A concise daily devotional developed to encourage reading and understanding of God's Word.
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
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We all have things we have prayed to the Lord about and we are still waiting for the answer. We tend to want to give up when the answer doesn't seem to be coming when we think it should. That is human nature. When we get our minds off our own nature and focus on God and His great plan, we see a much different picture. The answer we are waiting for is on the way. It will come at just the right time in just the right way. Not our way, but His way. We can count on it.
Heavenly Father, forgive us when we become impatient that our prayers are not answered when and how we think they should be. Forgive us for thinking from our own human nature and forgetting that You are in control, that You are God, and that You hear us when we pray. We ask it in Jesus' name.
Read Habakkuk 2:3
"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." (NIV)
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because It will surely come, it will not tarry." (KJV)
How could we expect to break laws and rules without ever having to own up to it and pay the price. We all have committed wrongs against God and our fellow men. If we were to be called into account for them now we would be in the most desperate of places. But God in His infinite wisdom knew we would be strong in intentions and weak in spirit, so He sent Jesus Christ to settle all those accounts for us. It is in His name we are made righteous.
Heavenly Father, please forgive us for our weaknesses and our transgressions. We are unworthy of Your grace and mercy, but You are the God who gives us the way to be worthy in Your eyes. Thank you for sending Jesus Christ. It is in His name we pray.
Read Psalm 25:11
"For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great." (NIV)
"For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great." (KJV)
There aren't too many of us who enjoy taking tests or being examined. It puts us on the spot and might reveal that we are not up to par or that we are deficient in some way. But the only way we can find out if something is wrong is be tested or examined. As Christians we are to be in the habit of examining our own thoughts, feelings, motives, and actions to see if there is any thing in us that is displeasing to our Lord. Only when we find and expose those things can we change them and be in perfect tune with our Lord.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for neglecting to examine ourselves for things in our lives that should not be there. Help us to make it a regular practice so that we can be clean before You. In Jesus' name.
Read Lamentations 3:40
"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." (NIV)
"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord." (KJV)
How often are our prayers focused on pleading with the Lord to take away a trial or tribulation? When our faith is strong, we may thank the Lord for hearing our prayer and ask for strength to wait for the answer. At times of weaker faith, we might ask God why He isn't answering our prayer and let Him know we don't know how much longer we can carry on with this burden. No matter what our problem is, the answer to our prayers is in the Word. His grace is sufficient. In the midst of our problem, the power of the Lord will burst through us when we praise Him and give Him honor for who He is.
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your forgiveness when we fail to give You honor and glory because we are too focused on our problems. We acknowledge that Your grace is all sufficient and we pray that Your power will show through our lives in spite of our trials and tribulations. In Jesus' name.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (NIV)
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (KJV)
Isn't it a bit gratifying to think for a few moments about some of the things we've done in our lives that have been good. There's nothing wrong with remembering and feeling good that we have accomplished something. The problem comes when we fail to remember that it is the Lord who has done all good things through us. He gave us the talent, the time, the strength, the gift, the very breath to complete those things. Without Him, we are nothing.
Heavenly Father, forgive us when we fail to remember all You have done through us and for us. Help us to always give You glory for all things because without You we can do nothing. In Jesus' name.
Read Isaiah 26:12
"Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." (NIV)
"Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us." (KJV)
More often than not, there are things in this world that catch us off guard, sort of knock us off our feet. That's the way this world is. But we are not of this world any more and we don't have to allow the things of this world to determine how we think, feel, or behave. We can stand strong knowing that Jesus Christ has already won the victory for us. The work it takes for us to keep God's armor on and remain immovable is work that will never go unrewarded in eternity.
Heavenly Father, we can't thank you enough for the victory wrought in Your Son, Jesus Christ at the cross. Help us to keep Your armor on so that we can stand strong and not be shaken by the things of this world. In Jesus' name.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (NIV)
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (KJV)
We've all had someone who has been angry at us and began speaking in a loud, unpleasant voice. Our first reaction is to get angry ourselves that they would treat us that way. Then we want to say something just as loud and hurtful right back at them. That's the way of human nature. As Children of God, we are no longer bound to our human nature and we can freely respond to such anger with gentleness. It is amazing how this calms down the angry person. God's way works best.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we have gotten caught in the anger of the moment and followed our old human nature. Help us to remember we are not bound to that way of responding anymore and we can reply to anger in a gently Godly way. In Jesus' name.
