Tag: accountability

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

April 20, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Stop Blaming Satan for Sins You Are Committing

Opening Verse

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” – Jeremiah 17:9

Introduction

Often, it’s easy to point fingers at external forces when we falter or sin, attributing our wrongdoings to Satan’s temptations. While it’s true that Satan can tempt us, it’s crucial to recognize that many of our choices stem from our own desires and inclinations.

Devotional Story

Imagine a man named Tom who often finds himself speaking harshly to his family. Whenever he reflects on his behavior, Tom blames Satan for putting anger in his heart. One day, after a particularly heated argument, his daughter tearfully asks him why he can’t speak kindly. This moment of clarity makes Tom realize that his anger comes from within himself, not from an external source. He understands that he has been using Satan as a scapegoat to avoid facing his own shortcomings.

What This Means

It’s important to acknowledge that we have a natural tendency to sin due to our human nature. Blaming Satan for our actions can be an easy way out, allowing us to avoid accountability for our sins. True spiritual growth begins when we accept responsibility for our deeds and seek God’s guidance to overcome our weaknesses.

Think About This

How often do you find yourself blaming external circumstances or others for your actions? Consider instances where you might have avoided taking responsibility for your sins. Reflect on how acknowledging your own role in these situations could lead to personal and spiritual growth.

Prayer

Dear Lord, please give me the courage to face myself honestly. Help me to recognize the sins that I commit and the choices I make that lead me away from You. Grant me the strength to accept responsibility for my actions and to seek Your forgiveness and guidance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

October 19, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Keeping the Flame

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
– Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

Introduction

Imagine the moment you first discover God—a spark of faith ignites within you. It’s like finding a treasure in a hidden chest. Your heart is filled with passion, and you can’t help but share the good news with everyone you meet. This initial burst of enthusiasm is a beautiful and powerful thing, much like the birth of a small flame.

Devotional

As time goes on, it’s not uncommon for that flame to flicker and seem to fade. Life’s challenges, distractions, and routine can sometimes dampen the fervor we once had. This experience is not unique; it’s like a fire that starts to lose its intensity.

But here’s where a crucial aspect of Christian faith comes into play—the importance of mutual accountability and encouragement. In the Bible, in Proverbs 27:17 (KJV), it says,

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

For new believers, the early passion is often like a blazing fire. Their excitement is infectious, and they hunger for knowledge and connection with God. They are the spark that ignites others, and they inspire us with their zeal.

However, as time passes, some may notice that the veteran believers, who have been on this journey for a while, don’t always seem to have the same level of enthusiasm. It’s not that their faith has diminished, but it might appear that way from the outside.

This is where we should remember the principle of iron sharpening iron. We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that we are all on this journey together. New believers can learn from the wisdom and experience of those who have walked this path for years. Likewise, veteran believers can be rekindled by the fresh passion of newcomers.

As Christians, we should hold each other accountable and sharpen one another in faith. We are not meant to journey alone; we are a community. By being examples to one another and keeping each other on fire for God, we can ensure that our faith doesn’t just flicker but burns brightly, like an inferno that lights up the world.

Conclusion

Let us embrace the spark of new faith with joy, knowing that it’s the beginning of a beautiful journey. And let us remember that, as a community of believers, we can fan the flames of faith in one another, keeping the fire burning strong for God’s glory.

Faith Notes:

In our Christian journey, fellowship and accountability are like the wind beneath our wings. When we gather together, we ignite the flames of faith in one another, stirring up love and inspiring good works. Just as iron sharpens iron, our interactions help us grow stronger in our faith.

Remember, we’re not meant to go it alone. We are a community, a family of believers, and by encouraging and exhorting one another, we can face the challenges of life with faith and resilience. So, let’s hold each other accountable and continue to meet together, especially as we see the day of Christ’s return drawing near. In this fellowship, we find strength, unity, and a shared passion for God that keeps our faith burning brightly.

 

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)