective solutions. Before the day was over, the project was back on track. His co-workers were relieved, but more importantly, they witnessed how Thomas handled the situation with calm and faith. Thomas knew that it wasn’t just his own wisdom—it was God working through him to be part of the solution.

What This Means

When problems arise, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we are often tempted to step back and wait for someone else to fix things. But as followers of Christ, we are called to be a light in the darkness. The Holy Spirit equips us to respond to challenges, not with fear, but with faith and action. God can use you to bring peace, solutions, and hope where it is needed most.

Think About This

Are there challenges in your life or in the lives of others that you feel called to help solve?
Have you sought God’s wisdom and guidance before stepping into the situation?

Remember, being the solution doesn’t always mean having all the answers. Sometimes it means showing love, offering a prayer, or just being present in the moment. God uses small acts of faith to accomplish great things.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be a light in the world. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and guidance when challenges arise. Use me, Lord, to bring solutions, peace, and hope to those around me. May I be a vessel of Your love and grace, reflecting Your goodness in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

September 18, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God Has No Variableness

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17 (KJV)

Introduction

God is unchanging. His character, His love, and His promises are the same yesterday, today, and forever. But we, as humans, are prone to change. Our moods, desires, and actions can shift based on circumstances. While God remains steady, we are called to transform ourselves according to His unchanging standards.

Devotional Story

Imagine a tree that stands firm year after year. While the seasons change around it, causing its leaves to fall and grow again, the tree’s roots remain steadfast. Our relationship with God is similar. He is like that tree — unmoved, unshaken, and constant. However, we are like the seasons, constantly changing.

A man once found himself caught up in his own ambitions. His plans shifted regularly, and he felt the pressure of life pulling him in different directions. He was often frustrated, wondering why he lacked peace. One day, while reflecting on his life, he realized he had been trying to fit God’s standards around his own changing desires. He saw that the peace he longed for came only from aligning his life with God’s unchanging Word, not from shifting to meet the world’s expectations.

What This Means

God’s standards do not change with the times. We, as humans, are called to change — not by following the trends of the world, but by aligning ourselves with God’s eternal truth. This requires humility and a willingness to grow. Just as a plant reaches toward the sun, we must strive toward God’s standards, seeking to be transformed by His Word. Our change is not a reflection of God’s inconsistency but of our need to conform to His perfect will.

Think About This

Are you trying to change God’s standards to fit your life, or are you allowing His unchanging nature to shape you? Reflect on areas where you might need to adjust your actions and thoughts to better align with His Word.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help me to change in the ways You desire, transforming my heart and mind to align with Your perfect standards. May I always trust in Your unchanging love and let it guide my every decision. Amen.

Closing Verse

“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” – Malachi 3:6 (KJV)

September 17, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Master’s Touch

Opening Verse

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Introduction

Paper on its own may seem ordinary and insignificant. But in the hands of a child, it becomes a soaring paper airplane. In the hands of an artist, it can be transformed into a beautiful masterpiece. What makes the difference? It’s not the paper itself but the one who shapes it. Likewise, we may feel ordinary, but when placed in the hands of Jesus, our lives can be transformed in unimaginable ways.

Devotional Story

Imagine someone handing you a plain piece of paper. You might not think much of it at first—it’s just paper. But give that same piece of paper to a creative mind, and it can be folded into an intricate origami shape or painted into a stunning portrait. It is still the same paper, but now it serves a higher purpose because of what was done with it.

We are like that paper. Without Christ, we may feel ordinary, unsure of our purpose. But once we place our lives in His hands, He shapes us into something beautiful. Just like an artist or an engineer sees potential in a simple sheet of paper, Jesus sees potential in each of us. He can take what seems small or insignificant and turn it into something that glorifies God.

What This Means

Jesus doesn’t need us to be perfect or extraordinary when we come to Him. He just needs us to be willing to be shaped by His hands. The same way a paper airplane can take flight or a blank canvas can become a masterpiece, our lives can soar and become beautiful when we surrender them to Christ. He sees the potential that we might not see in ourselves.

Think About This

Have you ever felt like you’re just “paper,” unsure of your purpose or value? Remember that Jesus is the Master who can transform you. All you need to do is trust Him and allow Him to guide your steps. Just as a simple piece of paper can be turned into something amazing, so can your life when Jesus is the one holding it.

Prayer

Lord, I know that without You, I am like a plain sheet of paper. I ask that You take my life into Your hands and transform me into who You want me to be. Help me trust You as You shape and mold me for Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”
— Isaiah 64:8 (KJV)

September 16, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Be Yourself, Not a Copy

Opening Verse

“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV)

Introduction

It’s easy to feel jealous of others sometimes. We see someone who seems to have it all—popularity, success, and admiration—and we think that if we act like them or look like them, we can have the same life. But what we often forget is that it’s not the outward appearance that truly draws people in. It’s something deeper.

Devotional Story

There was once a young man who admired his friend. This friend seemed to have everything—a great job, many friends, and everyone loved being around him. The young man thought to himself, “If only I could dress like him, speak like him, and do the things he does, then I will be liked too.”

So he started copying everything. He bought the same clothes, adopted the same mannerisms, and even tried to say the same things. But to his surprise, people didn’t react the same way. Instead of drawing people closer, they seemed distant and unsure around him.

After weeks of frustration, he finally asked his friend, “Why isn’t this working for me? I’ve done everything you do, but I still feel invisible.”

His friend smiled kindly and said, “It’s not the clothes or the way I talk that make people want to be around me. It’s the love in my heart for them. I genuinely care about people, and that’s what they respond to.”

What This Means

We often get caught up in appearances, thinking that if we can mimic someone’s outside, we will gain what they have. But God reminds us in His Word that He doesn’t look at the outside—He looks at the heart. What truly attracts others is a heart filled with love, kindness, and sincerity. If we focus on becoming the person God created us to be, instead of copying others, we will find that the right people are drawn to us naturally.

Think About This

Have you ever tried to copy someone else, thinking it would make you more popular or successful?
What qualities of your heart can you focus on that reflect the love of Christ?
How can you be more genuine with those around you?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to remember that You care more about my heart than my outward appearance. Teach me to love others from a sincere heart, and to be the person You created me to be, not a copy of someone else. Fill me with Your love and kindness so that I may draw people closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34, KJV)

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