Read Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (NIV)
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (KJV)
If we want to worship our Lord in the way that is the most pleasing and joyful to Him, what would we be doing? Would we be spending hours a day in deep prayer? That is certainly a good thing. Would we be reading and studying our Bibles with great focus and attention? Of course that would be good for our spiritual growth. But what would be the most pleasing to Him? It is giving our lives, our every day living to Him to use as He sees fit. It is laying our selves out before Him without any intentions but to be used by Him. That is the natural response for us who have received His unending mercy.
Heavenly Father, we are so blessed by Your mercy to us. We know that in ourselves we have nothing we can give You that would repay what You have done for us. We come before You, giving You all we have, our lives, for Your pleasure. In Jesus' name.
Read Romans12:1
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." (NIV)
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (KJV)
Can we say with all honesty say that the joy we experienced at the time of our salvation is as fresh and strong now as it was then? In this battle we wage against our human natures we tend to become a bit spiritually tired and weary. The good news its, we can ask God to give that first, energizing joy back. If we really want to keep it, we can go to the Lord each day, remembering what He did to save us, giving Him praise for what He has done.
Heavenly Father, we ask you to forgive us for letting the things of this world rob us of the powerful joy you gave us when we became your children. Please give us the will to accept this joy back from you and to keep it through daily thanksgiving for bringing us out of sin and death into Your glorious kingdom. In Jesus' Name.
Read Psalm 51:12
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (NIV)
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (KJV)
A hint is a very slight or hardly noticeable amount. It is very easy to have a hint of something that hardly anyone would notice. God plainly tells us in His word that we are not to even have a hint, a very slight or hardly noticeable amount of immorality, impurity, or greed in our lives. These are things that ungodly people have in their lives, not children of God.
Heavenly Father, search our hearts and reveal to us if there is a hint of anything that is displeasing to you and unbecoming of us as Christians. In Jesus' name.
Read Ephesians 5:3
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." (NIV)
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints." (KJV)
Most of us understand the concept of sowing and reaping. If we plant corn, we get corn. If we plant potatoes, we get potatoes. Sometimes we behave as if we really don't under stand the concept of sowing and reaping. We tell ourselves it's all right to tell a little white lie, to take small items home from our work, to repeat gossip about our neighbor. We tell ourselves it won't hurt, no one will know, it will be all right. That is like planting corn and expecting wheat to grow. Kind of a foolish thing isn't it. It is not only a law of nature, but it's a law of God almighty, that we will reap what we sow. There will be consequences for every action we perform.
Heavenly Father, please give us wisdom and vigilance to be careful when we act because we know we will reap what we sow. In Jesus' name.
Read Galatians 6:7
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." (NIV)
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (KJV)
Did you know we all have a treasure inside of us? We do. It is a treasure given by God. A light shining in the darkness. It lights the face of Christ. From His face, we can see the knowledge of God. This treasure is put into our hearts when we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour. God puts this majestic treasure in our mortal bodies so the world can see that it is God who has the power, not us.
Heavenly Father, how wonderful is your grace and mercy that you would put such a treasure in us. We pray that we reverence this great gift so the you will receive glory and honor in this world. In Jesus' name.
Read 2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (NIV)
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (KJV)
We all have reasons why we do things. Sometimes our motives are honorable and Godly. However, at other times, we want to look good to others, win favor from someone, or get personal gain. We are always quick to judge someone else's motives, but we feel justified in our own. The truth is, whatever our motive is for doing anything, God will expose it for what it is. Some of us will stand embarrassed and ashamed, while others will be honored by God.
Heavenly Father, we humbly ask that you will help us to search ourselves and truly know our motives before we do a deed. If our motive is such that it displeases you, we ask that you reveal it to us so that we can act accordingly. In Jesus' name.
Read 1 Corinthians 4:5
"Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." (NIV)
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." (KJV)
There have been times when we have done something that we thought would make no difference, but that one act changed our whole lives. This is what happened that day in the garden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God with one act of disobedience. The result was a cursed world and death for all humans that would ever be born. The good news is, God provided a one time act that would bring freedom and hope from this cursed world. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who died once on the cross. Now the whole course of those who accept Him is changed back into right relationship with Him, in one act.
Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that you gave your Son to bring us back into right relationship with you. Help us to be aware that all we do affects something or someone and that the things we do for you will further your kingdom. In Jesus' name.
Read Romans 5:18
"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men." (NIV)
"Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." (KJV)
Make the world go away! Get me out of here! As we watch the evil and disasters all around us, we wonder how we can ever escape without getting hit by the harsh, unrelenting torture this world brings. Jesus prayed that we be kept in the world, so that we will increase our faith and trust in God. But He asked the Father that He would be with us every step of the way and protect us from being spiritually overcome by this lost and evil world. The Father listened to the Son.
Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that you never leave us while we are here in this world. While we know bad things happen and we get hit hard by the evils of this world, we know that You are with us, protecting our souls. In Jesus' name.
Read John 17:15
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (NIV)
"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (KJV)
Now which way do we go? Here we are at a crossroad and there is no sign to point the way. Most often we will take one of the directions hoping it was right. If it wasn't, we find a side road to turn around and go the other way. We find this in the Christian walk many times. We wonder what way we should go, which choice is the best. We don't have to worry when we are in tune with the Holy Spirit, in close relationship with our Lord. The still small voice will tell us which way we should be going. Our Saviour and Lord will never leave us guessing. Keep the fire of faith burning and we will hear Him tell us, "Go this way."
Heavenly Father, how wonderful you are that you love us so much. Forgive us for forgetting that sometimes. We can trust that you will keep us on the right path and we ask that you help us to keep our relationship with you so that we can hear your voice. In Jesus' name.
Read Isaiah 30:21
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your earls will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (NIV)
"And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." (KJV)
If we insist that we have the answer, that we need no more information, that we know enough, we are close minded and full of pride. We can have our own beliefs, but if we listen to those that we know to be full of Godly wisdom, we will gain knowledge and wisdom. We are never so wise that we don't need to be open to God's wisdom.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for being prideful and for feeling we have the answers. Help us to surround ourselves with Godly people who are full of wisdom and to have the humility to accept truths you would have us to know. In Jesus' name.
Read Proverbs 13:10
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." (NIV)
"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." (KJV)
If we know the speed limit is 40 mph and we are in a hurry and drive 45 mph, we are guilty of breaking the law. If we know there is no fishing in a particular area of a lake and we ignore the sign and fish there anyway, we are trespassing. If we know how God wants us to live and walk and we don't do it, we are Sinning against God.
Heavenly Father, we know that we are responsible for the way we live knowing your Word for our lives. We pray for awareness, courage, and strength to do what we know you would have us to do, so that we may glorify your name. In Jesus' name.
Read James4:17
"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." (NIV)
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (KJV)
Imagine for a moment how we feel when we are about to give a talk in front of people. We rehearse what we are going to say, going over and over our talk. Or recall the last visit to the doctor's office while we wait for them to call our name. We are going through the list of things we wanted to discuss with the doctor. Imagine what we would be doing knowing that Jesus is coming back very soon. We make sure that we are walking on His path, carefully being mindful of the Holy Spirit. We keep the distractions of the world from choking out our relationship to the Lord, and pray without ceasing. Stay alert and pray, Jesus is coming back soon.
Heavenly Father, we earnestly ask you to help us to stay focused and aware that the coming of Jesus Christ is near. Help us to always be about your business that you may find us faithful servants. In Jesus' name.
Read 1 Peter 4:7
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." (NIV)
"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (KJV)
God's Word is truth whether we believe that it is or not. Those of us who trust in God, also trust His Word. His Word tells us that He will never leave us and that He watches over us always. With our God and His unfailing love and mercy, we have no reason to fear men. Who are they to stand up against the Almighty Eternal God. In God we trust.
Heavenly Father, we just praise you and thank you because of who you are. We know that by putting our faith and trust in you, we will never be disappointed. Help us to remain faithful and to share this good news with those we meet. In Jesus' name.
Read Psalm 56:4
"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (NIV)
"In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." (KJV)
Many stand ready to give us their beliefs and opinions. And many will pay money and drive long distances to hear them. True men and women of God do not speak of their own beliefs and opinions, but they speak the words that the Holy Spirit puts within them. Some of those words will bring joy and comfort, but some of the words will sting and bring conviction. Those who do not really want to know the truth will close their ears and walk away, just as they did when Jesus spoke the truth he heard from the Father.
Heavenly Father, we know that we live in a world that craves words that create feelings of self-satisfaction. Help us to recognize those people who say they are proclaiming your word, but are only saying what they feel will appeal to the hearers. We long for your truth. In Jesus' name.
Read 2 Peter 1:21
"For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (NIV)
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (NIV)
What's in a name? If we do a search and study on the names of God, we will be amazed at how many names God has been given by humanity. Each time God's intervention was evident, He was given a name that reflected the situation, i.e. God who provides, God who heals. God revealed His true name to Moses at the burning bush: I AM. The more we know God and His attributes revealed in His names, the more we will trust Him. The greatest leap of faith is in knowing Him as 'I AM.'
Heavenly Father, we praise you because you are the only true God. We thank you that you reveal yourself to us through your mighty works. We ask that you would give us the desire to know you more so that our trust in you will grow. In Jesus' name.
