Category: Devotional

June 4, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Turn to God

Opening Verse

“Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.” – Proverbs 1:23 (KJV)

Introduction

God wants us to listen when He corrects us. His correction isn’t to hurt us but to help us get back on the right track. When we listen to Him, He promises to fill us with His Spirit and help us understand His ways.

Devotional Story

There was a man named Ethan who kept making bad decisions that pulled him away from God. He ignored the advice of his family and friends, thinking he knew better. One day, after a serious setback, Ethan felt completely lost and alone. He remembered a Bible verse about turning back to God.

In his desperation, Ethan prayed for the first time in years, asking God for help. Immediately, he felt a wave of peace. He realized that God’s correction wasn’t to punish him but to guide him to a better life. As Ethan kept turning to God, he found new hope and clear direction for his life.

What This Means

God corrects us because He loves us. He wants the best for us and guides us back to the right path. When we listen to His correction, we open ourselves to His Spirit and His wisdom. This starts with being humble and willing to change.

Think About This

– Is God correcting you in some part of your life?
– How can you respond to His correction to get closer to Him?
– Think about times when you turned back to God after making a mistake and how His guidance changed you.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your loving correction. Help me to see when You are correcting me and turn my heart back to You. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me in Your wisdom. Lead me in Your truth and help me follow Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minde d.” – James 4:8 (KJV)

June 3, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Beware of Dogs

Opening Verse

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” – Philippians 3:2 (KJV)

Introduction

In this verse, Paul warns the Philippians about certain individuals who pose a threat to their faith. He uses strong language to emphasize the dangers they represent. Understanding this warning helps us recognize the importance of vigilance in our spiritual walk.

Devotional Story

Imagine a shepherd diligently watching over his flock. He knows that dangers lurk in the shadows, ready to pounce on his sheep. One night, as the moonlight casts eerie shadows, he hears the distant howl of wolves. Immediately, he tightens his grip on his staff and stands guard, ready to protect his flock.

Similarly, Paul’s warning in Philippians 3:2 is a call to spiritual alertness. Just as the shepherd protects his sheep from wolves, we must guard our hearts and minds against those who would lead us astray. Paul identifies these threats as “dogs,” “evil workers,” and those of “the concision,” highlighting the seriousness of the danger they pose.

What This Means

Paul’s use of the term “dogs” was particularly strong, as it referred to those who spread false teachings and disrupt the faith of believers. “Evil workers” points to those who actively oppose the true gospel, and “the concision” refers to those who insisted on circumcision as necessary for salvation, thereby distorting the message of grace.

We must be on guard against any teachings or influences that contradict the gospel of Jesus Christ. This vigilance ensures that our faith remains pure and focused on the truth of God’s word.

Think About This

– Are there influences in your life that contradict the teachings of Jesus?
– How can you stay vigilant in protecting your faith?
– What practical steps can you take to discern and avoid false teachings?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to be vigilant and discerning in our walk with You. Protect us from false teachings and those who seek to lead us astray. Strengthen our faith and keep our hearts focused on Your truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” – Philippians 3:3 (KJV)

June 2, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Reflecting God’s Design

Opening Verse

 

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV)

 

Introduction

God’s design for the family structure is clear: a man should lead with Christ as his example, and a woman should follow, reflecting her husband’s leadership. This order ensures harmony and godliness within the home and, by extension, society.

Devotional Story

John and Mary were a couple devoted to living according to God’s design. John worked diligently, always striving to reflect Christ in his actions and decisions. Mary, in turn, nurtured their children, teaching them the ways of the Lord and showing them love and care.

John’s leadership was evident in how he prayed for his family, made decisions with wisdom, and treated Mary with love and respect. Mary’s support was equally vital. She managed their home with grace and patience, ensuring their children grew up in a loving and godly environment.

Their home became a beacon of light in their community, demonstrating the beauty of God’s design for family roles. Their children, raised in such an environment, grew up to be respectful, kind, and devoted to the Lord, continuing the legacy of faith.

What This Means

When a man leads his family by reflecting Christ, his actions set a positive example for his wife and children. A woman’s role, centered on raising children and supporting her husband, is equally crucial. Her attitude and actions greatly influence the family’s spiritual and emotional well-being.

If a man fails to lead with Christ-like love and integrity, it can lead to a breakdown in the family structure. Likewise, if a woman acts spitefully, it affects the children and disrupts the family’s harmony. Therefore, both roles are essential in maintaining a godly home that glorifies God.

Think About This

– How can you, as a man, better reflect Christ in your leadership at home?
– As a woman, how can you support your husband and nurture your children in a way that honors God?
– What steps can you take together as a family to ensure Christ remains the center of your home?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to live according to Your design. May men lead with the love and integrity of Christ, and may women support and nurture their families with grace and patience. Let our homes reflect Your glory and be a testament to Your divine order. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

June 1, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Accuser

Opening Verse

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” – Revelation 12:10 (KJV)

Introduction

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter various challenges. One of the most persistent is the accuser, Satan, who seeks to undermine our faith by bringing up our past sins and failures. Understanding his tactics helps us to stand firm in our faith.

Devotional Story

A young woman named Grace struggled with guilt and shame from her past. Every time she prayed, she felt unworthy, as if a voice constantly reminded her of her mistakes. This accuser made it difficult for her to accept God’s forgiveness and move forward in her faith. One day, during a Bible study, she read about how Satan accuses believers day and night. This revelation was pivotal for her. She realized that these accusations were not from God but from the enemy trying to weaken her faith. With this understanding, Grace began to reject these negative thoughts and focused on the truth of God’s Word.

What This Means

The Bible tells us that Satan is the accuser of the brethren. His goal is to make us feel condemned and distant from God. However, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who has already paid the price for our sins. When we feel accused, we must remember that Christ’s sacrifice covers all our transgressions. We are justified by His grace, not by our works.

Think About This

– Are there areas in your life where you feel accused or condemned?
– How can you remind yourself of Christ’s sacrifice when you face these accusations?
– What steps can you take to reject the accuser’s lies and embrace God’s truth?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be our advocate. Help us to recognize and reject the accusations of the enemy. Remind us daily of Your grace and forgiveness. Strengthen our faith so that we can stand firm against the accuser’s lies. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.” – Romans 8:33 (KJV)

May 31, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Infestation of Sin

Opening Verse

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

Introduction

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

Devotional Story

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

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

What This Means

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

Think About This

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

Prayer

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

Closing Verse

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

May 30, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Blinding of Bar-Jesus

Opening Verse

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

Introduction

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

Devotional Story

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

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

What This Means

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

Think About This

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

Prayer

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

Closing Verse

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

May 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Cry for Help

Opening Verse

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

Introduction

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

Devotional Story

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

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

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

What This Means

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

Think About This

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

Prayer

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

Closing Verse

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

May 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Unprepared in the Ring

Opening Verse

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

Introduction

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

Devotional Story

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

What This Means

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

Think About This

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

Prayer

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

Closing Verse

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

May 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Humility of Jesus

Opening Verse

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

Introduction

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

Devotional Story

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

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

What This Means

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

Think About This

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

Prayer

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

Closing Verse

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

May 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Through the Storm with God

Opening Verse

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

Introduction

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

Devotional Story

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

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

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

What This Means

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

Think About This

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

Prayer

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

Closing Verse

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