Read Psalm 9:10
"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (NIV)
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." (KJV)
Many, many people in the world today claim to be Christians. The truth is, their lives do not even give a hint that they are children of God at all. We can claim to be Christians, and if we are, the fruit of the Spirit and the light and love of Jesus will be evident to all who come near us. If our claim is true, we'll be living it.
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your grace and mercy to us. We thank you that you made the way for us to become your children. We ask that you would help us to walk as Jesus walked so that we bring glory to your name. In Jesus' name.
Read 1 John 2:6
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (NIV)
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (KJV)
Do we really understand what Jesus Christ gave and continues to give as our Lord and Saviour? We know that He conquered death, hell, and the grave, and that all things are now put under His feet. Do we realize that He gives us freedom to use His victory shield when we need it. We know that after Jesus rose from the dead and went back to the Father, He sits at the Father's right hand, in eternal glory and majesty. Do we realize that He stoops down and reaches out to the lowest, most vile soul that calls on Him for help. We do realize that we serve a mighty God.
Heavenly Father, how blessed and honored we are to have a God that loves us so much that He gave His all and He keeps giving to us. Give us spiritual insight to realize His great, powerful and precious gifts meant just for us. In Jesus' name.
Read 2 Samuel 22:36
"You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great." (NIV)
"Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great." (KJV)
We all know what it's like to be in town or in the country. We are familiar being in our own homes. We can also know what it's like to be in Him. It is there we have access to knowledge of the Son who came so that we could know the Father. It is there we are in the Truth. If we are already there we can bask in it. If we need to be there, we can ask for it.
Heavenly Father, we know that you are Truth and that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, so that he could show us who you are. We ask that you would show all who need it, how to accept Jesus Christ as their own personal Lord and Saviour so that they can be in Him and can know Truth. In Jesus' name.
Read 1 John 5:20
"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is true God and eternal life." (NIV)
"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (KJV)
When we cover up and keep our sin secretly inside, we fail to grow and prosper spiritually, In addition, we tend to carry around guilt for the sin, fear we will be exposed, and become physically ill from the pressure of carrying sin. On the other hand, we all sin. But if we stop sinning and confess our sin to God asking for forgiveness, God will give us grace, mercy, and a clean slate.
Heavenly Father, how grateful we are that you are always ready to forgive us for our sins when we confess them and turn from them. Give us courage and strength to face our wrong doings and to confess and repent so that we will have nothing standing in the way between you and us and we will have clean consciouses. In Jesus' name.
Read Proverbs 28:13
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." (NIV)
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (KJV)
The majority of us are very dissatisfied with our jobs or even our daily home responsibilities. Some of us start the day with less than an enthusiastic attitude and have fallen into a "just get the job done" quality of work. Have we forgotten that the Lord sees our hearts and the effort we exert. We are to do our work, whatever it is, knowing that it is the Lord who is our overseer and it is He that will reward us for our attitude and effort.
Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you that you have given us the ability to work and jobs that provide the means to meet our daily needs. Please help us to remember that you are the one we work for, not companies or humans. Give us the enthusiasm to work as we remember we work for you. In Jesus' name.
Read Ephesians 6:7
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." (NIV)
"With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men." (KJV)
To hide something is to put it in a secret place. It is a very personal act that protects what is hidden and makes it available to the one who hid it. Hiding God's word in our hearts is the way of making His word a part of our hearts so that every step we take is guarded by His word. It is buried within us. Of course we share the Word with others, but we never remove it from its place there in our hearts.
Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for your word that gives us light to find our way. We praise you for allowing us to hide your word in us so that we can always please you and do your will. In Jesus' name.
Read Psalm 119:11
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (NIV)
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (KJV)
Sometimes we lose site of the really important message of God. Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection are the message we are to live and give. Too many times we get caught up in little side roads that we insist are just as important and it causes divisions. At times, we question and debate about the things of God about which we have no knowledge. We are told not to argue about personal, group, or denominational beliefs and ideas that are not a part of the basic Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, please help us to keep our witness on that which really matters and what we know to be truth: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In His name we pray.
Read 2 Timothy 2:23
"Don't have anything to do with stupid and foolish arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." (NIV)
"But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes." (KJV)
Our minds are bombarded with information, lifestyle needs, and things that grab our attention. So often God is crowded out by all these things going on in and around us. We have to make the choice to think abut the things of God in order to stay on the narrow path and to see God working in our lives.
Heavenly Father, we need your help in keeping the things of this world from taking over our attention preventing us from thinking about you and the lives you want us to live. Please help us to keep our minds focused on you. In Jesus' name.
Read Colossians 3:2
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (NIV)
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (KJV)
